Finding a dog care business that will look after your pup with the same care that you do isn’t easy – but luckily for those in south Devon and north Cornwall, there’s one in Plymouth that will.
is a Plymouth-based, family-run dog care business set up by husband-and-wife duo Chris and Charlotte Harris.
As well as walking and grooming services, the pair also offer natural treat subscription boxes, an ‘Off Lead Club’ where mischievous puppies can play in a secure paddock and more.
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The dog-centric venture, which was launched in February 2019, has recently been nominated for our sister site TeamDogs’ Award, as it searches for Britain’s best new dog-friendly business.
TeamDogs user gave a glowing recommendation of the business, even calling it ‘the best dog walking services in the South West’.
She : “Harris Hounds is a family run business that cater for all types of canine, large or small, fast or slow, young or old, they have a walk that will suit each dog they look after.
“They know each dog personally and are able to tailor walking groups to ensure each dog has the best walk possible.
“Harris Hounds are more than just superb dog walkers and thoroughly deserve recognition as the BEST NEW DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS IN THE 海角视频 and should absolutely receive the WeLoveDogsAward.
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“Go team Harris!”
Numerous from happy customers on the Harris Hounds website reflect this sentiment.
One client added: “As a canine professional of 20+ years, I do not give recommendations lightly.
“I would highly recommend Harris Hounds to you, your dogs and your family.
“It’s run by dog lovers, for dog lovers, the family way.”
caught up with ex-Royal Marine Chris, 36, and Charlotte, 38, to learn more about the dog-friendly business.
According to Chris, Harris Hounds was born out of a love of dogs and desire for a lifestyle change.
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Chris explained to : “We used to run a large online retail company, with shops in Plymouth and Exeter and a warehouse complex, but life was stressful and we wanted more of a lifestyle business and chance to spend more time with our children.
“We are both dog lovers, and getting to work with them daily seemed like a perfect fit for us.”
The couple have two dogs of their own, 13-year-old golden retriever cocker spaniel cross Harry and four-year-old black labrador Freddie, as well as children Emily, Chloe and Jack.
Charlotte handles the grooming side of the business, while Chris provides the dog walking services, alongside employee Amy, 24, who has been with Harris Hounds for more than a year now.
Despite only launching within the last three years, it has already become one of Plymouth’s best-known and most popular dog care brands.
The dog walking business is nearly at capacity, with up to 30 dogs per day to walk, and gets a new request for walks ‘at least daily’, according to Chris – and it’s not hard to see why it’s so in demand.
Chris told : “It's important to us to be completely transparent with our customers, providing a solid, reliable service that does what it says on the tin!
“We have a private members group where we share videos and pictures of every walk, and regularly live stream the walks too.
“Our customers love the idea that they can share their dog's walk without actually being there, and they get to see exactly what we have been up to.”
One of Harris Hounds’ most popular and unique walking services is its recently launched ‘Off Lead Club’, which involves giving puppies a safe space to be walked and play without their leads.
“The Off Lead Club was born when we took on three Lab puppies after the first lockdown, all from different families, at the same time,” explained Chris.
“Initially walks on the beach were fine, but they grew and became more and more mischievous and playful.
“We realised we needed somewhere safe and secure that they could explore.”
After finding a suitable secure paddock, the ‘Off Lead Club’ began, with Harris Hounds taking on puppies ranging in ages from 20 weeks old to one year in age.
Since then, the dog-friendly business has been ‘inundated’ with requests about the ‘Club’ from new dog owners following Plymouth’s ‘massive puppy boom’ during lockdown.
Chris added to : “We are really passionate about what we do, we feel it's so important to provide a professional service in what is a largely unregulated industry.
“In the short time we have been operating Harris Hounds has evolved and changed so much. “The addition of our Off Lead Club has proven really popular and with the opening of our new paddock, Eddystone View, we are hoping to continue to build on its success.”
According to Chris, this new site, which gets its name from the ‘gorgeous coasal view’ it has of Eddystone lighthouse, was ‘pretty hard work’ to get ready but is ‘worth the effort’, having already helped the brand to ‘expand and provide a better service’ to its customers.
Those with especially active dogs can also participate in bespoke walking challenges run by Harris Hounds on the weekends.
Inspired by Chris’s time in the Marines, these involve a small group of dogs ‘who are exceptionally well behaved and spend the day exploring Dartmoor’.
Chris commented: “We cover a good 10 miles and it is a great blow out for the more energetic dogs.”
As for Harris Hounds Salon, this is headed by Charlotte and based in Hooe, Plymouth, attached to the couple’s home.
Services are bespoke and provided on a one-on-one basis, with prices dependent on a dog’s coat, breed and particular needs – though there are some provided.
A website statement from Charlotte explains: “Grooming should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one, so I aim to provide a spa like environment for your dog to come along and be pampered.
“I work on a one to one basis which means I don't need to use crates, when your dog visits they will be the only one in the salon receiving my full attention.”
Unique offerings such as the ‘Brush, Bath and Blow’ and ‘Puppy Pamper’ options are available, alongside the more traditional ‘Full Groom’, nail clipping and de-matting services.
Clients with especially nervous dogs even bring them into the salon a few times before their treatment to get them used to he ‘smells and sounds of the salon’.
In addition, the Harris husband-and-wife team has also been busy creating an online community to keep the dog owners of Plymouth connected despite the pandemic, including a Facebook group for pet parents with more than 6,000 members.
Chris explained to TeamDogs: “Our has been running for around 18 months and was started during the first lockdown for dog owners to be able to connect, ask advice, share ideas, tips, pictures etcetera.
“We have about 6200 members now and it is growing each week.
“It's a lovely group and is 100 per cent helping people improve their dogs' lives!
“We post weekly on different topics asking people to discuss their views and experiences, people share their advice and it helps improve everyone's knowledge.”
TeamDogs user Jane, who nominated the business, also praised this aspect of the business.
She added: “Harris Hounds not only provide the best dog walking services in the South West, they are also responsible for several dog owners/dog lovers social media groups.
“The aim of each group is to offer a support network for members to share experiences, advice, walking routes, danger warnings and missing dogs too.
“The groups have been a vital lifeline to thousands of its members during the recent pandemic, a clear indication of the selfless commitment and dedication Harris Hounds continue to demonstrate, purely for the benefit of our canine friends.”
Most recently, the business has also launched a natural treat subscription box service earlier this year, with small, medium and large sizes available depending on your dog’s needs.
This monthly mix includes a hand-picked assortment of snacks and chews free of chemical preservatives, colouring and additives.
A statement on the website explains: “Often treats and chews are designed to look appealing to us owners, rather than considering your dog’s health and wellbeing.
“Our 100 per cent natural boxes are designed to appeal to your heart rather than your eye.
“It might not look pretty, but the look of pure joy on your dog’s face, and the knowledge of all the goodness you are providing him, will definitely pull on those heart strings!”
The website also features a number of testimonials praising Chris and Charlotte’s walking and grooming services, as well as general knowledge about and love of dogs.
One client, for example, : “Harris Hounds are fantastic and give a really personal service.
“We couldn’t recommend them highly enough and neither could our Lab.”
Another about the walks: “Really great service. .
“They really do care about your dog and give them a really good walk.
“I have recommended to friends and family. I recommend to you all!”
The grooms also received some love.
A third customer commented: “Great service, polite, dogs smelt lovey and very content.
“Would recommend, 10/10 service!”
Vote for Harris Hounds in the TeamDogs WeLoveDogs Award, or nominate your own favourite dog-friendly business