Choosing the right dog daycare is one of the biggest decisions any dog owner can make.
It is not just about finding somewhere convenient or affordable, it is about trust, comfort, safety, and knowing that a beloved family member is genuinely happy while in someone else’s care.
For dog owners in Chichester and across West Sussex, Dog Dotty has quickly become a name that stands out for all the right reasons.
Run by Sam Pope from her welcoming home in Chichester, Dog Dotty offers something refreshingly different from traditional dog daycare and boarding services.
This is not a business born out of trend or convenience.
It is the result of a lifelong love of animals, a deep understanding of canine emotions, and a desire to give dogs a calm, caring environment where they can truly relax. From shy rescue dogs to playful companions who thrive on social interaction, Dog Dotty has been thoughtfully created to meet dogs where they are, emotionally and physically.
Here are three reasons why this home based daycare and boarding service is becoming a favourite for dog owners throughout Chichester and West Sussex.
A genuine home from home environment
One of the biggest reasons dog owners are drawn to Dog Dotty is the environment itself. This is not a kennel, not a warehouse full of barking dogs, and certainly not a place where dogs are shut away behind gates or bars. Instead, dogs are welcomed into a real family home on Church Road in Chichester, complete with a bright open plan living space, a sunny conservatory, and a large secure garden.
Dogs staying with Dog Dotty are free to move around, choose a cosy spot for a nap, stretch out in the sunshine, or potter around the garden following their noses. There are no cages, no kennels, and no rigid routines that force dogs to fit into an unnatural schedule. Everything is designed to feel familiar, calm, and safe, which is especially important for dogs who may feel anxious or overwhelmed in louder, busier settings.
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This approach is rooted in real experience. Sam’s love of dogs began back in 1989 with an Old English Sheepdog named Keba, a fluffy puppy who made a lifelong impression. Losing Keba at a young age left a lasting emotional mark and helped shape a deep empathy for the bond between dogs and their humans. That understanding is woven into every corner of Dog Dotty, where dogs are treated not as clients, but as temporary family members.
For owners, this means peace of mind. Dogs are not just supervised, they are genuinely cared for in an environment that mirrors the comfort of their own home. For dogs, it means less stress, better sleep, and more natural behaviour. There is also something reassuringly human about knowing that your dog might spend the afternoon snoozing on a cushion rather than pacing a concrete run. It is daycare that feels like a cosy visit to a trusted friend, rather than a stay in an unfamiliar facility.
Experienced care shaped by love, patience, and real life dogs
Behind every great dog daycare is a person who truly understands dogs, and Dog Dotty is no exception. Sam’s journey with dogs has been shaped by real experiences, including the challenges and rewards that come with rescue dogs. In 2020, after years of waiting due to rented accommodation and life circumstances, Honey joined the family. A rescue from Bosnia through the AAFA, Honey arrived shy, nervous, and unsure of the world around her.
Rather than seeing these traits as problems, they were met with patience, understanding, and gentle encouragement. Over time, Honey blossomed into a loving and loyal companion. This experience plays a crucial role in how dogs are cared for at Dog Dotty. There is a genuine awareness that every dog arrives with their own story, personality, and emotional needs.
Two years later, Peggy joined the household, a lively Spaniel, Shih Tzu cross who brought balance, fun, and a little extra sparkle into daily life. Together, Honey and Peggy form the heart of Dog Dotty. They are friendly, well socialised, and play an important role in welcoming guest dogs during the compulsory meet and greet sessions.
These meet and greets are not a box ticking exercise. They are a thoughtful way to ensure that every dog feels comfortable in the environment and with the resident dogs before any booking is confirmed. Owners wait nearby or enjoy a coffee locally while their dog explores the space and meets Honey and Peggy. This dog only introduction helps reduce stress, particularly for dogs who may be wary of new people or environments.
With a maximum of four guest dogs per day, alongside the two resident dogs, Dog Dotty is able to offer truly attentive care. Dogs are not lost in a crowd or overlooked during busy periods. Every personality is noticed, every quirk is respected, and every dog receives the time and affection they deserve. It is this balance of professional responsibility and heartfelt care that makes the experience feel so personal.
Flexible services with constant reassurance for owners
Modern life is busy, unpredictable, and often stressful. Dog Dotty understands this and offers services designed to fit around real schedules, not the other way around. Doggy daycare is available during standard working hours, with flexibility when life demands it, making it ideal for busy professionals, parents juggling commitments, or anyone who wants their dog to have a fulfilling day rather than being left alone.
For those heading off on holiday or needing overnight care, home boarding packages are available, starting from two to four nights, with weekend stays requiring a minimum of two nights. Dogs staying overnight are treated exactly the same as daytime guests, enjoying the comfort of the home, access to quiet spaces for downtime, and the reassuring presence of familiar routines.
One of the standout features of Dog Dotty is the regular updates provided to owners. Leaving a dog, even in the best care, can tug at the heartstrings. Knowing this, Sam keeps owners informed with messages and photos that show dogs relaxed, happy, and very much at home. It is hard to worry when a photo arrives of a contented dog snoozing in the conservatory or enjoying a sunny moment in the garden.
The location itself adds another layer of convenience. Based in a quiet residential area of Chichester, with easy access and parking available for overnight boarders, drop offs and pick ups are straightforward and stress free. Nearby walking routes offer plenty of sniff filled adventures, adding mental stimulation and gentle exercise to each dog’s day.
Ultimately, Dog Dotty is about more than dog daycare or boarding. It is about trust, compassion, and creating a space where dogs feel safe enough to be themselves. There is a warmth to the service that cannot be manufactured, a sense that this is exactly where dogs are meant to be while their humans are away.
For dog owners in Chichester and across West Sussex who want more than the standard option, Dog Dotty offers a thoughtful, loving alternative. It is a place built on decades of affection for animals, shaped by real life experiences, and run with genuine care. Dogs may not be able to say thank you, but judging by the wagging tails and contented naps, they certainly show it.