About Our Facility

Paddington Paws is a primarily outdoor facility, giving dogs the space and fresh air they crave to run, explore, and play. When it’s time to rest – or when the Pacific Northwest weather is at its dramatic best – pups can enjoy one of our two indoor spaces: a separate cozy area for nap time, and an outside heated barn that allows dogs to move freely in and out as they choose. Our turfed field also means no muddy paws to worry about.

We’re proud to be one of the few dog daycares in Gig Harbor that is fully licensed with both Pierce County and Washington State, and we undergo regular independent inspections to ensure the highest standards of care and safety.

To make your life easier, we offer pick-up and drop-off services (subject to availability), with dogs safely and comfortably secured in our vehicles.

We keep our daily numbers intentionally small, allowing us to supervise all interactions closely and maintain a calm, safe, and enriching environment. Because of our outdoor-focused setup and playgroup structure, we currently welcome only medium and large breed dogs.

Cleanliness is a top priority. All indoor and outdoor areas are sanitized regularly, and fresh, clean water is always available throughout the day.

We believe in open, transparent communication with pet parents. You’ll receive regular updates, photos, and notes so you always know what your dog has been up to during their time with us.

If you’re new to Paddington Paws, we offer a meet-and-greet and a trial day – just to make sure we’re the perfect fit for your pup.

Every dog is different, and we embrace that. Whether your dog is outgoing and energetic or calm and observant, we tailor their daycare experience to match their personality, ensuring they feel confident, safe, and happy every step of the way.

About Our Philosophy

Enrichment: Stimulating the Mind

Dogs are intelligent, curious beings who need more than just a place to run around. That’s why we incorporate enrichment activities that challenge the mind and satisfy natural instincts. From our specially designed sensory area, lovingly named The Exploratorium, to games and controlled socialization, every activity is designed to provide meaningful mental stimulation. Enrichment keeps boredom at bay, supports behavioral balance, and helps your dog return home calm, content, and fulfilled.

Engagement: Building Bonds and Confidence

We believe in the power of connection – between dogs and humans, and between dogs and their environment. Through structured play, interactive training exercises, and one-on-one attention, we create an environment where every dog feels seen, safe, and supported. Engagement builds trust, improves communication, and strengthens a dog’s confidence. It’s not just about what dogs do here – it’s about how they feel while doing it.

Enjoyment: Fueling Joy and Movement

What’s a dog’s day without a little joyful play? From group play to games, and tail-wagging adventures, we create moments that spark pure, tail-thumping happiness. Our outdoor areas and activity zones are designed to encourage safe and fun game play, helping dogs stay active, healthy, and eager to come back for more.

With a childhood of rescuing every waif and stray, I knew that animal care was my passion.  After high school, I was fortunate to earn a place at agricultural college, where I studied animal care in depth, learning both practical skills and anatomical knowledge, though it was the work with dogs that truly excited me.   

After graduating college, I set my sights on joining the Royal Air Force dog team, sadly a health condition meant I failed the physical. So work with dogs took a back seat for a while – whilst I worked in the corporate world in Loss Prevention, Risk Management and Health & Safety.

Thankfully, I was able to return to my passion once more, when I launched my own Dog Walking and Pet Sitting business.

Over the past eight wonderful years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for a huge variety of dogs, many cats, and even the occasional chicken and goat.  Now, I’m thrilled to be entering the next phase of this journey: running a dog daycare.

I cannot wait to bring all my knowledge and experience into this exciting adventure, and to meet more wonderful dogs and their caring humans who love them.