Home From Home For Your Dogs

Open 7 Days a Week

About
Lap of Luxury
Doggy Day Care

Lap of Luxury is a local, independent company, based in Amersham, specialising in the provision of boutique day and overnight care for your beloved companions. We provide a range of services designed to make your dog as happy, stimulated and comfortable as possible.

We focus on gentle socialisation and playing in a child-free environment. Many young dogs are not able to socialise enough while owners work from home or do hybrid work. It is helpful for your dog to have a change of scenery and to meet new people and play with different dogs in a safe and well-supervised environment.

Dogs are never left alone and sleep alongside me and my own small dog.

about

About Me

Ellen Marzell, having finished a career in marketing and advertising, then as a children’s/youth charity fundraiser, decided to turn her lifelong passion for dogs into a lifestyle business. Both Ellen and her dog Dorothy look forward to welcoming you and your dogs into their home.

Licence & Qualifications

Bucks County license number: LC202203-74715
Bucks CC 5 Star rating
CPD certified Pet Psychology and Canine Communication diplomas
Canine First Aid Level 2 (VTQ) from ProTrainings/ Potter Paws
DBS checked
Wheelhouse Vet within 7-minute walk from my home in case of emergency / illness
Liability insurance with Protectivity

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Induction Process

Lap of Luxury’s focus is on dogs’ comfort with the appropriate blend of dogs, getting to know my home, garden and some of the other dogs in my care. Unfortunately, boarding bookings for dogs who have not completed the induction process are not possible. If you have a holiday coming up, let's get the induction process completed to enable you to schedule a lovely holiday for your dog while you are away.

1 – One hour meet and greet for owner(s) and dog(s).
2 – Four hour familiarisation session with you here for first half hour.
3 – Eight hour day (or) overnight stay if you will be boarding.

One overnight stay is required before a longer-term boarding booking is accepted to ensure your dog will be comfortable at Lap of Luxury.

Photo of one of the boarders in the Amersham garden

Our Services

Day care / Overnight Care / Holiday and Long-term Care
Limited to 6 dogs up to 10 kg

close-up photo of white medium-coated dog running on grass field during daytime

Before Booking

Your dog should be at least one year old.
Please ensure your dog is housetrained.
Proof of being neutered / spayed.
Proof of annual vaccinations including kennel cough.

happy and cute King Charles Cavalier dog

You Supply

Dog food that your dog normally eats.
Lead, collar/harness with ID tag.
You are encouraged to bring your dog’s bedding and favoured toys to ensure your dog feels at home.
Any necessary medicines and instructions.

During Your
Dog's Stay

Lap of Luxury tags with our phone number attached to collar while in our care
Daily pictures and updates.
Facetime/Whatsapp video calls with your dog when boarding.
Minimum of two 20-minute walks per day (or equivalent active playing in garden) during an eight-hour day care session; a third walk per 24-hour stay in local parks and woodlands.
'Lead-always-on' policy during walks.
Coat brushed, paws, ears and eyes checked and cleaned.
Hills hypoallergenic treats and dried sprats (fish) provided with your permission.

services

facilities

Our Facilities

A home-from-home with a 100-foot, dog-proofed garden.
Air-conditioned home.
Doggy swimming pool in the garden during warm months.
Walks around Amersham, local parks.

Hours & Fees

Dog day care and overnight stays 7 days per week

£40

£50

One week day (up to 8 hours) · · ·
One weekend day (up to 8 hours) · · ·
One day/night (up to 24 hours) · · ·

Start / end times are flexible in keeping with your needs.
Earliest arrival or collection 7.30am
Latest arrival or collection 8.00pm
50% Surcharge applies for Bank Holiday weekends, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Cancellation Policy

Day care: 48 hours
Boarding: 28 days

hours & fees

Reviews

Customer Reviews

Kim Brown & Dexter
Ellen has a strong intuitive way of caring for dogs. She genuinely enjoys their company and puts 100% into their welfare and safety. I'm happy to leave my precious baby in her care. I know he'll be safe and loved.

Nicola Jenns & Poppy
I’m delighted to recommend Ellen and Lap of Luxury. My dog Poppy is always excited to arrive there and has a great stay. Ellen is so careful and loving with the dogs that I know Poppy is in great hands!

Jessica Bullock & Pollyanna
I couldn’t recommend Ellen more, she is extremely professional and I know my little dog is going to be very safe in her care. My Cavalier Pollyanna used to be anxious but has grown in confidence so much since going to Ellen’s regularly. I enjoy getting the regular photo and video updates, where I get to see how happy and relaxed Pollyanna is. It’s always a pleasure to see her beautiful dog Dorothy too!

Anna Dibbo & Hugo
My experience with Lap of Luxury has been 100% amazing and I know my dog is well looked after. I have every trust in Ellen and and feel very comfortable with to leave my dog with her. I am very lucky to have found her.

Jules dog at Lap of Luxury Amersham.jpeg

Pippa Hutton & Kamikazee
Lap of Luxury is my provider of choice when I have to go to London. Ellen delivers a 5*+ service and really loves her little clients, treating them as one of her family. I highly recommend Lap of Luxury whether for a few hours or even for holiday cover.

Michelle Keskin & Dexter
Ellen is very caring and attentive with the dogs in her care. She was very thorough and careful with the onboarding process before my boy stayed for a few days. He can be quite nervous and he clearly felt very comfortable with Ellen and the other dogs in her care. Definitely recommend.

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Anna Brown & Winston
I feel so grateful that I have Ellen to look after my dog. I trust her and feel comfortable when leaving my dog for daycare and overnight stays. It's a home from home for our pooch and I love the "pup-dates" throughout the day for peace of mind.

Chasing my dog Jules dog at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Dawn Manners & Bruce
We are delighted with the service given at Lap of Luxury. We know that when our dog is with Ellen, we can go to work without worrying about him as he is so well cared for. He gets very excited about going to Ellen's. We fully recommend Lap of Luxury to care for your much-loved dog.

millie Jules dog at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Lynne & Millie
My much-loved Millie enjoys going to see Ellen and I feel confident that she will be well looked after.

Jana Stastna & Besie
I want to give 5 stars to this lovely lady. Thank you for looking after our Besie so well. You really give them 100%. We are really lucky that we met you.

Dee and Ralph with Honey Jules dog at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Dee Ralph & Honey
This was the first time we’d left our dog with anyone for any length of time and I have to say, I couldn’t have asked for more! Ellen is just above and beyond anything we could have asked for. Our dog was literally living her best life while staying with her and was clearly at total ease and having a blast with the fellow dogs. I’m beyond thankful and would highly recommend to anyone who’s lucky enough to have the experience of meeting Ellen and her gorgeous girl Dorothy.

Renee Hunt & Fred
Lap of Luxury is a very personal and professional service; it really is ‘home from home’. Ellen is so lovely, she is a very safe pair of hands, and Fred always has a great time there. Ellen sends updates during the day and useful tips. He always comes home relaxed, happy and a little tired from all the play. It’s been really good for Fred to spend time with other dogs. I highly recommend Lap of Luxury!

Maisie dog Jules dog at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Rowena Abbey & Maisie
Following lockdown my Cavapoo was timid and needed some socialisation. Ellen has been very understanding, taking great care of her, starting with half days and building up to whole ones! The best things are the videos and messages Ellen sends during the day to reassure me and show how much fun they have, plus the little extras like cleaning her eyes!

evie with toy Jules do at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Emily McCarter & Evie
I feel so lucky to have found Ellen! Evie has been going to Ellen for day care and holidays. It is really a home-from-home from her. We have been so impressed with Ellen’s professionalism but above all her warmth and passion for her job and the dogs she looks after. I couldn’t wish for a better person to look after Evie and it gives us so much peace of mind that she is happy and settled while we are not there. Thank you, Ellen!

lacey_peter_ratcliffe at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Peter Ratcliffe & Lacey
Lap of Luxury is true to its name as a first-class facility for my precious hound! Attention to detail is amazing; I leave my dog here with every confidence knowing she`ll have fun and be expertly cared for. Highly recommended, it really is a ‘home-from-home’ for lucky dogs.... They immediately become part of the family. Brilliant!

Jo Barker, Freddie & Junior
Lap of Luxury is a very good description of what Ellen offers! My two boys are rescues and are particularly needy so I am so grateful that I found Ellen. It is simply home-from-home and no room is off bounds which means they are never on their own in a separate room. I can go away and relax and know my boys are as happy as they can be away from home. Thanks Ellen. You’re a star & and not forgetting the delightful Dorothy! X

John Roads & his Furry Friend
Wow, what a lovely safe home for my dog’s day care requirements, operated by a totally people and dog caring centric owner. Very grateful to have found the perfect safe and social space, a true Lap of doggy Luxury!!! Highly recommended.

Nick & Hayley Mahara & Santi
Ellen’s service is great and we feel very lucky to have found her. When our dog is with Ellen (and her dog Dorothy) it’s like a home-from-home for him. He loves it, and we get regular updates and photos from Ellen so that we know it’s all going well. At the same time, Ellen approaches the service thoroughly and professionally, so you know you’re in safe hands. We would highly recommend Lap of Luxury. Nick & Hayley Mahara

Nicky Holt & Ruby
Our little Ruby was nervous and we were reluctant to leave her with anyone until we found Ellen. Ellen has been excellent and is a real dog lover sending regular updates, photos & voice calls when we are away making us feel secure that Ruby is happy and well looked after. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lap of Luxury for all of your fur babies.

Natalie Chadwick & Paul Bacon & Luna
Ellen is so kind and professional. Throughout the time we left our dog with her we were sent
pictures and videos and received regular updates which made leaving her much easier. Ellen really
looks after our dog and I can’t recommend her enough.

Hilary Smiles & Bosco
Wow! What can I say about Ellen's Lap of Luxury? The name is SO appropriate! Bosco, my Cavapoo, wallowed in the lap of luxury when staying with Ellen. She took him in at short notice when we needed care for him. Ellen kept us up-to-speed by sending videos which clearly showed a happy, relaxed dog enjoying her company and that of the other visiting dogs. Lots of garden play and all sofas available to dogs. What a joy it was to see them settled down for a 'movie night'! Ellen is meticulous in her paperwork and her pre-stay visits, ensuring she knows all she needs to about the visiting dogs and even supplied us with a written report of Bosco's stay. Can't thank her or recommend her enough. If you choose Lap of Luxury for your small dog you will not be disappointed.

david hanney and milo at Lap of Luxury Amersham

David Hanney & Milo
On behalf of Milo, a dog of few words, he has no hesitation in highly recommending 'Lap of Luxury'
to all dogs in need of a lovely holiday home from home, it simply does not come better with Ellen
providing the very best quality of care and attention to detail.

Lauren, Paul & Freddie
We have been using Ellen to provide care for our cockapoo Freddie. We are really impressed by how much she cares for the dogs and how carefully she ensures that they gradually get used to her home through various settling-in sessions. This meant that when Freddie recently stayed for the whole weekend we knew he would be happy and settled. He jumps out of the car and can't get into her house quickly enough! It is so reassuring to us to know he is being so well cared for and loved when we can't be with him. He also loves the interaction he gets with other dogs. Thank you Ellen and Lap of Luxury for giving us this peace of mind. We go on our holidays feeling very confident that Freddie will have a wonderful time.

Hazel Foster & Frankie
So pleased we found Ellen at Lap of Luxury for our much loved dog. 100% professional real home care. Facilities are outstanding. We would not hesitate to recommend Lap of Luxury.

Tanya Cracknell & Millie
The best dog care around! I feel totally at ease knowing my dog will have the best care and kindness with Ellen. She's flexible with timings and really easy to get on with. I'd recommend her a thousand times over to look after your small pooch.

jessie - pippa c at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Pippa Cotton & Jessie
Our dog loves it.
Ellen is just brilliant with the dogs.

Bejen Shah & Skye
We always find Lap of Luxury a very calm and tranquil environment. Ellen ensures all dogs are suited to each other before accepting them and maintains a very well organised and well-balanced environment - allowing each dog time for both play and rest.
Ellen clearly adores all dogs and treats ours like her own at all times. We are very well assured each time after dropping Skye that she will be well looked after, have play and outdoor time as well as well-rested.

harry - lucille at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Lucille Needham & Harry
My Bichon Frise, Harry, could not be happier going to Lap of Luxury. Being a lockdown pup, I was anxious about leaving him with someone else. I needn’t have worried. We introduced him slowly and now he treats it like a home from home and he can’t wait to get into the house to play. I don’t get a backward glance! Ellen is wonderful and I appreciate the “pupdates”, videos and photos I receive during his stays, especially in the early days. I couldn’t recommend Lap of Luxury highly enough.

Willow_Sarahann at Lap of Luxury Amersham

Sara Ann & Willow
Beyond thrilled to have found Ellen and her outstanding care of dogs. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Her knowledge, expertise, and warm nature are all greatly appreciated - by me and my doggo!

Jennie Milward-Dugdale & Sadie
Thrilled to have found Ellen. We can leave Sadie and feel relaxed that she is being very well cared for and enjoying herself in a safe and homely environment .

Christa Morley & Clover

We love our dog, Clover, to stay with Ellen at Lap of Luxury! We could not ask for a better 'home from home' for her.

Ellen provides excellent care - for day care and for longer periods of boarding. She discusses all aspects of care - food, medication, likes / dislikes, so that she is prepared for our dog and provides her clients with information detailing her care and legal responsibilities.She provides short videos during the day so that we can see how our dog is settling / playing / eating - whilst away for a longer period of time, these were very reassuring.

I cannot recommend Lap of Luxury highly enough....and Clover agrees!

Sloan Peterson
We love Lap of Luxury! Ellen is the consummate professional but at the same time makes sure all the doggos under her care feel comfortable, just like a second home! It's plain to see how passionate she is about her business; in fact it seems to be her calling!

Genevieve Barnard & Sooty

I feel so fortunate to have found Ellen and cannot imagine a place more suited to my little dog. Ellen’s knowledge and care of the dogs she looks after is second to none. She is meticulous in her attention to each dog's individual needs. I have complete trust in her and admire the techniques she employs. She always has the dogs best interest at heart.

My little dog has been a lucky customer at Lap of Luxury for some time now for day care and holiday boarding. He has such a lovely time with his little dog buddies and it has been really good for his continued socialisation. The photo and video updates received during his stays are just brilliant and so reassuring. Thank you Ellen for all the loving care!

Richard Persaud, Junior & Freddie
Just got to love Lap of Luxury. I have been taking my dogs to Ellen now for 3 years and it’s a godsend to have someone that literally loves your dog/s as much as you do, having peace of mind that they are in the best of care. I had one instance when one of my dogs became unwell while abroad but I had nothing to worry abou. Ellen took him to the vets and kept us informed throughout the process. This gave us confidence that we did not need to cut our holiday short. Ellen has contingency plans in place for any kind of emergency. No matter how long or short the stay is for, she insists that you have an emergency contact in place to fall back on. We love the daily video updates which help us feel not so far away.