Home / About
Built on a simple idea: treat every dog like our own
The Dog Den is a dedicated day care facility in Fareham run by experienced, passionate dog lovers. We specialise in small-group care, with expert handlers who understand that every dog is different — including those with sensory or behavioural needs.
Why families choose us
Care you can feel good about
- Passion for dogs This isn't a job we fell into — it's the one we chose. Every wag matters here.
- Safety, always Vaccination checks, secure spaces and constant supervision, without exception.
- Tailored to your dog Feeding routines, medication, quirks and comfort — we work around your dog.
- Clean, secure facilities A calm, fresh environment your dog will love — and you'll be happy to walk into.
- Experienced carers Years of hands-on experience, including with sensory and behavioural needs.
- Small group environment Fewer dogs means more attention, gentler play and proper rest for everyone.
known by name
Our promise
The Dog Den standard
Happy first
If a dog isn't enjoying something, we change the plan — not the dog.
Honest & open
You'll always know how the day went — the brilliant bits and the muddy ones.
Calm by design
From layout to lighting, the Dog Den is designed to keep stress low and tails high.
The team
The people behind the paws
Rachel
Owner
Meet Rachel Rachel is Jake’s wife of 10 years and has loved being part of the Doggie Holiday Homes journey from the very beginning. A true dog lover, Rachel has always had a passion for animals and loved the adventure of joining Jake in creating special holiday experiences for dogs. Alongside Doggie Holiday Homes, Rachel works part-time as a swim teacher, where her natural passion for helping and supporting both people and dogs really shines through. She loves making others feel comfortable, confident and cared for — qualities she brings into everything she does. With a creative mind and a real eye for the finer details, Rachel is dedicated to making sure every dog’s stay is as happy, comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From the little touches to creating a welcoming home-from-home environment, she takes pride in ensuring every four-legged guest feels truly special. For Rachel, it’s simple: happy dogs, happy owners, and plenty of tail wags! 🐾
Steph
Owner
Meet Steph 🐾 Steph has been a teacher for 11 years, but her biggest passion outside the classroom has always been animals. A true animal lover at heart, Steph is dedicated to rescuing wildlife and fostering animals, helping to give them the best possible chance at a happy and fulfilling life. For the past two years, Steph has been part of the Doggie Holiday Homes team and has loved every minute of it. Her creativity, bright personality and hardworking nature shine through in everything she does, and she brings the same care and dedication to every animal she looks after. Steph is also mum to two gorgeous pooches of her own, Otis and Jack. They bring a sense of joy and happiness that is almost impossible to describe — unless, of course, you’re an animal lover yourself! 🐶❤️ For Steph, caring for animals isn’t just a job or a hobby — it’s something she truly loves and is incredibly passionate about.
Lewis
Owner
Meet Lewis Lewis is a skilled handyman and is always happy to turn his hand to anything that supports your dog’s needs and desires. His passion for animals began at a young age and has only continued to grow since meeting and marrying Steph. Together, they share their home with Otis, their Newfoundland, who inspired Lewis to explore the world of water rescue training. Lewis thoroughly enjoyed teaching Otis water rescue techniques with The New Forest Working Dogs, and this quickly became a huge passion. He has since begun supporting and training other dogs in water rescue work. Their other dog, Jack, has also joined the family, bringing plenty of personality and a small amount of chaos despite his size! Lewis’s true passion lies in building and creating environments for dogs that are fun, stimulating, and enriching. He loves finding ways to create spaces and experiences that allow dogs to enjoy themselves, learn, and thrive.
Jake
Owner
Meet Jake - Jake is the proud owner of Doggie Holiday Homes- Jake, bringing a genuine passion for dogs and their wellbeing to everything he does. With over three years of experience running Doggie Holiday Homes, Jake is dedicated to providing dogs with a safe, caring and loving home-from-home environment. A lifelong dog lover, Jake shares his home with his three dogs, Sookie, Taffy and Lilly, who are at the heart of his passion for canine care. His hands-on experience as a dog owner and carer has helped him develop a strong understanding of the individual needs and personalities of every dog. Jake is an accredited Pet First Aider and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every dog in his care. He also has a particular passion for dog behaviour and is continually developing his knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour. At Doggie Holiday Homes Jake believes that every dog deserves individual attention, care and plenty of love. His goal is to give owners complete peace of mind, knowing their dogs are being cared for as part of the family while they are away. Passing this passion and Knowledge into the Dog Den Daycare.
