The Calm Retreat
Leaving your dog somewhere new can feel like a big decision, especially if they are not the type of dog who enjoys busy environments or constant activity.
The Calm Retreat is a calm, home based boarding experience for dogs who are happiest with familiar routines, gentle walks and time to relax.
Finding the right person takes more than finding availability
You’re not just looking for somewhere for your dog to stay. You’re looking for someone you can trust to care for them, understand them and make good decisions while you’re away.
You want to know they’ll be treated as an individual. That someone will notice the small changes, understand what is normal for them and recognise what helps them feel comfortable. That’s the kind of care I aim to provide.
Before they stay, we get to know them
Every dog arrives with their own personality, routines and needs. Before their first stay, I take the time to understand what matters to them and what helps them feel comfortable.
Where appropriate, I’ll arrange a trial stay so they can become familiar with me and my home before a longer visit.
Because every dog settles differently and they deserve the time and space to do so in their own way.
A routine that works for them
A stay shouldn’t be about keeping a dog busy from morning until night. It’s about understanding what they enjoy and creating a routine that feels right for them.
Some dogs enjoy more activity, while others are happiest with a gentler rhythm and more time to relax. During their stay, I focus on finding the right balance of exercise, companionship, routine and rest.
I don’t measure a successful stay by how tired a dog is when they go home. I measure it by how settled they were while they were here.
A dog who feels comfortable enough to relax, rest and behave normally in a new environment is showing me they feel secure.
What does a stay look like
Every dog is different, so no two stays are exactly the same. A typical day may include:
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A relaxed start to the morning
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Time outside in the garden
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Walks suited to your dog’s pace and needs
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Plenty of downtime between activities
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Meals around their usual routine
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Comfort and companionship within my home
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A calm place to rest and sleep
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Updates while you’re away so you know how they’re getting on
Trust is earned
When you’re trusting someone with your dog, knowing they are being cared for by someone responsible and committed to high standards matters. Woof and Whiskers is:
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Licensed for home boarding (licence no 31954/1/2026)
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Fully insured
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DBS checked
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L3 qualified
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Committed to continued learning and professional development
These things provide the foundation for the care I provide. But good care is about more than meeting requirements. It’s about understanding the dog in front of me, paying attention to the small things, making thoughtful decisions and having the honesty to always do what is right for them. That’s where trust is built.
Doing the right thing
I know how much trust it takes to leave your dog in someone else’s care. My responsibility is not just to keep them safe, but to understand them, notice the small things and make thoughtful decisions based on what they need.
I’ll continue learning, developing my knowledge and investing in my education so I can provide the highest standard of care possible for every dog entrusted to me. I believe the best care comes from continually improving, staying curious and taking the time to truly understand each dog as an individual. My commitment is to always be open, honest and thoughtful in the care I provide.
Our boarding requirements
To help us provide a calm, comfortable environment for every dog in our care, there are a few requirements for home boarding.
As we have a resident Dachshund, we can only accept dogs who are comfortable sharing their space with other dogs and are happy in a home environment.
For the health and wellbeing of all dogs staying with us, dogs must be up to date with their vaccinations and be neutered or spayed.
If you're unsure whether The Calm Retreat is the right fit for your dog, please get in touch. We'll be happy to answer any questions and talk through whether our home boarding environment is right for them.