Not every dog is built for kennels. Some do fine. Others don’t eat, don’t rest, and spend the whole time pacing. If you’ve got a small dog who needs care while you’re away but you just can’t picture them in a loud, crowded kennel, then you’re in the right place.
At Northside Doggies, we offer an alternative. We’re not a dog kennel. We’re a small family home on the Northside of Dublin that provides dog minding for small breeds only. No cold floors. No cages. No rows of barking dogs. Just a cosy, loving home where your little one can relax, play, and be treated like part of the family.
Let’s be honest. The idea of traditional dog kennels can be a bit off-putting. While some are clean, organised, and well-run, many are noisy and overstimulating. Most operate on a fixed routine with limited one-on-one time. The bigger the facility, the less personal the care. That can be stressful for dogs who are used to human company, quiet surroundings, and a bit of TLC.
We’ve met dozens of clients who tried a kennel once and never went back. Their dogs came home anxious, underfed, or exhausted. In some cases, they picked up bugs or developed new behaviours from the stress. These people were looking for something smaller. Something softer. Something that feels like home. That’s exactly what we offer.
Northside Doggies is a family-run dog minding service that only caters to small dogs. We don’t take large breeds, and we don’t pack the house full of dogs. Instead, we focus on a small number at a time so we can give each one proper care, space, and attention.
Your dog stays in our home with us. They sleep indoors. They have access to a secure garden. They go for walks in the nearby park. They get cuddles on the couch, toys to play with, and plenty of personal attention. We send photo and video updates throughout their stay so you know exactly how they’re doing.
We’ve found that smaller breeds often struggle the most in standard dog kennels. They get overwhelmed easily. They’re more sensitive to noise and chaos. Some won’t eat in unfamiliar settings, and many miss the comfort of human company.
Because we only accept small dogs, there’s no risk of your little one being overwhelmed by bigger, more boisterous dogs. Everyone here is gentle, friendly, and carefully screened. We also do a short meet-and-greet before your dog’s first stay so they can sniff around, meet us, and feel things out.
We always try to follow your dog’s routine as closely as possible. That includes feeding times, sleeping habits, and any special needs they may have. If your dog needs medication, we can handle that too. Some dogs prefer short walks. Others love long sniffing sessions in the park. Some just want to nap in a sunbeam. We adjust to what suits your dog best.
This kind of personalised care is nearly impossible in a busy kennel setting. That’s what sets us apart. We treat your dog like they’re our own.
We’re based in a quiet residential area on Dublin’s Northside, about 15 minutes from the airport. Our home has a secure garden, plenty of space indoors, and a calm atmosphere. It’s not a business premises. It’s not a facility. It’s a regular home that just happens to be full of dog beds and tennis balls.
We’re a husband-and-wife team with years of experience minding dogs. Our own dog, Milo the Bichon Frise, is calm, friendly, and great with guests. He’s used to sharing his toys and his space.
Every dog that stays with us gets:
A comfy sleeping space indoors
Daily walks to the local park
Playtime in our fenced garden
Regular updates via WhatsApp
One-on-one attention and cuddles
Their own food, routine, and comfort items
A quiet, safe environment with other small, friendly dogs
We take pride in keeping things peaceful. No overcrowding. No shouting. No stress.
We offer overnight stays, weekend boarding, and weekday daycare. Whether you’re away for a night, a full week, or just need somewhere for your dog to go during the day, we can help.
Holiday periods like Christmas and summer can get busy, so we recommend booking early. Many of our clients are repeat customers who book us every year. Some even bring their dog for a few daycare sessions beforehand so their pup settles in easily when the full stay comes.
We’ve looked after dogs with separation anxiety, nervous habits, and quirky personalities. A few hours in our garden or curled up on the sofa beside us is often all it takes for them to settle in. We stay calm and gentle, and we always give your dog space to get used to their surroundings at their own pace.
A traditional kennel environment can be too much for these kinds of dogs. That’s why a calm home setting can make such a difference.
The process is simple.
Step 1: Reach out to us by phone, email, or WhatsApp
Step 2: We’ll schedule a short meet and greet so you and your dog can visit
Step 3: If everyone’s happy, we’ll confirm availability and get you booked in
We usually ask that new dogs visit us at least once before an overnight stay. This gives your dog a chance to get familiar with us, and it gives you peace of mind too.
Do you take unneutered dogs?
Sometimes. It depends on the dog’s behaviour and temperament. We’ll chat with you about this before confirming a booking.
Do you accept puppies?
Yes, if they’re small-breed, social, and toilet-trained. We’ve had great experiences with gentle pups who fit well with our regular guests.
Do you mind dogs with special needs?
Yes, we’re happy to mind dogs with specific routines, diets, or medication. Just let us know in advance so we can prepare.
What if my dog doesn’t get along with another?
We monitor all dogs closely. If a dog isn’t settling well or seems uncomfortable, we contact the owner straight away and find a solution.
How many dogs do you take at once?
Usually no more than three or four, depending on the mix and how well they get along. We keep things small on purpose so everyone gets attention.
“We tried a kennel once. Never again. Cookie came home shaking. But with Northside Doggies, she runs to the door wagging her tail. It’s a different world.”
— Laura, Drumcondra
“Brady loved her stay. We got video updates every day and could see how relaxed she was. It’s such a relief knowing she’s safe and happy.”
— Mark, Santry
“Milo and Daisy became fast friends. I wouldn’t leave Daisy anywhere else now.”
— Aisling, Clontarf
We’re based in North Dublin and most of our clients come from:
Swords
Santry
Drumcondra
Whitehall
Beaumont
Clontarf
Glasnevin
Coolock
Raheny
Malahide
If you’re located nearby and looking for an alternative to dog kennels in Dublin, we’d love to hear from you.
While traditional dog kennels are still popular across Ireland, especially in busy areas like Meath, Dublin, and the surrounding suburbs, more and more owners are starting to look for alternatives that offer a bit more heart. The rise in search terms like dog kennels in Dublin, kennels pet, and dog hotel shows that people are browsing, but not always booking. Why? Because kennels don’t suit every dog – or every owner.
We’ve had people come to us after bad experiences at larger city kennels, often in places that looked great online but didn’t quite deliver in real life. The most common complaints include overcrowding, cold floors, and a sense that the dogs were being managed, not minded. That’s a big difference. A lot of small breeds especially get lost in the shuffle at bigger kennels Dublin has on offer. There’s just too much going on. Too many barks. Too much concrete.
That’s where we come in. Our setup isn’t a dog hotel. We don’t have reception desks or big banners outside. It’s just a regular home in a quiet area, no cages, no tiled corridors, no warehouse energy. And we don’t accept big dogs or overbooked numbers either. It’s a place that feels like home because, well, it is one.
And because we focus on small dogs only, the level of care is completely different. Your dog will never be stuck in a corner or ignored. They’ll get cuddles on the couch, quiet time in the garden, and soft places to nap. Think of it more like kennels accommodation, but with the warmth of a family behind it.
Plenty of owners from areas like Meath Dublin, Coolock, and Clontarf tell us they searched for Dublin dog minding or kennels dog only to end up frustrated by options that felt too rigid. Our service is deliberately different. It’s flexible. It’s friendly. It’s personal.
We’re not trying to be the biggest dog minders in Dublin. But we’re probably one of the calmest. And for small, sensitive, or older dogs, that’s often what matters most.
There are plenty of dog kennels in Dublin. But for small dogs who prefer a quieter space, we believe a home environment is the better choice. At Northside Doggies, your dog won’t be left behind bars. They’ll be part of our little pack, snoozing in the living room, walking in the park, and getting the love and care they deserve.
If you’ve ever worried about leaving your dog in a kennel, this might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Call or WhatsApp: 085 861 3079
Email: northsidedoggies.ie@gmail.com
Booking early is always a good idea, especially during peak times. Reach out anytime with questions or to arrange a visit. We’d love to meet you and your dog.