Business Elite Awards 2025 / 10 SME News Q3 2025 / 20 Premium Pet Care in Cambridgeshire Christina Pollard shares her story as the company was recently named Best Dog Daycare Company 2025 – Cambridgeshire in our Business Elite Awards 2025. In 2016, I took the leap to start my own business, a dog daycare and home boarding service. As a mother, my greatest desire was to stay at home with my children while pursuing my passion for caring for animals. I understood how important it is for dog owners to have peace of mind, knowing their beloved pets are in a warm, nurturing environment surrounded by family. My clients appreciated that their furry companions could socialise and feel at home in our cosy setting. When the Covid pandemic struck, like many small businesses, I faced significant challenges. There were moments when I feared my dream would come crashing down. However, as the world changed, so did the needs of families, and suddenly, we witnessed a surge in pet ownership. The demand for dog daycare and boarding services skyrocketed after Covid, leaving me in a position where I had to turn many potential clients away. This realisation became a catalyst for me to expand and better serve the community that needed our help. With determination and heartfelt conversations with residents, we found a wonderful farm owner who was repurposing his land into a small business park to support growing enterprises. Together, we created a beautiful daycare facility that accommodates up to 35 dogs each day, Monday to Friday. We offer a variety of engaging activities designed to provide joy and stimulation for dogs, including agility courses, ball pools, soft play, and even a party foam machine. It's all about creating a haven for our furry friends. All my wonderful staff share a heartfelt passion for each dog that comes into our care. They are dedicated every day to ensuring that each individual dog is happy and content through constant care, cuddles, and play. With my fantastic team, I can run a dog daycare to be proud of, which continues to strive. I take immense pride in fostering an inviting, family-oriented environment in our daycare, which has been open since 16 May 2022. The joy that my qualified and dedicated staff and I bring to local families is heartwarming, and we work diligently to ensure that both new and returning clients feel welcomed and reassured about their pets’ happiness and well-being. My children, as well as the staff’s children, often join us at work after school and during breaks, forming special bonds with both clients and dogs. Together, we embark on joyful outings for our boarders—whether it’s a leisurely walk, a trip to the beach, or enjoying time at a dogfriendly café. The smiles we share truly reflect the sense of community we cherish. Recognising the growing need for a larger daycare facility after the pandemic has been a deeply personal experience for me. I wanted to create a space that not only serves dogs but also supports the families in our community. The expansion of my business to accommodate 35 dogs daily, five days a week, feels like a response to a heartfelt call from the families around us. Nestled between Stevenage and Cambridge, we are witnessing an influx of residents who require a safe, loving environment for their dogs while they return to work. As dogs become integral members of our families, I felt a strong calling to offer homefrom-home boarding. We invite all our dogs to join us on the couch for snuggles while we watch films together. It fills my heart with joy to take our boarders on family adventures— whether it’s camping under the stars or basking in the sun at the beach. Our clients appreciate knowing that their dogs are enjoying a safe and loving environment, just as they do on their own holidays. Sharing photos and videos helps them connect with their pets and feel present, even when they’re apart. Driven by my passion for this work, I am licensed to care for four dogs, including my own, and I take pride in holding a 5-star rating from the County Council for home boarding. The bonds we've formed with our clients are incredibly special; they trust that we cherish their dogs just as much as we love our own. With our experience and dedication, we strive to ensure that every dog is in the best possible hands. As a team at Family Pet Care, we couldn’t be prouder to have won the ‘Best Dog Daycare in Cambridgeshire 2025’. I am incredibly proud of my business, staff, and clients. Although there have been challenges along the way, we have always persevered, and I believe that receiving this recognition is the perfect way to celebrate our achievements. Contact: Christina Pollard Company: Family Pet Care Website: https://www.familypetcare.co/
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