The Bone Yard

29/01/2024

So yet again we’ve been let down by Northampton Council! We were advised to withdraw our latest application based on some feedback from some objections to the application.
We are feeling very disheartened but this is not the end! We are determined to bring our vision to life it’s just gonna take us a little longer than we had planned.
Thanks for sticking with us! X

28/09/2023

23/09/2023

We appreciate everyone’s patience! Because of the hell we went through with our previous building/planning permission, we aren’t revealing anything until we hear back from the council. Bare with us 🖤

26/05/2023

Morning guys, not the update we wanted to give you,
unfortunately the property on Giles street has fallen through. We were only given temporary planning approval for 18 months and with the amount we were going to invest in the property and the services we want to provide, it was just too risky for us. So we’ve now pulled out of Giles Street, but we have found another property! We are not giving any details away yet as we don’t wanna jinx it but it is very exciting and looks to be a bigger and better opportunity for us. Thanks for all your patience so far. Hoping to have more of an update for you soon on the new property. Watch this space!

22/03/2023

FRIENDLY NOTICE :)

We at the Bone Yard have been working extremely hard to make our dream of a luxury, centrally located doggy day care centre a reality, and we make a point of talking to and listening to the concerns of the people that live and work in the area. We plan to be an active presence in the local community and wish to build positive relationships with those around us. Unit 72a has sat empty for several years and we believe it provides us with the perfect opportunity to service the ever-growing and ever-passionate Northampton dog owner community. Northampton town centre has declined in the last few years and we believe our business will help drive customers back into the town. That said, we understand that some local residents may have some reservations about a business of this nature being nearby, and hope to offer some reassurances and resolutions to potential concerns below.

PARKING - we plan to section off a small amount of the outdoor space to allow for brief pick-up and drop-off windows, to avoid congestion on the street. This will be secure and separate from the main outdoor yard and dogs will not have access to this area. We plan to implement 3 drop-off and pick-up windows, to keep movement/disruption to a minimum. These will be between 8am-9am, 12:30-1:30pm, and 5pm-6pm. In addition to this, there is also ample pay and display parking available on St Giles Street.

NOISE - we shall always endeavour to be respectful to our neighbours and of our surroundings by keeping noise to a minimum. We shall only be operating within normal working hours (8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday). Dogs will spend the majority of their time within the building, and be given set times to spend time outdoors in the yard. There will be a maximum of 10 dogs outside at any one time, for a maximum of 1 hour at a time, twice a day. Yard time will never begin before 9am, or after 5pm, and activity within the yard will always be monitored and supervised by at least one member of staff.

BEHAVIOUR - all new dogs registered to The Bone Yard will undergo a mandatory ‘trial day’ where a behaviour and temperament assessment will take place. Problematic behaviours including but not limited to aggression, indoor toileting, and excessive barking will not be tolerated, and dogs displaying these behaviours will not be accepted.

PREMISES - 72a St Giles street is around 2,000 square foot inside and the same again outside. We plan to invest in the building to make sure its a luxury, one of a kind space. The outside space will be fully landscaped with privacy screens around the fence and some canopies for discretion. It meets all legal requirements as set out by the council for commercial doggy day care and will also be fully licensed and insured before we open.

If there is anything else you would like to discuss with us, please do not hesitate to drop us a line via Facebook Messenger or by email to [email protected]. We’d love to chat!

05/12/2022

Meet The Bone Yard!

Lizz and Tom from and Jo from .

We decided to start The Bone Yard together after finding out we had the same dream; luxury day care like no other!

With over 15 years experience working as dog walkers and day care providers, we can’t wait to open our doors and provide the best service to your furry pals.

Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to like and share 🐾 ☠️

30/11/2022

An attempt to answer all your pressing questions!

1. Who are the people behind The Bone Yard?

The Bone Yard is owned and run by three professionals and best friends: Jo Edwards, Lizz Folwell-Murray, and Tom Murray. Collectively, we have over 15 years experience in the pet care industry as dog boarders, doggy dar care providers, pet sitters and dog walkers. We have decided to combine our skills and experience to provide another option for discerning dog owners of Northampton that is both luxury and fun. The Bone Yard will be fully licensed and insured.

2. How do you plan to integrate big dogs and small dogs?

Dogs of all sizes will be welcome at The Bone Yard, and there will be multiple areas available dependent on your dog’s size and/or temperament. Half of the premises will be sectioned off as a small dog-only zone, however if you have a small dog that loves nothing more than to run around with the biggies then they are welcome to do so!

3. Will there be quiet zones?

There will be ample ‘relaxation’ areas accessible to dogs who may be feeling sleepy or simply anti-social! Quiet and calm will be encouraged in these rooms.

4. Will there be outdoor access/will you be walking the dogs?

Our premises has a large outdoor yard which all dogs will have regular access to for toileting, fresh air, and outdoor play. Therefore, although fur-guests of The Bone Yard will not be taken on walks, they will be exercised and be spending time outdoors subject to their individual needs and requirements. There is no legal requirements for Commercial Doggy Day Care providers to provide walks where ample outdoor space is provided.
There will be no more than 10 dogs outside at a time and yard time may be allocated to be respectful of our neighbours.

5. Will you offer a pick-up and drop-off service?

We are currently assessing the demand for taxi services in order to make The Bone Yard accessible for everyone. If implemented this will be subject to a small extra charge.

6. How many dogs will be allowed into The Bone Yard?

Current legal requirements dictate that there should be no more than 10 dogs per member of staff. Since there will be three of us running the business (Jo, Lizz and Tom), we are applying for a license to look after up to 30 dogs per day. However, this is a limit not a target, and we anticipate to be caring for around 20-25 dogs per day initially.

7. How will we be able to book?

We are very excited to be working on a sophisticated online booking system for our customers. We aim to provide a streamlined, fully online booking and payment service.

8. Will there be parking available?

We will be able to provide a limited amount of free parking space in order to make your drop-off and pick-up routine as easy as possible.

9. Will you offer half days?

We are currently assessing the demand for half day options.

10. How many staff members will there be?

Initially Jo, Lizz and Tom will be the only members of staff operating The Bone Yard, with a minimum of two of us present at the premises at any given time. Demand depending, we may look to hire staff and expand our capacity in the future.

11. What are your future plans?

We have lots of exciting plans for expanding the services offered by The Bone Yard including a grooming parlour, puppy training courses, socialisation events, a mini boutique, doggy birthday parties and Canine First Aid courses. Watch this space…

12. Will you be having a launch party?????

As if we would ignore the opportunity for a party…details will be confirmed nearer the time but one thing is for certain, whether you have 2 legs or 4 you are all invited!