A NEW doggy day care facility in Chester will provide a safe and relaxing "home from home experience" for pet pooches, the owner has promised.

Lauren Bell, 24, who is behind Doodles Doggy Day Care in Mollington, says it is has always been her dream to work with dogs and believes the service will be vital as new owners return to work when Covid-19 lockdown measures eventually ease.

Earlier this month, The Standard reported that the change of use application for the existing Footgolf building at Mollington Grange Business Park in Parkgate Road had been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council on a 12-month trial basis.

Former childcare worker Lauren, who lives in Saughall, wants to reassure those living close to the premises that noise will not be an issue, adding that her small day care facility will only cater for eight dogs, Monday to Friday, with no overnight boarding.

She vows to provide a "safe and happy environment" for the dogs who will receive constant attention from a staff member through games, training and regular walks.

Lauren, who purchased her own puppy last year having grown up with a number of family dogs, has completed her Level 3 certificate in doggy day care and home boarding, and is currently in process of completing more courses, including canine first aid and behaviour training.

She told The Standard: "I would like to put people’s minds at rest that there will be no impact of any noise that will cause problems to neighbours.

"We have also been to the adjoining care home and they have been very supportive, and wish to work closely with us when Covid-19 rules allow us to use the dogs as therapy with the residents.

Chester and District Standard: Doodles Doggy Day Care will be based at Mollington Grange Business Park.Doodles Doggy Day Care will be based at Mollington Grange Business Park.

"The former Footgolf cabin had become derelict for over two years which, with a small amount of love, would be perfect for a small indoor area for the dogs.

"There will be plenty of outside space allowing a home from home environment – including sofas, comfy dog beds and plenty of areas to relax for a doggy day care.

"I class my puppy and my family dogs as members of the family rather than pets, and I wish for this this to portrayed through my day care facility giving them a home from home experience in a small, elite day care.

"Doodles will be a small independent day care set up for mainly poodles and poodle cross breeds. This is due to them being such popular, loving breeds.

"From working with children for so long and then wanting to follow my dreams with working with dogs, I felt that this was the perfect time.

"A lot of people have purchased dogs like me during the pandemic and while this has been amazing, what will happen to the dogs while their owners start slowly going back to work?

"Once a puppy or dog have been with their family members 24/7 during this pandemic and start being left alone, this can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for the dogs, making them ill.

"Therefore Doodles will be a safe and happy environment for owners to drop their dogs off and pick them up, just like dropping your children off at nursery."

  • If anyone has any concerns or questions, or would like to know more about the facility, you can contact Lauren at doodledaycare@outlook.com.