Paws with Phil

About us

After just over 17 years of being in management I decided that it was time for a change. Therefore my love of dogs and walking have combined into Paws With Phil

I’ve been around dogs and animals all my life and I think they’re a great and essential addition to any family. I currently have an American Ragdoll cat, a Sprocker Spaniel and Tropical fish who all bring a lot of joy to my family.

That said, pets also take time and energy and as a dad with 3 children I understand that this is something of which we don’t always have. I am pleased to say that’s now where I can come in and help. I offer a wide range of services to assist you whether it’s Dog Walking, Dog Boarding, Small Animal Boarding, Puppy visits, Cat visits at your home and even Fish Feeding.

I pride myself on being open, honest, reliable and trustworthy. I have been CRB/DBS checked for peace of mind. Your Data Protection and Security will be treated with the upmost of care and attention. All keys will be kept in a locked safe area and your property will be cared for with the highest respect.

Walks are done locally within the Westhoughton, Hindley and Rivington nature areas. Loose leash walking done within these areas if it is deemed safe to do so and with the owner’s agreement. And if your dog is muddy then I will rinse their under belly and legs and towel rub dry which is an additional service I provide free of charge.

I will meet all new clients before agreeing to walk or sit to ensure compatibility and needs are met for all parties. It is essential that you have the confidence and trust in me and so this pre-meet will be our opportunity to get to know each other.

Dog Walking

I will pick your dog up from your home and make sure it feels loved and enjoys itself whilst on the walk and under my care, whether that be on its own or walked in a group. Group walking consists of 5 compatible dogs as a maximum to ensure all get enough attention and can be kept safely under control.

They will be walked locally whether in parks or green areas depending on their exercise requirements.

What makes my service stand out is that I will never bring a dirty dog home, hopefully your dog likes to stay clean but if they’re anything like mine then getting wet and dirty seems to be the aim of the game. After all a dirty dog is a happy dog, but a clean dog is a happy owner. I have a mobile rinsing system to spray off the mud and dirt and will towel dry on drop off. I will ensure your dog has fresh water on its return home and if fresh food or treats are required depending on when you feed them I can also put that out.

As you would expect all dogs must legally wear a dog collar with an identity tag showing surname and contact details for you. All dogs should be fully up to date with their vaccinations and flea treatment to prevent cross infection or flea outbreaks. I will ask for evidence of this on my initial visit and regularly throughout the year.

If your dog is powerful or unsocial and unsafe to walk in a group then an individual walk can be offered at a higher price and dependant on compatibility with me.

Home Boarding

I am licenced with Bolton Town Council for the boarding of animals. Your dog must be fully vaccinated and flea treated and evidence provided at registration.

Your dog will be treated like one of the family and with 3 girls of my own it will get plenty of attention. That said as I have a family and my own pets it is essential that your dog is sociable with other animals and be child friendly, if not unfortunately I will not be able to accommodate it.

Your dog will have the full roam of my house and garden. I have an artificial lawn which allows them to play without fear of ruining the lawn and getting dirty. It also ensures that I can make sure the garden is kept clean, sanitized and clear of the little presents they like to deposit for us.

If I already walk your dog then your dog will be walked as it is normally, if you are new to me and if dog walking is required, this can be discussed depending on its needs and my availability. 

I think it’s really important that you have peace of mind and so I welcome you to come and have a brew with us, view our home and that we make sure your beloved pooch feels happy to be left here. I can send regular photo updates to you whilst away to give you that extra peace of mind. As it is a home and not kennels, spaces are limited and so it is advisable to book well in advance especially around school holidays.

Puppy Visits 

Who doesn’t love a puppy? Although I will probably want to take your little new addition home with me I won’t. What your puppy will get though is plenty of fun and attention from me whilst I also make sure they have food and water and that any little messes are cleared away, although I can’t promise they won’t do more after I leave.

Small Animal Boarding

If you are a pet lover then chances are you may have more than just a dog, so I am happy to take small animals such as mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters tortoises and birds etc. Any food or items required for the care of your pet should be brought with you when you leave your pet with me.

Alternatively I could make visits to your property if you have fish for example that can’t be transported.

​Cat Visits

As I mentioned at the outset, I also have a cat and I understand that cats are much more set in their ways and prefer their own surroundings and like to come and go as they please.

In my visit I will attempt to give your cat as much attention as possible so they know they’re still loved. I will ensure your cat has fresh food and water and if your cat uses a cat litter tray, i will ensure this is kept clean and fresh.

Whilst there I can also water any houseplants, clear post away from the door, open and close curtains to help give the impression that someone is still at home. If you have any outside pots or your garden requires watering, then I can also do this but with a quoted additional charge as these extras may take longer.

Vet / Groomer Trips

Does your pet need a trip to the vets or groomers but you can’t get there?

Then call me, for trips within a 5 mile radios then the standard fare will apply, over this and £1 increment will be applied for each mile.