Hel's Hounds

I've just returned from 15 nights abroad and it's the first time I have left my little westie in over 3 years so I was particularly nervous not knowing helen before this as I have moved to a new county since my dog was last boarded. I need not have worried at all because Helen is lovely and has looked after my fur baby so well since I've been away. She is extremely professional and ensures all paperwork regarding vets and innoculations is completed as well as asking for a little summary of your dogs likes and dislikes and daily routine to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible in their stay with her. My westie and I took Helen up on the pre hol home meet and greet which is great,..giving my Koura and Helen a chance to see her holiday home so it's more familiar for her.I was kept up to date with regular pics of my dog going for walks and it was nice to see she had made sone doggy friends in her stay too . I highly recommend Helen and will be using her again for any future trips ,… thank you again Helen x

From Gayle Carcone on 15/03/2024

My French bulldog Buster couldn't wait to get back to Helen's, he ran straight into the house. 5 day boarding this time, as always I have had pictures of Buster on his walks and playing in the garden sent to me which is lovely, I can see he's had a lovely little holiday with Helen and Darren. I've already booked for his next stay. Highly recommend, home away from home. Thank you again

From Katie on 06/05/2023

As a previous dog home boarder who has just recently retired. I am very happy and comfortable to send my customers to Helen, as I have done many times in the past knowing she is very dedicated and committed with lots of TLC. Helen takes excellent care of the dogs, and she fully deserves her 5 star rating. Thanks Trish

From Trish on 05/04/2023

We have just boarded our senior pugs who are 10 yrs old with mobility issues with Helen for the first time. We was updated daily with lovely photos and could clearly see they was enjoying themselves and being given the best care and attention and love any pet owner could wish for wish for. Our pugs will be staying with Helen on a regular basis throughout the year and we feel confident that we can go and enjoy our holiday knowing they are being left in a caring loving environment with lovely Helen at Hel's Hounds 🐶 🐾 🐾

From Jayne Hardwick on 03/04/2023

We heard of Helen (Hel's Hounds) from a work colleague who had used Helens home-boarding service in the past and I believe is also booked in later this year. We brought our boy 'Bentley' to meet Helen and we were just so comfortable with the whole set-up that she has, just totally professional and such attention to detail for her paperwork. The paperwork included all the needs that Bentley may need (medication, walks, treats etc) and we had no problem in leaving him when we went on our holiday to the South of France. Over the ten-days that we were away, we were kept up-to-date with WhatsApp photos and messages, and we have no hesitation in going back to Helen in the future. Wonderful clean facilities and a superb doggy-lounge that is partitioned off from the main lounge, so that Bentley always knew that Helen was there and always had company. Highly recommended and well deserving of the Five Star Rating that she has. We can not speak highly enough knowing that Bentley has all his needs catered for, and the knowledge that Helen has is second to none. We have already booked dates in, as it is evident that if you're not fast, then you won't get a look in. Well done and we and Bentley are looking forward to seeing you again soon, Many thanks, Bri and Steph.

From Bri Charlesworth on 14/02/2023

Amazing service from Helen and support from husband Darren in looking after our Beagle Daisy this week. Helen kept us up to date with plenty of photos via WhatsApp, and could not recommend Hel's Hounds highly enough. Whils this was the first time we have used Helen's services, it will not be the last. She went the extra mile in looking after Daisy and truly a home from home service. Daisy was so happy and contented too. Made to feel very welcome in Helen and Darren's home when we arrived for the ‘Meet and greet' and so friendly and approachable.

From Garry Gover on 12/02/2023

Amazing as always. Buster was cared for by Helen for 2 weeks, Helen kept in touch ( as I requested ) with photos of Buster on his walks and playing in the garden. For anyone nervous about someone looking after their dog the way they do, I couldn't recommend Helen anymore, honestly it's like home away from home. 5 star service. Buster loved his little holiday. Thanks again Helen and Darren.

From Katie on 06/10/2022

We were really nervous about leaving our 6 months old lad puppies. I worried for no reason. They loved going to Helen's. It was like a home from home. Daily pup dates so we didn't worry. Would I recommend, absolutely. They are going again in February. Cannot rate her and Darren highly enough

From Vicky Buckle on 11/01/2022

Look no further… Helens Hounds was recommended to me by my dogs groomer. I contacted Helen and visited her and she instantly put my mind at rest. The house is dog friendly with a secure large garden. I met both Helen and her husband Darren and knew this was the place for my 3 year old French Bulldog. Helen assured me as she knew I was nervous to leave him she would keep in touch so I knew he was being looked after. I dropped Buster off with his bedding and food for 10 days 😢 As promised I received what's app messages with pictures in which I could see he was safe, happy and content. Buster had 2 walks daily. Helens hounds provides a safe home from home experience and I honestly couldn't recommend them enough. Great rates for the care the dogs receive. Thank you Helen and Darren you will definitely be seeing Buster again 🐶 xx

From Katie Jemison on 13/10/2021

I call Helen of Hel's Hounds my Fairy Godmother as she has been a godsend! I recently moved to the area but my 10 yr old fur baby became very unsettled & anxious as a result of the move. A kind lady put me in contact with Helen & from the moment I spoke to her I knew she was the answer to my prayers! As well as being ERC registered, Helen is a kind & gentle lady who provides a home from home loving & caring, safe & secure environment, she sends photos to keep you updated, takes your fur baby for nice walks, & is happy to offer advice/guidance if asked. In a short period of time I've noticed my fur baby has become less anxious, is so happy to see 'Auntie Helen' & has made some new furry friends too!! Thank you Fairy Godmother 😊

From Helen Joslin on 29/04/2021

Where do I start? We discovered Helen and Darren when our boy, Mozart was just 11 weeks old, and naturally we were worried about leaving our baby with a stranger. I can honestly say we needn't have worried. We have become repeat customers and when our second puppy came to join us we had no hesitation in introducing her to Aunty Helen and Uncle Darren too. Helen is a total professional with excellent communication, reliable, and she has an excellent understanding of the needs of different breeds. Helen continues home routines and training, which provides consistency and security. The photo's we receive while our puppies are with Helen provide reassurance that they are being very well looked after. Helen and Darren provide a wonderful loving home environment, and when crisis struck for us Helen and Darren were like the 4th emergency service. When we leave our puppies with Helen they bounce through her door, with waggy tails, clearly happy to be there, and more recently when we say the words 'Aunty Helen', they run to the door ready to get in the car. We have no hesitation in highly recommending Helen as a service provider, and I'm sure our puppies will agree.

From Lorraine on 13/04/2021

I was so pleased to find Helen. I worked in the area during 2020 & needed some where for my Border Collie 'Meg' to go a couple of days a week for company. I really couldn't have found anybody so more committed & reliable than Helen. Meg was always happy to see Helen & Darren & I could relax knowing she was in very good hands. I would not hesitate in recommending 'Hels Hounds'.....amazing professional service & lovely people.

From Rose on 07/11/2020

an excellent boarding home for my dog. we had plenty of photos and messages to reassure us that he was ok. helen was brilliant with marley and I wouldn't hesitate to leave him again.

From rodger on 02/08/2019

Thank you so much Helen and Darren for looking after Herbie last weekend. It was such a relief to know how well he was being looked after, and we were kept updated with lovely pictures and messages. Thanks again Helen, Herbie can't wait to come and stay again! XX

From Kerry on 01/08/2019

We met Helen this morning on a walk with our pup Woody. She was walking a beautiful Labrador and allowed our pup to play with him. Helen was really lovely and knowledgeable and we wouldn't hesitate to use her services to care for our precious pooch!

From Yvonne and Dave Sherwin on 20/07/2019

What a lovely holiday Cole had with Helen, she was in touch daily with photographs and updates of him on his adventures. This was very reassuring as Cole is a 14 week old puppy. I would recommend Helen to everyone she is very knowledgable, understanding and nothing is too much for her. Thank you so much for looking after our boy! Jo

From Jo Notarianni on 02/03/2019

Helen is very caring, a true dog lover. She looked after Bumble our Springer Spaniel puppy when he was very poorly. Helen and Darren took him to the vets several times and kept us up to date with his progress whilst we were on holiday. We definitely recommend Helen. Thank you. Jill and Ian

From Jill Haigh on 30/01/2019

Buddy thoroughly enjoyed his stay and he looks forward to his next sleep over. Helen always makes sure your dog is looked after to the highest standard, a home from home for your dog. Highly recommended

From Lesley Webb on 27/12/2018

Helen looked after my two dogs Eli & Wilbur, they had a lovely time & I will have no concerns when they stay again for my summer holiday.

From Amanda Fuller on 24/12/2018

My elderly labrador Gunner suffered a stroke last February so was a little anxious about leaving him, whilst we went on holiday 3 weeks ago. Helen was great she sent me pictures of him on her walks and whilst he was sleeping. That little touch of kindness meant a lot. Helen is a kind and caring person and I would highly recommend her. Gunner loved his stay. Helen Oct 2018

From Helen Ellerington on 04/11/2018

I have been using Helen's dog sitting service for many years now. I have a very active Springer who needs lots of excercise. Helen never fails at giving me back a very happy tired dog when I return back from my holidays. I cannot recommend Helen highly enough. Me and saphie are 100% happy

From Donna Barron on 13/09/2018

Mums 3 Lhasa apsos stayed with Helen for the weekend and when they returned for another stay they were so excited and happy to see her. Would highly recommend

From Kim custus on 03/09/2018

Helen and Darren offer a wonderful caring loving holiday home for our Bedington Terrier, she loves staying with them and I feel extremely reassured that she is looked after as though she was their own dog. Highly recommended.

From Helen on 29/06/2018

Lulu absolutely adores Helen & Darren - can't get there fast enough when she is visiting . We have complete peace of mind when Lulu is with Helen . I think dogs love Helen because she really cares for & about them , & has an impressive knowledge of doggy matters.

From Liz on 28/05/2018

Well where do I start. Helen’s passion and love of dogs is endless I have had Afghan Hounds for over 40years and never found anywhere I have felt comfortable leaving them when the need has arisen, that is until a friend recommended Helen. It is a home from home at Helen’s and Lottie and Gulliver love it. We still miss them when we are away but know they are in safe hands. Tony & Lesley

From Tony Gill on 02/05/2018

We have been leaving our dogs with Helen & Darren for quite a number of years now and have nothing but praise for the way they are looked after, If your dogs gets a mid morning slice of toast with marmalade at home, then thats what they will get at Helen's ( just an example ) of the lengths they will go to ,to make your pets feel at home. Our dogs sometimes seem to have a better holiday than us.

From Ian & Christine on 02/05/2018

I have two spaniels and they have stayed with Helen over this last year. They both love visiting Helen and rush in the house at top speed!! I know they are going to be well looked after with care and attention, lots of walks, and lots of love from Helen, which gives you peace of mind whilst on holiday. Her house is "dog friendly" and she looks after the dogs as if they were her own. I would have no hesitation in highly recommend her.

From Debra Deighton on 30/04/2018

Helen and her husband were absolutely brilliant with my dog. Lovely home, I felt that my dog was safe and properly looked after. Really recommend!

From Georgie Samuels on 30/04/2018

We can't praise Helen enough for what she does she is fantastic with our dogs Betty & Beau they love going there and are so happy to be left. She treats them like we do at home and is always taking them on lovely walks. I'm so glad we've found her it's great going away knowing they are in such safe hands and are being so well looked after. Can highly recommend to anybody wanting to leave there dogs in such a safe and loving environment.

From Melissa Hornby on 28/04/2018

Mulberry has stayed with Helen on a few acations now .i feel very lucky that Iv found her. He loves to go & im assured that he's enjoying him self whilst we are away 😍. And I'm embarrassed to say he is better behaved on my return 🤩 thank you a million Helen from Suzanne & Andrew xx

From Suzanne on 23/04/2018

My Parson Russel terrier loves Helen. As soon as we arrive at her house he cannot wait to meet her! Helen is kind, caring and passionate when it comes to the care of our dog, going out of her way to make the stay as easy as possible. I have used her for the past 2 years, and I highly recommend her.

From WHC on 23/04/2018

We found Helen through a recommendation from a friend and so pleased that we found this lovely caring person to look after Polly (our Pointer). We found her professional and dedicated to Polly. Due to her pleasant nature and commitment, and knowing that Polly is loved and secure, we now book Polly in with Helen before we book our own holidays, to avoid Polly going somewhere else. For the last couple of years, we have been able to go away, knowing that our little lady is having a great holiday too. Highly Recommended.

From Mr & Mrs Smithson on 22/04/2018