Question 1

Are you licensed for dog daycare, dog boarding and dog training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have undergone a full inspection and are proud to have achieved the new "‘higher standard’ with a rating of four stars, in accordance with the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Guidance notes for conditions for providing daycare for dogs (October 2018).

Dog Stories is licensed to provide dog daycare and dog home boarding in London by Runnymede Council. We are listed on the public register for Animal Activities Licensing. Our licence number is 026853.

Dog Stories is also a member of the Pet Industry Federation, and the International Boarding and Pet Services Association.

Question 2

Do you have insurance for dog daycare, boarding and training?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dog Stories has public liability and professional pet carers' insurance. Our insurance covers public liability, daycare, boarding, training, custody, control and transportation of your dog, and loss of your keys.

Question 3

Which areas of London do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer our dog chauffeur service to and from our dog daycare centre in:

Balham SW12
Barnes SW13
Chelsea SW10
Chertsey KT15
East Molesey
East Sheen SW14
Egham
Esher
Fulham SW6
Hammersmith W6
Hampton
Kensington W6
Kingston KT1
New Malden
Old Windsor
North Sheen TW10
Putney SW15
Richmond KT2
Roehampton SW15
Staines TW18
Sunbury
Sunningdale
Surbiton
Teddington
Twickenham
Virginia Water
Walton-on-Thames
Wandsworth SW18
Wimbledon SW19

Question 4

What if my dog does not like confined spaces or does not like crates?

Accepted Answer

We have crates of all sizes to suit different dogs. We ensure that your dog is comfortable in our 'doggy school bus' and take the extra time to acclimatise them, if this is necessary, to ensure that they are comfortable, confident, and happy travelling with us. We never have more than one dog in a crate, so your dog will always feel safe in his own space during the journey to and from its day out.

Most dogs are thrilled about getting into the van as they associate it with an enjoyable day spent playing with their friends. If you have specific concerns about putting your dog in a crate, please do get in touch.

Question 5

What if my dog can be nervous or has behavioural problems?

Accepted Answer

Part of our vision for Dog Stories is to provide daycare services for ‘dogs who can’t go to daycare’ elsewhere for reasons including anxiety, lack of socialisation, or behavioural issues. 
We have therefore designed our facility to provide separate areas for dogs who are not yet ready to be with our other canine clients. This special welcome area provides an environment for us get to know your dog and work with them in their own safe and secure environment while they acclimatise themselves to their surroundings and the other dogs.

Every dog coming to our daycare centre for the first time is taken through our temperament test and new doggy client procedure on their first day. This approach is designed to ensure the wellbeing of all of the pets in our care. As part of his or her induction to daycare, we will analyse your dog’s temperament and response to various stimuli upon arrival, in our safe and secure welcome area, away from other dogs.

We then slowly introduce individual dogs to the new canine client and monitor their response, introducing additional dogs at their own pace. Whether it takes a couple of hours, days or even weeks, your dog will only be put in a field to play with other doggy companions once he or she and we can be confident that they will all respond positively.

If you are worried that your dog would need extra support to settle in, please contact us to discuss how we can help.

Question 6

Are your staff DBS checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our staff are DBS checked.

Dog Stories

Dog Daycare & Training

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