Dogs could live in the lap of luxury of creche is approved

A canine company plans to create a luxury nursery in Darlington, which would see dogs relaxing in a chill-out area and being coached by behaviour experts.

Each dog would also be given its own chalet.

The planned £40,000 venture, by Darlington company K9 Pursuits, would cater for up to 26 dogs, who would each be charged £15 per day.

If it is granted planning permission from Darlington Borough Council, the centre - which would be created next to the company's existing base in the Albert Hill area of town - could be open within two months.

Company owners say they are excited at the prospect of bringing something so unusual to the region and hope their ideas will appeal to local dog-owners and tourists to the region, who want to visit places without their canine companions.

Gill Crawford, a dog trainer and partner in K9 Pursuits, said dogs - and their owners - would have their every need catered for.

She said: "It will be like a children's nursery, but for dogs. There will be different areas, like a walking area, play area, chill-out area and a sand pit for them. Sometimes dogs don't want to be running around, so we've catered for them to be able to relax.

"There are even measures like high-impact anti-slip flooring for when the dogs are training, so they will be safe. They will be given the absolute best of care.

"There are a lot of kennels around here that offer boarding, but this is just for day care.

"It's a very American idea. The only similar nursery around here is in Cramlington, in Northumberland, and we have liaised with them for ideas."

Mrs Crawford said initially there would be two full-time trainers at the centre, with a view to recruiting students to provide extra assistance.

The application will be considered by the borough council at a date to be confirmed.

* Carisco Canine Creche is planning to open a dog nursery in Medomsley, Consett, County Durham, next month. See tomorrow's Business Echo for the full story.