Dargle Dale Kennels and Cattery, founded in 1969 by Derek and Irene Higgs, celebrates its 55th year as one of the Midlands’ foremost pet-caring facilities. Conveniently located near Hilton and Cedara, around one kilometre from the N3, they are easily accessible and offer a tranquil and spacious environment on a small holding. Irene always cared for and groomed their dogs, including other people’s dogs, and kept a rigorous daily schedule that involved keeping the kennels and pets clean. In 1992, the kennels were taken over and run by Derek and Irene’s children and their spouses, namely Jim and Liz Taylor and Alan and Allyson Higgs, the latter of which moved in 2012. Since then, it’s been Jim and Liz at the helm, but have recently been joined by their daughter, Sarah; her husband, Frans, and their children.
You can be assured that your pet will get state-of-the-art treatment at Dargle Dale Kennels. Firstly, they don’t only cater to dogs, of which they have a capacity for 200, but also welcome cats, of which their cattery can accommodate 40, and other pets including hamsters, budgies, rabbits, and tortoises. They have a modern, up-to-date, bathing, clipping, and grooming parlour, which includes walk-in baths, warm dryers, and an imported ‘dog-blower’. Additionally, all dogs staying in the boarding facility for more than five days will receive a free bath, shampoo, and pedicure if necessary. Other facilities include heated kennels and an extra-large outside area for dogs to play and exercise. All dietary requirements are also considered with daily cooked meat and gravy and recommended pet foods.
Pets come first at Dargle Dale Kennels, “We strive to make it easier for our customers to go on holiday or to be away from home. A hassle-free option is to just drive up to Dargle Dale and drop the pets off and then away you go. No hassle with having to clean the house and get food in for house-sitters, worrying about the alarm system, or especially worrying about the pets getting sick while you are away. We check the animals twice a day for any illness, diarrhoea, lack of eating, etc.,” explained Liz.
Visitors are warmly invited to visit the farm and speak with Liz or other helpful staff members about their pets’ specific needs and requirements. All customers are encouraged to book their dogs in for a clip and tidy up as summer approaches. Their opening times are Monday to Friday 7:30 – 17:00 (closed between 13:00 – 14:00 for lunch); Saturdays, 7:30 – 12:00; and Sundays, 16:00 – 17:00. They are closed on public holidays.
Contact Details: 071 174 0598