What Luxury Dog Boarding Really Means (And Why Small Dogs Love It)

When people hear “luxury dog boarding,” they often picture something showy — plush beds, fancy branding, a big price tag. But when it comes to your dog, real luxury is something much quieter. It’s the peace of mind of knowing your dog is somewhere calm, safe and genuinely cared for, as if they were the only dog in the house.

At Lap of Luxury, I offer small, owner-run dog daycare and boarding in Amersham, exclusively for small companion breeds. Whether you’re searching for luxury dog boarding, a dog hotel near me, or simply a trusted and literal home-from-home while you’re away for a day or for longer stays, here’s what “luxury” should actually mean — and why it matters most for little dogs.

What does “luxury” dog boarding actually mean?

Luxury dog boarding means small numbers, personal attention and a real home environment — not a bigger pen or a longer list of add-ons. In practice, it’s a setting where your dog is one of only a handful in someone’s actual home, cared for by the same person from drop-off to collection.

At Lap of Luxury, that looks like this: I take a maximum of six small dogs at any time, all under ten kilograms. They stay in my own home — a detached, air-conditioned house with a secure 100-foot garden — not a separate block or outbuilding. Throughout the day you’ll get photos and short videos on WhatsApp, along with updates on how your dog has eaten, settled, toileted and slept. It’s the difference between leaving your dog somewhere, and leaving them with someone.

Why a home-from-home beats a kennel for small dogs

For a small companion breed, the environment is everything. Traditional boarding kennels are built for volume — rows of pens, lots of barking, unfamiliar smells and a rotating set of handlers. For a confident larger dog that may be manageable. For a sensitive little dog, it can be overwhelming.

A home-from-home works differently. There’s no kennel block — just a quiet home where dogs are toileted every couple of hours, play with each other with plenty of clean toys, and settled on the sofa in the evenings, and beside me at night unless you’d prefer otherwise. I keep everything spotless with a monthly deep clean using dog-safe products.

Caring for small dogs right across Buckinghamshire

Lap of Luxury is based in Amersham, in the heart of the Chilterns, and welcomes dogs from across the surrounding area — including Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont St Giles, Chalfont St Peter, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Hazlemere, Hemel Hempstead, Holmer Green, Hyde Heath, Little Chalfont, Penn, Prestwood, Rickmansworth and Wooburn Green. If you’re looking for luxury dog boarding in South Buckinghamshire and you’re within easy reach of Amersham, your dog is welcome here.

The best way to see if it’s the right fit is to come and meet me. Every new dog starts with a free introductory visit, followed by two short trial days, so your dog can get to know me, Dorothy, other dogs in my care, and being in my home and garden before daycare or overnight stay.

📅 Book a Trial Visit

📞 Call Ellen: 0796 999 3454

✉️ Send an Enquiry ellenmarzell@yahoo.co.uk

What makes Lap of Luxury different?

The honest answer is: it’s just me. I’m Ellen Marzell, and I own and run Lap of Luxury from my home in Amersham. After a career in marketing and then charity fundraising, I turned my lifelong love of dogs into this in 2020 — and I share my home with my own Havanese, Dorothy, who’s very much part of our welcome to you.

Behind the calm, there’s proper care and credentials: a five-star Buckinghamshire Council licence, up-to-date canine first aid training, training in canine communication and behaviour, on-going training in medical and seasonal issues, full liability insurance, and a vet just seven minutes’ walk away. I’m also a member of the Association of Dog Boarders UK and Professional Dog Businesses UK, and listed in The Good Dog Guide.

And because this is a home, the little luxuries are real ones: a paddling pool in the garden through the warm summer months, daily brushing and health checks, freshly washed toys, furniture and floor coverings, and a soft bed — or a spot on the sofa — whenever your dog wants it.

If you’re weighing up cost, I’ve explained what premium home boarding includes and what to expect to pay in a separate guide.

Luxury dog boarding: your questions answered

What is luxury dog boarding?

It’s boarding in a real home, with very small numbers and personal care — rather than a kennel. At Lap of Luxury that means a maximum of six small dogs, looked after in my own detached, secure Amersham home and garden.

Is luxury dog boarding only for certain dogs?

Lap of Luxury is exclusively for small companion breeds up to ten kilograms — dogs such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Havanese, Chihuahuas, Poodles, Cavapoos, Cavapoochons, Maltese, Coton de Tulears, West Highland Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers — who tend to thrive in a calm, low-volume setting.

How is it different from boarding kennels?

There’s no kennel block. Dogs live in the house, sleep nearby me, are exercised daily and get WhatsApp photo and video updates. Dogs must be at least a year old and neutered/spayed.

Which areas do you cover?

Amersham and the surrounding Buckinghamshire and Chilterns towns, including Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden and the Chalfonts.

Ready to learn more? Find luxury dog boarding near you in Amersham

If you’re looking for calm, trusted luxury dog boarding near you in the Amersham area, I’d love to meet your you and dog. The best first step is a no obligation hour’s visit — a relaxed cuppa, and a way for your dog to settle in and get to know us, without commitment. You can read more about daycare and boarding here.

📅 Book a Trial Visit

📞 Call Ellen: 0796 999 3454

✉️ Send an Enquiry ellenmarzell@yahoo.co.uk