Happy Paws is run by daughter and mother team, Sarah and Judy. Sarah runs the business side of things, has regular weekly customers who need dogs walking and taken to day care and Judy runs the day care and overnight boarding from her home. Sarah and Judy also have carefully chosen people who work for them as 'Happy Paws Guardians'. They are fully insured and police checked too.

Having had animals all her life and wanting to get another dog, Sarah researched the local area for dog walking and pet care services and found that many local people were also looking for these services, but could not find a solution. So with many years experience handling dogs and horses, and experience in running a business, Happy Paws started in January 2005. Then in June of that year Sarah's mother, Judy Welch, started the Doggy Day Care in her home, which soon became overnight care too!
Sarah also went back to college and gained a qualification in Kennel & Cattery Management at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester, has a certificate in Dog First Aid and is currently on a home study course in Dog Psychology.

Sarah - originally trained as a Graphic Designer and worked in the industry for over 10 years, then decided to leave the laptop and go back to animals and the outdoors! (Although still the designer for The Natural Dog Food Company when not walking a dog!!)
BTEC National Award in Kennel & Cattery Management - completed 07/06 at Kingston Maurward College
Certificate in Dog First Aid - completed 07/08.

Judy - runs the Doggy Day Care from her home in Misterton, near Crewkerne. You can drop the dog off in the morning, and pick them up in the evening. (see opening times). We will feed them if you wish, give them as many walks as you wish and they get lots of cuddles and fun. They socialise with other dogs too, unless you say otherwise as we take dogs from a maximum of three households at a time. This way it is not too hectic, and each dog has their own room for some peaceful time out. Or if they are a lively sort, they can come out and play with us and the others. We are licensed by the local council, therefore some conditions apply. (click here to check). Judy also takes dogs overnight, but please call for more info.

Happy Paws Guardian - Philippa's - lifelong passion for animals, wildlife and the countryside has meant that she and her family have consistently shared their busy lives with many four legged friends – dogs, cats, ponies, donkeys, goats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice – and even fish! Philippa combines her love of walking with many years experience in owning dogs and she enjoys applying her deep interest in dog behaviour and psychology to dog training and handling.

We can provide written references on your request.

SARAH WELCH - Proprietor
Dog Walker, Day Care Assistant, Home Visitor for Pet Feeding/Cleaning etc
Has a BTEC National Award in Animal Management (Kennel & Cattery Management)
Dog First Aid Certificate
Police Checked
Fully Insured : Public Liability Insurance & Employers Liability Insurance
and Veterinary Cover for Boarding Animals.
Lifetime experience with rescue dogs and horses and is experienced with most small furry animals.

JUDY WELCH
Day Care Manager
Police Checked, Fully Insured : Public Liability Insurance
Ferne Animal Sanctuary Volunteer
Former RSPCA Volunteer
Lifetime experience of Cats, Rescue Dogs and Horses.

PHILIPPA ANNETT
Dog Walking and Home Visits
Police Checked, Fully Insured : Public Liability
& Care Custody Control Extension
Lifetime experience with dogs, cats, goats, ponies
and various other animals.