Can I meet the team and see the retreat before sending my dog?

Yes absolutely! Before your dog joins our pack, you have the option of coming down to see everything in action know exactly where your dog will spend their day, who they’ll be with, and what they’ll be doing. We can do this in person or on facetime.

We ask that you come without your dog so you can focus on seeing the facility, meeting our staff and seeing how happy the dogs are. We want your dog to have the best time right from their first steps into our retreat, we have a system of introducing them calmly and slowly into the daycare. Having large amounts of dog barking at them because they see a stranger is not how we want to start things off!

We require a trial day for every dog before we can enrol them, charged at regular daycare price.

Do I need to be home when you collect and drop off my dog?

Not at all. Most clients are comfortable sharing a set of keys with us to enable our drivers to collect and drop off your dog even if you are not home. All staff who have responsibility of client’s keys are DBS checked and insured. We will also follow any instruction you give us as to where your dog is left alone in the house, if they need to be fed or let out to the toilet.

What services do you offer?

We believe in having a structured day for the dogs which is why we offer:

• Countryside walks

• Collection and drop off in air con & legally secured vans

• Whatsapp groups for each dog with photos & updates daily

• Boarding with us in the Dog-Log Cabin

• Posh wash including a professional grooming standard massage

• Grooming including hand stripping

• Training / behavioural work with Ria

• Included express wash in daycare service & exit bath when boarding

• Home made treats

• Special attention to the longer haired dogs to keep their coat in the best condition

• Old dog, puppy and difficult dog areas

• Pet taxi

Do you offer day care on weekends and bank holidays?

We do not offer our traditional day care service on weekends and bank holidays as our drivers only work Monday-Friday. However, you are more than happy to drop off and collect your dog personally from our retreat as our day carers will be there with our boarding guests. We have plenty of customer parking and the nearest train station is only 5 minutes away with direct services to London Paddington. Please note that all services on bank holidyas will be charged at the double rate.

Will my dog have to come on the same days each week?

Although we offer all our services on an ad-hoc basis we do advise that your dog comes to us at least once a week. This gives them the opportunity to adapt to the new environment of day care and keep up on good socialisation skills.

Are you insured?

Yes. Colin & Co is professionally insured with specialist animal trade insurers. Our insurance covers everything including public liability; day care, custody, control and transportation of your dog; loss of keys and boarding. Our licence number is LC202209-79030

Will my dog be supervised at all times?

Of course. Your dog will be under constant supervision by our team of experienced doggy day carers at the retreat and on walks, they will never be left unattended unless your dog is enrolled in separation anxiety training.

What happens in adverse weather?

Although our day care is mostly outdoor, each area of our areas always has a heated gazebo available. Most dogs aren't too fussy about a spot of rain, but for those that are there is always a warm, dry place to escape to including our “chill houses” with comfy beds! Every area is also covered with clean woodchip to explore and play on keeping their paws clean and dry even in the depths of winter.

Does my dog have to be well trained with good recall?

We welcome dogs with all levels of training and recall- as long as they are sociable and friendly, they can come to play. Our retreat is totally private and secure so they can run off lead in safety. We work on training and recall within our day care as all members of staff hold dog behaviour certificates.

I have a puppy or small dog; will they be happy at daycare?

A day care environment is the best place for your puppy to grow and socialise. We accept all puppies once they are out of their vaccination period. Our retreat is split into 3 areas, one of which is our puppy and small dog playground, with custom built “chill” houses and activities.

My dog needs medication, are you able to give it to them?

Absolutely – all members of staff hold canine first aid certifications and are able to give medication, including insulin shots.

My dog is intact – can he still come?

We do not take full males over the age of six months. We keep intact males on a ‘three strike system’. Any intact male behaviour is given three chances until we ask they are neutered if you make that decision or they will be unable to attend. Full male behaviour tends to include:

• Scent marking indoors

• Excessive humping due to overstimulation

• ‘Pestering’ dog excessively sniffing private parts

• Aggression to other dogs or staff members

• Sexual guarding & dominance

• Other dogs acting aggressively to them because of the levels of testosterone.