If you share your life with a pet, then you know you can’t just get up and go for a holiday. You need to plan their holiday arrangements too. And not just any old arrangement, but one that guarantees to keep them safe, secure, happy and comfortable.
Johanna Bolhoven drove in to the beautiful Shropshire countryside to visit a a company that specialises in doing just that.
Stay!…..cation
PAWSCH Luxury Little Dog Holidays provides bespoke, 5*, kennel-free, home-from-home boarding in safe, secure surroundings UNIQUELY for small to medium dog breeds.
I’ve had the pleasure of dog ownership (Cocker and English Springer Spaniels, in case you were wondering) and know just how important this aspect of care is, so I was keen to meet Clare and Peter Turner-Tarr, the owners of PAWSCH, to find out more.
Most of us consider our pets to be part of the family. According to pet behaviour expert Mark Earls, “Pets add to the richness of the modern family and are considered just as important as close relatives and friends”. For many British people, pets are more important family members than the in-laws! (Source: research carried out for the retailer Matalan as part of its “Made for Modern Families” campaign).
Dogs, in particular, are more like us than many other pets – they’re social creatures who appreciate being part of a family and adore those who look after them.
Enter PAWSCH. Clare and Paul understand the importance of this social connection and take a maximum of two dogs at any one time to ensure 5* love, care and affection.
Proud parents to two daughters, Clare and Peter are also the proud owners of three adorable Dandie Dinmont Terriers: Fudge, Toffee (officially Lord Toffington), and (Lady) Truffles. “We really are one big happy family, the girls adore the dogs and we invite all our guest dogs to be part of our family life. If we go out for the day, we ALL go out for the day.”
It was their LOVE of dogs that led Clare and Peter to take on their new business venture. For two years they honed their approach, trialling different dog breeds to see which ones would best fit their way of life and their family of Dandies. Towards the end of December 2016 they put their well-thought-though plan into action… with outstanding results.
As you would expect from a high-end service, PAWSCH is insured, DBS checked and fully licensed by Shropshire Council, and the level of due diligence undertaken by the couple is nothing short of amazing.
The first step [following an initial enquiry] is for Clare or Peter to visit the guest dog in its home environment. This allows them to assess the animal in a stress-free environment. Subject to a successful visit, the dog is invited back to PAWSCH for a complimentary taster session, whether in the form of a play date, sleepover or mini-break. If everyone is happy then the booking is confirmed.
It’s this level of care that sets them apart from other kennel-free borders, and their customers agree.
“What can I say except – fabulous! I took my babies Eddie and Winnie for their taster play date last Sunday. They had such a warm welcome from the whole family. They settled so well and looked so at home. Thankfully they behaved well so get the opportunity of a sleepover! Clare and Peter were the perfect hosts. I am so relieved to have found such a lovely couple who will look after my babies as if they were their own! I can now book my holiday with good peace of mind. Thank you Clare and Peter.’ (Pawsch Facebook Review)
With a background in commercial event management, Clare and Peter know a thing or two about delivering a premium customer service.
They provide a 24-hour drop-off/pick up chauffeur service to collect and return your dog in true style together with stimulating and exciting daily itineraries to suit the needs of your pooch.
From relaxing in the cosy lounge to having a snooze in the custom-made pooch palace, Clare and Peter have put great thought into making the accommodation a real home from home. And leads are not needed here as the spacious grounds are securely fenced; dogs can run and play in freedom and safety.
VIP Little Dog Guests are even given a PAWSCH goody bag on departure, full of their favourite treats. Peter says: “We’re all about the finishing touches and we believe your dog deserves a luxury holiday when away from you!”
The constant interaction means that dogs are happy and stimulated, whether they play alone, in family groups, or in a group of new-found friends.
Clare said: “Your pet dog is used to living life in a family type of set up, with freedom to go where they wish, when they wish, in the home, and with people continually interacting with them. This is exactly what we try and replicate. Many of our guests are now regular visitors and we consider them to be all part of our family.”
Just as you would book holiday flights and accommodation many months in advance, make sure you do the same with pet care.
So when you’re thinking about your next holiday, paws for thought and consider a staycation at PAWSCH, peace of mind for you and a veritable treat for man’s best friend.
For more information visit www.pawsch.co.uk or call 01691 682811.
