Honest answers, before you book.

Yes. In fact, we insist on it. We don't take a booking until we've met your dog, shown you around and made sure everyone is happy that Wild at Heart is the right environment for them.

Your dog stays with us inside our family home, not in a kennel or separate accommodation. We'll talk about their usual sleeping routine at the meet & greet so we can make their stay feel as familiar and comfortable as possible.

Yes, we welcome intact females. Male dogs over 12 months old must be neutered before they can stay with us.

Yes. We're fully insured by Petplan Sanctuary.

Yes, we're fully licensed for home boarding by Durham County Council - License no. LC202603-91250.

We're small by design. We welcome a maximum of six guests at a time, with no kennel blocks or rows of runs. Dogs live alongside us in our family home, enjoy secure outdoor spaces, proper daily walks and carefully supervised time with the other dogs staying with us. It means more individual attention, smaller social groups and a stay that feels much more like home.

Every boarding dog gets at least two walks a day and a minimum of 90 minutes of exercise. Depending on your dog's age, energy levels and individual needs, this can be increased to as much as three hours a day.

Yes. All dogs must be up to date with their DHP, Leptospirosis (L4) and Kennel Cough vaccinations. We also recommend vaccination against Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV).

Yes. Puppies are very welcome as long as they're fully vaccinated and toilet trained. We'll talk through their routine and individual needs at the meet & greet to make sure they're ready for their first stay away from home.

Our Wild at Heart cold pressed food is included with every stay. If your dog is a fussy eater, follows a specific diet or you'd prefer to keep them on their usual food, simply bring enough to last for their stay.

For a first stay, we recommend bringing your dog's usual bed or blanket. Having something familiar from home can make a real difference while they're settling in.

Yes. Wild at Heart is a social home boarding environment, with a maximum of six guests staying with us at any one time. That's one of the reasons we insist on a meet & greet first — it gives us the chance to make sure your dog is comfortable around Bella, Daphne and other dogs.

Yes. Collection and drop-off can be arranged for an additional charge. Get in touch with your location and we'll let you know what's possible.

No. We will never ask you to pay a deposit before we've met you and your dog. Once the meet & greet has taken place and everyone is happy to go ahead, a 50% deposit secures your booking. The remaining balance is due 14 days before drop-off.