Dog Day Care in Hitchin
Fully licensed by North Herts District Council and awarded their highest service level of 5 stars.
Is day care suitable for my dog?
Leaving your dog for a couple of hours will not do them any harm, providing you know with confidence they will not become anxious.
Dogs are social animals and leaving them for more than four hours on a regular basis is not recommended. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold to stay at home with your dog.
Several Wagalot clients are regular doggy day-care visitors. This might be to accommodate work commitments or family events, for example. Drop your dog with us in Hitchin at an agreed time, they’ll have a walk or two, a chance to rest and plenty of cuddles if they want them, before you return to pick them up.
Preparing your dog for day care
Before your dog comes to our house in Hitchin for day care we need to check that they will get on with our own dog. I arrange to meet you for a short walk to see if they get on with each other and so you can find out a bit more about me and vice versa.
If you’d like to use our services, I will ask you to complete a form which gives me the information I need to look after your dog. I will also ask you to send a copy of your dog’s up-to-date vaccination record.
First your dog will come for a trial visit, which can be up to 4-hours or a full day, it really depends on your dog and their confidence levels. For some dogs with anxiety issues we build this up very gradually with several trials, until your dog is wagging its tail and dragging you up the road to our house, whether it is for a few hours or a full day.
Will my dog be safe?
I am licensed by North Herts District Council and have been awarded their highest service level of 5 stars. I hold insurance covering me walking, transporting and boarding your dog.
I’m also a qualified canine first aider.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered
My dog has never stayed away from home before, how do you know he/she will settle?
We don’t always know if your dog will settle. But this is why, depending on your dog’s temperament, we go through a habituation process normally of a half day and at least one full day trial before your dog stays overnight. The main reason dogs will not settle is because they are anxious and we need to alleviate the stress of being in a new environment, so we have a number of ways to make your dog feel more comfortable.
What do I need to bring, along with my dog?
I always ask you to bring their bed or at least (for a trial period) a blanket or rug that smells of home.
You will need to bring their food, any treats if they are on a special diet, bowls and poo bags are always gratefully received! If they are on medication you will need to bring this, along with detailed instructions about what to give and when.
You can bring their favourite toys, but I will move these out of the way if we have dogs who may destroy them.
Will you walk my dog off lead?
That’s up to you. I will walk your dog off lead, providing you give your written consent. One of the questions on the form is select off lead/off lead only in enclosed space/on lead walking. If you are happy for me to walk your dog off lead, I will only ever do this where I consider it is safe to do so.
What are your service prices?
You can find our competitive pricing here
What are your opening hours for drop off and collection?
We are very flexible and we agree in advance what times work for you. We may ask you to drop off or collect at a slightly different time, if possible, to fit in with our other guests. We do have a couple of ‘rules’ and don’t generally accept drop off before 07:30 (later on Sundays) and do not accept collection after 20:30. We live in a quiet cul-de-sac in Hitchin and are mindful that excited barking dogs are unfair on our neighbours. We also only accept drop off with at least one hour before dusk because we will walk your dog on arrival to help them relax.
How will I know if my dog is having a good time?
You are more than welcome to contact us, at any time, during your dog’s stay with us, to find out how they are enjoying their visit. We also have a Facebook page and providing you give us written consent we will publish photos and videos.
What is your address for drop off and collection?
We’re based in a quiet cul-de-sac on Foster Drive in Hitchin. The address is 33 Foster Drive, Hitchin SG4 9EH.
Do you take unvaccinated dogs?
No. All dogs who come to us will require an up-to-date vaccination record (ie within a calendar year). If the vaccinations have lapsed, please talk to your vet about what will be required to get your dog fully vaccinated. Should you continue to use our services a copy of your vaccination record is required annually.
What vaccinations do you require?
The vaccinations required are the standard annual jabs for Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, usually given as one injection at the vets, after which your record card should be signed and serial number of the vaccine applied to the record.
You can choose to vaccinate your dog for Kennel Cough, this is entirely up to you.
Do you accept Titre Tests?
No, we do not accept titre tests in lieu of vaccinations.
Happy House Guests
Our dog Lillie seemed to settle well on her two night stay with carol. Carol is thorough, approachable and friendly and I would definitely recommend her
Lyra is a bright dog who enjoys lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise so I am really pleased to find that Carol understands this and gives her what she needs. I think Lyra enjoyed her week at Wagalot as much as we enjoyed our holiday! Thanks for taking such good care of her.
Oreo had a lovely time with Carol and it was great to be able to see his adventures. The initial meeting and half day trial with her meant we felt he would be more settled when we left him overnight. He is already booked in again for his next staycation!
