SME News Northern Enterprise Awards 2023 / 24 Best Pet Care & Grooming Business 2023 - Northumberland Established over 20 years ago, Doggy Days was the UK’s first ever dog crèche dedicated to providing outstanding care for dogs within its region. The business has subsequently grown to include two dog grooming salons and The Dog Boutique, its own brand of dog grooming products. Doggy Days' guiding principle is 'it's all about the dog', and this remains at the heart of all its operations. Doggy Days has received a Northern Enterprise Award for this year’s Best Pet Care & Grooming Business – Northumberland. At Doggy Days, the team understands how difficult it can be for customers to leave their dogs with strangers. Its friendly team are all dog owners themselves with ample experience keeping dogs happy and healthy. The business has achieved success thanks to the dedication and hard work of its colleagues, with most new business being generated through word of mouth. Doggy Days establishes trusting relationships with clients by consistently providing the best possible care. As a small creche, the team quickly develops friendships with dogs, many of whom have been with the business since they were puppies. Doggy Days conducts a thorough assessment to ensure that its creche is the right environment for new dogs and each dog is monitored for the first 20 hours of their visit. At the end of the assessment, clients receive a school report that shows their dogs progress, who they have interacted with, and what experiences they have had. The team takes the time to talk through a dog’s report and offer advice on supporting uneasy pets. Doggy Days will always do what is right for its dogs and ultimately only accept new arrivals that won’t compromise the comfort of other residents. Activities at the creche are geared towards a dog’s natural instincts with toys and games such as tug, chase, and retrieve. Doggy Days has agility equipment, a paper pit, a water pool, and a trampoline for dogs to play under the supervision of staff. With a variety of indoor and outdoor games, the creche ensures its dogs are mentally and physically stimulated throughout their stay. The team takes dogs on walks, encouraging their natural behaviour to explore new areas with their noses. Activities and walks can be tailored to a dog’s individual needs to guarantee that all animals have a fantastic visit at Doggy Days. It is Doggy Days’ objective to give owners complete peace of mind with the knowledge that their pets can play and socialise in a safe environment. Qualified staff can read a dog’s body language and know how best to support their physical and mental wellbeing. This knowledge combined with Doggy Days’ unique 20-hour assessment process ensures that all dogs receive the proper care they deserve. By sticking to limited group numbers, the business maintains the perfect ratio of staff to dogs and its team can focus their attention on providing a safe and stimulating experience. At Doggy Days Salon, experienced stylists offer first-class grooming services for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Its wide range of services covers everything from a simple tidy up to breed standard grooms. The salon’s Puppy Pampers are the ideal introduction to grooming for new furry family members. By introducing the grooming experience early, dogs can build the confidence they need to regularly visit the salon. The VIP Premium Care Package offers dogs a complete luxury spa experience. The visit begins with a teeth cleaning, a facial, and a full body massage. Premium grooming products are chosen that are specifically tailored to dogs’ coats and skin. The experience is concluded with a shine serum, paw wax, luxury spritz, and a free gift from The Dog Boutique. The Dog Boutique, Doggy Days’ newest addition, offers an array of specialist products that can’t be found on the high street. From top-quality toys to tasty treats and beautiful accessories, the boutique has all manner of delights that both owners and dogs will love. Doggy Days also has its own brand of grooming products for clients to try at home. All products are elegantly packed and comparable to the most luxurious cosmetic and homeware brands. Just like many other businesses, Doggy Days has felt the impact of Covid and the cost of living crisis. Although the business has had little choice but to increase some of its pricing, Doggy Days consistently searches for new ways to cut costs and drive new revenue. Despite the financial climate, the pet industry is on an upward trajectory as owners only want the very best for their pets. Doggy Days continues to invest in the business in order to maintain its high standards for dogs, owners, and employees. Chris Priest, the owner of Doggy Days says, “Coming from a HR background, I am hugely passionate about developing a great colleague experience and investing in new talent. Over the last 3 years, we have offered four apprenticeship placements with the guarantee of a career and permanent role at the end of their training. We also provide ongoing training and development for our existing workforce.” As a small team, it is essential that all employees come together to deliver the best possible care for visiting dogs. The team’s valuable contributions have paved the way for the business’s success and Chris is passionate about rewarding staff for their efforts. Since purchasing Doggy Days three years ago, Chris has increased wages by nearly one third and now provides the team with private medical care, which is rare for small businesses. Over the coming year, Doggy Days will focus on expanding the business to new markets. The company will soon launch a new website and online shop and it will also be selling its products through online retailers. For over 20 years, Doggy Days has served its community by providing experienced care and quality services for dogs. The business began as the UK’s first dog crèche and has since expanded to include two dog grooming salons and The Dog Boutique, a unique range of grooming products. With the support of its diligent team and incredible facilities, the crèche at Doggy Days offers dogs a safe and stimulating environment to play and socialise. It is the company’s guiding principle that ‘it’s all about the dog’ and the team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for all dogs throughout the region. For its exceptional services, Doggy Days has received our award for this year’s Best Pet Care & Grooming Business – Northumberland. Contact Details Contact: Chris Priest Company: Doggy Days Creche and Grooming Salon Web Address: www.doggy-days.co.uk
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