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The Happy Dog Haven
Kennel
⚲ Southport, Merseyside
5-star boarding kennels · Heated, ventilated & air-conditioned kennels · Reactive & XL Bullies welcome · Fully secure play areas
The Happy Dog Haven is a 5-star facility offering dog boarding, cat boarding and doggy daycare. Open 7 days a week, the team welcomes dogs of all backgrounds, shapes, sizes and breeds.
About This Listing:
This listing is based on information provided and confirmed by its owners, who remain responsible for its accuracy, including that they welcome XL Bullies and have reviewed their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
Last confirmed on 14 July 2026.
XL Escapes shares this information to help you make informed decisions but does not own or manage this business.
Full Property Description:
The Happy Dog Haven is the brainchild of Rachael O'Regan, a dog behaviour specialist and CEO of the international dog rescue, The Responsible Dog Rescue C.I.C.
Southport born and bred but well travelled, Rachael recognised there was a gap in the services available for dogs and cats in the area, and so The Happy Dog Haven was born.
Rachael and the fantastic, caring and experienced team — Kennel & Site Manager Alex B, alongside animal carers Ben, Molly and Alex C — provide boarding, doggy daycare, grooming, behaviour advice and training for dogs all on one site, while cats can relax in their luxury, self-contained cat hotel.
Full Property Description:
The Happy Dog Haven is the brainchild of Rachael O'Regan, a dog behaviour specialist and CEO of the international dog rescue, The Responsible Dog Rescue C.I.C.
Southport born and bred but well travelled, Rachael recognised there was a gap in the services available for dogs and cats in the area, and so The Happy Dog Haven was born.
Rachael and the fantastic, caring and experienced team — Kennel & Site Manager Alex B, alongside animal carers Ben, Molly and Alex C — provide boarding, doggy daycare, grooming, behaviour advice and training for dogs all on one site, while cats can relax in their luxury, self-contained cat hotel.
For Our Four Legged Guests:
XL Bullies are welcome.
Reactive dogs are welcome.
The team has experience caring for exempt breeds, reactive dogs, fearful dogs, nervous dogs, traumatised dogs, rescue dogs and dogs displaying aggressive behaviours.
The team will not turn a dog away because of its breed or behavioural needs and are happy to discuss individual care plans where additional boundaries are required, including no-touch or no-contact handling.
Boarding kennels are fully heated, ventilated, air-conditioned and soundproof.
Multiple secure outdoor play areas are available.
All outdoor exercise areas are fully enclosed with 6ft fencing.
Multiple locked gates provide additional security.
Dogs have access to secure off-lead play areas.
Exempt dogs must provide their exemption certificate on arrival.
Exempt dogs must remain muzzled until they have passed through the second security gate. Once inside the private property, they can remain muzzle-free throughout their stay.
Exempt dogs cannot mix with unfamiliar dogs.
Dogs from the same household can board together.
Kennels can accommodate up to four dogs together, with capacity depending on the dogs' size.
All boarding and daycare dogs must be fully vaccinated.
Kennel cough vaccination is not legally required, but if given, dogs must have completed the 14-day incubation period before attending.
The facility is private.
Dog-Friendly Details That Matter
XL Bullies are welcome.
Reactive dogs are welcome.
The team has experience caring for exempt breeds, reactive dogs, fearful dogs, nervous dogs, traumatised dogs, rescue dogs and dogs displaying aggressive behaviours.
The team will not turn a dog away because of its breed or behavioural needs and are happy to discuss individual care plans where additional boundaries are required, including no-touch or no-contact handling.
Boarding kennels are fully heated, ventilated, air-conditioned and soundproof.
Multiple secure outdoor play areas are available.
All outdoor exercise areas are fully enclosed with 6ft fencing.
Multiple locked gates provide additional security.
Dogs have access to secure off-lead play areas.
Exempt dogs must provide their exemption certificate on arrival.
Exempt dogs must remain muzzled until they have passed through the second security gate. Once inside the private property, they can remain muzzle-free throughout their stay.
Exempt dogs cannot mix with unfamiliar dogs.
Dogs from the same household can board together.
Kennels can accommodate up to four dogs together, with capacity depending on the dogs' size.
All boarding and daycare dogs must be fully vaccinated.
Kennel cough vaccination is not legally required, but if given, dogs must have completed the 14-day incubation period before attending.
The facility is private.
Local Area Guide:
The Happy Dog Haven is located at the end of a quiet industrial estate, set back from the main road. After 6pm the area becomes particularly peaceful. Nearby you'll find local dog walking fields and parks, dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, and a dog-friendly beach approximately 15 minutes away.
Meet The Owners
Our team are extremely experienced with dogs of all backgrounds — exempt breeds, reactive dogs, fear aggressive dogs, aggressive dogs, nervous dogs, traumatised dogs and rescues. Some of our staff hold canine behavioural qualifications and continue to develop their knowledge through ongoing learning.
We understand that owners of dogs with complex needs or behavioural issues also need time to themselves. Whether it's a holiday, a night away or simply some respite, knowing their dog is safe and understood is incredibly important. We will never turn a dog away for any reason and are always happy to work with owners to create a care plan that best suits their dog's individual needs.
Ready to Book?
All bookings for The Happy Dog Haven Ltd. are managed directly through their website. For the latest prices, availability and booking information, please click "Book Now" to be directed to their page.
Alternatively, you can book by telephone on 01704 227830, via WhatsApp on 07768 648911, or through their Facebook page.
Paw of Approval
Photos from XL Escapes members, with dogs who gave this business their paw of approval.
XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise
Every business you see on XL Escapes has confirmed to us that they welcome XL Bullies. Before being listed, we ask the questions we'd want answered ourselves — from real experience living and travelling with XL and reactive dogs.
That includes confirming they are happy to host XL Bullies, that their listing details are accurate, and that they've considered their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
We don't assume. We don't guess. We ask — and they confirm.
If anything changes or a business doesn't stand by what they've told us, we take it seriously.
If a business listed on XL Escapes turns you away because of your dog's breed, contact us. We will review it, remove them if necessary, and refund your membership.
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