Award-winning dog care business says it is ‘especially important’ to support independents in 2026
An award-winning dog care business in Northampton says it is “especially important” to support independents as we wave goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026.
Teddy’s Dog Care, in Newport Pagnell Road, was founded by Michelle Wilson in 2010 after she adopted her pug Teddy – who inspired her to expand her love and care to more dogs across the county.
Teddy’s hosts a number of themed events throughout the year to allow owners to get involved, as they usually drop their pets off and it is the staff who get to have all the fun.
The business prides itself on being a unique commercial doggy day care, as they offer a home environment. This includes a cosy patio and garden with soft furnishings, a large paddock with adventure playground, and the fact it is cage-free and free roaming.
Customers often praise Teddy’s as being unlike anywhere they have seen before, which is something Michelle is very proud of.
Reflecting on 2025, Michelle told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s flown by so quickly because we’re always working on the next thing. We don’t have time to stop and think about how amazing it’s been.”
The founder was then asked what it is like to run a small and independent business at the moment, and Michelle said: “People don’t quite understand how difficult it is.
“Lots of people say it’s the dream job – and we would never change it or complain – but there’s a lot more to it. People think you get to cuddle dogs all day and it is not as financially rewarding as people think it could be. You have to do it because you love it, want to care for the dogs and make a difference to people’s lives.”
Michelle explained that new customers continue to be “blown away” by the offering at Teddy’s, and loyal regulars who have supported the business for years have come to feel like friends and extended family.
The business’ proudest achievement of the year was hosting their first dog show in aid of Animals In Need Northamptonshire. With people having travelled far and wide to attend, a total of £1,250.55 was raised for the deserving charity.
Teddy’s was also recognised in the best small business category at the Northants Life Awards 2025, and named best doggy day care at the 2025 Quality Business Awards.
To celebrate the festive season, Teddy’s hosted its Christmas party on Sunday, December 14. Dogs and their owners got to enter the grotto in hour-long slots, with stalls to enjoy for the remainder of the event.
When asked what message she wants to send to the Northampton community about the importance of supporting independent businesses like Teddy’s in 2026, Michelle said: “It’s especially important next year.
“We are reluctant to increase prices to match increasing costs as we want to be good value for money for customers who need our services and are reliant on us. It’s unbelievable when you add up all the price rises and we need everybody to believe in us and keep supporting.
“We pay them back by promising to give their dog the best care ever, and that’s something I won’t negotiate on.”
Having worked with a dog acting agency this year, Michelle is pleased to have placed a number of their pooches in the spotlight – including her dog Junior starring in a Hollywood film with Joan Collins, which is being released next year. She hopes this will continue.
With a secure adventure paddock with tunnels, mounds and a pirate ship, Michelle has trialled hiring this area out for off-lead time at weekends and this is being properly launched next year.