Wagging Trails offers relaxed, home-based day care and boarding for small, friendly dogs who enjoy gentle companionship, familiar routines and a peaceful household.Our established group consists mainly of calm adult and senior dogs. No dog needs to be perfect, but these guidelines help us find a comfortable match for your dog and the companions already in our care.🩺 Health & SafetyVaccinations or Titre TestsDogs must have up-to-date core vaccinations or current titre test results supported by their vet, together with current Leptospirosis and kennel cough vaccinations.Flea & Worm ProtectionDogs must follow a regular preventative treatment plan to help us maintain a healthy shared environment.General HealthDogs should be well enough to enjoy group care and participate comfortably in our daily routine. Please discuss any medical conditions or additional support needs with us before arranging introductions.⚖️ Age, Size & NeuteringAdult Dogs from 12 MonthsWe welcome suitable dogs aged 12 months and over. We do not offer puppy-specific care or separate puppy groups.Small Companion BreedsWe specialise in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and similar small, gentle companion breeds.For weekly day care, dogs slightly outside this size may occasionally be considered where their temperament, energy and play style are a particularly good match.Boarding-only places are focused on Cavaliers and very similar gentle companion dogs who are comfortable sharing our home and routine.NeuteringAll dogs must be neutered before beginning their settling process. Our shared home environment and established mixed-sex group are not suitable for entire dogs.Energy LevelsDogs with low to moderate energy generally settle most naturally with us. Livelier dogs may also suit weekly day care if they can respect quieter companions and relax during rest times.🧠 Behaviour & Social SkillsFriendly & SociableDogs should enjoy companionship with people and other dogs and feel comfortable sharing home spaces.Able to SettleDogs should be able to relax indoors, manage their barking and enjoy the quieter parts of the day.Polite Social SkillsGentle games, sniffing and pottering suit our group well. Dogs should interact respectfully and respond appropriately when another dog wants space.Responsive to GuidancePerfect training is not expected, but dogs should respond to their name and simple cues and be manageable and receptive to gentle guidance.Reliably House-TrainedDogs must be reliably toilet trained at home and in other indoor environments. An occasional accident can happen, but frequent indoor toileting or marking would not suit our setting.Safe Around OthersWe cannot accept dogs who show aggression, resource guarding, persistent bullying or intimidating behaviour.🏡 Comfortable with Our RoutineHome LifeDogs should be comfortable spending time away from their family, sharing household spaces and settling with other dogs around them.Car TravelAs we regularly visit secure private dog parks and countryside walking areas, dogs should be comfortable travelling safely and calmly in the car.Stairs & FlooringOur home includes stairs and hard floors. Dogs should be able to manage these safely, with gentle support where appropriate. Smaller dogs who need help are always assisted.🐾 Weekly Day Care or Holiday Boarding?Our day care service is based on regular weekly attendance, helping dogs build familiarity and friendships within a consistent group.Weekly members receive priority for boarding. During quieter periods, we may also accept a small number of boarding-only guests whose families want a familiar place for holidays throughout the year.Boarding-only guests do not need to attend every week, but families must be happy to arrange occasional paid refresher day care visits between stays when needed to maintain their dog’s familiarity and confidence.We focus on ongoing relationships rather than one-off boarding bookings.🧡 A Gentle IntroductionEvery new dog completes our gradual introduction and settling process. Boarding dogs also complete a trial overnight stay before their first holiday.Suitability depends on your individual dog, the needs of our existing guests and the overall balance of the group. We continue to review each dog’s happiness and compatibility as their needs change.If you are unsure whether your dog would suit Wagging Trails, you are very welcome to get in touch for a friendly, honest chat.

Our regular weekly day care gives your dog a familiar place within a small, friendly group, with gentle adventures, home comforts and plenty of time to relax.🐾 Why Weekly Attendance?Attending on the same day each week helps dogs build trust, confidence and lasting friendships. Familiar companions and a predictable routine help them feel secure and at home.Weekly day care is an ongoing membership, with your dog’s agreed day(s) reserved for them each week.🐶 What’s Included?For £30 per day, billed monthly, your dog joins us on their agreed Tuesday–Thursday day care day(s).Each day includes suitable outdoor adventures, enrichment, companionship, rest and cuddles. Every Wagging Trails dog also receives a birthday treat and a small Christmas gift.🔄 Swaps & Additional DaysIf you need to move your regular session, you can request a swap to another available Tuesday–Thursday session within seven days before or after your usual booking. Swaps require at least seven days’ notice and are subject to availability.Existing members can also request additional day care at £30 per day, subject to availability. Friday–Monday sessions are offered by prior arrangement only.🌿 Holidays, Illness & Planned ClosuresMembers receive up to two weeks’ worth of Pause & Save days each calendar year for holidays or illness. The allowance is prorated depending on when you join, resets each January and does not roll over.Please give at least seven days’ notice when using pause days for planned holidays. If you or your dog becomes unwell, let me know as soon as possible.Wagging Trails also closes for planned holidays during the year. Closure dates are shared in advance, are not charged and do not use your pause day allowance.📆 Bank Holidays & Festive DatesCare may be available on Bank Holidays and festive dates, subject to availability and planned closures.If your regular day falls on a Bank Holiday, you may skip that session without charge or request a swap to another available core day within seven days before or after your usual booking. Please give at least seven days’ notice for either option.Seasonal surcharges apply when your dog attends on a Bank Holiday or festive surcharge date.🛏️ Home BoardingWeekly members receive priority access to home boarding and may reserve stays up to 12 months ahead, subject to availability.Your dog can enjoy holidays in a familiar home, with people, companions and routines they already know. Sleeping arrangements are agreed beforehand, with Overnight Support available for dogs who need to sleep in the same room as us, subject to suitability and availability.All overnight stays, including those between consecutive day care days, are charged at the applicable boarding rate.🧡 Getting StartedEvery new dog begins with a free meet and greet and a complimentary three-to-four-hour settling session. Further settling visits are charged at the weekly member rate and help us check that your dog enjoys our home, routine and companions before their weekly place is confirmed.For opening hours, full service prices, seasonal surcharges and payment arrangements, please see “How Do Your Hours, Bookings, and Payments Work?”

Every dog deserves a gentle, positive introduction. Whether joining us for weekly day care or returning holiday boarding, we take time to check that your dog feels comfortable with our home, routine and companions.👋 Step 1 — Meet & GreetWe begin with a free meet and greet at a calm, neutral location, usually a privately rented secure dog park.This gives us an opportunity to:Introduce Bramble and JasperObserve your dog’s social confidence and temperamentDiscuss their routines, preferences and care needsAnswer your questionsTo avoid disturbing the dogs already in our care, meet and greets do not take place at our house. You can explore our Home Tour page and photographs beforehand.🧡 Step 2 — Complimentary Settling VisitSuitable dogs are invited for a complimentary three-to-four-hour settling session.This allows them to explore our home, meet the group gradually and experience the quieter parts of our routine.🐾 Step 3 — Longer Settling VisitsMost dogs then complete one or two longer day care visits, charged at the usual rate.These help us assess how comfortably your dog:Interacts with the groupRelaxes and rests indoorsResponds to gentle guidanceManages time away from their familyThe pace depends on the individual dog. Some need a little more time, and we will discuss any additional visits with you.💤 Step 4 — Trial Overnight for Boarding DogsBefore their first holiday, boarding dogs complete a trial overnight stay of 24 hours, charged at the normal boarding rate.This helps us check that they can settle, sleep comfortably and feel secure overnight. We will discuss how it went before confirming suitability for longer stays.🏡 Joining Wagging TrailsFollowing successful introductions, dogs may join us for:Regular weekly day careReturning holiday boarding, where a suitable boarding-only place is availableBoth servicesWeekly day care members receive priority for boarding.Boarding-only places are limited and considered during quieter periods for Cavaliers and similar gentle companion dogs whose families are looking for an ongoing boarding relationship.🌿 Keeping Boarding Guests FamiliarDogs who do not attend weekly day care may need occasional refresher day care visits between holidays.These visits help maintain their familiarity with us, the home and their companions, making their next stay more comfortable.We agree the timing around your dog’s needs, how long it has been since their last visit and how confidently they settle. Refresher visits are charged at the usual day care rate and should be factored into your boarding plans.💛 A Comfortable Fit for EveryoneCompleting introductions does not automatically guarantee acceptance or future availability. We consider each dog’s comfort alongside the needs of our existing guests and the balance of the group.We continue to review suitability over time so that care remains a happy, relaxed experience for everyone.

At Wagging Trails, every dog is treated like part of the family — with calm routines, gentle care, and a peaceful home environment that helps them feel safe, settled, and completely at ease.Here’s what you can expect when your dog joins us for day care or overnight boarding.🎒 What to Bring To help your dog feel comfortable and settled, please bring:Harness or CollarA well-fitting harness is required for safe walks and car travel.FoodEnough for the duration of their stay, clearly labelled with feeding instructions.Medication or SupplementsClearly labelled with dosage and timing instructions.Comfort Items (optional)A blanket, bed, or favourite toy that smells like home can really help some dogs settle.For day care, we usually only need the essentials unless food is required for medical reasons.Dogs should arrive clean and reasonably dry to help maintain a healthy shared environment.🍽️ Feeding PolicyDay Care DogsMeals are not normally provided. We recommend feeding before arrival and again once your dog returns home, unless a medical feeding routine is required.Boarding DogsWe follow your normal feeding routine using the food you provide. Meals are typically given outside peak day care activity times to help maintain a calm group environment.Water & TreatsFresh water is always available. With your permission, we may offer occasional treats as part of calm enrichment and positive reinforcement.💤 Where Your Dog Will Sleep (Boarding)We discuss your dog’s usual sleeping routine during introductions and agree arrangements that help them feel relaxed and secure. Their paid trial overnight helps us assess how comfortably they settle before their first holiday is confirmed.Standard Home BoardingFor dogs who settle comfortably downstairs, sleeping arrangements may include:Their own bed from home or one of our comfortable dog beds.A familiar open crate, where agreed.Home Boarding with Overnight SupportSome dogs need someone nearby to settle overnight. This option includes sleeping in the same room as us, either in their own bed or sharing ours, depending on their needs and the arrangements agreed.Overnight Support is available at a higher boarding rate, subject to prior agreement, suitability and availability. It does not include exclusive one-to-one care or continuous waking supervision.Please tell us whether your dog can settle downstairs, needs their own bed near someone, or needs to share a bed. This helps us assess whether we can comfortably meet their needs.Everyday comfort, cuddles and reassurance are included in both options. We confirm sleeping arrangements and the full cost before booking. Prices are listed in “How Do Your Hours, Bookings, and Payments Work?”Bedtime is calm and predictable to help dogs settle naturally. During the day, dogs can rest wherever they feel most comfortable — whether that’s a sofa, dog bed or a quiet corner for a peaceful snooze.💊 Medication Administration We’re happy to administer vet-prescribed medication.Please ensure:• Medication is clearly labelled with your dog’s name• Dosage and timing instructions are provided• Any special instructions are discussed at drop-offMedication is administered carefully and monitored as part of our normal care routine.🏥 Illness or Injury If your dog becomes unwell or injured while in our care:• We will contact you immediately• If necessary we will contact your emergency contact• Veterinary treatment will be sought if requiredWe will normally use your registered vet or our trusted local practice V For Vets if urgent care is needed.We will always keep you updated as soon as practical.🐕 What We Provide We provide everything needed for a calm and comfortable stay, including:• Fresh water and feeding bowls• Enrichment toys and calm activities• Rest areas and crates if needed• Secure garden access• Secure private dog park visits and countryside adventures (where suitable)• A calm, structured daily routineAnd most importantly — plenty of individual attention, reassurance, and gentle care.🌿 Our ApproachEvery decision we make is guided by what keeps dogs calm, safe, and emotionally balanced.By keeping our groups small and carefully matched, we create an environment where dogs can truly relax rather than simply be supervised.

Clear arrangements help keep arrivals calm, bookings straightforward and the dogs’ daily routine settled.📅 Regular Weekly Day CareOur core weekly day care days are Tuesday–Thursday, from 7:00 am–6:00 pm.Drop-off: 7:00–9:00 amCollection: 4:00–6:00 pmAll arrivals and collections must be arranged in advance. Drop-offs before 7:00 am are not available.Day Care PricesActive weekly day care members: £30 per dayDogs without weekly membership: £35 per day for agreed settling or refresher visitsThese rates apply on any agreed day. Regular weekly care runs Tuesday–Thursday; additional sessions are subject to availability, with Friday–Monday care offered by prior arrangement only.We do not offer general occasional day care. Visits for dogs without weekly membership are arranged as part of their introductions or to maintain familiarity between boarding stays. Dogs joining weekly membership pay the member rate for further settling day care.Bank Holiday and festive surcharges apply, as explained below.🛏️ Home BoardingBoarding is available on agreed dates, subject to suitability, availability and planned time off.Stays run on a rolling 24-hour basis from the agreed arrival time. Standard arrivals are between 7:00–9:00 am, with collections between 4:00–6:00 pm unless otherwise agreed.If collection extends beyond the booked 24-hour period, an additional day care charge may apply. We confirm the arrangements and full cost before booking.Boarding Prices — Per Dog, Per 24 HoursStandard Home Boarding: £45, or £40 for active weekly day care membersHome Boarding with Overnight Support: £55, or £50 for active weekly day care membersStandard Home Boarding suits dogs who settle comfortably downstairs in their own bed, one of our comfortable dog beds, or a familiar open crate where agreed.Home Boarding with Overnight Support is for dogs who need overnight company in the same room as us, either in their own bed or sharing ours. Arrangements are agreed beforehand, subject to suitability and availability. This option does not include exclusive one-to-one care or continuous waking supervision.Everyday comfort, cuddles and reassurance are included in both options.Member rates apply while your dog holds an active weekly day care place. If membership ends before a future stay, the non-member rate applies unless we have already confirmed or specifically agreed a price for that booking. Any change will be explained before you decide whether to proceed.🐾 Who Can Book Boarding?Regular weekly day care members receive priority and may book stays up to 12 months ahead.During quieter periods, we may also offer a small number of boarding-only places for Cavaliers and similar gentle companion dogs whose families want to return for holidays throughout the year.All new boarding dogs complete our introduction process, including settling visits and a trial overnight stay. Families should allow approximately six to eight weeks before their intended holiday where possible.Boarding-only guests may also need occasional paid refresher day care visits between holidays. The timing is agreed around each dog’s familiarity and confidence.Acceptance does not guarantee availability for every holiday, so please check dates before making plans that depend on our care. If dates are full, we can add you to our waiting list.💳 Day Care PaymentsWeekly places are reserved on a monthly basis.Invoices are issued on the first of each month for that month’s sessions, with payment collected automatically through Stripe using your saved card details.💳 Boarding PaymentsStays of three or more nights require a 50% deposit to secure the booking.The remaining balance is collected on the first of the month in which your dog’s stay begins. For bookings made after that date, payment arrangements will be confirmed when booking.Short stays of one or two nights do not require a deposit.Bookings are confirmed once the required payment has been received. Cancellation terms are explained in our cancellation FAQ and Terms & Conditions.🌿 Planned ClosuresWe take planned holiday breaks during the year and share closure dates in advance.Weekly day care sessions falling within our closures are not charged and do not use your pause day allowance. Boarding is unavailable during these periods.📆 Bank Holidays & Festive DatesCare may be available on Bank Holidays and festive dates, subject to availability and planned closures.The following surcharges apply to both day care and home boarding:Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day: +100%Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: +50%Other Bank Holidays observed in England: +50%The percentage is calculated on your dog’s applicable day care or boarding rate, including the weekly member rate where eligible.For example, on a date with a 50% surcharge:Weekly member day care: £30 + £15 = £45Non-member settling/refresher day care: £35 + £17.50 = £52.50Weekly member Standard Home Boarding: £40 + £20 = £60Non-member Standard Home Boarding: £45 + £22.50 = £67.50Weekly member Home Boarding with Overnight Support: £50 + £25 = £75Non-member Home Boarding with Overnight Support: £55 + £27.50 = £82.50Where a session overlaps more than one surcharge date, only the highest applicable seasonal percentage is charged once for that session.We confirm the full price before booking.⏰ Late CollectionsPlease contact us as soon as possible if you are delayed.A grace period until 6:15 pm is available for occasional unexpected delays.Later collections require agreement and availability:After 6:15 pm, up to and including 7:15 pm — £10After 7:15 pm, up to and including 8:00 pm — £15 total for an agreed emergency collection, replacing the £10 chargeThese charges do not guarantee that a late collection can be accommodated. Repeated lateness may mean we need to review the arrangement.Unplanned Overnight CareIf collection cannot take place by 8:00 pm, we will arrange overnight care where capacity, suitability and licensing limits allow, with collection between 7:00–9:00 am the following morning.The charge is your dog’s applicable member or non-member boarding rate, plus any seasonal surcharge and one £10 emergency arrangement fee. The £10 fee replaces that evening’s late-collection charge and is not increased on Bank Holidays or festive dates.The Overnight Support rate applies only where that support is needed, suitable and actually provided. Sleeping in the same room as us or sharing our bed is not automatically guaranteed by an emergency stay.If day care converts to a 24-hour boarding session, the session runs from the original agreed arrival time and the day care payment is credited against the boarding charge. Any care beyond that period is agreed and charged separately.For example, without seasonal surcharges, a weekly member who has paid £30 for day care and needs Standard Home Boarding would pay an additional £20: £40 boarding + £10 emergency arrangement fee, less the £30 already paid.Where an existing booked boarding period has already been used, additional overnight care is charged separately. We will explain the period covered and any additional cost.If we cannot safely accommodate an overnight stay, we will contact your nominated emergency collector and arrange safe alternative care.These arrangements help keep evenings settled and ensure the dogs continue to receive appropriate care.

Your dog’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing always come first — even when the weather doesn’t quite cooperate. Our secure dog park visits are an important part of our routine, but when conditions are unsuitable, we simply adapt the day to make sure every dog still enjoys a calm, enriching experience. ☔️ When We Skip the Park Park visits may be paused or shortened during: • Extreme heat or cold • Heavy rain or snow • Thunderstorms • High winds • Unsafe ground conditions These situations can be uncomfortable, overstimulating, or unsafe — particularly in a small group setting — so we always make sensible welfare-based decisions rather than following a fixed schedule. 🧠 What We Do Instead On indoor-focused days, we provide a calm mix of mental enrichment, gentle activity, and rest to keep dogs happy and balanced. This may include: • Interactive toys and feeding puzzles • Calm enrichment games and scent work • Gentle training practice or confidence building • One-to-one attention and reassurance • Supervised garden time where appropriate • Plenty of cosy rest opportunities Many dogs actually benefit from these quieter days, as mental enrichment and rest are just as important as physical exercise. 🌿 A Balanced Approach Our aim is always balance — not just exercise. By adapting to the weather and your dog’s individual needs, we help prevent overstimulation while supporting emotional wellbeing and healthy routines. As soon as conditions improve, normal park visits resume.

Yes — for safety and licensing reasons, all dogs in our care wear a Wagging Trails collar fitted with identification tags and a GPS tracker while with us. This helps ensure every dog remains safe, identifiable, and secure at all times — whether moving between the house and car, visiting the dog park, or relaxing at home. 🐾 Why We Use Wagging Trails Collars We completely understand that many families have their own preferences for collars or trackers, and your dog is always returned wearing their usual equipment. Using our own safety collars allows us to: • Quickly identify any dog in an emergency • Maintain consistent safety standards across the group • Meet licensing and insurance requirements • Support calm, organised transitions between activities This consistent approach is part of how we maintain a safe, well-managed, and relaxed environment for every dog. 💛 Dogs Not Used to Wearing Collars If your dog isn’t used to wearing a collar, just let us know before their first visit. We can: • Offer gentle introduction advice • Help them gradually get used to wearing one • Take extra care during their settling period Our aim is always to balance safety with your dog’s comfort and confidence. 🌿 Our Safety First Approach Clear identification is one of the simplest but most important ways we protect every dog in our care. By using a consistent system for all dogs, we reduce risk, increase accountability, and help maintain the calm, structured environment Wagging Trails is known for.

We understand that plans can sometimes change. Our cancellation policies are designed to be fair to families while also protecting the small, carefully balanced group environment we maintain for all dogs. Here’s how cancellations and changes work depending on your booking type: 🏡 Home Boarding Bookings of 3 or more nights • Less than 7 days’ notice → 100% of the booking fee applies • 7–13 days’ notice → 50% of the booking fee applies • 14+ days’ notice → Full refund or the option to rebook Short stays (1-2 nights - no deposit required) • 7+ days’ notice → Cancel without charge • Less than 7 days’ notice → Full fee applies Because spaces are very limited, late cancellations are difficult to refill at short notice. 🐾 Weekly Day Care Bookings Pause Days Each family receives a set number of pause days per calendar year (prorated depending on when you join). Pause days can be used for: • Holidays (with at least 7 days’ notice) • Illness (yours or your dog’s) Pause days reset each January and do not roll over. Swap Days You may request to swap your regular day to another within 7 days before or after your usual booking, subject to availability and with at least 7 days’ notice. Ending or Pausing Membership If you no longer require weekly day care, simply provide at least 7 days’ notice before your next invoice date so we can update your place accordingly. 💛 Our Approach Our aim is always to be fair, clear, and consistent while protecting the calm routine that helps dogs feel secure here. By keeping policies simple and predictable, we can continue providing the small-group, home-from-home care Wagging Trails is known for.

We’re fully insured and licensed to give you peace of mind — because your dog’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness are always our top priority.Our specialist insurance is designed specifically for professional dog day care, dog walking, and home boarding services.Our cover includes:✅ Public Liability InsuranceProviding protection in the unlikely event of an accident or incident involving third parties while dogs are in our care.✅ Care, Custody & Control InsuranceCovering accidental injury, loss, or incidents involving dogs whilst in our care, custody, control, transport, or supervised exercise.✅ Professional Indemnity InsuranceProviding additional protection relating to the professional services and care we provide.✅ Legal Expenses & Business Protection CoverHelping support the safe and professional operation of Wagging Trails.🐾 Professional StandardsAs well as comprehensive insurance, Wagging Trails also operates with:A Local Authority Home Boarding LicenceCanine First Aid trainingCanine Behaviour trainingDBS checksSecure transport proceduresStructured risk assessmentsCareful group matching and supervisionThese safeguards all form part of how we provide a safe, calm, and professionally run service.🌿 Peace of MindWhile insurance is there for reassurance, our real focus is prevention — through thoughtful care, careful dog matching, calm routines, secure exercise environments, and proactive supervision.Because the best safety plan is always compassionate, responsible care.

We’re always happy to help — no question is too small. If there’s anything you’d like to check or chat through before enquiring, just get in touch and we’ll reply as soon as we can. Choosing the right care for your dog is important, and we’re always happy to help you decide if Wagging Trails feels like the right fit. How to Contact Us You can contact us via: 📧 Email: sam@waggingtrails.co.uk 💬 WhatsApp: Send us a message 💬 Social media: Facebook or Instagram Whether you’re wondering about your dog’s first visit, how introductions work, or just want to sense-check suitability, we’re always happy to chat. 🐾 Ready to Take the Next Step? If you feel Wagging Trails could be the right environment for your dog, the next step is to complete our short enquiry form so we can learn a little more about them. Start Your Dog’s Journey