Hair of the Dog

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Hair of the Dog

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Hair of the Dog, Dog walker, Worrin Road, Dunmow.

🐾 Professional Doggie Daycare, Boarding & Pet Care Services 🐾

We offer a range of personalized services:
Licensed Daycare & Boarding – 25/1200/BOARD
Group Dog Walks
Puppy Visits & Walks
Cat Feeding

16/09/2025

🐾 Pet Sitting vs. Dog Home Boarding — What’s the Difference? 🐶

When you head away, the big question is:
👉 Should your dog stay in their own home, or have a holiday of their own?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:

🏡 Pet Sitting
✔️ Your dog stays at your home
✔️ Keeps their familiar environment & routine
✔️ Great for dogs who don’t like change
❌ May get less social interaction if they enjoy playing with other dogs

🐕 Home Boarding (with us!)
✔️ Your dog stays in our home
✔️ Perfect for social, friendly pups
✔️ Daily play, enrichment & cuddles included
✔️ Feels like a holiday, not just waiting for you to return

✨ Both can be wonderful, it all depends on your dog’s personality and needs. We’re always happy to chat and help you choose the right option for your furry friend. ❤️

10/09/2025

🐪✨ Happy Hump Day! 🐾

This week was hardly a “hump day” at all, because I got to spend time with my wonderful Harlow doggie friends! 🐶💛

It was such a joy catching up with all my amazing clients and their gorgeous pups. From waggy tails to happy cuddles, it reminded me just how lucky I am to do what I do.

Thank you all for making my week so much fun, both two-legged and four-legged friends alike. Can’t wait for more tail wags and big smiles soon! 🐕💕

05/09/2025

I just want to give a HUGE shoutout to .hill_ , who has been absolutely amazing looking after all the dogs this summer. She’s kept tails wagging, paws busy, and everyone safe, happy, and loved. We’re so lucky to have her on the team! 🙌

As for me, I cannot wait to be back in Harlow on Monday! I’ve missed all my best friends (both furry and human!) more than I can say, and I’m so excited for all the cuddles, walks, and waggy welcomes ahead.

✨ I’ll also be heading into Harlow on 22nd and 29th September, so if you’d like your fur babies to see me, I’d absolutely love to see them too! 🐕💕

It’s been too long, and I’ve truly missed you all terribly. Can’t wait to catch up soon!

02/09/2025

🏡 Kennels vs. Home Boarding: What’s the Difference? 🐶

Not all dog care is created equal, and the environment matters!

Here’s a quick breakdown:

🐾 Kennels

Large numbers of dogs in one place

Limited 1:1 interaction

Standard feeding & exercise routines

Can feel stressful for dogs who prefer a quieter space

🐾 Home Boarding (with us!)

Small numbers, cared for in a real home setting

Tailored routines (meals, walks, play, and cuddles!)

Enrichment activities to keep minds busy

Sofa snuggles, garden time, and a calm atmosphere

✨ Home boarding is all about comfort, familiarity, and making your dog feel like part of the family.

Because when you’re away, they deserve more than “just boarding” — they deserve a holiday of their own. 🐕💛

26/08/2025

🐾 Will My Dog Miss Me? 🐶
It’s the question every dog parent thinks about when booking boarding.

Here’s the honest truth: Yes, they will. ❤️
Dogs love their people, that’s why they’re our best friends.

But here’s the good news… while they’re here, we keep them so happy, engaged, and comfortable that they barely have time to worry.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Plenty of play & exercise — from secure field zoomies to gentle strolls, we match their energy and needs.
2️⃣ Mental enrichment — puzzle feeders, scent games, and interactive toys keep their minds busy and tails wagging.
3️⃣ Love & routine — we follow their home schedule as closely as possible, with cuddles, calm time, and one-on-one attention.

By the time you collect them, you might even get that look that says:

“Oh, you’re back already? I was having so much fun!” 🐕💛

19/08/2025

🐾💔 A heartbreaking reminder that our pets’ safety must always come first. Change is needed in our industry, for Shelby, and for every dog

14/08/2025

🐶💤 The First Night Away
We know — that first night without your dog can feel tough. You’re wondering:

> Are they okay? Are they scared? Are they sleeping?

That’s why we always send our special “First Night” update. 💌

As your dog settles into their new surroundings, we’ll check in with a little message, often with a sleepy photo, showing them safe, calm, and snoozing peacefully.

✨ Whether it’s their first stay or their fifth, your peace of mind is just as important as theirs.

Because when you leave your dog with us, you’re not leaving them with strangers, you’re leaving them with people who get it.

04/08/2025

🐾 What’s a ‘Meet & Greet’, and Why Is It So Important? 🐶

Choosing someone to care for your dog is a huge decision — and we get it. That’s why we never skip the Meet & Greet.

So, what exactly happens during this important first step?

✨ You and your pup get to visit us in person
✨ We learn your dog’s routine, quirks, and favorite things
✨ Your dog explores the space, meets me, and gets comfortable
✨ We answer all your questions, and ask a few of our own to make sure we’re the perfect match

This isn’t just a formality, it’s how we make sure your dog feels happy, relaxed, and at home when they stay with us. 🏡💕

📅 Ready to schedule your Meet & Greet?
Send us a message or click the link in our bio to get started!

02/08/2025

🌟 Appreciation Post 🌟

Back in May, I proudly completed my Ofqual Level 3 in Canine Care, Welfare, and Behaviour and received my certificate, a huge milestone in my career with dogs. Since then, Randle Stonier and his fantastic team at Dog Business School School have been an incredible source of support as I worked through my council inspection and successfully obtained my home boarding licence.

Randle’s continued guidance has meant so much to me as I now embark on this exciting new chapter, offering safe, reliable, and loving daycare and boarding for your much-loved dogs.

To my amazing clients, thank you for your trust, patience, and support, especially as I transition to working more locally. Your loyalty truly means the world to me.

I also want to give a huge and heartfelt thank you to all the staff who have worked with me over the years. The support you've shown, the bonds we’ve formed, and the care you've given to the dogs have played such an important part in this journey. I’ve been lucky to work with some truly lovely people and I’m so grateful for the relationships we’ve built.

A special shoutout to Laura Hill, who runs one of the best dog walking businesses I’ve ever had the privilege of working alongside. She’s been an absolute superstar this summer, taking care of all my group walk dogs while I focus on home boarding. Thank you, Laura, your help has been invaluable.

And to my Harlow doggie friends, I miss you all dearly and I’m really hoping to pop back once the summer madness eases a little 🐾💛

Here’s to new beginnings, old friends, wagging tails, and a future full of happy, well-cared-for dogs! 🐶✨

06/06/2025

May dump 😆

Come on June just a little bit of sun please 🙏

06/05/2025

What a busy April is was, bring on May. It is going to be a busy month with some exciting announcements! 🐶

05/04/2025

Just a few doggie pics of some of the dogs I've encountered whilst in Poland. thought you would appreciate the Mali pictures. These dogs were so well behaved and trained ❤️🐶🇵🇱

Address

Worrin Road
Dunmow
CM63FU

Telephone

+447526725030

Website

http://www.hairofthedog.live/

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Our Story

Hair Of The Dog provides a safe dog walking and pet sitting service in Harlow, Essex, and nearby. Melissa Hair has been a professional dog-walker since 2014, and has her own dog called Buster. Mel runs Hair Of The Dog and is always open to have a chat about your dog’s needs. Hair Of The Dog is: Fully insured DBS checked Canine first aid trained Experienced in handling dogs And we will schedule a walk suitable for YOUR dog, whether that be a: Group walk – only four dogs are walked at one time with dog friendly dogs on or off lead. Solo walk – we provide this service for dogs that are nervous, aggressive, or just like to run solo. Half daycare – a great alternative to kennels but only on a half day basis. Your dog will be with us for a 2 hour walk, with a break in between walks. Puppy visits If you would like your puppy to join in the fun on our group walks but they haven’t had their boosters, or are currently in the process of having them, done, this is a great service to start off with. The puppy is left at home and we come round to feed them, top up or change their water, and let them out in the garden until they’re ready to join the pack. Pet sitting A great alternative if you don’t want to use kennels, we stay at your house when you go away. We will walk your dog with our pack, or on its own, and make sure the dog will not be left for more than four hours a day. We can also provide a cleaning service whilst staying in your home and can offer references and testimonials. Prices vary on time of stay. We organise dog-walks in Harlow and surrounding areas.