Best Dog Sitters in Derby: Top 7 Rated Pet Care Experts

Searching for dog sitters near me in Derby? Whether you are based in Mickleover, Littleover, Allestree, Alvaston, or Chellaston, this vibrant city is home to some of the East Midlands' most trusted and highly-rated pet carers.

With fantastic green spaces like Markeaton Park, Allestree Park, Darley Park, and Elvaston Castle Country Park, Derby provides an ideal setting for active and enriching dog care. Below you will find eight of the highest-rated dog sitters and pet care providers in the area, all selected from verified Google Maps results and recent customer testimonials.

At Calmshops, we know that finding the right carer isn't just about a star rating—it's about finding a "second home" for your furry family member.


Top 7 Dog Sitters and Walkers in Derby

1. We Love Paws Derby – ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (19 Reviews)

We love paws

Exceptional Care · Licensed Home Boarders · Professional Team

Why They’re Great:

We Love Paws is a 5-star professional service offering small group walks, solo walks, and licensed home boarding. They strictly avoid "pack walking" to ensure your dog’s safety and individual attention. Every team member is fully insured, DBS checked, and pet first-aid trained.

Perfect for:

  • High-energy dogs needing solo or small-group walks.

  • Owners seeking licensed home-from-home boarding.

  • Puppies needing socialisation and focused care.

2. Wow Miaow – ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (51 Reviews)

Wow Miaow

Reliable · Caring · Highly Personalized

  • 📍 Location: Whittington St, Derby

  • 📞 Phone: 07460 787326

  • 🕓 Hours: Opens 8am

  • 💬 Review Highlight: “Reliable, caring and accommodating of my fussy fur baby's quirks.”

Why They’re Great:

Wow Miaow is widely praised for its ability to handle "quirky" pets with specific needs. Their services are built on building deep trust with both the pet and the owner, ensuring even the most particular dogs feel settled.

Perfect for:

  • Dogs with unique behavioral traits or "fussy" routines.

  • Local residents in the Derby city center area.

3. Walkies & Cuddles Mickleover Derby – ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 (51 Reviews)

Trusted Local Favourite · Attentive Staff · Professional Service

Walkies & Cuddles Mickleover Derby

Why They’re Great:

Serving Mickleover and the surrounding Kingsway area, this service is known for its passionate staff who go above and beyond. They provide a structured yet loving approach to daily walks and home visits.

Perfect for:

  • Residents in Mickleover and Kingsway. 

  • Owners needing reliable, daily midday walks.

4. End Cottage Kennels – ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (95 Reviews)

End Cottage Kennels

 

Brilliant Staff · Established Reputation · Secure Boarding

Why They’re Great:

For those who prefer a professional kennel setting, End Cottage is one of the highest-rated in the region. They offer a secure, well-maintained environment with a focus on hygiene and physical engagement.

Perfect for:

  • Dogs that thrive in social environments.

  • Owners seeking traditional, high-standard overnight boarding.

5. PawMates (Derby) – ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (23 Reviews)

PawMates (Derby)

 

Passionate Carers · Fantastic Communication · Reliable

  • 📍 Location: Coneygrey Cl, Derby

  • 📞 Phone: 07487 576496

  • 🕓 Hours: Opens 9am Mon

  • 💬 Review Highlight: “Kazia and Faye are absolutely fantastic with our 3 dogs!”

  • 🌐 Website

  • 📧 Contact form

Why They’re Great:

Kazia and Faye have built a reputation for managing multi-dog households with ease. Their communication is a standout feature, often providing owners with detailed updates and a high level of reassurance.

Perfect for:

  • Multi-dog families.

  • Owners wanting personal, boutique-style attention.

6. Barking Mad Derby – ★★★★★ 5.0/5 (Verified National Reviews)

Experienced Management · 1-on-1 Boarding · Chauffeur Service

  • 📍 Location: Breaston, Derby

  • 📞 Phone: 01332 922323

  • 🕓 Hours: Opens 9am

  • 💬 Review Highlight: “Chester always has such a great time... in good hands.”

  • 🌐 Website

Why They’re Great:

Brian Kearton at Barking Mad offers an exclusive home boarding service that includes a "chauffeur-driven" transport for your pup. They specialize in matching dogs with the most suitable host families to maintain their usual diet and routine.

Perfect for:

  • Nervous dogs needing a quiet home-from-home.

  • Owners seeking a fully managed, premium boarding experience.

7. Paws4Love – ★★★★☆ 4.7/5 (13 Reviews)

Safe & Clean · Professional Daycare · Engaging Environment

Why They’re Great:

Paws4Love focuses on cleanliness and safety within their daycare environment. It is an engaging space where dogs are supervised 24/7, making it a great choice for owners with long workdays.

Perfect for:

  • Daycare for puppies and high-energy breeds.

  • Shift workers needing flexible pick-up/drop-off times.


Why Derby is a Pet Owner’s Paradise

Derby offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and vast natural spaces. Many of the city's sitters utilise its fantastic park network to provide enrichment during their care sessions.

Top Sniff-Spots and Walking Routes

  • Markeaton Park: The "Lively Adventure" spot. With over 200 acres, it offers a mix of open spaces, woodland areas, and a lake. The Orangery café is famously dog-friendly for a post-walk coffee.

  • Allestree Park: A "Hidden Gem" and one of the largest parks in Derby. Its wooded trails are peaceful and ideal for dogs that enjoy exploring nature off-lead (with good recall).

  • Elvaston Castle Country Park: A "Fairytale Walk" with a stunning castle backdrop and 300 acres of estate. Note that dogs must be on leads in central courtyard areas.

  • Darley Abbey Park: A "Riverside Retreat" perfect for social dogs who enjoy meeting other pups along the River Derwent. It connects to the Derwent Valley Heritage Way for those needing longer treks.


Understanding Pet Care Prices in Derby (2026)

Prices in Derby are generally more competitive than in London, offering excellent value for high-standard care. Below is a breakdown of current market rates:

Service Average Price
Dog Walking £11 – £14 per hour
Home Boarding £28 – £45 per 24 hours
Daycare £25 – £40 per day
Drop-in Visit £10 – £13 (30 mins)

Professional Standards: Choosing a Licensed Carer

At Calmshops, we advocate for the highest standards of animal welfare. When choosing a sitter or boarder in Derby, verify their credentials through the Derby City Council or South Derbyshire District Council licensing departments.

What to Look For:

  1. Star Ratings: Licenses are "star rated" between 1 and 5 based on risk assessment and welfare standards. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of care and a low-risk environment.

  2. Insurance & DBS: Professional sitters like those at Dog Club Derby are fully insured and background checked for your security.

  3. Training: Look for providers who are pet first aid trained or hold Ofqual-regulated animal care qualifications.

  4. The Meet-and-Greet: We always recommend an in-person meeting (e.g., at Markeaton Park) to introduce your dog to the sitter before booking. Practise a short walking route together to ensure a good match.


Expert Advice from Calmshops

As a specialist in pet wellness, we believe a happy dog starts with a calm mind and a healthy body. Whether your pup is out with a walker at Walkies & Cuddles or staying at End Cottage Kennels, consistent nutrition and mental stimulation are key.

If you are caring for an expecting mother or a new litter, consider supporting them with high-quality nutrients. Our Calmdogs® Premium Prenatal Vitamin Chews are packed with Folic Acid (30mcg), Iron (2.5mg), and Zinc (1mg) to support healthy pregnancy and puppy development. They are a grain-free, tasty way to bridge nutritional gaps during the demanding gestation period.

Final Bark

From the leafy hills of Allestree to the historic gardens of Elvaston, Derby is truly a city that loves its dogs. Whether you choose a large social hub like Go Out Paws or the quiet, bespoke care of Wow Miaow, the professionals listed above represent the best of our local pet community.

Would you like us to help you draft a specific care plan or checklist for your next dog sitting booking?

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About us

At Calmshops, we’re passionate about helping you and your furry companions live a happier, calmer life. Our carefully curated selection of dog training accessories, including citronella spray collars, vibrating collars, and interactive dog toys, is designed to improve behaviour, encourage recall, and strengthen your bond with your pet. We also offer natural dog chews and calming treats to promote well-being from the inside out. Whether you're shopping for training tools or thoughtful gifts for your loved companion.

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