Your dog's first stay with us: what to expect

Oak & Paw: family-run dog and cat care in Potters Bar

Leaving your dog with someone new is a big thing. It's normal to feel nervous. This is what happens, step by step, so there are fewer unknowns.

Where they'll be

Your dog lives in our family home, with us. Not in a kennel, not in a run. We keep numbers small, so every dog gets attention, and there are lots of walks. You will hear from us every day with photos and videos, so you can see how they are.

We've looked after dogs of every size and temperament for over five years, including large and reactive dogs and many French Bulldogs.

Before the stay

1. Choose your dates on our website and see your total straight away.
2. Pay online using the payment link we send, with your dog's name as the reference. Your booking is confirmed when payment lands.
3. Tell us about your dog. A short profile: food, walks, routine, vet and an emergency contact. Tell us what they love and what worries them, even if it seems small. Next time you only update what's changed.
4. We ask for up-to-date vaccinations (including kennel cough for dogs staying with other dogs), your dog's own pet insurance and your local vet's details.

Do we have to meet first? No. A meet-first is never required, but we're happy to arrange one if it would help you feel more comfortable.

The day you drop off

• Message us when you're on your way, so we're ready for you.
• Bring their usual food, labelled and in portions, with written feeding instructions, and any medication with written instructions.
• Bring their lead, collar with ID tag, and a bed or blanket that smells of home. Familiar things help.
• Keep the goodbye low-key and don't make a big fuss. Get everything ready beforehand so you can leave calmly.
• Arrive with their vet's details and your emergency contact written down if you haven't sent them already.

Settling in

Some dogs walk in as if they own the place. Others take a little longer to find their feet. Both are normal. We let your dog go at their own pace, follow the routine you've told us about, and keep things as close to normal as we can.

What a day looks like

We follow your dog's routine: meals, walks and rest at the times and in the way you've told us. There are lots of walks, and your dog is with us in the house, so there is company and attention through the day. We send you a photo or video every day.

If something's not right

If your dog seems unwell, or something comes up, we'll be in touch with you. We have your vet's details and your emergency contact, so we can act if we need to. This is why we ask for them before the stay.

Collection

Tell us when you'll arrive, and we'll have them ready for you. Let them settle back in at their own pace, with their normal routine. If anything worries you after a stay, speak to your vet.

Questions nervous owners often ask

Will they be lonely? They live in our family home, so there are people around. And you'll see them every day in our updates.

Is it a kennel? No. It's our family home, with no kennels and no runs.

What if my dog is large, nervous or reactive? We have over five years of looking after dogs of every size and temperament, including large and reactive dogs. Tell us honestly what they're like, and we'll plan around it.

Can I see how they are? Yes. We send photo and video updates every day.

What if I need to change my plans? Our cancellation terms are on the website. Cancel 7 or more days before and you get everything back; closer than that, we keep part of the first seven nights. If we cancel, you get a full refund.

What if I'm worried before I book? Message us. A quick chat often settles most worries.

Ready when you are

If you'd like to ask anything first, WhatsApp or call us on 07957 377694. You can check dates and book on our website. We can also help at short notice: emergency care is available any time, either the same day at ours or a visit at yours using a key safe.

We're insured through Protectivity Pet Business Insurance, including Public Liability and Care, Custody & Control cover for dogs while they're with us.