Pandemic leaves dog sanctuary and boarding kennel in Ford struggling: “It’s an absolute nightmare”

Nigel Stentiford, the owner of Carleton Canine Centre and manager of Clymping Dog Sanctuary, which are both based in Ford Road, Ford, said the pandemic had been ‘absolute nightmare’.

The dog sanctuary was currently receiving around 20 enquiries a day from people desperate for a new pet.

But while demand for a lockdown companion was at an ‘unbelievable’ level, the ban on visitors to the sanctuary means no dogs can currently been rehomed.

Mr Stentiford said: “We can’t rehome dogs because we’re not allowed anyone here to look at them.

“We can’t rehome a dog blind – we have to make sure the dog is suitable for the family and the family is suitable for the dog.”

The sanctuary currently has nine dogs looking for a home.

Mr Stentiford said they were ‘very happy’, being fed well and enjoying plenty of walks.

“There’s nothing else to do but walk the dogs,” he said

The sanctuary was also not seeing as many unwanted dogs brought in as might be expected at this time of year. “People are hanging on to them at the moment,” he said.

Meanwhile Carleton Canine Centre, which offers dog kennels and grooming services, has seen business drop off thanks to the pandemic.

The centre can usually board up to 60 dogs at any one time, but with no one going on holiday, he said: “We haven’t had any boarders for god knows how long.”

The business is not eligible for any government support as it has not been forced to close.

Mr Stentiford said: “We are struggling to keep the doors open.

“It’s desperate. It’s an absolute nightmare.”

Find out how you can donate to Clymping Dog Sanctuary at clympingdogsanctuary.co.uk