At Zara's every dog is treated like family
FAQ's
Our dedicated staff go above and beyond to keep every dog safe, happy, and relaxed. Their wellbeing is always our number one priority.
Can I meet the team & see the facilities before enrolling my dog?
Of course — we would love that!
We always recommend booking a look around so we can show you what the centre looks like, introduce our lovely team and spend some time getting to know your dog properly.
This gives us the chance to:
- Learn about their personality and quirks
- Understand their routine
- Make sure they’ll feel confident and happy with us
- And most importantly — it gives you peace of mind.
Do I need to book the same days each week?
Yes — we ask for a minimum of one full day per week on an ongoing basis.
Dogs absolutely thrive on routine. Seeing the same friendly faces (both human and canine!) each week helps them feel secure, settled and excited to come back.
Staff-to-Dog Ratios & Supervision 🐶
How many dogs does each team member care for?
Although regulations allow up to 10 dogs per person (or 8:1 for higher standards), we plan for an average of just 6.5 dogs per team member.
Why? Because we believe in:
- More attention
- More supervision
- More cuddles
- More reassurance
We also build extra team cover into our rota, so your dog is always properly supported.
Will my dog be supervised at all times?
Always.
Your dog will never be left unattended. Our experienced carers are constantly present — watching them play, guiding interactions, offering snuggles when needed and making sure everyone feels safe and happy.
Your dog’s wellbeing is our number one priority and their happiness a close second.
Dog Behaviour & Friendships 💞
Do you only accept perfectly trained dogs?
Not at all!
In fact, many families join Zara’s because they want their dog to build confidence and improve their social skills. Our calm, positive environment often leads to beautiful improvements in behaviour and general wellbeing. A happier dog is a healthier one too!
We gently: guide, encourage positive play and help dogs learn in a safe and structured way.
What if my dog doesn’t get on with another dog?
We are very thoughtful about how we group our dogs, considering size, personality and play style. This helps create balanced, happy little friendship circles which are always supervised.
Because we carefully assess every dog before they join, serious issues are very rare. Most dogs quickly find their “besties”!
If a disagreement ever happens, our trained team step in immediately and calmly to ensure everyone stays safe.
Emergencies & Peace of Mind 🚑🤍
If something unexpected happens, we act quickly and always in your dog’s best interest.
We will:
- Assess the situation straight away and provide any first aid if necessary.
- Call you to discuss
- Keep your dog looked after and safe whilst we wait for you to come and take your dog to your nominated vet (or the nearest appropriate practice) if urgent care is needed
We also have a 24-hour emergency phone line — so even outside of day care hours, you’re never alone if you need advice or support.
Travel, Collection & Little Luxuries 🚌✨
How do you make travel safe and comfortable?
Our vehicles are specially designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. They include:
- Secure crate systems
- Climate control for all seasons
- Airflow management
- Vibration-controlled flooring
- Real-time GPS tracking
Some dogs love travelling with a buddy, others prefer their own little space — we cater for both.
For many of our dogs, the van ride is the most exciting part of the day!
Do I need to be home for collection?
No 🤍
Our drivers will always knock or ring the doorbell first but if there is no answer then they will enter using a copy of your key or key code for a lockbox and leave your dog as instructed. For example ‘Daisy…..leave in crate in living room’.
Mud, Warmth & Comfort 🌿
What about muddy paws?
We’re an outdoor day care — which means lots of fresh air, exploring and natural play!
If your dog gets muddy, they’ll enjoy a rinse before heading home. We dry them thoroughly, and if you pop a towel in their bag, we’re happy to give them another cosy dry at drop-off.
How do you keep dogs warm in winter?
We make sure every dog stays snug and comfortable with:
- Heated indoor rest areas
- Rinses and towel dries before home time
We also recommend cosy coats/jackets for short-haired breeds during colder months. This will also keep your furry friend cleaner as well.
Warmth and safety are always carefully managed.
Our Approach to Doggy Day Care 🐾💕
What is doggy day care?
Doggy day care is exactly as it sounds — loving, structured daytime care for your dog, much like a nursery or school.
The centre typically operates during standard working hours, giving you peace of mind that your dog is safe, happy and well cared for while you’re at work or away for the day.
Owners can either drop their dogs off themselves or arrange home collection. At Zara’s Doggy Day Care, we offer both drop-off and home collection services to suit your routine. If you choose home collection, your dog will travel in one of our custom-designed doggy vans, built so they can travel safely and comfortably — and in style.
What happens at doggy day care? 🐶✨
At Zara’s Doggy Day Care, every day is thoughtfully planned to keep your dog happy, stimulated and physically fulfilled.
Whether it’s:
- Supervised social play
- Midday rest and relaxation
- Confidence-building activities
- Weekly enrichment sessions
- Scavenger hunts and hide & treat games
- Themed enrichment days
We always go the extra mile to make sure your dog has the best possible experience and returns home content and tired in the loveliest way.
I have a puppy — can they attend the Doggy Day Care Centre?
Definitely! 🐾
The early stages of your puppy’s life are so important for developing social skills and confidence. We welcome puppies from 12 weeks old, provided they have received their second vaccinations.
Zara’s Doggy Day Care offers a safe and nurturing environment where puppies can learn, play and grow under the careful supervision of our experienced team.
Is Zara’s Doggy Day Care right for my dog?
At Zara’s, we pride ourselves on creating a positive, enriching environment where dogs can enjoy their very best day — building friendships, enjoying stimulating activities and growing in confidence.
However, doggy day care isn’t suited to every single dog. Some breeds and individual personalities may find a busy day care environment overstimulating. We are also unable to accept:
- Dogs over 18 months old who are not neutered
- Females in season
This is simply to ensure we never place a dog in an environment where they may feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.
Our “Is Zara’s right for me?” approach ensures that every dog in our care is well suited to the day care setting and able to thrive happily alongside their furry friends.
If you’re unsure, our team is always happy to chat through your dog’s needs and guide you through the enrolment process.
Our Approach to Dog Care & Welfare 🤍
The welfare of every dog in our care is our absolute priority.
Every decision we make at Zara’s Doggy Day Care puts the dogs first. We are committed to maintaining high standards, continuously improving our facilities and refining our processes to ensure the safest and happiest environment possible.
We believe in transparency, accountability and always striving to do better. If concerns are ever raised, we investigate them thoroughly and take swift action where improvements are needed and suggestions are listened too.
Regulation & Independent Oversight 🏅
How is Zara’s Doggy Day Care regulated and monitored?
Dog day care is a regulated sector, and our centre holds a licence issued by the relevant local authority.
We consistently achieve high standards during inspections and welcome both scheduled and unannounced visits.
Figures are correct as of September 2025.
Is the centre licensed?
Yes. Zara’s Doggy Day Care centre is fully licensed with its local authority and operates in accordance with current animal welfare regulations.
Is the centre insured?
Yes. Zara’s Doggy Day Care is fully insured with specialist Animal Trade Insurers. Our cover includes:
- Public liability
- Day care operations
- Custody and control of your pet
- Loss of keys
Your dog’s safety — and your peace of mind — are always protected.
Enrolment & Subscriptions 📝💕
What do I need to do to enrol my dog?
Enrolling at Zara’s Doggy Day Care is simple:
- Submit an enquiry
- Receive a call from one of our friendly team
- Book in a look around
- Book your dog in for a Behaviour Assessment, charged at £60
- Agree a start date
- If using the chauffeur service, there will be a house visit
Then the adventures begin!
For more information, please visit our enrolment information hub or speak with a member of our team.
How are subscription fees calculated?
Zara’s Doggy Day Care calculates monthly subscription fees based on a 51-week annual period, excluding one week when we close over Christmas.
For example:
If your dog attends 2 days per week at £45 per day:
£45 × 2 days × 51 weeks ÷ 12 months = £382.50 per month
This approach keeps payments consistent and easy to manage throughout the year.
At Zara’s Doggy Day Care, we’re committed to creating a safe, enriching and joyful environment where your dog can truly flourish.
PAYMENT FAQ’s
Why have we averaged the days out?
Every dog attends a regular set day, and by averaging the payments it allows you to budget for a consistent amount; this is a response due to client feedback.
With the payments averaged, you can easily create a standing order or fastest payment, due on the 1st every month.
How have you calculated the payments?
On average, there are 4.33 weeks per month, for 12 months of the year. Because it’s an average you are not paying for four weeks; if your dog attends one per week, we charge for 4.33 days per month (from the calculation).
You are not charged for bank holidays as these have been deducted from the calculation; however, the same amount for a 4 week month and a 5 week month, as it has been averaged across the year (based on 52 weeks and 8 bank holidays). Some models as Child Nursery.
This is the only method a client can pay a fixed fee per month.
What if I am on holiday?
Go to the members area of the website and you can notify us of days you will not be attending, this way we are not attempting to collect dogs from empty houses! There are no discounts for any absence.
This ensures your space remains secure & available for your dogs return, allows us to deter ad-hoc dogs/unsuitable dogs, employ a dedicated team of staff to care for your dog, ready for your return.
When is payment due? What if I pay late?
Payment is due by the 1st of each month, for that month. Late payments may occur a late fee.
What is the festive period?
We will be closed during Christmas and New Years day; this has been factored into the pricing.
What other payment methods / Freshbooks invoice will be sent to you?
Invoices will be sent to you via Freshbooks, where we accept all major credit & debit cards.
You can go into your invoice and update this at anytime; to save your card details, all future invoices will be automatically taken from your chosen card