Pawsome Retreat

About me 

Hi, I'm Eleanor! I offer one-to-one dog boarding and day care in my calm, pet-free, child-free home in Chandler’s Ford (SO53). Your dog will receive my full attention and care in a peaceful, structured environment—just like part of the family. I also offer dog walking, drop in visits and house sitting. I'm fully licensed and insured and whilst a DBS check is not required for these activities, I also received a clear DBS related to volunteering in my local school in 2024.

I grew up on a farm with a wide variety of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, budgies, a pony, and I’ve even hand-reared geese, orphaned lambs, and a pet cow. As an adult, I’ve cared for dogs through Guide Dogs (which required formal training) and regularly help friends with their dogs and cats.

I understand how important it is to feel confident when leaving your dog in someone else's care. I aim to make every dog feel safe, loved, and at ease while you're away. If you think we might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you — feel free to message me with any questions or to set up a meet and greet. 

My home environment

I have a fenced garden including grass and hard standing as well as sun and shade. I don't have any pets of my own meaning your pet will get my full attention - unless part of the same booking (dogs who already live together, some or all of the time), I only care for one dog at a time. I can accommodate your pet crate if required.

Your dog will sleep in my large, well-lit utility room, which opens directly onto the garden. I usually place their bed under the breakfast bar overhang—it creates a cosy “den” effect that most dogs seem to enjoy (see photo).

This room is separated from the kitchen by a baby gate and is closed off at night or if your dog needs drying off after a walk. At other times, your dog will have access to the downstairs areas of the house and the garden under supervision. Dogs are not allowed upstairs or on the furniture, and I put a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs if required.

I live near the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac, with minimal traffic and distractions, and excellent access to traffic-free walking routes. There are local green spaces, shady woodland, and streams for dogs who love water, making walks both enriching and safe. 

Booking process

1. Get in touch with me (using the contact form) and let me know what service you are enquiring about and the date(s).

2. I will get back to you to confirm availability and arrange a meet and greet locally (Chandlers Ford) so we can get to know each other on a dog walk and I can find out more about your dog. The meet and greet will be carried out local to me (from the Valley Park Community Centre in Chandlers Ford) which allows you to see the area that I walk my guest dogs in.

3. We will also arrange a home visit so you can see where your dog will sleep, and your dog can familiarise themselves with my home and garden.

4. Once everyone is happy with the arrangement, we can confirm the booking and you pay a non refundable deposit to secure the booking. The full amount due is 2 weeks before the booking commences. You can off course pay the full amount sooner if that is more convenient for you.

Note that depending on the length of the stay I may require a trial night for new dogs  so we can both have the confidence that your dog has settled in well with me and in my home..

Before the stay

• We will carry out a meet and greet, to find out more about each other and make sure it's a good fit. 

• Once we have agreed a booking and you have paid a deposit, I will confirm your booking and confirm how much and when the remainder of the payment is due.

• I will require copies of vaccination records and I will send you a packing list and my address in advance of the stay.

During the stay

• I only book one dog at a time (unless you have two who live together some or all of the time), so your dog will receive all my attention.

• I never let dogs off lead without your written consent and having ensured I am happy with their recall.

• I send regular updates and photos, so you always know how your dog is doing.

• My partner is an amateur photographer and enjoys taking photos of our guest dogs and I will share these with you after the stay.

• If there are any behaviours or house rules you follow at home, I’ll reinforce them here to keep things consistent for your dog. 

After the stay

• I will talk you through any handover notes, including anything I've noticed that you should be aware of. 

• When my partner has finished processing his photos I will send these to you.

• I would be really grateful for a review and any feedback from you.