Our Commitment to Animal Welfare
At Bow Wows Dublin, the comfort, health and wellbeing of the animals in our care guide the decisions we make.
Whether we're grooming your dog, visiting your cat at home, taking your dog for a private walk or caring for them while you're away, our approach remains the same:
"Understand the individual animal, respect their needs, and never put convenience before their welfare."
Our approach reflects our responsibilities under Ireland's Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including the duty to safeguard the health and welfare of animals in our care and to consider their individual physiological, behavioural and environmental needs.
Fresh Water & Appropriate Feeding
Pets in our care have access to fresh drinking water as appropriate to the service being provided.
Food and treats are only provided in accordance with owner instructions and any dietary information provided to us.
A Comfortable, Appropriate Environment
From our private home-based grooming environment to pet sitting, home boarding and day retreats, we consider cleanliness, comfort, temperature, supervision and the individual needs of the animal in our care.
Different animals need different things — and our care adapts accordingly.
Gentle, Considered Handling
We don't believe an animal should simply be forced through an experience for the sake of completing a service.
We observe behaviour, respond to signs of discomfort or distress and adapt our approach where appropriate.
During grooming in particular, welfare takes priority over achieving a particular aesthetic result.
Natural Behaviour Matters
Good care isn't simply feeding an animal and keeping them secure.
Dogs need opportunities to sniff, explore, move, rest and interact appropriately. Cats may need space, familiarity, choice and the freedom to engage on their own terms.
Our care is shaped around the individual animal rather than expecting every pet to respond in the same way.
Health & Individual Needs
We ask owners to provide accurate information about their pet's health, behaviour, medication and individual requirements before care begins.
If we notice something concerning while an animal is with us, we'll communicate with you and take appropriate action in accordance with our policies and the circumstances.
Weather & Environment
Walks, transport and other activities are considered in the context of weather and environmental conditions.
Where conditions could compromise an animal's comfort or welfare, we may adapt the timing, duration or nature of the service.
Professional Judgement. Always.
Sometimes welfare-first care means slowing down.
Sometimes it means changing the plan.
And sometimes it means saying no to something we don't believe is right for the animal in front of us.
That's not an inconvenience to the Bow Wows experience.
It's an essential part of it.
The Law & Animal Welfare
Bow Wows Dublin operates with regard to our responsibilities under Ireland's Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
The legislation establishes duties relating to the protection of animals and their health and welfare, including protections against unnecessary suffering.