April Time doggy daycare and groomer launches in Colchester

April Scarth, 25, has opened her canine daycare and groomers business, April Time, in Whitehall Industrial Estate, Colchester.

The Wivenhoe resident cemented her love of dogs at the age of 16 whilst working part time as a self-employed dog walker.

She adored it so much she went onto study a level two canine psychology diploma and then a level three animal management diploma at Suffolk Rural College in Ipswich.

Business - April Time's exterior (Image: April Scarth)

After working for a company, she decided to build her own “empire” and as she’s always wanted to work for herself, April began searching for suitable Colchester business units in April last year.

After months of research, unit hunting and refining her business strategy, she was able to pick up the keys on January 4 and finally launched April Time last month.

April said: “I want to make sure I provide a service that is really high quality.

“It’s surreal to be doing what I’ve wanted to do for my whole life.

Adorable - four canines at April Time (Image: April Scarth)

“I’ve worked so hard for it, I put all my time and effort into building the business, it makes me so happy.”

The day care side of April Time is open every day 8am to 6pm, and up to 14 dogs get to spend time with April and her two members of staff.

Dog owners can rest assured that their pooch is being treated well, as the day is packed full of activity.

Walks, playing, feeding, and activities designed to stimulate the dogs mentally and physically are all provided in the service.

Fun - a play area at April Time (Image: April Scarth)

Large - another look at one of the rooms in the unit (Image: April Scarth)

For “mental enrichment”, April will often arrange puzzles, bury treats in blankets, and arrange dog-friendly puzzles that allow them to tap into their natural foraging instincts and keen sense of smell.

The new business also offers dog grooming on Saturdays, which is one on one, where the owners will have a consultation beforehand, so April fully assess the dog’s requirements.

For any nervous dogs, April works alongside a trainer to help calm and teach any scared pup that the grooming process is not frightening.

She said: “I’ve got a dog called Bonnie and she’s been a massive reason why I’ve opened this business.

Loved - April's pet dog, Bonnie (Image: April Scarth)

Hard worker - April Scarth (Image: April Scarth)

“Everything I want for my own dog I’ve put into the business.”

To find out more, head to facebook.com/apriltimepetservices.