Questions?
We know trusting someone with your dog is a big deal, so we’ve gathered some of the most common questions our lovely clients ask – to help you feel confident and fully informed before booking with Waggy Boops.
First Booking
Yes! We always arrange an in-person meet & greet with new clients before confirming any pet care booking. This helps us determine how well your dog and our home environment suit each other. If we feel it’s not the right fit, we’ll be honest and recommend alternative care options.
Simply send us a message through our Contact Form, including details about your dog and the type of pet care service you’re interested in. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible via email and/or WhatsApp to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable time to meet.
If we feel our services may not be the best fit for your dog’s needs, we’ll be upfront and provide alternative recommendations.
- Daycare: a trial is optional. If you’d like to ease your dog into daycare, you can book a half-day stay (up to 4 hours) before committing to a full day. This is ideal if you’re unsure how your dog will handle being away from home.
- Home Boarding: a mandatory overnight trial is required for all new dogs staying for more than 3 nights. This is a regulatory requirement, and we cannot accept dogs for longer stays without a successful trial beforehand. If your dog will be staying for 2 or 3 nights, an overnight trial is optional but recommended to ensure they settle in well.
A successful trial helps confirm that your dog is comfortable in our home environment. If we feel your dog is struggling to settle, we will provide honest feedback and suggest alternative arrangements.
Trials are charged at our standard daycare/boarding rates, as they require the same level of care, time, and attention.
We may be able to accept last-minute bookings for regular clients, depending on availability.
However, we cannot accept new dogs for stays longer than 3 nights unless they have already completed a successful overnight trial. This is a requirement of our 5-star home boarding licence and ensures we can properly assess your dog’s comfort and well-being in our care.
Yes, all new clients must complete a registration form, which gathers essential information about your dog. This form will be sent to you after a successful Meet & Greet and takes about 20 minutes to complete online.
Additionally, we require:
- A vet release form, allowing us to seek veterinary care in case of an emergency.
- A copy of your dog’s up-to-date vaccination record. You can provide this digitally via email/WhatsApp or bring it in person for us to scan.
These documents are not only required by our licence regulations but also help us provide the best possible care for your dog.
Daycare & Home Boarding Suitability Requirements
Yes, all dogs must be fully vaccinated against:
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Leptospirosis
We keep an up-to-date digital record of all vaccination cards, and booster vaccinations must always be current.
We ask all clients to keep their dog’s worming and flea treatments up to date.
If a dog staying with us shows signs of fleas, lice, ticks, or worms, we will inform the owner immediately and request that they collect their dog and arrange treatment with a vet.
We’re happy to welcome younger puppies from our regular, long-term clients. For new clients, we can only accept dogs who are over 1 year old and fully toilet trained and house trained.
While we love dogs of all sizes, we only accommodate small to medium-sized dogs to ensure the safety and comfort of our smaller furry guests.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dogs with destructive tendencies.
Waggy Boops provides a comfortable home environment suited to fully house-trained dogs. If your dog is still working on house manners, alternative care options may be more suitable.
We do not accept intact male dogs for daycare or boarding.
However, we can provide dog walking, pop-in visits, and pet sitting at the owner’s home for intact males.
Yes, we do. Unspayed females are welcome for daycare and boarding at Waggy Boops.
If your dog is a regular client, we’re happy to care for her even when she’s in heat, as we already know her well and can adjust her routine accordingly.
For ad hoc clients, we can only accept unspayed females as long as they are not in heat during their stay.
We cannot accept dogs that display aggressive behavior towards other animals or people, as this is not our area of expertise and could risk the welfare of our canine guests.
For dogs with reactivity or aggression, we recommend seeking a specialist care provider who offers solo boarding to ensure their safety and well-being.
Drop-off & Pick-up
We offer flexible drop-off and collection times and do not have fixed time slots.
You are welcome to drop off your dog as early as needed and collect them as late as needed within reason. We are happy to accommodate your schedule as best as we can.
No, we do not provide transportation services. Owners are responsible for bringing and collecting their dogs to and from Waggy Boops.
Types of Pet Care at Waggy Boops
Daycare: You drop-off and collect your dog within the same day. You dog can stay with us for the whole day, or only for a few hours including mornings, afternoons, or evenings.
Boarding: Your dog stays overnight for one or more nights, with collection on an agreed future date. Rates are charged per night (up to 24 hours). If collection is after the 24-hour mark, our applicable daycare rate applies for the additional time.
No. In this case, the cost would be:
- 1 night of boarding (8am, Day 1 – 8am, Day 2)
- + 1 day of daycare (8am – 5pm, Day 2)
Boarding is charged per night (up to 24 hours). If collection is after the 24-hour mark, our applicable daycare rate applies for the additional time.
Yes! Our half-day daycare rate applies if your dog stays with us for 1 to 4 hours.
If their stay exceeds 4 hours, the full daycare rate applies.
Check out our pricing page for the latest rates.
Yes! We offer a short-daycare option for stays of up to 1 hour.
Please check our availability in advance for your required time.
To qualify as a regular client, your dog should use our services consistently:
- Daycare: at least once a week.
- Boarding: at least 35 nights per year.
- Dog walking: at least twice a week.
Regular clients are those whose dogs are part of our weekly routine – the ones we see and care for often enough to truly get to know them and provide a consistent, familiar experience.
There are several benefits to being a regular client at Waggy Boops:
- Better rates: Regular clients enjoy discounted fees and no holiday surcharge on UK bank holidays or national holidays. Check out our pricing page for the latest rates.
- Priority bookings: Regular clients get first pick, especially during busy or holiday periods.
- Familiarity: For daycare and boarding guests, regular visits help dogs feel at ease and confident – they get used to our home, routines, and other friendly dogs, making every stay stress-free, relaxing and fun. For regular walking clients, familiarity builds trust and understanding – your dog benefits from consistent exercise with someone they know well, while we get to understand their pace, preferences, and quirks.
- Consistent, personalised care: We get to know your dog’s personality, individual needs and preferences, so we can provide tailored care, enrichment, and socialisation every time.
Being a regular client is about more than just savings – it’s about giving your dog consistency, confidence, and a trusted routine.
Dog Compatibility & Socialization
While we don’t currently have our own dog, there’s a high chance that other dogs will be staying with us at the same time as your dog, as we often have regular clients for daycare and boarding. We will always inform you about overlapping stays and keep you updated.
Our licence allows us to have up to 7 dogs at a time, though we usually keep numbers lower for a more comfortable environment.
We only allow dogs to mix when it’s safe and suitable for everyone’s welfare. The vast majority of our canine guests are well-socialised and enjoy playing and hanging around together. However, occasionally we may keep dogs separate based on their individual needs, personalities and friendship patterns.
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate dogs with aggressive behaviour towards other animals or people, as this is not our area of expertise and could compromise the safety of our other friendly guests. We recommend finding a specialist boarder who accommodates one dog at a time.
Feeding, Daily Routine & Care
We have our own food and water bowls, but you’re welcome to bring your dog’s own bowls if you prefer, especially if they use a slow-feeding bowl.
You must provide your dog’s food and treats at drop-off. We will feed your dog according to your instructions and follow their usual routine as closely as possible.
We will monitor your dog’s food intake and keep you updated.
No, you must provide your dog’s food and treats at drop-off.
No, all dogs are fed separately to prevent food guarding, jealousy, or fights. Your dog will not have access to other dogs’ food, and vice versa.
Yes, absolutely! We can store and serve frozen or refrigerated meals as needed.
Yes, many of our guests are on a raw diet. We are happy to serve their raw food and will monitor if they don’t eat it straight away to ensure it isn’t left out too long.
Yes, but only the treats you provide, following your instructions on quantity and frequency.
Yes, we provide filtered drinking water at all times in multiple locations both downstairs and upstairs. Bowls are cleaned and refilled daily or as needed.
As many as needed! Toilet breaks happen during walks and garden time.
No, we do not use crates, and all dogs are free in the house.
If your dog sleeps in a crate at home, you may bring it along, but per regulations, dogs can only be shut in for up to 3 hours in 24 hours, so the crate door will remain open overnight.
No, we never leave dogs alone at home for any period of time.
Sleeping & Home Environment
We aim to mirror each dog’s normal routine as much as possible. Some dogs are used to sleeping in their owner’s bedroom, while others sleep downstairs on their own. We accommodate both.
We have spare dog beds and blankets, but we encourage clients to bring their dog’s own bed for familiarity and comfort during boarding stays.
Yes, dogs are welcome to relax on the sofa, footstool, and bed. We use washable blankets to keep everything clean.
If you prefer your dog not to be allowed on furniture, just let us know, and we will discourage them from doing so.
Activities & Exercise
Dogs will do what dogs do, anywhere. At Waggy Boops we treat, love, and spoil every dog as if they were our own. We will go for nice walks, play, chill out, cuddle and enjoy our time together. We have a variety of toys, and dogs are welcome to bring their favourites.
We also have a lovely garden which our guests are often eager to explore and hang out whenever the weather is nice. We provide a variety of enrichment activities while ensuring plenty of rest and recharge time.
Yes, daily walks are included for all daycare and boarding guests.
We live in a peaceful village with safe walking routes and grassy fields. Walks are tailored to each dog’s age, health, and energy levels, with shorter, individual walks for senior dogs or those with health conditions.
No, for safety reasons, we do not offer off-leash walks. However, we may use extendable leads when safe, such as on open fields away from traffic.
While on walks, all dogs wear an ID tag with our Waggy Boops business details attached to their collar or harness.
It depends on the number of guests, but we typically walk no more than 4 dogs per person at a time.
Updates and Photos
Of course! We provide regular pupdates via WhatsApp, including daily updates and cute photo collages documenting their stay.
We believe in constant communication with our clients – just as we would want if our own dog were in someone else’s care.
Leaving a beloved pet with someone new can be nerve-wracking. As a former anxious dog parent myself, I completely understand the need for trust and reassurance.
At Waggy Boops, we operate with the same ethical values we would expect if we were entrusting our own dog to another family. We provide loving, dedicated care, treat each guest as if they were our own, and keep pet parents regularly updated. We are confident on the quality of the care services we provide and also confident that, over time, even the most anxious pet parent will feel reassured that their dog is in good hands with us.
Emergency & Safety
In an emergency, we will take immediate action and contact you promptly via phone calls and text messages. If we cannot reach you, we will try to contact your proxy emergency contact. All efforts will be made to get in contact with you, and we will always act in your dog’s best interest.
Yes, Livia holds a Canine First Aid Accredited Certificate and a Level 3 Ofqual Diploma on Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare.
Absolutely. We take client privacy very seriously and keep all personal information secure. We are also registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office).
Special Needs & Accommodations
Yes! We love welcoming senior dogs and completely understand that they may require special needs and attention. Our elderly guests get double the spoiling – just as they deserve! ❤️
Yes, absolutely. We are happy to administer medication as needed, always following your instructions carefully.
Yes! We aim to provide a bespoke service to accommodate each dog’s individual needs. Our clients are welcome to provide detailed instructions, and we will do our best to follow their usual routine as closely as possible.
Pricing & Payment
You can find our current rates here.
We are generally flexible with cancellations and understand that plans change sometimes. We don’t want to charge clients for services they can’t use. However, if cancellations become too frequent, we reserve the right to start requiring a non-refundable deposit for future bookings or to decline future services for specific clients.
We don’t usually require a deposit for our regular clients, as we value the trust and reliability built over time. However, for ad hoc or one-off bookings, full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
If cancellations become frequent or if we’ve had to chase payment in the past, we may also request full payment in advance for future bookings, regardless of client status.
We accept bank transfers. Our bank details will be provided after your first booking with us.
Yes, we’re happy to provide invoices or payment receipts upon request. While we don’t issue invoices automatically for every booking, all payments are recorded for our internal records in line with HMRC requirements.
If you’d like an invoice for your booking, just let us know and we’ll be happy to send one over.
For our regular clients, payment in advance is optional – you’re welcome to pay either upon completion of the service or by the following day.
For ad hoc or one-off bookings, we kindly ask for payment in advance to confirm your reservation.
Please note that if we need to chase payment for a completed service, we may require advance payment for future bookings.
Interested in our services?
Think Waggy Boops might be a good fit for your dog and want to discuss further? We’d love to hear from you!
