Day care and Boarding Assessment
Every dog who stays with us, whether for day care or boarding, begins with a gentle assessment to make sure The Waggy Retreat Hotel is the right fit for them. This isn’t a test as such – it’s simply our way of getting to know your dog, understanding their personality, and making sure they feel relaxed and comfortable in our environment. We take things at their pace, introducing them gradually to the surroundings and to the other dogs, who often go on to become familiar faces and firm friends over time.
During their initial visit, we observe how your dog settles, interacts, eats, rests and enjoys their time with us. This allows us to build a clear picture of what they need to feel happy and secure, and ensures we can maintain the calm, balanced environment we’re known for. After their first day or overnight stay, you’ll receive a detailed, honest report outlining how they got on, along with any little observations we feel are helpful for you to know.
For dogs who settle in well, we’ll then invite you to join our booking system, giving you easy access to arrange future stays whenever you need them. If we feel your dog needs a little more time, support or perhaps a different setting altogether, we’ll always be open and transparent, offering thoughtful feedback and practical recommendations to help you make the best decision for your dog’s wellbeing.
Assessment Information
Initial enquiry
Please make your initial enquiry either via our website enquiry form or by contacting us directly through the Contact Us page.
Once we receive your enquiry, we will arrange a suitable time for you and your dog to visit us.
Visit meet and greet
Your visit will take place on our grounds. Please allow approximately one hour for the initial visit and bring suitable outdoor walking clothing, as we will complete a walk here on our grounds with you and your dog.
This gives us the opportunity to meet your dog in person, discuss their personality, routine and needs, explain how we run our retreats, answer any questions you may have, and decide together whether The Waggy Retreat Hotel could be a good match.
If we mutually feel that your dog may be suitable, we will then book your dog in for a day trial.
Portal registration
Before your dog’s day trial, we will send you an email containing your own unique login and invitation to our portal.
This portal is where we securely store all of your dog’s important information. Please complete all sections as accurately and fully as possible before your dog attends.
Please bring your dog’s normal food with them. Alternatively, we may be able to provide food, subject to an additional charge.
Day trial
The day trial allows us to make sure your dog is happy in our home, comfortable with our routine, and suited to the retreat environment.
During the day trial, we will be assessing your dog’s behaviour and suitability in the areas listed below.
If your dog passes the day trial, you will be able to request future bookings through your unique Waggy Retreat portal, subject to availability.
The portal is also where your dog’s information is stored and where we send daily reports and photographs of your dog’s adventures while they are staying with us.
Overnight trial (for boarding)
For any dog wishing to board overnight with us, we will require a separate overnight trial.
This is to ensure that your dog is happy, settled, and comfortable staying with us overnight before a longer boarding stay is accepted.
Optional extras
Once all trials have been completed, you are welcome to add additional treatments to your dog’s stay, subject to availability.
These may include luxury bath and blow dry, and grooming treatments.
Final acceptance
A dog will only be accepted once The Waggy Retreat Hotel Ltd is satisfied that the dog is happy, settled, suitable for our environment, and compatible with our home, routine and other guests.
Request an assessment booking
Our day care environment
