'Home from home' dog boarding and day care alongside our rescue dog, Ada.
Based in Bocking, Braintree, Essex.
Licensed (AAL/115) for up to 4 dogs only, including our resident dog. Because pups need peace, not a huge pack! At Braintree Canine Retreat, we welcome 1-3 dogs at a time so they get our full attention, calm surroundings, and a gentle rhythm that suits their personality.
Whilst under our care, daily care sheets are written to closely monitor your dog. Daily photo/video updates can be given. We provide a minimum of 2 walks a day (unless unsafe or not medically advised) as well as play time, cuddles, company and enrichment. We live opposite fields for walkies.
We are insured and first aid trained. All of our guests are up to date with vaccinations (last 12 months) as well as flea/wormer treatments.
Ellie and Nick have been together for over a decade. We have both always been big dog lovers, having grown up with them and Ellie has often dog-sat for family/friends.
Nick works in construction and can be out during the day. He loves fishing and long walks and making amazing food on the BBQ!
Ellie is a nurse by background, as well as a counsellor & coach and is able to work from home full time, which is perfect for the doggies. She loves all things spiritual, nature, and being with family and friends.
Ellie was dog sitter through Rover.com, then after buying our home and taking on our Croatian rescue dog, Ada, we are able to offer boarding to pooches of all ages and sizes!
We love spoiling them as if they are our own when dogs come to stay and like to make them feel safe and comfortable. Ad hoc day care is available for up to 12 hours.
We all go on country walks, to the beach, a dog friendly café or pub or nice days out when able.
We have a dog hammock and dog seat belts in the back of the car as well as spare bowls, water, first aid kit for any trips (if your dog likes the car).
We collaborate with a local groomer so your pooch can smell great when you pick them up.
Our home is all approved by the Braintree council. We have window restrictors, a padlocked back gate, cameras, a fire blanket/extinguisher as well as infection control procedures to make sure your dog (and ours) are as safe as can be!
Make your special day complete by having your dog by your side — without any stress.
I provide calm, professional, fully insured dog care throughout your wedding day.
1 Walk, Meet & greet, transport, ceremony support, photos, calm handling.
As above + extra walks, extended care, enrichment, quiet breaks.
As above + evening care, dinner, late‑night support.
Full wedding day + overnight boarding + morning walk
Our doggy was very well looked after at Ellie’s. She sent pictures so we could see he was enjoying himself and has made himself right at home at her house! Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ellie and will be using her again to look after him. Five stars!
by C
Ellie was fantastic with our dog from start to finish. She kept us updated with regular messages and photos, which really gave us peace of mind while we were away. Our dog was clearly happy, well carded for, and treated like part of the family. She had walks, playtime, and lots of attention. Communication was excellent and very friendly. We could not have asked for a better experience and will definitely book with Ellie again. Highly recommended!
by R
Murphy has an absolutely wonderful time at Braintree Canine retreat. Ellie has been so flexible and helpful. Murphy is always so excited to go and his tail will not stop wagging when I drop him off in the mornings. Ellie sends daily updates and photos and videos too which are lovely to see. Due to being a home with a small number of dogs allows lots of fun and games and attention too. Highly recommended
by M
Ellen made the whole experience easy and stress-free. Good communication and updates when Penny stayed with her. Penny enjoyed her stay.
by J
My pups stayed with Ellen recently after our sitter had cancelled. Ellen was really responsive and took them in last minute. Both my dogs are rescues and it was clear Ellen and her partner knew how to make them feel comfortable. Would definitely book again!
by L
Ziggy had an overnight stay with Ellen recently. Ellen was great from start to finish. We had a meet and greet with her dog to see how they would respond to each other and we filled in a form so she knew any necessary information about Ziggy like feeding and exercise habits.
It was clear Ellen is knowledgeable about dogs and she understood Ziggy's needs. During the stay, Ellen kept us updated with how Ziggy was doing and sent pictures. Ziggy sometimes gets a sensitive stomach, so Ellen also kindly gave us something to take away to help with that. Overall Ziggy had a great time and we would definitely recommend Ellen!
by S
Murphy had a great time at Ellen's. It certainly looked like he made himself completely at home in her house, judging by the pictures I was sent! It's nice to not have to worry about him when he is with Ellen! I wouldn't hesitate to have her look after him again.
by E
Ellen and her partner are always great with Nova. Long walks, lots of love and always keeps us informed which the kids love as Nova is there furry sibling. 100% recommend.
by N
This was the first time we had left our Cavapoochon Monty. Ellen was wonderful with updates and photos to set our minds at rest. On his first night he was a bit restless and Ellen stayed with him on the sofa till he fell asleep. We are so grateful and highly recommend Ellen. Thankyou xxx
by H
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