Wales is off the leash with places that will look after your pooch, so here are our picks of the best dog accommodation – including ones where you too can enjoy a well-earned break… David James points the way to 10 of the best.
The Cwtch Animal Homestay
On the outskirts of Cwmbran, The Cwtch Animal Homestay is south Wales’ first purpose-built luxury boutique hotel exclusively for dogs. This homestay offers more than just a snug place to sleep; it’s a dedicated sanctum where dogs can thrive, train, and transcend their typical kennel experience. The onus is very much on providing a fun environment for owners and their dogs, and the parks are secure so that there isn’t any worry of other dogs interfering with your pet’s enjoyment. Moreover, it’s also the ideal location to train your pooch and build confidence in nervous animals. They offer secure parks to do just that, which are available for private hire. Dog owners will have sole use of either their Dog Adventure Park or Dog Sensory Park so that you can relax.
Little Cwrt Bach Farm, Pentre Ln, Cwmbran.
Info: thecwtchanimalhomestay.co.uk
Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
Off the beaten track in the leafy hillside of Coychurch, near Bridgend, lies a Victorian mansion where both humans and dogs can lap up the splendour. Joyous reviews are plentiful from satisfied customers, with an emphasis on the hospitality. Coed-Y-Mwstwr is Welsh for ‘the noisy wood’, a nod to the estate’s bustling woodland ambiance, which makes it a perfect retreat for both humans and their canine companions. A doggy menu delights, with options including fish and chips, Sunday roasts and even doggy beers, ensuring that your pet’s palate is as pampered as your own.
Coychurch, Bridgend.
Info: Facebook
Glyntawel Luxury Dog Boarding & Pet Hotel
This bespoke dog boarding and pet hotel emphasises that looking after your dog is second nature to them and that the team takes great care of their animals; the personal accounts from staff members included on the website go a long way in terms of reassurance. Glyntawel have what they call a VID (Very Important Dog) scheme – an upgrade offering the dog its own bedroom, en-suite, and an area where they can be with other guests. It’s a hard life!
Pant Hirwaun, Heol-y-Cyw, Bridgend.
Info: glyntawel.com
The Luxury Dog Lodge
Found in a picturesque village near Llanelli, the Luxury Dog Lodge has been curated so that the lodges are substantially spacious, allowing the dogs to not feel hemmed in and constrained. As someone who has left their dog in a smaller kennel in the past, I feel enthused by this offering. I was sold as soon as I saw the website image of a German Shepherd perched on a blue velvet couch; the Lodge’s decor is a very modern grey, and vacant shelves play into the ultra-modern hip vibe.
Durclawdd Fach, Llannon, Llanelli.
Info: luxurydoglodge.co.uk
Little Dogs Hotel
Catering for, yes, little dogs – which, speaking as a former Jack Russell owner, are often feisty Scrappy Doo types that never give an inch, need their own space and sometimes don’t mix well with larger breeds. A 20-minute drive from Cardiff Airport, giving owners the accessibility to drop their pet off before a holiday, this spot offers facilities that ensure your little dogs are not just cared for but positively pampered: daycare, holiday care, special events and grooming services.
Little Mil St Bride’s Road, St Brides-Super-Ely.
Info: littledogshotel.com
Royvon Dog Training & Hotels
An experienced dog provider, in business since 1959, Royvon is based in Merthyr and its grounds feature accommodation for each dog, ranging from indoor and outdoor spaces, stimulating play paddocks, and the option to upgrade to a quieter environment for more sensitive types. They try to stick to the habits the dog has at home, with a view to harnessing its potential through various activities.
Incline Top, Merthyr Tydfil.
Info: royvon.co.uk
Barkers Lodge Luxury Pet Spa & Hotel
Here, a bespoke luxury spa caters for two dogs per time so that the attention is fully on your pet. They will groom your dog until it’s spotlessly clean and the exclusivity of this place certifies the utmost affection and care for your hound. A hotel stay will set you back £30 whereas dog boarding is £20 per visit.
Mountain View, Bryncethin, nr Bridgend.
Info: barkerslodge.com
Wagging Tails
W
This home boarding service in Cardiff, covering Cardiff and the Vale Of Glamorgan, is owned and run by Rhian Sexton plus her team of dedicated carers – who have previously been dog owners, but now assist with her service. Rhian accounts how worried she felt when taking her own dog – a labradoodle – to a kennel, and is at pains to seek out the right carer for the type of dog.
Chapel Terrace, Twyn-yr-odyn, Cardiff.
Info: waggingtailsuk.co.uk
Islwyn Boarding Kennels
Having a ruff day? Well, at Islwyn Boarding Kennels, in addition to pet boarding services, they also provide a daycare service that aims to ease the work/life balance for the owner. This package has proved very useful for people who have work or family commitments, which would otherwise mean leaving their pet at home unattended. They even have a taxi service which picks your pet up from your home.
Pen CoedCae Farm, Mynyddiswlyn, Newbridge.
Info: islwynboardingkennels.co.uk
Springfield Boarding Kennels & Cattery
This Rhondda-region establishment outlines that your pet will receive large, heated pens, personal care and attention, twice-daily walks, plenty of food, fresh bedding and toys, scratch posts and – yes – lots of love. And breathe! Reviews commend the caring nature of this centre and there’s a common theme of loving attentiveness – putting your dog in the care of somebody else takes trust, after all.
Church Rd, Tonteg, Pontypridd.
Info: springfieldkennels-southwales.co.uk
words DAVID JAMES
