✅ How to book your XL Escape

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.

Kim & Chris Ewen

We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.

With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.

Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.

If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change, and we’ve designed our cancellation policy to be as fair and transparent as possible.

If You Need to Cancel

More than 5 weeks before arrival: You’ll receive a full refund, including your deposit.
5 weeks or less before arrival:
- 5 weeks or less: 30% of the booking is charged.
- 4 weeks or less: 40% of the booking is charged.
- 3 weeks or less: 60% of the booking is charged.
- 2 weeks or less: 85% of the booking is charged.
- 1 week or less: 100% of the booking is charged.

How Refunds Work

If you’re entitled to a refund, it will be processed promptly and returned via the same method of payment.

Need Assistance?

If you have any concerns or extenuating circumstances, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help and will always try to find a solution that works for you.

Payment Details
At XL Escapes, we strive to make the booking process as straightforward and secure as possible. Here’s how it works:
Deposits

A 20% deposit is required within 7 days of booking to secure your stay.

XL Escapes Booking Fee

We charge a small 5% booking fee, which is significantly lower than other major platforms.

Remaining Balance

The remaining balance, including any refundable breakage deposit (if applicable), must be paid 4 weeks before your check-in date.

Secure Payments with Stripe
All payments are processed through Stripe Connect, a trusted and secure platform. Your funds are safely held with Stripe until after your check-out date. This extra layer of protection ensures peace of mind for both guests and hosts. Your payment details are always handled securely, so you can book with confidence.

Check-in and Check-out

Check-in: 4 PM
Check-out: 10 AM
We can’t guarantee early check-ins or late check-outs, but our housekeeping team will update us on their progress. If the property is ready early, you can let yourself in. Similarly, if no one is arriving immediately after, a later check-out might be possible—just message us on the day to check availability.

Pets

Dogs of all breeds and sizes are welcome. 🐾
The garden is fully enclosed to keep your furry friends safe.

Hot Tub

The hot tub is for your exclusive use. It will be freshly cleaned and ready when you arrive. Please follow the usage guidelines provided in the welcome book to ensure it remains in top condition.

Parking

Parking is strictly on the driveway only.
Do not park on the grass or the private road, which is also used by neighbours.

Gatherings and Events

Small, private gatherings are welcome, but parties are not allowed.
Be respectful of the property and neighbours during your stay.

What’s included in the booking?

We provide:

Fresh bedding and towels
Tea, coffee, sugar, sweetener, and coffee pods
A raw doggy hamper (treat your furry friends!) 🐾
Dog-friendly essentials like bowls, poo bags, and towels
A welcome hamper to make you feel right at home
Access to the luxury hot tub

What amenities are nearby?

Owl and Otter Gastro Pub and Restaurant: A 10-minute walk away. Dog-friendly with great food, cocktails, and a beer garden boasting stunning views of the Derwentside Valley.
Boutique cafes: Two charming cafes just a short walk from The Chase.
Local shops: Two within walking distance and larger supermarkets only a 10-minute drive away.

What are some recommended activities nearby?

Beamish Open-Air Museum: A dog-friendly, fantastic day out for all ages. Explore history, meet animals, and enjoy a unique experience.
More local attractions: Ask us for our Local Recommendations Guide before booking to discover even more options in the area.

Can I book The Chase for special events?

Yes! If you’re planning a small celebration or gathering, let us know so we can help accommodate your plans. Please note that large parties are not allowed.

Meet Your Hosts

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

Home Rules & Useful Information

The Happy Dog Haven

⚲ 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.

Book Now

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.

About This Listing

This property is owned and managed by the host. The information below is provided by the property owner and confirmed as accurate by them.
XL Escapes publishes this information to help guests make informed decisions and does not own or manage this property.

Full Property Description:

Paw of Approval

Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.

Got a question about this holiday home?

Amenities:

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.

Neighbourhood Overview:

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.