About Farm Cottage Boarding
A bit about us
Hi, we’re Alice and Bill, and we believe your dog deserves nothing less than the very best. Dogs have always been at the heart of our lives, and our passion for providing exceptional care is what inspired us to create Farm Cottage Boarding – a place where every dog is treated as one of our own.
Before buying the business in October 2024, we successfully ran our own home boarding business, where our dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to outstanding care were recognised when we won Family Business of the Year 2024 at the Lancashire Pet & Animal Care Awards.
Since purchasing the former Shelley’s Kennels, we have transformed Farm Cottage Boarding into a premium, modern dog care destination, combining professional expertise with a genuine home-from-home experience. Our vision was simple: to create somewhere owners can leave their dogs with complete confidence, knowing they are safe, happy, and loved.
We offer everything your dog needs under one roof, including luxury boarding, Doggy Day Care, professional grooming, Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning, puppy training, behavioural support, a Natural Treat Shop, Dog Taxi, Bark & Ride Airport Service, and our award-winning Wedding Chaperone Service.
We’ve invested significantly in creating an exceptional environment for our guests, with upgraded facilities, dedicated play areas, enrichment spaces, enhanced safety systems, and luxury VIP Suites complete with sofas, televisions, heating, and all the comforts of home. Our highly trained team shares our passion for animal welfare, with ongoing training including Pet First Aid and specialist care for dogs with additional needs.
At Farm Cottage Boarding, we understand that no two dogs are the same. Every guest receives personalised care tailored to their individual personality, routine, exercise needs, enrichment preferences, dietary requirements, and comfort levels. From regular updates and photographs to plenty of cuddles and one-to-one attention, we ensure owners have complete peace of mind while their dogs enjoy their stay.
Our own dogs – Poppy, our Border Collie and the inspiration behind our logo; Del, our rescue Border Collie; and Tommy, our energetic Border Collie puppy – are a daily reminder of the love, patience, and understanding every dog deserves.
With years of experience raising puppies, welcoming rescue dogs, supporting dogs with behavioural challenges, and navigating everything from separation anxiety to nervousness and confidence building, we truly understand dogs and the unique needs of each individual.
We’re proud to have built a reputation based on trust, quality, and exceptional care, recognised through numerous awards including Most Trusted Dog Boarding Service in the North West, Wedding Chaperone Service of the Year, Best Dog Boarding Facility, Startup Business Woman of the Year, and Female Diamond Entrepreneur, among others.
Our commitment extends beyond our own guests. Through our fundraising efforts for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, we’ve raised more than £10,000 to help support rescue animals, while our community events such as Open Days, Dog Shows and Puppy Parties help bring local dog lovers together.
Choosing someone to care for your dog is a big decision – and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. At Farm Cottage Boarding, your dog isn’t just another guest; they become part of our family. We provide the love, care, expertise, and attention we’d want for our own dogs, giving you the confidence to leave them knowing they are in the very best hands.
Farm Cottage Boarding
Owned and operated by Bill Brown and Alice Holt, Farm Cottage Boarding is an award-winning, fully licensed 5★ dog boarding facility, licensed by Bury Council (AWL0041) to care for up to 48 dogs.
Combining professional expertise, exceptional facilities and a genuine passion for canine welfare, we’re proud to provide a home-from-home experience where every dog receives the highest standards of care, comfort and attention.
We meet all DEFRA higher standards and optional higher standards, demonstrating our commitment to going above and beyond the minimum requirements to ensure the safety, happiness and wellbeing of every dog in our care.
Our qualifications, experience and dedication to canine welfare include:
- DBS checked and fully insured with public liability cover
- Ofqual Level 3 qualified in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare
- Level 3 qualified in Canine Psychology
- Canine First Aid Level 2 certified
- Canine Communication Diploma
- Qualified in Training Deaf Dogs
- Dog Grooming Diploma
- Advanced Certificate in Canine Fear, Anxiety and Aggression
Our commitment to excellence has been recognised through multiple industry awards, celebrating our outstanding standards of care, customer service and contribution to the dog-loving community. We have also been proudly featured in Lancashire Life, Cheshire Life, I Do Magazine and The Canine Times.
At Farm Cottage Boarding, we believe dogs deserve more than just somewhere to stay – they deserve a safe, enriching and loving environment where they can relax, play and feel at home.
With expert knowledge, award-winning standards and a team who truly understands dogs, you can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your four-legged family member is receiving the very best care.
Meet the Team
ALICE
Top Dog - Operations
Alice holds a broad range of canine qualifications, including Level 3 Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare, Canine Psychology, Canine First Aid, Canine Communication, Dog Grooming, Deaf Dog training, Canine nutrition, and advanced studies in fear, anxiety and aggression. With a background as an Executive Assistant, she combines excellent organisation with outstanding customer care. Her love of dogs began in childhood, launching her own dog walking business at just 11, and she still dreams of having a house full of dogs.
NICOLE
Canine Care Manager
Holding a BTEC Level 3 Qualification in Animal Care (Distinction), a Level 3 Qualification in Canine Care, Behaviour & Welfare, and a Level 2 Qualification in Canine First Aid, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our dog hotel. Passionate about animal welfare, she is committed to providing every dog with exceptional, personalised care. Her meticulous attention to detail, compassionate nature, and dedication to each guest’s health, happiness, and wellbeing ensure every dog enjoys a safe, enriching, and loving stay.
BILL
Top Dog - Front of House
Bill is a practical, down-to-earth member of the team with a passion for building and improving things around the dog hotel. He holds a Level 2 Qualification in Canine First Aid and is First Aid at Work trained, bringing valuable skills and experience to the business. A former Royal Marine who loves the outdoors, Bill is always ready to tackle any challenge – and is well known for his impressive collection of screws!
POPPY
Resident Head of Security
Poppy is our beloved resident dog and the heart of Farm Cottage Boarding. At just 6 years old, she’s already explored 16 European countries with us in our campervan! Poppy isn’t just part of the family – she’s our inspiration. She’s the face behind our logo and the standard by which we care for every guest. Each decision we make comes back to one simple question: “If it was Poppy what would we do?”
RICK
Hotel Repairs & Maintenance
Rick is our go-to handyman for advice and is always happy to lend a hand whenever something needs fixing or improving around the dog hotel. Qualified in PAT Testing and Electrical Safety, he helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Recently retired, Rick is a valued member of the team – and somehow always knows when food is being served!
LUCIA
Canine Care Associate
Lucia first joined our team through a school work experience placement, and it quickly became clear she was far too talented to let go. Now studying at college, she works with us on Saturdays and during college holidays, continuing to develop her natural ability with dogs. Aspiring to become a vet, she is gaining invaluable hands-on experience caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities while building a strong foundation for her future career.
ELIZABETH
Canine Care Associate
Elizabeth holds a Level 3 BTEC in Animal Management with three Distinction Stars and is qualified in Pet First Aid, Canine Behaviour, and Dog Grooming. She has recently graduated from Myerscough University with a First Class Honours degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Passionate about animal care and aspiring to become a Guide Dog trainer, Elizabeth’s knowledge, dedication, and compassion make her an invaluable and highly respected member of our team.
EMILY
Canine Care Associate
Emily initially joined us on a work experience placement, where her maturity, enthusiasm, and natural ability with dogs quickly stood out. At the end of her placement, we were delighted to offer her a part-time role. She now works weekends and school holidays, bringing a calm, caring approach to everything she does. Her eagerness to learn and genuine love of dogs make her a valued member of our team and a favourite with both our guests and their owners.
TERI
Bedtime Canine Care Associate
Teri is our trusted night-time carer, ensuring every guest settles down for a peaceful night’s sleep. From late-night toilet breaks and cosy tuck-ins to plenty of bedtime belly rubs, she makes sure every dog feels safe, secure, and loved. Holding a Level 2 Qualification in Canine First Aid, Teri provides attentive overnight care, offering reassurance and comfort so our guests can drift off feeling relaxed and content.
JODIE
Canine Care Associate
Jodie joined our team through a 150-hour placement while studying for her Level 2 Animal Care qualification at Eccles Sixth Form College. Holding a Level 2 Qualification in Canine First Aid, she quickly impressed us with her dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for animal welfare. Recognising her potential, we were delighted to offer her a role with us. She continues to be a valued member of our team, providing outstanding care to every dog.
DANA
Canine Care Associate
Dana joined our team as a volunteer to gain hands-on experience with dogs, quickly impressing us with her passion, dedication, and natural ability. She now works with us part-time in the dog hotel and also as our on-site groomer holding a Level 3 Qualification in Dog Grooming. Dana takes pride in providing calm, caring, and professional grooming, ensuring every dog leaves feeling comfortable, confident, and looking their very best.
DYLAN
Canine Care Associate
At just 17, Dylan has already built impressive experience caring for dogs, having spent weekends and school holidays working at Pearson & Paws. Since joining us as an apprentice, he has achieved his Level 2 Qualification in Canine Care & Welfare and holds a Level 3 Qualification in Canine First Aid. His enthusiasm, dedication, and genuine passion for dogs make him a valued member of our team, and we’re proud to have him with us.
JEFFREY
Head of Pest Control
Meet Jeffrey, our resident cat and Head of Pest Control at Farm Cottage Boarding. He takes great pride in keeping the grounds in order, when he’s not enjoying a well-earned nap. Jeffrey also supervises the team, inspects guest arrivals, and keeps a watchful eye on daily life around the hotel. Calm and confident, he has perfected the art of staying just out of reach of our canine guests while remaining part of the action.
TOMMY
Apprentice Head of Security
Tommy is our energetic Border Collie puppy and the newest member of the Farm Cottage Boarding team. As our four-legged apprentice, he’s learning the ropes by socialising with dogs of all ages, building confidence, and mastering good manners. Sharing the same grandparents as our resident dog, Poppy, he’s following in excellent pawprints. Under Poppy’s guidance, Tommy is growing into a happy, confident dog and a much-loved member of the team.
DEL
Head of Comfort Services
Del is our 5-year-old rescue Border Collie, adopted from Protecting Preloved Border Collies after a difficult start in life. Nervous by nature, she has blossomed thanks to patience, kindness, and the freedom to build confidence at her own pace. She enjoys relaxing in her own cosy room while watching the world go by. Del reminds us that every dog is unique and can thrive with understanding, compassion, and time.
ELLA
Canine Care Associate
Ella joined Farm Cottage Boarding after completing a work experience placement, where her enthusiasm, dedication, and confidence around dogs quickly stood out. Now a permanent team member, she is studying Level 3 Social Sciences at Runshaw College and hopes to pursue a career in dog therapy. As the owner of five dogs, she brings valuable experience, a caring nature, and a genuine passion for animal welfare, making her a fantastic addition to our team.
Make a Booking
Where are we?
Higher Bury Meadows Farm
Roading Brook Road, Tottington, Bury, BL2 4JQ
We’re situated in Lancashire’s green belt land between Bury and Bolton in beautiful rural surroundings
Opening times & contact
Monday – Friday – 10am – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday – 10am – 4pm
Pick up and drop offs between 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm
Out of hours available by prior arrangement
Come and visit us any day between 10am – 3pm (no appointment necessary) or contact us by email fchomeboarding@gmail.com, by phone 07359 211005 or via social media using the links below.