Silverwitch Kennels
"Loving care when you're not there"
About Us
Silverwitch is a family run, purpose built, fully heated boarding kennels tucked away between Auchendinny and Penicuik on the banks of the River Esk. It is set in a beautiful, peaceful valley in 6 acres of woodland walks, open fields and our very own fenced paddock.
The kennels is easily accessible from Edinburgh, the Lothians and other local areas and is less than 20 minutes drive from Edinburgh Airport.
Read on to see what we have to offer!
Meet the Team
Silverwitch is run by Laura and her small, experienced team of dog lovers.
“Our aim is to ensure our dogs are happy and well cared for during their stay with us – their physical and mental wellbeing is our top priority.” says Laura.
Laura and her team have much experience working with animals and all have had dogs all their lives.
"At Silverwitch we pride ourselves on looking after dogs like one of our own," says Laura.
Laura
Purpose Built Kennels
A Home from Home
At Silverwitch each individual kennel consists of an indoor and an outdoor area.
We have different sized kennels, which means we can accommodate family groups as well as single dogs.
There is always plenty going on and the kennels are designed so the dogs can be involved in the daily routine if they wish or have some quiet time if they prefer.
All the kennels have underfloor heating so your dog will be kept cosy and warm.
Day Boarding
We offer Day Boards as a way to gently ease your dog into the kennels environment and routine. We do not offer "doggy day care".
Day boarding is a settling time for your dog before being left overnight.
Boarding
Luxury overnight boarding kennels with underfloor heating and in and outdoor runs.
FAQs
We know that entrusting your beloved pet to someone else is never easy.
Take a look below at our selection of frequently asked questions and answers. Please get in touch if we haven’t included the information you need.
What should I bring?
Our boarders are welcome to bring their own bedding and toys to make them feel at home, although we do provide bedding and playthings.
We also provide food bowls.
The only things you must bring with your dog is an up-to-date vaccination certificate, microchip number and veterinary details. We do insist that all dogs are fully vaccinated, including the kennel cough vaccine which must be administered at least 14 days prior to visiting/boarding. Your vaccine card must be presented each time you visit.
How much exercise will my dog get?
We pride ourselves on giving our guests the physical and mental stimulation all dogs require. All dogs are walked 4 times a day through our woodland walks or off lead in our 3.5 acre fenced paddock area. Your pet’s safety and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do so exercise sessions are always well supervised and there ae opportunities for compatible dogs to make friends and socialise with each other, as long as we have your permission.
If your dog prefers to be walked alone, we can accommodate this also.
What food is provided?
Our fees include 2 types of nutritionally balanced kibble and a wet option. If your dog is on something different to the food brand we have in stock, we highly recommend you bring their own to ensure their tummies are comfortable while on holiday with us. We have a fridge and freezer on site so can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
Where is Silverwitch?
Silverwitch is found off the B7026/ Westerhaugh between Auchendinny and Penicuik.
What vaccinations must my dog have to board at Silverwitch?
We insist that all dogs must be fully vaccinated and have had all the necessary annual booster injections against hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, parvo-virus and kennel cough within the previous 12 months. Kennel cough must be administered at least 14 days prior to boarding with us, the reason for this is because it is a live vaccine and within the 14 day period window, your dog can spread the infection onto other animals.
How do we deal with dogs with behavioural problems?
We try to be as inclusive as possible to each dog as an individual at Silverwitch, however we do adhere to the following points:
For personnel safety reasons we will not board a dog who is known to be aggressive either towards people or other dogs. Similarly, we don’t board breeds highlighted by, or similar to, those described in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or who have had a Dog Control Notice previously served on them.
If a dog in our care bites another dog or a human, we reserve the right to report the incident immediately to the Dog Warden, who will take appropriate action.
What is your booking procedure?
We do not take any first time bookings, provisional or otherwise, until you have been down with your dog for a short visit. This allows us to meet your dog and for your dog to meet us. If both parties are happy we can then correspond via email to arrange any dates you would like to book. At the point of booking, a deposit and completion of Paperwork will be required to secure the booking and until these are received your booking is NOT confirmed. For more information please see our Terms and Conditions.
What will happen at my visit?
Visits are conducted by one of the team during the week (Monday to Friday.) They are strictly by appointment only.
They are arranged for 11.00am so that the dogs' daily routine is not disrupted.
Please wait in your car when you arrive.
Your dogs vaccinations must be up to date, including kennel cough, which should be given at least 14 days prior to visiting.
Your visit lasts approximately 20 minutes and we will expect you to stay with your dog throughout.
The main purpose of the visit is to meet you and your dog and for you and them to meet us.
We show you briefly inside the kennel block without your dog and then take you and your dog down to our expansive exercise area where we can chat to you about your dog and the routine here at Silverwitch.
Will my dog be bored in their kennel?
At Silverwitch not only do we walk your dogs, we provide in-kennel enrichment such as frozen kongs, licki mats, puzzle balls, relaxing music, human interaction and more.
How will I know my dog is going to be okay in kennels?
We know you will be worried, which is why we like to offer overnight and day board 'settle stays' for your beloved pet. It gives them a chance to get used to the team, environment and routine here. Furthermore it also gives you piece of mind that they will be happy when you leave them for a prolonged period of time so you can enjoy your holiday while they enjoy theirs!
Terms and Conditions
Before getting in touch, please read our Terms and Conditions section below.
Contact
Before contacting us to arrange a visit or make a booking please make sure you read and comply with all our Terms and Conditions (see above), especially the section relating to vaccines.
Our Vaccination policy is non negotiable. It is for the safety of your pet and our other boarders. All dogs must be fully vaccinated and you will be required to bring your up to date vaccination certificate at every stay to show us before we accept your dog. Remember, the kennel cough vaccine must be given at least 14 days prior to your dog's visit.
When contacting us by email please set setting out the following:
1. Dog (s) age, sex and breed.
2. Indication that all vaccinations are up to date, including Kennel Cough.
3. Any behavioural issues.
4. If your dog (s) has/have any prior kennel experience.
5. The dates you are looking for.
. We are a small team, primarily focused on looking after the dogs in our care, so please allow 48 hours for us to get back to you.
Address:
Silverwitch Kennels
Penicuik
Midlothian EH26 8PD
Email:
Our fenced paddock area is used to exercise the dogs off the lead. It covers 3.5 acres. We have used deer fencing and rabbit wire so your dogs are safe and secure in this area.
Opening Hours
Visits Strictly by Appointment Only on Moday to Friday.
Monday-Sunday
Overnight Stays
Drop off- 10am-11am
Pick up- 12pm-1pm and 3pm-4pm
For day boarding hours please get in touch.