How do you settle anxious boarders?

We settle dogs slowly with gentle introductions, soft lighting, calm routines and constant human presence to help them relax.

Do boarding dogs join daily walks?

Yes, most boarding dogs join our countryside group walks unless they need a gentler routine due to age or medical needs.

Dog Boarding in Andover, Licensed 5* Home Boarding /MutTrails

Home-From-Home Dog Boarding in Andover

Liz caring for a boarding dog at MutTrails

Hi, I’m Liz, and I know how it feels to leave your dog. That’s why every guest at MutTrails stays in my home as part of the family. They curl up on soft blankets, join our daily walks, and settle as if they’d always lived here. Many of the countryside routes we use are featured in our

MutTrails Walk Guide Library, which you can explore if you enjoy discovering new places to walk your dog.

They stay safe, loved and comfortable, just like home.

⭐ Rated 5-Stars on Google by our happy boarding families — find their reviews near the bottom of this page.

A Typical Day at MutTrails as part of our Licensed 5-Star Dog Boarding Routine.

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Breakfast & Wake-Up

Our day starts calmly with a gentle wake-up and a good stretch. Breakfast is served in each dog’s own cosy space with fresh water ready, so they can eat comfortably at their own pace. Once everyone has settled after breakfast, we greet the daycare arrivals and ease into the morning together.

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Morning Countryside Walk

We head out to our local fields and woodland for fresh air and a gentle adventure on our group countryside walks. Walks are kept close to home to minimise travel and maximise fun. For dogs with permission, there are chances for safe off-lead exploring while socialising and practising good manners with their friends.

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Midday Rest & Cuddles

After our morning adventures, we return home to dry off, refresh, and unwind. Some enjoy a cosy nap or quiet sofa time, others relax in the garden, and in warmer months there’s even the option for a gentle splash in the pool. A peaceful midday break helps everyone recharge for the afternoon.

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Afternoon Field Session

The afternoon brings a burst of energy with secure-field play, space to run, chase, and explore under full supervision. There’s shade and a splash pool for warm days, and if the heat rises too much, we switch to a cool woodland walk instead. With our team of five on hand, every dog stays active, stimulated, and supported.

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Evening Garden Wind-Down

As the day winds down, we enjoy gentle time outdoors — relaxing in the snug out of the sun, or staying dry under cover if the rain appears. When the weather turns cold, we move indoors for warm sofa snuggles and soothing background music. Then it’s dinner, a final comfort break, and time to settle for a peaceful night.

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Nightly Update

Before lights-out, you’ll receive a WhatsApp message and video so you can see your dog relaxed and ready for sleep. At night they pick their favourite cosy spot — often racing me for the best space on the bed! I sleep downstairs with them, so if anyone stirs or needs reassurance, I’m right there.

Boarding is just one of the ways we care for dogs at MutTrails. You can also explore our dog daycare and full range of services from our home-from-home base in Andover.

“Every evening I send a short message and video, muddy paws, sleepy smiles and total peace of mind.” My nightly promise to you.

Meet a Few of Our Guests

Darcy: Darcy is a white dog on the days she has not found a puddle to turn into a black one.

lucca a lively dog snoozing indoors at MutTrails

Luca: He has such thin skin, that I have to keep a thin coat on him to protect it, when he plays with the others

✂️ On-Site Grooming — Masons Paws

Mason’s Paws grooming salon by Andrew, City & Guilds Level 3

Masons Paws operates right here at MutTrails, run by Andrew (City & Guilds Level 3 qualified). The fully equipped salon runs seven days a week,

Perfect for a fresh bath after muddy walks or a tidy-up before heading home.

Boarding Reviews from MutTrails Families

These live Google Reviews are shared directly from happy MutTrails families.

Check Availability Today Call Liz to Book

Boarding FAQs

Everything you need to know about our cage-free, home-from-home holiday boarding

Do dogs sleep in crates or freely?

Boarding is completely cage-free. Dogs sleep freely on sofas or dog beds, just as they would at home. We create a calm, cosy environment so they settle comfortably.

Is someone with the dogs overnight?

Yes — Liz sleeps downstairs with the dogs every night. This provides reassurance, safety, and company for nervous or first-time boarders.

How do you help anxious dogs settle?

We settle dogs gently with quiet introductions, a familiar routine, soft lighting, and lots of human presence. Many anxious dogs relax quickly in a home environment rather than a kennel setting.

How many dogs do you board at one time?

As a 5-Star licensed home boarder, we keep numbers low to maintain safety and personal care. This ensures a peaceful home atmosphere without overcrowding.

Do you walk boarding dogs daily?

Yes — boarding dogs join our countryside group walks (if suitable), or receive personalised garden time and enrichment depending on age, energy, and ability.

Can I bring my dog’s own bed or toys?

Absolutely. Items that smell like home help dogs settle more quickly. You can bring beds, blankets, any comfort items your dog loves but no toys allowed .

What should I pack for boarding?

Please bring:
• Food for the full stay
• Medication (if needed)
• A coat in winter
• Their food bowl
• Optional: bed
We supply everything else.

What time are drop-offs and pick-ups?

We offer flexible times to help owners plan their travel. Just let us know your approximate schedule when booking. Early and late drop-offs can be arranged when possible.

How do I book boarding?

Booking is easy through our online booking system or by contacting us directly for availability.