Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Buddy Dogs’ facilities, procedures and practices have been designed in accordance with the regulations and guidance set out in The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Buddy Dogs is fully insured, and our insurance cover includes public liability, day care, custody and control of your dog whilst in our care.

The field and cabin are situated in open countryside near Church Fenton.

Buddy Dogs provide dedicated daycare for a small number of dogs, so that each dog receives excellent attention, play, and enrichment. For these reasons, we limit the number of dogs to no more than eight, although on a typical day there is normally between three and six dogs.

We typically operate our pick-up and and drop-off service within an 8-mile radius of the field (please see our Service Area map), including the following towns and villages: Aberford, Barkston Ash, Biggin, Burton Salmon, Cawood, Fairburn, Garforth, Gateforth, Hambleton, Hillam, Kippax, Ledsham, Ledston, Micklefield, Monk Fryston, Riccall, Ryther, Saxton, Selby, Sherburn, South Milford, Stutton, Tadcaster, Thorpe Willoughby, Towton, Ulleskelf, Wistow.

Buddy Dogs operates a convenient door-to-door, pick-up and drop-off service. We will agree with you a time window to call to collect your dog in the morning and to return your dog in the early evening. This is likely to be at your home, but we can also do pick-ups/drop-offs from other locations within our 8-mile service area radius (e.g. a local railway station, such as Garforth, Micklefield, Selby, Sherburn, South Milford, Ulleskelf, or your place of work), if this is more convenient. Please see our Service Area map.

The Buddy Dogs van is an electric powered Nissan e-NV200, so it is quiet and produces zero exhaust fumes. The rear portion of the van has been professionally adapted and comprises six separate caged units, with cushioned beds for the comfortable, clean, and safe transportation of your dog. The van is thoroughly cleaned, is ventilated and air conditioned, providing both cool and warm environments depending on the time of year. LED lights have been fitted so that your dog is not commuting in the dark, as well as providing well-lit access and egress during pick-ups and drop-offs. Dogs will be taken to and from the van by lead so they can be kept under close control.

Buddy Dogs is here to suit you and your schedule. We have flexibility to allow owners to block book a particular day/days each week if they would like to do that, or to be less committal and to contact Buddy Dogs as and when required. The focus for us is to give you the comfort and knowledge your dog is being well looked after, so you can go to work, take days out, visit relatives, attend events etc. Obviously, a routine can help some dogs settle in better, especially if their socialisation skills need improving. Irrespective of how often your dog comes to join in the fun, they will receive the same level of care and attention.

Sorry, we are unable to provide overnight accommodation.

Buddy Dogs typically operates Monday to Friday, but we can also provide daycare on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays by prior arrangement, dependent on our availability.

Absolutely. Your dog will always be under our constant care and supervision and will never be left unattended.

On the basis the weather is okay, after doing the pick-ups we will all go out for a local walk for 60 to 90 minutes, before venturing back to the field, where we will have fun running around, chasing each other, playing catch, hiding in the grass, or just chilling. In the early afternoon, we will go out for a local walk from the field, sniffing along the verges and around the woodland, before returning to the field for more fun and japes, or just to flake out, have a snooze in the cabin, or in the shade of the trees if it is sunny and warm. If we are mucky, we’ll get a quick clean up before we get back in the van for the drive home. There’s always fresh water available and treat rewards for good behaviour for those whose owners say it’s okay to have them. We like to vary the routine each day, and so because we go to different places and meet different dogs on different days, every day can be a new adventure.

With our changing climate, being outside can have its ups and downs, and whilst we will endeavour to be as active as possible, there will inevitably be some days when the weather gets the better of us. On really, rainy days, or when it is severely cold, we will spend a lot more time in the cosy cabin, where blankets, cushions and beds will be an offer, with additional warmth provided by our radiator, if necessary. If we do go out in the rain or snow, dogs will be towelled afterwards. Whilst we don’t provide dog clothing for rainy/cold weather days, if this is something you have for your dog and want us to use, we can. During the heat of the summer, outdoor shade is cast across part of the field from the adjoining woodland, and dogs will be encouraged to chill out there. For those who wander into the cabin, windows and doors will be kept open, with fans operating. Keeping dogs cool in high heat will be the priority and we will limit time spent exercising if the temperature rockets, as well as making sure all dogs have plenty to drink. The only issues that may scupper us will be localised flooding events or heavy snowfall/icy conditions, which may make travelling by road too dangerous, in which case we may need to cancel daycare for some or all dogs, a rare occurrence for which we will give you as much notice as possible.

Dogs are social animals and most enjoy (or at least tolerate) the company of other dogs. In the unlikely event two dogs do not bond, we often find that after a day spent together first impressions are forgotten and the next time they meet they are best buddies. If this doesn’t happen, we will aim to remedy the situation through association activities or to discuss alternative options with you.

Whilst we would prefer all dogs to be fed at home before/after their daycare starts/ends, we know this is not always possible, especially with young dogs or those with some medical conditions. We are happy to discuss this with you at the introductory meeting and to ensure your dog is fed separately from other dogs. Fresh water will always be available for dogs at the field and carried in the van for when we go out for local walks. We have a supply of reward treats that we would be happy to offer your dog if you’re okay with that, or you can provide us with your dog’s favourite treat if you’d prefer. We will discuss any dietary requirements with you in advance.

The dog supervisor is trained and qualified in basic Dog First Aid, certified and run by First Aid for Dogs, whose course instructors are qualified pet first aid instructors/registered nurses and/or specialist canine first aid trainers. We will provide minor injury care until your dog can be seen by your vet and will fully brief you when we drop your dog off. If the situation is assessed as more serious, we will call you to discuss and if you’re not available will call your emergency contact. If we can’t get hold of either you or your emergency contact, and your dog requires urgent medical attention, we will take your dog to our nominated practice, Holmefield Veterinary Clinic in Sherburn. In the event CPR is required we will have already obtained your consent to perform CPR.

At the forefront of starting Buddy Dogs was the desire to minimise our environmental impact and to make efforts to improve the sustainability of the way in which we conduct our business, including:
♥ Fully electric van to transport dogs
♥ Field enclosure and cabin constructed using locally sourced and/or sustainable materials
♥ All field dog waste is composted on-site, and manure used in the wildflower borders
♥ Off-grid cabin powered only by solar and wind energy
♥ Harvested rainwater for cleaning dirty paws and fur