Open since 20115-star licensed

Duncan's Dog Co.

Dog Daycare FAQs

Straight answers before you enquire.

Duncan's Dog Co. woodland dog care

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on 07731 798 899 or email info@duncansdogco.com. We're always happy to help.

01

Getting Started

Meet and greets, trial days and what happens before your dog joins us.

4 questions
Can we meet you before starting?

Absolutely. We offer complimentary meet-and-greet sessions at our Cobham facility. This lets us get to know your dog's needs, temperament and energy levels, and gives you the chance to see exactly how everything works before committing.

Do you offer a trial or assessment day?

Yes. All dogs complete an assessment and settling-in session before joining daycare. This lets us see how your dog interacts with the group, and gives your dog the chance to settle at their own pace without any pressure.

Is my dog suitable for daycare?

Daycare suits social, people-friendly dogs who enjoy group environments. Every dog is assessed individually. All breeds are welcome, and if we have any concerns we'll always have an honest conversation rather than just saying no.

What are the next steps after enquiring?

After you get in touch, we'll arrange a meet and greet at the facility. Once everyone's happy, you register online, add your dog's details and care notes, then manage bookings from there. On the day, we collect your dog, look after them all day and drop them home safe and happy.

02

Collection & Transport

How dogs travel to Cobham and why the same team stays involved all day.

5 questions
What vehicles do you use?

We use people carriers, not vans: bright, airy vehicles with custom-built guards for safety. Dogs are not caged individually. The vehicles are unbranded for discretion, and your dog can see and interact with the driver throughout the journey.

How long are dogs in the car?

Routes are planned every single night to minimise travel time for each dog. We do not run fixed routes. We work out the most efficient order each evening based on who is coming the next day, so no dog is in the car any longer than necessary.

Who does the driving?

Our own daycare staff do the driving: the same people who care for your dog throughout the day. The driver who collects your dog in the morning is part of the same team looking after them in the woodland. No strangers, no handoffs.

What time does collection start?

Collection begins from 7:45am. Drop-off in the afternoon is included in all weekly daycare prices. If you have specific timing requirements, speak to us when you sign up and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

How are the collection groups organised?

Our team plans each vehicle's passengers thoughtfully, grouping dogs by route, temperament and existing friendships. Dogs who know each other travel together where possible, making the journey calmer for everyone.

03

Daily Life

What dogs do during the day, how groups work and what happens in all weather.

6 questions
What does a typical day look like?

A balanced mix of woodland play, enrichment activities and structured rest. Dogs are not running flat out all day. We build in proper downtime so they return home happy and tired, not overstimulated. Every dog is supervised from collection to drop-off.

How are dogs grouped?

Dogs are grouped carefully by size, age, energy level and existing friendships. We keep low staff-to-dog ratios throughout the day with consistent experienced carers in each group. We pay close attention to compatibility and adjust groupings if needed.

How many dogs do you care for each day?

We are licensed for up to 150 dogs but typically care for around 90 on peak days. With over 40 acres of private woodland, every dog has space to explore, play and roam freely without it feeling crowded.

What happens when it rains?

We embrace the outdoors. Rain does not stop play at Duncan's. We have indoor spaces for shelter and downtime, and every dog is thoroughly towel-dried and made comfortable before heading home.

Who looks after the dogs?

A close-knit, consistent team. The same people who collect your dog are the ones who look after them all day. We do not separate collection from care. Our staff build real relationships with every dog, which means they notice changes in mood or behaviour quickly.

Are you open on weekends and bank holidays?

Yes. We're open 7 days a week, 365 days a year including bank holidays. On bank holidays we operate with reduced numbers and adjusted routes, so timings may differ slightly. Weekend availability can be limited, so we recommend booking ahead.

04

Puppies

How Puppy School works and how young dogs are introduced gently.

3 questions
Do you take puppies?

Yes, once fully vaccinated. We introduce puppies gradually and provide extra support as they settle in. Puppies are introduced carefully, with one-to-one time from our team to build their confidence before joining wider daycare life.

What is Puppy School?

Our puppy programme is for fully vaccinated puppies from 12 weeks. Sessions run in our woodland setting using positive reinforcement only. We cover socialisation, basic manners, recall foundations, lead walking, exposure to new environments and structured rest.

How do you handle puppies differently to adult dogs?

Puppies need more structure, more rest and more careful introductions. We keep puppy groups separate from high-energy adult dogs until they are ready. Our team is experienced in reading early signals of stress or overstimulation and will adjust the day to suit each puppy.

05

Sleepovers

Overnight care for dogs who already know the team and routine.

4 questions
How do sleepovers work?

Your dog stays in our family home, nestled within the daycare grounds. They enjoy a full day of daycare with familiar friends, come into the family home at the end of the day, have dinner, wind down and sleep in a cosy room. There is always someone there, and dogs are never left alone overnight.

What do I need to provide for a sleepover?

Bring your dog's usual food, any medication they need and optional comfort items such as a favourite toy or their own bedding. Familiar smells can help them settle quickly.

Does my dog need to have done daycare before a sleepover?

Yes. A successful trial daycare visit is required before any overnight stay. Dogs who are already settled into daycare take to sleepovers much more naturally because the environment and team are already familiar.

Do school holidays book up quickly?

Yes. If you're planning an overnight stay during a school holiday period, please enquire well in advance to avoid disappointment.

06

Health & Wellbeing

First aid, neutering, seasons, rescue dogs and individual suitability.

5 questions
What if my dog is unwell or there's an incident?

Our team is first-aid trained. If your dog is unwell or hurt during the day, you'll be contacted immediately and we'll arrange vet care if needed. We never wait and hope. If something does not look right, we act on it and keep you informed.

What's your neutering policy?

We do not believe in one-size-fits-all advice, and we're happy to work with you to find the right time for your dog. For most dogs we suggest neutering or spaying between 12 and 18 months. Larger breeds often benefit from waiting closer to 18 months. If your female dog comes into season, she'll need 10 days at home after her final day of bleeding and her slot is held during this time.

What if my dog isn't neutered?

We welcome unneutered dogs provided behaviour is suitable. If your dog shows disruptive or hormonally driven behaviours, we may advise a temporary pause or discuss a neutering timeline. If you choose not to neuter at all, we'll always assess suitability individually.

How do you handle different sizes and temperaments?

Dogs are grouped carefully by energy level, size and existing friendships. A small, nervous dog will not be put in with a large, boisterous group. Our consistent team know each dog's personality well and spot tension before it becomes a problem.

Do you have rescue dog support?

Yes. Our rescue dog service is tailored to support the unique needs of rescue dogs, building confidence, gentle socialisation and a calm environment free from pressure. All breeds are welcome, and our team works closely with each rescue dog at their own pace.

07

Pricing & Booking

Minimum attendance, bookings, discounts and what is included.

4 questions
Current Pricing
1 day/week£65per day
2 days/week£60per day
Weekends & BH£75per day

Prices are based on weekly visits. A 4-day minimum charge per calendar month applies.

What's your minimum attendance policy?

We require a minimum of 4 days per calendar month. This helps dogs settle, stay socialised and maintain their routine within the pack. It reduces separation anxiety and keeps them familiar with our team.

How do I manage bookings?

Once you've completed your meet and greet, you'll register online and create a profile for your dog. From there you can manage bookings, update care notes and keep everything in one place.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes. Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off. Simply show your card when signing up and we'll apply the discount automatically. Multi-day pricing also means the more days your dog attends each week, the better value it becomes.

What about sleepover pricing?

Sleepover pricing is separate from daycare rates. Please get in touch directly for current overnight pricing and availability.

Still have questions?

We're always happy to chat.

Call us, WhatsApp us, or send us a message — whichever works best for you.

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