doggy day care and boarding

About Us

Reliable, Loving and Caring Day Care and Boarding for Small Dogs

We are a family run business providing doggy day care and home boarding in Basildon, Wickford, Rayleigh and surrounding areas. We are experienced with nervous and anxious dogs, and all dogs in our care are loved and cared for as though they are a member of our own family.

Your dog will interact with other dogs of a similar small size, and enjoy no-end of fun and frolics throughout the day. When they board with us they will enjoy the same comforts they are used to at home.  We guarantee there will always be a warm and loving lap upon which to rest!

Small Paws is licensed by Basildon Council. We also hold an NVQ level 3 qualification in Professional Day Care and Boarding, and a certificate in canine first aid. We are fully insured and DBS checked.

Whether your dog joins our Playdate Posse for day care or stays with us as a boarder, you can rest assured knowing they will be loved, nurtured, entertained and cared for the same as we do for our own two furry bundles of joy.

Being a doggy parent can be a worrisome time especially when you face the prospect of having to leave the house for some time, or wish to go on holiday.  Let Small Paws take that worry away. We will ensure your little one will always return home with a big smile and a wagging tail!

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We Love Small Dogs!

At Small Paws we love all dogs; all shapes sizes and breeds. But we have a soft spot for the small breeds. Being the parents of two small pups of our own, we know how much love they can give and we enjoy plenty of cuddles with them on our laps. Great things come in small packages!

We all want the best for our little furry friends, and at Small Paws we strive to replicate your home environment as much as we can. All our little ones deserve the very best!

Encountering the  swipe of a large wagging tail or the clump of a large playful paw, can stop a dog wanting to interact with dogs any further. At Small Paws we understand the world of the small breed. We take pride in providing an envorinment where they feel safe and secure among their own size, and have no fear when engaging in play.

If your dog already has some anxiety issues,  knowing they’ll only be socialising with dogs of their own size can be one less thing for them, and you, to be anxious about.

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Steak, Salmon, Duck!

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Bottled Mineral Water

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Did You know?

This month’s featured breed is the…………..French Bulldog!

  • It is thought they are a cross between an English bulldog and a French terrier
  • They can’t swim!
  • They will have either rose shaped ears or bat shaped ears.
  • They can’t breed naturally due to their shape, so have to be artificially inseminated.
  • They’re affectionate and protective…..and break wind a lot!!
  • Lady Gaga, The Rock, and Hugh Jackman are all proud parents of a Frenchie.

Doggy Home Boarding

A home-from-home experience, guaranteed to have your dog smiling all through their stay, and becoming best friends with our own two furry bundles of fun.

At Small Paws we strive to be the the number one choice for doggy home boarding!

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Doggy Day Care

Doggy day care with a difference! A full day of fun and frolics with other like-minded and same-sized bundles of joy, which is why we like to call them playdates, it sounds so much more fun!

We’re sure your dog would love to become a member of the Small Paws Play Date Posse!

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Premium Cuisine

Dogs who board with us for at least 3 nights will be treated to sirloin steak, fresh salmon filet or duck at least once during their stay….well it’s their holiday too afterall!

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Testimonials

What People Say About Us

I cannot recommend Small Paws enough. My 7 month old mini Dachshund Honey has been coming here twice a week for day care since September, she absolutely loves it and has so much fun. I know she is well cared for by Jo whilst she is there and I receive regular updates, videos and photos.  It gives me peace of mind to know she is being looked after by someone who loves her as much as I do.

Honey also had an overnight stay at Small Paws.   I mentioned to Jo that she probably wouldn’t stay in her own bed all night whilst there, but she did and has done ever since; its been a game changer for us.

If anyone is looking for daycare or boarding for their small doggies I would highly recommend Small Paws.

Paula – Miniature Dachshund

I cannot recommend Small Paws enough. I recently went on holiday and Jo and her family looked after my two fur babies.  As many of you can realte, I got slightly anxious when leaving them for the very first time together in years, but I was rest assured from the moment I stepped out of the front door.  I got daily updates, pictures and videos and they looked like they were having so much fun and made some friends along the way too!  I don’t think they even wanted to come home! Highly recommend this lovely business and I will definately be using them again in the near future.  Thank you again Jo, you are amazing.  Alfie and Coco are missing you already.

Carly – Pug and Shih Tzu

Fantastic service and Jo is amazing with the dogs. Jo is great with our fur baby who is timid around strangers and other dogs. Since joining the playdate days, Lola is slowly coming out of her shell and Jo is amazing with her.  Jo is such a friendly, lovely lady and really loves dogs, and we don’t have to worry becuase we know Lola is getting the best care.   Jo’s reliable pick up and drop off service helps us with out busy work life schedules,  We love seeing the daily update messages, photos and videos of Lola’s playdate days!

Alison – Cavachon

Jo was so good with my dog, made him and myself feel comfortable. I got regular updates and photos and couldn’t recommend more.

Natalie – Poochon

Our Frenchie stayed for the weekend. I’m fussy about who we leave our dog with but I felt perfectly comforatable being apart from him knowing he was in very capable hands! Got frequent pictures and video updates which is always nice/ It looked like he had a great time and I will definately use in the future.

Zoe – French Bulldog

My little missy has just spent a few nights at Small Paws and she has had the best time! She has come home very happy and content. I can’t recommend Jo and her family enough, they made Cookie feel like one of the family and spoilt her rotten! We have already re-booked for October for a week. Thank you Jo xx

Lauretta – Mini Dachshund

My little dog loves attending the playdates at Small Paws. He has a great time socialising with the other dogs, and I have peace of mind knowing he’s only playing with dogs of his size. Big dogs can be a bit boisterous and when I’ve placed him in daycare with dogs of all sizes I was always worried that he was going to get hurt by a whack of a big happy tail or a large playful paw! It’s so nice to not have that worry anymore.

Jo – Shih Tzu

My dog is 15 and suffers with dementia. Having had him since a puppy I have always been very protective and particular about anyone I entrust him to. Until recently I have always had family look after him but recently this was not an option. Jo at Small Paws only takes small dogs and her home is lovely and welcoming. He instantly settled into a blanket and loved sunbathing in her garden. He was so relaxed and the regular updates and pictures eased my mind completely. Without a shadow of a doubt I’d definitely ask Jo to have him again and recommend her to anyone looking for a loving secure home environment for their little furry babies.

Jaimie – West Highland Terrier

Fantastic service! Jo really cares about my two dogs. I loved the personal touch of sending me updates along with pictures of what they’re up to while I was at work. Its so nice knowing that they’re happy, safe and having lots of cuddles and kisses. I would highly recommend.

Laura – French Bulldog and Border Terrier

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