Why Hertfordshire Offers Everything Your Dog Will Need
Plus, the best dog sitting alternative to boarding kennels
If you’re a dog owner living in Hertfordshire, the good news is, the County has virtually everything your dog will need for a full and happy life. Wonderful walks, pet shops aplenty, trusted vets and the UK’s most trusted dog sitting service, are just a few of the great things the area has to offer.
Here, we take a closer look at all the great things Hertfordshire has to offer your pooch – don’t forget to bookmark the page, you never know when you might need it!
It’s only natural that there will be times when you need to go away from home. And for some dog owners, the thought of leaving their pet pooch behind can be too much to bear. At Barking Mad Hertfordshire, we take the stress out of your dog sitting conundrums by providing a true home-from-home dog boarding service that gives you complete peace of mind that your pooch is well looked after.
We get to know every dog we care for before they come and stay with us, and even create a bespoke care plan listing everything they will want or need during their stay. What’s more, we also take them on some pawsome adventures, sending you photos of all the fun they’re having. You can find out more about our dog home boarding service here or find your local Barking Mad dog sitting professional here. Finally, if you think you’ve got what it takes to become one of Barking Mad’s next best dog sitters, you can find out more here.
Panshanger Park, Hertford
This new country park and nature reserve on the historic Panshanger Estate offers 250 acres of open fields, marked woodland trails and wonderful wildlife. Whether your pup charges through the trees or has fun sniffing through the fields, there’s lots of fun for your furry friend here. Dog owners are asked to keep dogs on the lead throughout the nature reserve to protect the wildlife, so don’t forget to pack it in your doggy bag!
Heartwood Forest, near St Albans
Heartwood Forest is close to St Albans, on either side of the B651 between Sandridge and Wheathampstead Village. This huge wood is a whopping 856 acres, meaning there’s no shortage of dog walking routes. Interestingly, this forest was created in 2008 when over 40,000 volunteers helped the Woodland Trust plant trees on what was mostly arable farmland. There’s a free car park, five disabled bays and multiple walking trails – but if you’re hoping for a hot drink and snack, don’t forget your picnic! Because Sandridge is so rural, there aren’t many places in the area to eat and drink.
The Ashridge Estate, Chiltern Hills
With over 500 acres of beautiful landscapes to enjoy, this dog-friendly spot is sure to get your pup’s tail wagging. In fact, the area is very popular with dog walkers and ramblers alike, and has even been a popular shooting location for films such as Harry Potter and Sleepy Hollow. The Estate’s history dates back to medieval times, so there’s also plenty for you to learn about while your dog is sniffing through the greenery!
Having a trusted vet to hand is an essential part of being a dog owner. Here’s just a few vets in Hertfordshire.
-Attimore Vets, with branches in Hatfield, Potters Bar, Welwyn Garden City, Wheathampstead and Woolmer Green.
-Berry House Vets, Hitchen
-Village Vet, St Albans
-Walton Lodge Vets, with braces in Bengeo, Bishop’s Stortford, Braughing, Harlow, Stevenage, Hoddesdon and Ware.
Whether you’re looking to buy pet food, pet treats or even clothes, there’s certainly no shortage of pet shops in Hertfordshire. Here’s a selection.
-Pet’s Corner, Hitchen
-Paws Fur & Fin, Hitchen
-Quadrant Pets, St Albans
-Pets at Home, Hatfield
Overall, Hertfordshire has everything you’ll need for your beloved pooch – even when you go away on holiday! You can find your local Barking Mad dog sitter here.
