Kent doggy daycare ‘devastated’ after lease ended
Kent-based doggy daycare Hairy Poppins may be forced to close if it cannot secure new premises by the end of June.
The company rents a facility in Elm Court Garden Village in Hempstead, near Gillingham, which allowed it to pay a reduced rent during the pandemic and pay back the arrears each month when it reopened.
However, a few weeks ago, Owner Tracy Buckingham was told that the lease would not be renewed leaving her without a site.
Buckingham told Kent Online: “We are only just getting back on our feet. We are absolutely devastated.
“This leaves my team of 11 staff unemployed, my clients with nowhere to look after their dogs while they are at work and hundreds of dogs with nowhere to go.”
Buckingham added: “We are desperate to find another site and continue to help more dogs and I am so worried for my amazing team of staff who are so dedicated and amazing at what they do.”
Hairy Poppins also offers training and behavioural classes, specialising in reactive and anxious dogs, and its books are full until September.
The daycare and classes are run in an open field with activity spaces including a beach, agility equipment, pools, sofas, and a sensory garden. Up to 24 dogs can attend at a time and between eight and 10 for the behavioural classes.
