#Dogsjustwannahavefun
Everything we do today started with one very special Golden Retriever.
We're a family-run business based in Barwell, Leicestershire. I'm Nilz, my wife Helen, and Harley, our Golden Retriever. He's the inspiration behind everything we do.
Helen and I have been animal lovers and pet owners our entire lives. To us, pets aren't just animals—they're family. We brought Harley home when he was just nine weeks old, and from day one he became my constant companion.
Harley came into my life while I was recovering from a serious illness. At the time, I was told I wouldn't be able to return to the career I'd built, and I honestly wasn't sure what the future looked like.
Then we brought home this little bundle of fluff.
From day one, Harley gave me something far more important to focus on than the job I'd lost. Looking after him helped my recovery, gave me purpose and completely changed my outlook on life.
As he grew older, we discovered he struggled with separation anxiety. Seeing how much stress it caused him made me realise just how important it is for dogs to feel safe, understood and cared for. Anxiety is a real emotion, and watching Harley struggle with it was heartbreaking. If there was a way I could avoid putting him through that, why wouldn't I?
If I could build a life where Harley felt happier and more secure, then that's exactly what I wanted to do—and exactly what Helen and I did. It inspired us to build a business where Harley could be by our side every day, rather than left behind.
Looking back, it was the best decision we ever made.
That journey led me to become a Pet Nutritionist with Swedish pet food company Husse, where I learned even more about dogs' health and wellbeing. Soon afterwards, customers began asking if we could look after their dogs while they were away. We registered as a home-from-home Dog Boarding and Doggie Daycare business, and it didn't take long for us to realise where our hearts truly were.
We wanted to create somewhere that wasn't just a place for dogs to spend the day, but somewhere they genuinely looked forward to coming. A place where they could run, explore, sniff, play, make friends and simply enjoy being dogs.
In October 2022, that vision became a reality when we opened our Countryside Doggie Daycare in Stoke Golding.
Tucked away in a peaceful rural setting, surrounded by open fields and nature, our daycare gives dogs the freedom to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Away from busy roads and noisy surroundings, it's a calm, safe environment where they can relax, explore and enjoy the countryside at their own pace.
We've created spacious indoor and outdoor areas, giving dogs the best of both worlds whatever the weather. Whether they're charging around with their friends, investigating every interesting scent, splashing through puddles, or simply lying in the fresh air watching the world go by, every dog has the freedom to enjoy the day in their own way.
Harley's separation anxiety taught us that every dog is different. Some love racing around with their friends from the moment they arrive, while others prefer to take things a little slower. That's why we take the time to get to know every dog as an individual, making sure they feel safe, settled and confident from the moment they walk through our gates.
We don't believe daycare should simply be somewhere dogs are watched while their owners are at work. We believe it should enrich their lives. Exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, fresh air and the freedom to express natural behaviours all contribute to a happier, healthier dog.
Licence 22/00594/AWDCD
We also take the responsibility of caring for your best friend incredibly seriously. We're licensed by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, fully insured with Petplan Sanctuary, and both Helen and I are trained in canine first aid, giving you complete peace of mind while your dog is with us.
Every dog deserves the chance to run, sniff, explore, make friends and simply enjoy being a dog. That's exactly what we've created—a place where dogs can be dogs.
Head over to our Natural Deli, it’s full of healthy nutritious goodies from carefully selected brands.
Meet the Team
Our Services
We’ll give your four legged family members an action packed full or half day, so they go back home happy and tired. We only accept friendly, social dogs; so the atmosphere is fun, safe and relaxed and it is suitable for big and small, young and old dogs.
If you want us to collect and drop them off, let us know and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Doggie Daycare (per Dog)
£17 Play Sessions | £23 Full Day ( Monday to Friday only )
We make sure all dogs that come to our Day Care are friendly, so your dog will spend his/her day playing, making new friends and exploring. We have our own private & secure field where the dogs spend their day. Here we also have our Clubhouse - a converted barn, for indoor chill out/nap time and a covered patio area.
We offer a convenient local pick up & drop off service in a custom fitted Doggie Van where your dog will be safe & comfortable on their journey to daycare.
As we’re a countryside doggie daycare, we are privileged to have so much land for the dogs to enjoy and make their stay even more exciting.. So our average day starts with free play in the fields, where we encourage interaction and exploration of the whole area aimed at engaging their snifer (nose ) and mind to processes all the smells. We also have various structures around the field for the dogs to play on & around. This is sometimes followed by ball play, where the dogs decide for themselves whether they want to be in the high energy group or if they prefer to break off and have slower paced play perhaps using the structures to sit on and watch or to play more one to one.
We then slow the pace down and move to the undercover patio area to relax a little before lunchtime for the dogs that have a midday meal or a lunch time snack for all the dogs.
Followed by nap time, nap time is compulsory for the whole group to relax and recharge. They will have the option of choosing if they’d like a comfy dog bed, day mattress for the dogs that like the more firmer beds or couches where they all cuddle up together.
Afternoons are more softer play based on enrichment games to enjoy some quality bonding time with us before home time.
Please see terms and conditions for full details
Natural Deli
Our Natural Deli offers a variety of air dried natural dog treats and gourmet sausages. We have a range of boxes which you can see on our Natural Deli page or we can make a bespoke box just for you.
*suitable for puppies over 12 weeks.
Wedding Chaperone From £50
We offer a Wedding Chaperone service so your furry family member can be part of your big day too. With every couple having different requests.. it’s best to give us a shout and let us know what you had in mind..
Charlie at his Mum and Dad’s big day
Our two dogs have been attending daycare regularly since March 2018. Initially we were worried about leaving them but very quickly our minds were put at rest. They are always going to different places on walks, they have many activities and toys indoors and out to keep them entertained whatever the weather! There is never a dull moment! The whole day care experience has been great as it has helped the dogs to socialise. Whenever there is a new dog visiting, Nilz introduces them slowly, at their own pace as they are a little nervous. Nilz & Helen care for each dog individually and their best interests are a priority. They are loved and treated as part of the family! As a dog owner this is so reassuring and we know they are in extremely good hands everyday! Nilz regularly posts pictures of the days activities on their Facebook page! We absolutely love this! It’s great to see them interacting and playing with other dogs, and it’s obvious just how settled they are! We are so happy we found Nilz and Harley’s Pet Care Services and honestly cannot thank them or recommended them highly enough!
~ Lucie & Robin, Ted & Evie
Nilz and Harley look after my 1 year old Basset Hound, Toby, twice a week for daycare whilst I’m at work and have done since he was 6 months. Toby has the greatest time running round and playing with Harley and all the other dogs and comes home completely shattered - which for those of you who’ve had puppies will know, is a nice change. Most adult dogs dislike puppies but Harley has been fantastic with him and it’s been awesome for his socialisation with other dogs. Nilz is always finding new walks and things to do in the garden, the latest edition being a toy tower and slide for the dogs to climb over, so you never worry he’ll be bored. Would highly recommend Nilz - he’s always flexible with me so I can rearrange things if anything changes with work or I have extra family dogs to stay, and he takes great care of Toby! He also always posts pictures of what the dogs have been up to so I can see what he’s been doing and that he’s having fun.
~ Naomi Kay
Our 2 year old sprocker has been with Nilz and Helen for home boarding and doggy day care and we would highly recommend them. Tess is always incredibly excited to see them and it's obvious the amazing care she gets and how much she loves being with them and Harley. Not only does Tess get plenty of exercise and lots of socialisation, it warms our heart to know she's treated as if she was their own.
~ Elizabeth Read
Dog Wash £8
Our Dog Wash service is only available to our Day Care customers or for Dogs Boarding with us.
Dog Walking - due to the increased numbers of our daycare dogs, this service is no longer available
An hour’s walk £9.50
We have also added Dog Walking to our services covering Barwell, Earl Shilton, Sutton in the Elms, Sapcote, Stoney Stanton, Burbage and Hinckley. Dogs are walked in a controlled group of no more than four per person.
Pet Food
Nutrition plays a big part in your pet’s life. The proper balance of nutrients is essential when feeding your dog. Animals (and humans) need a certain combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water every day in order to function normally, it contributes to stay healthy, happy and active. So investing in higher quality food, can mean the difference between feeding your dog chicken breasts and serving it ground chicken heads (yes, gross!).
Have a look at Husse Swedish Pet Food for complete food. Husse is one of the few brands that promotes the importance of service as well as the product. Fully trained Nutritionists like myself, can answer most questions that you might have about your pet’s diet and recommend the best suited products according to your pet’s lifestyle, health and taste. Which will save you money & time!
Locations
Nilz & Harley Doggie Daycare
Walt March Paddocks
Basin Bridge Lane, Stoke Golding.
CV13 6JJ
Nilz & Harley Pet Services Ltd (HQ)
Queen Street, Barwell,
Leicestershire. LE9 8EA
Tel: +44(0)790346 8949
CONTACT US
If you would like to enquire about availability or have any other questions about our day care, or if would like more information about any of our pet products, please use the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.