Top Dog Day Care - Cromer

21/06/2023

Unfortunately due to the logistics of planning and the property lease, after a year of being strung along by the agent I am back to searching for premises. The risk of losing £11k by signing the lease (£5k) and having to pay three months rent (£6k) whilst waiting for planning consent, which is not guaranteed, was just too great. Even if planning consent were granted, I would then have had to wait another 14 weeks for licensing at £500 per week rent before I could open. I had just put my planning application in before I decided to withdraw on the advice of my solicitor, losing the £600 planning fee! There are very few suitable places becoming available , and every time I approach an agent I get a refusal as soon as dogs are mentioned. I have been knocked back so many times! This journey started over two years ago with the landlord of a property I was already leasing unexpectedly and unreasonably declining the change of use AFTER I had been through planning twice (pre/app and full planning), despite having ample opportunity to tell me right at the start, leaving me thousands of pounds out of pocket and an expensive legal battle that is still ongoing. Unfortunately in Cromer we are dealing with the same few landlords and agents, who don’t want dogs in their premises. They would rather have their property sitting empty and abandoned. Apologies to everyone who has signed up for spaces! I am getting new enquiries every week. It is absolutely the most frustrating situation. All I can say is I’m not giving up but I am struggling to see a way forward. If anyone has any suggestions regarding a suitable premises they would be most welcome! In the meantime I am taking a break to get my new Top Dog Coaching business up and running! 🐾🐕🤎

(I would just like to add that the landlords of Miramar were supportive throughout! 🙌🌟🙌)

29/05/2023

✅This is why you must ensure you only use fully licenced premises to take care of your dogs!

Do I need a license to look after dogs in my home/commercial premises?
From 1st October 2018 all businesses offering dog boarding, home boarding or dog day care services need to be licensed.

Why do I need a dog boarding license?
If you want to avoid a fine, you need to be properly licensed to offer any animal boarding services. It doesn’t matter if you run a boarding kennels or if you look after other people’s dogs in your own home, from October 2018 UK law says you MUST have a license. The regulations apply to boarding kennelss, caring for other people’s dogs in your own home, dog day care.

‼️The penalty for either failing to have appropriate licence or not following licence conditions is an unlimited fine or a 6 month prison sentence‼️

The dog boarding license is invaluable in reassuring pet owners that your business is reputable and that you can be trusted to keep their dogs safe and happy whilst they are staying with you.

What will the licensing authority look for?
The inspectors look for a number of things including (but not limited to)

Accurate record keeping and up to date information on the dogs you are looking after
Proper safety and hygiene in sleeping spaces, play spaces and around the dogs’ food.
Adequate space for dogs to relax, play and eat
A sensible ratio of carers to dogs
The right level of training and supervision for any staff or helpers you may have
Plenty of appropriate mental stimulation for the dogs
A daily exercise routine that meets each dog’s individual needs
Measures to prevent illness and injury.
A plan for what to do in an emergency
Being able to handle dogs appropriately and safely.
Proper storage of food and medication
Understanding how to administer prescribed medication
How you store and dispose of waste
Facilities to isolate dogs should they develop an infectious illness
The qualifications of the business owner and anyone who will be caring for the dogs.

Do I need any formal qualifications to look after dogs in my home?
Having at least one staff member with a formal qualification will certainly help fast-track your business to that all-important 5 star rating.

The licensing inspectors need to know that you truly understand what dogs need and that you can keep them safe and happy in any circumstances. Nothing demonstrates that better than the nationally recognized OFQUAL Level 3 Qualification .

The OFQUAL regulated Level 3 qualification covers everything aspect of the licensing requirement and more. With this qualification to your name you are showing the inspectors – and any potential customers – that you are the right person to be caring for dogs.

✅Here at Top Dog we are working extremely hard towards obtaining our Licence, which must be in place when we open.
✅I have achieved the OFQUAL Level 3 Qualification in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare, and I am constantly updating my knowledge and awareness.
✅I hold a grooming and first aid certificate.
✅Your dog will be in the best possible hands

23/05/2023

You can now WhatsApp us with any questions you may have!

*No job enquiries just yet thanks

27/04/2023

Most FAQs answered here. Please read if you are considering joining the pack! 🐕🐾🙌

31/10/2022

Absolutely in love with this new Top Dog 🎩🐕 logo from our very talented friend Chris at Worththewandernorfolk! Modelled by our very own loveable lurcher , . On another note, it’s been a long haul but I am discussing contracts on our new premises this week 👏👏

24/07/2022

Just a quick note to say we are not taking job applications at this time. I’ve had a lot of emails and messages from people asking me to keep their details and let them know when a job becomes available! Unfortunately that is simply unworkable for me. I’ve got emails, WhatsApp messages, Insta messages, Facebook messenger, comments on posts, etc, going back almost a year. If anyone is interested in a future job , keep checking back on our social media and website where all jobs will be advertised in due course. If you see something that you are qualified for, apply according to the instructions on the post! Thanks for understanding 🎩🐕

16/06/2022

Update: opening early 2023, fingers crossed!

We’re waiting for our new premises to become available, which should be some time in July/August. The corporate wheels are turning very slowly! In the meantime, if you haven’t signed up for our money saving offer, please visit our website and get your name down! Over 40 people and their 🐶 have already signed up 👊. We have taken on two very excited and knowledgeable members of staff, but will be looking for more. Watch out for our updates regarding staff requirements!

03/06/2022

Congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen on her incredible 70 year reign! 👑🇬🇧👑 🇬🇧

05/04/2022

Been dealing with an unexpected issue 🙄😭, but we’re getting there! 😬🤞🤞Had something nice in the post - the certificate for the Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare course I passed! Woo hoo! 🥳🥳

22/02/2022

I’m often being asked whether I know of any home boarders who can look after your dogs in their home when you go away.

I can only recommend licenced premises, (they seem to be few and far between) as anyone operating for financial gain without a licence is doing it illegally and could be placing your dog in danger and definitely won’t have insurance

To keep your pet safe, please be careful, and visually check all paperwork!

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/media/7575/guidance-notes-for-home-boarding-dogs.pdf

21/02/2022

Feeling pawsitive despite the awful weather! 🌨🌬Happy Monday everyone 🎩🐕!

Click the link for our money saving offer:
https://www.topdogdaycarecromer.co.uk/landing-page

14/02/2022

Happy Doggy Kisses Day everyone! 💋🐶💋🐶💋

14/02/2022

PLEASE PLEASE everyone don’t use these fabric muzzles for walking your dogs! I know they may seem kinder to the dog because they’re soft, but they won’t be able to pant and can easily overheat, and they literally clamp their mouths shut… imagine how horrible that must be for them! They are meant for vet visits, grooming etc, for very short periods of time. Please do the best thing for your furry friend and fit a properly measured basket muzzle. We use The Muzzle Shop for our very own Top Dog model , they are so helpful, and will assist you in getting the measurements right. Caesar can drink, take treats, bark and display normal canine facial language whilst wearing it. If anyone is unsure, please DM me! This is something I’m really passionate about 🤎🐶🤎

https://doggearreview.com/article/textilmuzzle/

14/02/2022

We will be avoiding the use of unnecessary plastics and paints, and using materials for our activity areas as much as possible. 💚♻️🌍🌳

13/02/2022

Boom ! 💥💥 I passed!

11/02/2022

Super duper info graphic from ! 👍🐕🐕‍🦺👌

09/02/2022

🤎PLEASE EVERYONE -THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!🤎 Please don't let your off lead dog approach an on lead dog! Please give all on lead dogs space. Even if your dog is on a lead, they may approach if invited, but not otherwise. The on lead dog may be reactive, training, scared, in pain, sensory impaired, need space 🤎🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺

Oh, ok. That’s fine then. 😁

06/02/2022

If you want to go out and can’t take your dog, we’ll be open weekdays, weekends and evenings!

04/02/2022

Your dog will need to be fully vaccinated and have regular parasite treatments in order to join the pack 🦠💉💊This is to protect all the dogs in our care 🤎🐶🤎

03/02/2022

So excited to have a first look at our new Top Dog Cromer logo, featuring our very own .the.blue.lurcher and our beautiful town . This will feature on our merchandise. Huge thank you to Chris at for his interpretation of my idea, I love it! The finished logo will include the .daycare.cromer name too. Pawsome!

23/12/2021

Business cards have arrived, modelled perfectly by our very own top dog .the.blue.lurcher ! We had a call from planning yesterday delaying our decision to mid January, but also saying it’s most likely the business will be approved! Happy Christmas 🎄🎄🎄!

02/12/2021

Two new banners for our ordered! If you live in , watch out for them going up in the next few days 👏👏

28/11/2021

Be ahead of the pack and register for our money saving sign-up! You will be joining the many savvy dog owners who have already saved themselves £30! Check it out on the connect page at www.topdogdaycarecromer.co.uk . This is a time limited offer so don't miss out. No obligation. WIN WIN!

27/11/2021

Forget about the 🥶💨🌧weather out there! Fruit bobbing is just one of the fun activities your dog will enjoy on hot summer days! 🍌🫐🍓🥕🍐

27/11/2021

There can only be one Top Dog 🎩🐕. Trade mark approved!

12/11/2021

Planning decision is due on 31st December on our premises on Norwich Road 😬🤞! We are already looking around for much larger premises due to demand. Keep following for pupdates!

04/11/2021

Finally put our full planning application in today! 🥳🥳👍. Say a little prayer to the Planning Gods for us! 🙏🙏🤞

20/08/2021

Our website is now live! https://topdogdaycarecromer.co.uk/ I will be adding to it as we go along, but for now there’s lots of useful info for you if you’re thinking of joining the pack, including a money saving sign up!

If you’re new to the page, please note we’re not open yet. I’ve had lots of calls from people wanting to book their dogs in, unfortunately it’s too soon.

Regarding our opening date, we’re waiting for a decision on our pre-app which was originally due 29 September, but may have been pushed back to 29 October due to delays at NNDC. Then we have to go to full planning. Very frustrating but please bear with us!

A home from home for your dog where we will provide a caring, safe, and stimulating  environment, including positive reinforcement, exercise, play and lots of fun and cuddles! 

08/08/2021

So many people asked about forwarding our details to their holiday let clients, I’ve done this photo with all our contact details on, you can share it, print it out etc. I hope it’s helpful 👌😊

04/08/2021

Quality dog day care for the discerning dog about town! Coming soon to The Gem 🌊🦀

01/08/2021

Top Dog has a new number! Call or text with your enquiries 📱 📞 ☎️ 07480 067446

28/07/2021

The face of .daycare.cromer! getting some love from .the.blue.lurcher . We are well known around Cromer, mostly for Cheeser’s gorgeousness, and because we have lived and worked here for ten years. Our previous business was Roadkill Customs motorcycles and café at the top of Norwich Road, where we are hoping to open Top Dog. Just thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself! 😊🐶👋👋