Frequently Asked Questions

How green is The Dog House?

The Dog House is committed above and beyond to environmental sustainability:

Biomass: Since 2015 all the farm building’s central heating and hot water has been produced by zero-carbon renewable energy from our biomass wood chip boiler. We are self-sufficient in producing 100% of our wood chips from our carefully managed woodlands.
We uphold a stringent recycling and composting programme. We are fastidious about recycling and luckily live in one of the best counties in Britain to do so. All food waste is composted. All tin, paper, glass, plastic even thin wrap plastic is recycled.

Water: We are gifted with our own delicious spring water which we filter and purify with ultraviolet light.
Solar panels: We have had a large number in use for over 14 years.
Rewilding. We manage our fields to benefit wildlife by not using any artificial fertiliser and enhancing the production of wildflowers. We have recently planted a nut orchard and upgraded our fruit orchard, over the years we have planted thousands of trees and in 2024 will be planting a further 8,000 mixed broad leaves.
Bees: Apart from leaving alone a few known wild bees in trees, we keep 3 of our own hives.

Where does my dog sleep?

The majority of our guests sleep on Vetzyme fleece bedding in an Earthbound or ventilated Perla bed. Otherwise some sleep on a soft, flat mattress. We create a homely environment in different locations: Purpose-built chalets, our grooming room, training barn, laundry room, office, team pavilion, on-site staff flat, with Training & Extra needs guests residing in the Farmhouse. We ensure that our guests sleep with their friends or dogs that they are compatible with.

Will my dog be warm enough?

All of our rooms are heated with underfloor heating with a separate area for heavy-coated breeds to lie without heating.

Why am I charged a daily rate rather than a nightly rate (e.g charged 8 days when your dog has only stayed 7 nights).

We charge for collection and delivery days on a daily rate basis. On the day of departure your companion will have been walked early, given breakfast, and given a procedural check. On the day of arrival our guests receive a thorough health examination

When will I photos of my dog? Why aren’t you posting more frequently?

We post on Instagram weekly. Our priority is your dog’s wellbeing instead of turning them into a catwalk model.

Will my dog forget about me?

No! We have had dogs stay with us for up to 3 years without seeing their owners, and they have greeted them after this period as if they had only seen them a week ago.

Will my dog miss me?

This is likely if it is their first time staying with us. To mitigate this, we provide lots of physical and mental stimulation as well as doing our upmost to create a homely & comfortable environment.

How long is the journey on the dog bus?

4 hours including a pit-stop halfway. It is all motorway apart from 8 miles of country lanes before reaching Dinas Farm.

Where does The Dog Bus stop along the M4?

M4 Cardiff Gate J30, Cardiff

M4, J18, The Best Western, Bath

M4, J15 Three Trees Farm Shop, Swindon

M4, J13, Newbury / Chieveley Services, Travelodge car park, Thatcham

M4, between J11 & J12 Reading Services, Travelodge car park, Reading

M4, J8/9, The Binghams cul de sac, Maidenhead

M4, J4, Holiday Inn lay by, near Heathrow Airport

Can I visit my dog during their holiday/course?

During an activity holiday: Yes as long as this is arranged in advance.

During arranged training courses: This is not possible as your visit will likely set the course back, unless you have been given at least 2 hours of tuition beforehand.