What does our Boarding Licence mean for you?

Choosing a licensed home boarder means trusting your dog to a facility that meets strict council and government standards. Our licence is proof that we have been independently inspected, thoroughly vetted, and approved as responsible, high-standard animal carers.
 

Why it matters

Our home and garden have been rigorously evaluated to ensure they are completely safe, secure, and hazard-free for dogs of all sizes and breeds. We are proud to hold a 4-Star higher rating Licence—the highest possible rating achievable for a business established in 2026. This rating confirms that we don't just meet basic legal requirements; we hit the strict "Higher Standards" criteria set out by animal welfare regulations.

Holding a higher rating licence ensures we are fully insured, trained in welfare practices, and compliant with strict capacity limits so every dog gets the dedicated care they deserve.
 

When you leave your dog with us, you aren't just leaving them with a dog lover—you are leaving them with a certified, top-tier home boarding provider. Total peace of mind for you, and a safe, loving environment for your dog.
 

What vaccinations does my dog need before staying?

To keep every guest safe and meet our council licensing requirements, all dogs must be up to date on their core vaccinations at least 14 days prior to their stay. We require up-to-date vet records showing coverage for:

• Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DHP/DHPP)

• Leptospirosis (L2 or L4)

• Kennel Cough (Infectious Bronchitis)

Please note: Your dog's vaccination card/record must be presented prior to or during drop off for their trial night.
 
What is your policy on whole/intact females and males?

We cannot accept females who have not been spayed who are currently in heat, or due to come into heat during their stay. If a female comes into season while boarding, emergency contacts will be asked to collect her immediately and no refunds will be issued.
 

While we accept unneutered males up to 12 months of age, males over 12 months who are not castrated or chemically neutered are generally not accepted, as this can alter pack dynamics and trigger scent marking or reactive behaviour in a home setting. (Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis during a trial stay).
 
What are your flea and worming requirements?

All dogs must be on a regular, vet-approved flea, tick, and worming prevention program. Treatments must be administered at least 7 days before arrival. If a dog shows signs of fleas or parasites during their stay, they will be treated at the owner's expense to protect our home and other guest dogs. 
If your dog arrives with fleas or parasites which infest our home, we maintain the right to fumigate our property at the owner's expense, including any loss of earnings caused by the disruption.
 
What happens if my dog becomes unwell or experiences a medical emergency during their stay?

Your dog's safety and well-being are our highest priorities. In the event of illness or an emergency, we follow a swift, structured protocol:

1. We will immediately attempt to contact you on your provided phone numbers. If you are unreachable (e.g., traveling or out of signal), we will reach out to your designated emergency contact. 

2. If your dog requires urgent attention, we will take them directly to your nominated local vet whenever possible. In severe emergencies or out-of-hours situations, we will transport them to the nearest emergency 24/7 veterinary clinic.

3. We will act in your dog’s best interest as advised by a qualified veterinary surgeon. Please note that all veterinary fees incurred during your dog's stay are the sole responsibility of the owner and must be settled directly with the vet practice or reimbursed upon collection.
    

Note: You will have the option to set financial limits and treatment restrictions when you fill out our consent forms upon booking.
 

Can you administer medication during my dog's stay?
Yes, we are experienced in administering routine prescription medications, including tablets, eyedrops, and topical treatments, at no extra charge. All medications must be provided in their original packaging with clear, written dosage instructions from your vet.

Please note: We must be fully informed of any pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing treatments prior to your trial stay.
 

My dog has separation anxiety—can they still board with you?

It depends entirely on the severity. While we understand that being away from home can cause mild nervousness, our priority is maintaining a calm, stress-free environment for all dogs in our care.

Because we operate within our own home, we must routinely step into other rooms for brief moments—such as preparing meals, managing drop-offs, or tending to other guests.

If your dog experiences mild separation anxiety but can stay relaxed when left alone in a room for short periods, they may do very well here. However, if being left briefly causes continuous barking, whining, panic, pacing, or destructive behaviour, your dog will not be suitable in our home-boarding setting.
 

Severe separation anxiety places immense emotional stress on your dog, disrupts the rest of the pack, and impacts our home setup. If you are unsure how your dog will cope, booking a 3-hour play session to assess their comfort levels safely before committing to a trial night or longer stay is strongly advisable.

How do deposits and payments work?

To secure your dog’s booking, we require a 50% deposit at the time of booking for all services.

The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to your dog's arrival date. For bookings made within 14 days of the start date, full payment is required immediately to confirm the reservation and is non-refundable.
 
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept bank transfers (BACS) and cash. Invoice details and payment instructions will be provided when confirming your booking.
 
What is your cancellation policy?

Because we limit our guest capacity to ensure a safe, high-quality home environment, late cancellations make it very difficult for us to fill empty spaces. Our cancellation terms are as follows:

• More than 14 days’ notice - Deposit is refunded or dates can be exchanged.

• 8 to 14 days’ notice: 50% of the total booking cost is non-refundable.

• 7 days’ notice or less: 100% of the total booking cost is non-refundable.

• Early / Late collections: No refunds are given if you choose to collect your dog earlier than pre-arranged agreed time. We reserve the right to charge a fee of £15 for late collection of more than 2 hours after the agreed collection time, or in the event that a dog is not collected on the agreed day, an extra night's boarding fee will be charged.
   

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that covers pet care costs in the event of unexpected trip cancellations or delays.
 
How will I know my dog is happy and safe while I’m away?

As dog owners ourselves, we know how hard it can be to leave your dog behind, especially somewhere new - so keeping you connected is a big part of our service!

To give you complete peace of mind while you're working or on holiday, we provide a free, daily update directly to your phone or email. You’ll receive photos and video clips of your pup enjoying their outdoor walks, playing in the garden, and curling up for cosy cuddles.

Can I do a meet and greet before making any decisions?

Before we take your dog out for their first walk, book a play session or trial night we advise arranging a free initial Meet & Greet. We host this at our house for daycare and overnight boarding enquiries, or at a neutral outdoor location if it is just for dog walking—whichever environment makes your dog feel most comfortable.

This introduction allows your dog to build trust, get used to our scent and voice, and recognise us as friendly faces when they use any of our services. It also gives us time to discuss their routine, health requirements, and favourite walking routes, while seeing how they behave in our home and with our own dog, Hallie.

What would cause a trial night failure?
We never wish to fail a dog on their trial night, but our primary goal is to provide a safe, calm environment for every dog in our care. Because we operate as a licensed home boarding facility in a quiet neighbourhood, a trial night will be marked as a fail if your dog cannot settle overnight, shows any signs of aggression or is severely nervous or has separation anxiety/behavioural issues.

All guest dogs sleep downstairs (either in their own room or with matched companions). Dogs accustomed to sleeping in their owners' bedrooms - whether in the same bed, or just having close access to them - can often experience severe anxiety when sleeping downstairs away from humans. If this distress results in prolonged barking, crying, pacing, or destructive behaviour, the trial will unfortunately be marked as a fail. We enforce this boundary as it is simply unfair to subject a dog to high levels of stress and anxiety. Excessive noise disrupts our household and impacts our local community, and maintaining a calm, safe, and controlled home environment is a strict condition of our council boarding license.

We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for any aggressive behaviour, resource guarding, or reactivity toward humans, guest dogs, or our resident spaniel. If aggression is present, it will be an automatic fail to protect the welfare of all the animals in our care.
 

If a dog is overly fearful or anxious around us, they will not feel comfortable or happy in our home. Forcing a nervous or scared dog to stay is unfair for their emotional well-being.
 

Pro Tip for a Successful Trial

If your dog is used to sleeping in your bedroom, we strongly recommend practicing a downstairs sleeping routine at home for a few weeks before their trial night. This simple step builds their confidence and gives them the best possible chance of passing!

A Quick Note on Behavioural Needs

While we are fully trained in canine first aid and highly experienced with a wide range of temperaments, we are professional pet carers, not certified dog behaviorists.

We are happy to follow established training routines, manage mild reactivity with space, or care for nervous dogs 

If your dog suffers from severe behavioral issues, separation anxiety, obessisve play, extreme aggression, or high-level reactivity that requires specialised behavioral intervention, we will not be the right fit for safety reasons.

If you are unsure whether your dog's needs are a match for our services, just ask - we are happy to discuss any issues and advise on whether our services are suitable for your dog.