A County Durham pet hotel boasting valley views, TVs and extra-large kennels has opened its doors.
Claire Pennick, 47, from Tow Law, has launched The West Park Pet Hotel at West Park farm, where she lives with her husband, four German Shepherds and their cross-breed.
After previously looking into kennels and boarders for her own dogs, Claire said she felt they did not fully meet her pets’ needs, saying they were too small or impersonal.
The new facility is based in a converted former workshop building on the farm, which Claire says provides “bounds of outdoor secure space for the dogs to exercise” and allows her to be with the dogs 24/7.
She said it took around seven months from the initial idea to reach opening stage, and the business has now received its five star licence from Durham County Council.
The hotel has already attracted bookings in its first week, with further enquiries and viewings taking place.
Claire said: "Everywhere we looked before we just didn’t get that feeling so we took everything that people really wanted and brought it into one place.
"We want to focus on that luxury feel, but family run and personable, more like a hotel for the pets not just for dogs.
"We know the feeling of leaving your dogs places and how they are like children to people so we want to make sure we can make them comfortable."
The hotel is being run by Claire and her husband, with help from her retired 80-year-old father who assisted with renovation work, making it a family-run project.
It will operate with five large kennels rather than a higher number of smaller units. The facilities include two extra-large kennels measuring 18m² and three kennels measuring 7.6m².
Each kennel features individually controlled heating and cooling systems, televisions for background entertainment, full glass fronts to maximise natural light, and full glass rear access doors for easier handling.
Every kennel also opens onto a private outdoor area of equal size, giving dogs continuous access to fresh air and views across the valley.
Additional facilities include a secure dog walking field, an all-weather outdoor play area, and a large indoor exercise space for use during poor weather.
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Claire said: "We prioritise looking after your dog in a personal way, we have pets booked in who have recently had operations or have medical issues so we will always make sure the care is personal to them, which is why it is so small to help give the pet owners piece of mind."
The business has been designed as a small, exclusive boarding facility, with the aim of offering a quieter environment and personalised care for each animal. Luxury cat boarding is also expected to be introduced soon.
Prices start from £40 per night, with an additional £10 for extra dogs.
