Barndale Boarding Cattery

Apr 27th, 2023

***Long review due to horrific experience with our cat being neglected during extended stay and requiring emergency surgery afterwards*** ABSOLUTELY DO NOT RECOMMEND BARNDALE. We trusted Janet and Colin with our two cats, Braven and Griffin for an extended period of approx 2 months while they waited for their flight to move over to the UK (unfortunately, due to the pandemic we weren't able to book them on the same flight as us). However, Janet assured us that extended stays happened all the time and there was nothing to be worried about. We also advised them that Braven took time to warm to other humans and they insisted it would be ok and they were used to that. Upon dropping off our two cats, they both wore collars as we had read horror stories of cats being mixed up, and we ensured they were loose enough using the two-finger method. We also asked Janet and Colin if keeping the collars on was ok which they confirmed would be fine (and considering the length of stay, we assumed they would keep an eye on the collar and recheck every so often, as we would at home). Thankfully, their flights had moved forward 3 weeks so the day finally came where they needed to be transported to Aircare Pets in Auckland which is approximately an hour from Barndale to prepare them for their flight. So knowing that Colin would have had to put both cats in their respective cages and they would have sat in the car with Janet for at least an hour we were horrified to receive a call (in the early hours UK time) from Aircare Pets approx 30mins after they had been dropped off that Braven was in emergency surgery as his collar had embedded into his neck and he smelt of rotting flesh (which we have photo evidence of). Post-surgery, the vet mentioned that if their flight had not been brought forward, Braven would have died. What has made matters worse is that to this day, we have still not received an apology from Barndale, Janet showed no empathy or compassion in her email communication as she seemed more worried about saving Barndale's reputation instead. On top of that, Janet blamed Braven for being feral (which he isn't as we had had him for almost 3 years at the time) and that they were unable to get close to him, AND they refused and are still refusing to pay a full refund of $625 for Braven's stay at this horrible place. It is very clear from the photos we received of Braven's neck before going into surgery (which looked like someone had slit his throat) that Braven was neglected and did NOT receive any love, care or attention during his stay. To not realise that his collar was embedding into his neck and ignoring the smell of his rotting neck is total neglect. Because of this, Braven was unable to fly until his stitches were removed. This process took another 2 months as our poor boy was in and out of surgery and up to his eye balls in vet visits. Thankfully, Abbie and the rest of the team at Aircare Pets were absolute godsends. Braven warmed to Abbie almost instantly (despite apparently being 'feral' according to Janet). Abbie went above and beyond and showed what true love, care and attention is when being responsible for the lives of our fur babies. Braven's traumatic ordeal as a result of Barndale's neglect caused a tremendous amount of stress on everyone involved including his little brother, Griffin, Aircare Pets, and us on the other side of the world feeling absolutely helpless. I truly hope no other cat and their humans ever have to experience this. If I could give Barndale a negative rating, I would.
Mar 6th, 2023

Janet & her husband are so welcoming & Janet was always on point with emails when I had questions. The cattery is rural which makes it more interesting with farm animals around & views for our 2 girls. It also has great shade under large trees. Highly recommend.
Feb 1st, 2023

Great caring people
Jan 28th, 2023

I would not recommend this cattery. I dropped off my cat and arranged a different pick up time with the husband and discuss amount to bring on pick up in cash. The wife then abused me and said she wouldn't give me our cat until we paid fif the extra week. Appalling customer service oh and then she abused our cat!
Oct 9th, 2022