Your dog’s home from home.
Boarding, daycare and walks in Erika’s home. Every new dog starts with a trial day, so nobody is a stranger.
Services
- DaycareA full day of company, play and rest.£40 a day
- BoardingOvernight stays as part of the household.£50 a night
- WalksOne walk, or a regular slot in the week.£12 a walk
A trial costs the same as the real thing. It is a normal day, night or walk.
Small numbers, and a person who knows your dog.
A real home, not a kennel
Dogs stay with Erika in her own licensed home.
A daily limit
Boarding and daycare share one cap on dogs per day, so no day gets overcrowded.
Meet first, then book
Every dog has a trial day before their first proper stay, so Erika knows them and they know her.
Licensed by the council
Erika holds a licence to board dogs in her home. The number is at the bottom of every page.
You will never have to wonder how they are.
When your dog stays or spends the day, Erika sends you an update three times a day: a photo and a line about what they have been up to, straight to your phone. You never have to ask.
Morning
Breakfast eaten, settled in, tail going.
Afternoon
Out on a walk, or playing in the garden.
Evening
Dinner done, curled up and ready for bed.
Four steps, and you are talking to Erika herself.
Tell her about your dog
A few lines on the form: their name, their breed, and roughly when you need her.
She replies herself
Erika reads every message and answers you, usually the same day. No call centre, no chatbot.
Come for a trial day
A normal day, night or walk at the normal price, so Erika and your dog can meet properly.
Then book whenever
Once she knows your dog, you message her and she fits you in.
A walk with Erika and some of the regulars.
Erika looks after every dog herself.
VIPaws is a home based dog care business. Your dog stays with Erika, in a real home, and she knows each guest by name before their first proper stay.
More about ErikaQuestions owners ask first
How do I book?
Fill in the short trial form and it opens WhatsApp with your message already written. Erika reads it herself and replies, usually the same day, and the two of you sort a day that works.
Why does my dog need a trial first?
Erika looks after dogs in her own home, so she wants to meet every dog before a proper stay. The trial is a normal day, night or walk at the usual price, and afterwards she will tell you honestly whether she is the right fit for your dog.
What if the trial does not go well?
Erika will tell you why, kindly and plainly. Sometimes a dog needs a second short visit before she is sure. Either way you have only paid for the trial you actually had.
What does Erika need to know about my dog?
Before the first stay: their character around other dogs and people, what they eat and when, any medication, their vet, and up to date vaccination records. She will walk you through it when you meet.
How do I pay?
You settle up with Erika directly. She will tell you the total and how she would like to be paid when she confirms your dates.
What if I need to cancel or change a booking?
Message Erika as early as you can. The cancellation and refund rules are on the cancellation page, and the earlier you tell her, the easier it is for everyone.
Will I hear how my dog is doing?
Yes. Erika sends an update three times a day while your dog is with her: a photo and a line about what they have been up to.
Can I have two dogs?
Yes. Tell Erika about both when you message her and she will let you know whether she can take them together.