Hillside Kennels

Hillside Kennels, dog and cat boarding near Belfast

Hillside Kennels is a private family-run business located in the countryside, about a ten-minute drive from Belfast. The company has occupied the premises since 1999, although the centre has operated as a dog and cat boarding facility since 1961. Over that time it has been improving its facilities to guarantee the safety and comfort of the animals during their stay.

Accommodation for dogs and cats

The main service is full boarding for dogs and cats, available all year round, both for holidays and short stays. The centre has indoor kennels for dogs and an area separate from the main kennel block for cats, made up of spacious chalets. The staff state they have experience in caring for animals that require daily rehabilitation and medication.

The company states that all team members are dog lovers and pet owners, and that the staff, both full-time and part-time, are key to maintaining the level of care for the boarded animals.

Pampered Pooches Grooming dog grooming

Hillside Kennels has dog grooming facilities under the name Pampered Pooches Grooming. The service includes baths and haircuts, with the aim of the dog returning home clean and well-groomed. Owners can request this service during the pet's check-in.

What the stay includes

The centre provides what is needed for the stay: bedding, food and water bowls, and food. If the owner prefers to keep the animal's usual diet, they must bring enough food for the entire stay. Toys, blankets or other items that help the pet adapt can also be brought.

All staff are trained in animal first aid and can administer medicines and treatments when necessary. If an animal becomes ill during its stay or any concern about its health arises, the centre first consults the owner's usual vet and keeps the owner informed. For out-of-hours emergencies, Voy Vets is used, available 24 hours, unless the owner indicates that only their own vet should be used.

Health and entry requirements

Before boarding an animal, it is compulsory that it is fully vaccinated. In the case of dogs, they must have their annual booster up to date and the kennel cough vaccine administered at least two weeks before entry. Cats must also have their annual booster up to date. In accordance with DAERA regulations, at check-in the up-to-date veterinary vaccination card must be shown; without it the animal will not be accepted. The centre also recommends applying a spot-on flea treatment before the stay. It is the owner's responsibility to keep all veterinary information up to date and recorded on the card or documentation.

Additional services and adaptation

Hillside Kennels offers, when possible, a pick-up and delivery service, subject to additional charges. For animals that may have difficulty adapting to a boarding routine, the centre suggests discussing it in advance and even doing a few trial nights before the holiday. The company is not responsible for damage to or loss of personal items left with the animal during the stay.

Location and operation

The centre looks after animals all year round. Its team combines full-time and part-time staff, and the company presents itself as a family business with several decades of activity in the pet care sector.

90 Old Carrick Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0UG · Phone: 028 9086 2583 · Email: hillside_kennels@hotmail.com