Vaccinations: Dogs must be up to date with a C5 (or equivalent) vaccination. Puppies can join 10 days after their second vaccination. Records are required before their first visit.

At The Doggy Den, we prioritise the health and wellbeing of every dog in our care. Daycare provides many benefits, including socialisation, mental stimulation, exercise, structure, and enrichment, which support confidence, companionship, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. When proper precautions are followed, these benefits generally outweigh the risk of illness.

Dogs must be free from acute illness or disease (eye discharge, cough, diarrhea, etc.) to participate in our services.

Our protocols:
• Use of F10 veterinary-grade disinfectant for spot cleaning throughout the day and a full end-of-day clean.
• Frequent sanitation and disinfection of high-risk items, including toys, bowls, beds, and communal equipment.
• Screening on arrival and client education about keeping unwell dogs at home.
• Isolation of symptomatic dogs, with immediate collection and a mandatory exclusion period after recovery.
• All dogs entering our facility must be up to date with C5 vaccinations and records provided.

What to know:
Despite these precautions, contagious conditions can still occur due to incubation periods or early, unrecognised symptoms — as is the case in vet clinics, groomers, kennels, dog parks, and other public spaces.

Most common conditions:
• Canine Cough (Kennel Cough): dry cough, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Conjunctivitis: red, watery, green discharge, or swollen eyes
• Gastrointestinal infections: vomiting or diarrhea
• Skin and ear conditions: redness, rashes, scratching, head shaking

When to keep your dog home:
• Any signs of illness, even mild
• Recently unwell or recovering
• Vaccinations are no longer up to date

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please contact your veterinarian for any medical concerns or specific health guidance for your dog.

Dogs over 6 months must be desexed unless a vet exemption, breeder registration, or pedigree papers are provided. We aim to be inclusive of responsible owners with entire dogs for legitimate reasons, including:

* Veterinary guidance recommending delayed desexing for medical reasons
* Preserving a dog’s breed, showing, or breeding standards
* Responsible breeders maintaining breed lines and standards

These dogs shouldn’t miss out on socialisation and enrichment opportunities simply because they are entire. Case-by-case acceptance allows us to accommodate them.

While we strive to support responsible owners, the safety and wellbeing of the entire group is our priority. Our team monitors interactions closely and intervenes when necessary, but there are always risks associated with having entire dogs together. Owners must understand these risks and sign a waiver acknowledging that they accept them before their dog can participate. Dogs in season are not permitted. Attendance may resume 3 weeks after their cycle has finished.

Drop off times for morning and full day sessions are between 6.30am and 10.30am.

Morning Session pick-up by 1pm
Full day Session pick-up by 6.30pm