Key Information
Eligibility
We welcome dogs of every size and personality, but a few things help us keep everyone safe and happy while they’re with us. Here’s what you need to know before booking.
social
What makes a dog ‘sociable'?
We welcome sociable dogs who are comfortable around others, whether they love to play or prefer to quietly do their own thing.
Every dog is assessed individually, and some may be invited for a trial day so we can get to know them better. We continue to monitor each dog’s behaviour during their stay, and their suitability may be reviewed at any time.
Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate dogs whose behaviour could put themselves or others at risk.
Breed
Breed considerations
For everyone’s safety when socialising dogs together, we may ask for a trial, or in some cases decline a booking, for breeds with a strong natural instinct to herd, chase or hunt, or those with particularly powerful jaw and bite strength.
If you’re unsure whether this applies to your dog, just get in touch and we’ll talk it through with you.
Safe
Vaccinations
All dogs must be fully up to date with their vaccinations before their first stay, including distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and kennel cough.
Kennel cough vaccination needs to be given at least 5 days before arrival, and we’ll need proof of vaccination status at least 7 days beforehand. Dogs without valid vaccination certificates will unfortunately be refused entry.
Happy dogs
Eligibility
Every one of these steps exists for one reason: to keep our socialisation areas safe, calm and genuinely enjoyable for every dog who visits us. Because we don’t isolate dogs the way traditional kennels do, we need to be that bit more thoughtful about who joins our groups and how.
It means more assessment upfront, but it also means every dog who does join us gets a proper, positive social experience, exactly what “socialisation, not isolation” is all about.
Questions?
FAQs
All your questions, answered. If you need further information, please contact our friendly team.
What if my dog is too lively / boisterous?
Lively, energetic and playful dogs are a big part of what we’re here for. Our specially designed areas, trained staff and carefully created groups ensure that lively dogs can play safely with likeminded dogs. We often find that with regular opportunities to exercise and play in groups,
lively and easily excitable dogs tend to become calmer and better mannered over time.
What if my dog hasn’t been socialised before?
One of the many perks of socialising your dog is the learning that takes place. If your dog isn’t used to socialising, this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be sociable. We find that dogs are the best teachers, so from greeting each other to playing, they’ll be learning about body language and manners in a safe and controlled environment.
How do you introduce new dogs?
A dog’s first impression is very important, which is why we make sure we take the first sessions slow and at their pace. When introducing new dogs, rather than putting them straight into a group, we’ll get them to meet dogs one at a time and build their confidence, all while keeping a close eye on their body language. When they are ready, they’ll join the rest of the group!
How long will my dog be socialised for?
When socialising dogs, we take every variable into account. Alongside environmental factors,
we also take into account a dog’s age, energy levels and breed. Whilst socialisation time can vary between each dog, and some exceptions may be needed, we commit to socialise all sociable dogs for at least 4 hours a day.
What are the benefits of socialisation?
The benefits of socialisation can be endless. Alongside exercise, enrichment and stimulation,
your dog will be learning how to read body language and social cues, meaning they’re better
equipped for real life situations.
By creating a healthy separation from owners and placing enrichment in its place, we often
see separation anxiety and behavioural issues easen over time.
What if my dog is Shy, Old or Quiet?
We have dedicated spaces to ensure every dog is grouped with others who suit their pace. For those older, quieter dogs, our ‘Shy, Old and Quiet’ – or ‘SOQ’ area is the perfect environment to settle and relax.
We generally find that all a shy dog needs is a little encouragement and a lot of patience. Our SOQ area is the perfect place for nervous dogs to take their time and get to know the staff in a calm setting.
How do you cater for puppies?
We appreciate that puppies need that extra TLC. We create specially structured groups to introduce them to socialising, in areas that are safe and suitable for their size. Alongside this, we provide extra nap times, cosy bedding and lunches in line with their home routine.
Do you take unneutered males?
We do accept unneutered males. For dogs aged six months or older, this involves an initial full-day trial to check they’re suited to our kennels, followed by five days of closely monitored, structured socialisation time.
After this, we’ll either confirm your dog as sociable and move to our standard rate, or let you know if they’re not quite right for our group settings. Please note we have a limited number of spaces for unneutered males at any time, and certain breeds may not be suitable for socialisation while unneutered.
What if my dog has medication or extra requirements?
Whether they require medication, specific feeding routines or require a little extra TLC, our team is happy to deliver. Of course, each dog is different, so we always recommend getting in touch to chat through any requirements your dog may have.
What owners say
Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what dog owners across Cambridgeshire have to say.
