What are your daycare hours?

Our daycare operates every day of the week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We offer flexible drop-off and pickup times to accommodate your schedule outside this range upon request.

Do you provide overnight sitting services?

Yes! Our overnight sitting service allows your dog to stay comfortable in their own home while you're away. During your dog's stay, we will maintain your dog's regular routine, including walks, feeding, and playtime.

Do all dogs need to be friendly with other dogs?

Yes, all dogs must be friendly and comfortable around other dogs. We have our own family dog, Walter, who is always present on the property, and we often care for multiple dogs at once. For everyone's safety and happiness, we can only accept dogs that are sociable and relaxed around other dogs and children. If you're unsure about your dog's suitability, please get in touch and we can arrange a meet-and-greet to see how they interact.

What safety measures do you have in place?

Safety is our top priority. We are trained in pet first aid, we maintain small group sizes for personalised attention and our house is fully secured and sanitised daily.

Can you accommodate dogs with special needs?

Absolutely! We have experience caring for dogs with various needs including medication administration, special diets, mobility assistance, and behavioral considerations. We'll work with you to create a custom care plan.

Nervous Dog? How to Help Your Dog Settle Into Boarding (Without Stress)

Worried your dog will struggle with boarding? Learn practical, kind ways to help a nervous dog settle — from preparation at home to drop-off routines.

By Javier Farre · 2026-01-22 · 8 min read

If your dog is sensitive, anxious, or simply very attached to you, boarding can feel like a big step. The good news is that many nervous dogs do brilliantly with the right preparation and the right environment. Here are practical, kind ways to help your dog settle into boarding with less stress.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Boarding

Nervous dogs often do best in settings that are calm and predictable. When comparing options, look for:

small groups
clear routines and rest breaks
a home-like environment (for many dogs, this feels safer than kennels)
carers who understand dog body language and slow introductions

Step 2: Practice Separation (Gently)

If your dog isn’t used to being away from you, start building confidence in small steps:

short separations (a few minutes) and gradually increase
practice with a trusted friend/family member
keep arrivals and departures calm (no big emotional build-up)

Step 3: Use Familiar Smells (Comfort Items)

Scent is powerful. Consider packing:

a blanket that smells like home
a favourite toy (if safe and non-guarded)
their usual food (a sudden diet change can upset stomachs)

Step 4: Keep Drop-Off Calm and Efficient

Many owners accidentally make drop-off harder by staying too long or repeatedly reassuring. For many dogs, the best routine is:

arrive calm and confident
hand over items and info
say a quick, upbeat goodbye
leave promptly

This prevents the “should I follow you?” uncertainty that can build anxiety.

What Good Boarders Do for Nervous Dogs

slow introductions to other dogs
structured rest so they don’t become overstimulated
predictable routine for meals, walks, and sleep
quiet spaces to decompress
regular updates so you know how they’re settling

Common First-Night Behaviours (Normal!)

It’s normal for a nervous dog to:

eat a little less at first
sleep more (new environments are tiring)
follow carers around closely
seek quiet corners to decompress

Boarding doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, the right match, and a calm routine, many nervous dogs settle surprisingly quickly — and often come home more confident than before.

Need Boarding for a Nervous Dog in Basildon?

Tell us a bit about your dog’s personality and what helps them feel safe. Submit a request via our booking page and we’ll advise on the best approach.