Awarded 5 Stars by the Council
5-star licensed doggy day care in Essex - trainer-led across four acres of countryside
Trainer-led care on a purpose-built farm across four secure acres. Kind, reward-based methods. Matched groups. Enrichment that works the brain. Dogs go home content, not over-cooked.
Why Wagtails
More than just daycare
A place where dogs flourish, owners relax, and every day is an adventure.
Trainer-Led, Every Day
Every day is led by qualified trainers using kind, reward-based methods. We teach real-world manners like recall and polite greetings through short, focused sessions.
Socialisation & Real Friendships
Dogs are matched by size, play style and temperament. Short bursts of play with planned pauses so arousal stays low, manners improve and real friendships form.
Known, Loved & Cared For
Your dog is known by name, welcomed warmly and cared for like family. Honest daily updates, kind handling, and calm routines that make drop-offs easy and pick-ups joyful.
Purpose-Built Farm Setting
Four acres of secure countryside with open meadows, hedgerow sniff routes and heated cabins. All-weather paths, shade and double-gate entries. Not a converted unit - a farm designed for dogs.
Enrichment & Brain Work
Purposeful enrichment including nosework, foraging, puzzle feeders and confidence courses. Five minutes of busy nose often beats fifty of frantic running - and it shows in calmer, happier dogs.
Balanced Days, Content Dogs
Smart exercise matched to age and breed, with structured rest and daily body checks. Dogs go home settled and content - not over-cooked. 5-star licensed, fully insured, DBS-checked team.
Puppies
Puppy Daycare
Age-appropriate care designed specifically for puppies. Structured enrichment, gentle socialisation, and qualified trainers who understand puppy development.
Gentle Introduction
Age-appropriate play sessions designed to build your puppy's confidence at their own pace. No overwhelm, just fun.
Trainer-Led
Every session is led by qualified staff who understand puppy development. Gentle guidance woven into every interaction.
Socialisation
Controlled, positive interactions with other dogs. We match by age, size, and temperament so every puppy feels safe.
Daily Updates
Receive photos of your puppy's day - what they explored, who they played with, and how they're settling in.
Pricing
Simple, transparent pricing
The more days your dog attends, the less you pay per day. Choose drop-off or add our shuttle service.
1 day
£36
per day
£42
per day
1 day
Drop-off
£36
per day
With shuttle
£42
per day
2 days
£34
per day
£40
per day
2 days
Drop-off
£34
per day
With shuttle
£40
per day
3 days
£32
per day
£38
per day
3 days
Drop-off
£32
per day
With shuttle
£38
per day
4 days
£30
per day
£36
per day
4 days
Drop-off
£30
per day
With shuttle
£36
per day
5 days
£30
per day
£36
per day
5 days
Drop-off
£30
per day
With shuttle
£36
per day
£5 off total for two dogs from the same household
Shuttle service available in selected areas. Contact us to check availability.
Getting started
How it works
Our onboarding process ensures daycare is the right fit for every dog.
Enquire
Fill in our enquiry form with details about your dog. We will get back to you to arrange a meet & greet.
Meet & Greet
Bring your dog in to meet the team and the other dogs. We assess temperament and group suitability.
Trial
Your dog spends a trial with us so we can ensure they are happy, comfortable, and a good fit.
Join the Family
Choose your days, set up your subscription, and your dog officially becomes part of the Wagtails family.
What our customers say
Jenna Daniels
Wagtails Day Care
“I could not recommend Wagtails Doggy Day Care enough - they provide expert care for our lab Lola and are so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. We receive a detailed report card with lots of photos and videos...”
Jenna Oldacre
Wagtails Day Care
“I could not recommend Wagtails Doggy Day Care enough - they provide expert care for our lab Lola and are so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. We receive a detailed report card with lots of photos and videos...”
Hannah Robinson
Wagtails Day Care
“I just wanted to put my paws to keyboard to say what a wooftastic time I have at Wagtails. Especially with my favourite humans Lucien and Hannah. They are Pawsome and I and my humans (who let’s face it need all the help ...”
Sophie Addison
Wagtails Day Care
“The best doggy daycare there is! Our girl loves it so much, she’s always so excited to be there. I’m often told by my friends that she is treated better at the daycare than their kids at nursery! They work so hard to kee...”
and16and
Wagtails Day Care
“This is the best doggy day care that our puppy has ever been to. Wagtails staff are caring and attentive, the ratio of staff per dog is so good and allows them to pay close attention to all doggos. The shuttle service is...”
Micheal Tye
Wagtails Day Care
“my dog loves this place. they took so much care at look after her. she absolutely loves the staff and other dogs. could not ask for a better service. plus having her picked up and dropped back home is such a bonus. thank...”
Our Team
Meet the team
Qualified, passionate, and dedicated to giving your dog the best day possible.
Lucien
Manager & Senior Dog Trainer | BSc (Hons.) Canine Therapy
Hannah
Senior Dog Trainer | IMDT Accredited (Distinction)
Zara
Assistant Dog Trainer | Level 3 Animal Management
Frequently asked questions
What is doggy day care?
Do you charge a joining fee?
What are your opening hours?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you take ad hoc bookings?
How does the shuttle work?
How do I enrol my dog?
Near you
Doggy Day Care near you
Find out more about day care in your area.
Day Care Rayleigh
Near Rayleigh, Essex
Day Care Wickford
Near Wickford, Essex
Day Care South Woodham Ferrers
Near South Woodham Ferrers, Essex
Day Care Chelmsford
Near Chelmsford, Essex
Day Care Danbury
Near Danbury, Essex
Day Care Billericay
Near Billericay, Essex
Day Care Hanningfield
Near Hanningfield, Essex
Day Care Rettendon
Near Rettendon, Essex
Day Care Stock
Near Stock, Essex
