Below are a few of our testimonals from a handful of our clients or you can click here to read many more on our facebook page! 

Brilliant service! Very professional. Came and met our cockapoo pup before hand and answered any questions I had. He looked like he had a great time in the photos from that day and was well and truly worn out when I got home. Little touches like leaving the lights and the radio on when they dropped him off and putting his dinner out too make a difference. Will definitely continue to use.

​- Lauren & Jonathan
Currently going through puppy training with our labrador. Excellent trainers who are very patient and even during an embarrassing toilet accident in the hall it was dealt with professionally and discreetly and because one of the trainers is veterinary trained identified a medical concern which at this time of the year and dark evenings could easily have gone unnoticed. Our puppy is progressing week on week and i would highly recommend.

​- Nathan
Cannot recommend Take The Lead enough. We are currently taking the puppy classes and we have also had a home visit from Catherine. Karina, Matt and Catherine all really know their stuff and constantly go above and beyond with their help and assistance with all our questions. Taking on two puppies simultaneously could have easily got out of control without their help and guidance, knowing they are always at the end of the phone is a great comfort! I would say to anyone with a new pup to definitely attend the classes, they are engaging, helpful and a great way for pups to make new friends!

​- Dan
We're so grateful that Take The Lead is in our lovely Labrador's life. Everyone at TTL humours Digby and loves him as much as we do, despite wandering around the field with their belongings!
What's really important to us, is that he his safe and looked after and from day one we've never had any concerns. 
Their service and flexibility is what really sets TTL above others and the best for us. At a drop of a hat we can change Digbys schedule as our work changes, but we know he'll always be looked after and loved as we do. 
Thank you to all the team. Your service and kindness is massively appreciated.

​Pete

Leo

Leo goes to the doggy day care and really loves it. He is always happy to climb in to the van without a backward glance and suitably tired when he comes back!

I particularly love all the pictures and videos on facebook showing how all the different dogs play together!  I have no hesitation in recommending their services

​Wendy Passfield 

Whisper

I had a serious riding accident which meant I could not walk Whisper for nearly 6 months. I did not know what to do until one of my friends recommended Take the Lead to me. I spoke to Karina and explained my situation and she came round to meet Whisper. He took to her straight away and my sensitive boy absolutely loves them all at Take the Lead!
 Any days where my family were unable to take Whisper out Karina told me to let them know and they would come straight round to pick him up and either walk him, let him out, or take him to Doggy Daycare. Catherine used to come around and always had time for a chat, Whisper would then be spoilt for the day. 
Now I’m up and running I use Take the Lead’s services regularly for peace of mind. Whisper has just had a week’s Home Boarding and has come back as good as new. It is nice to know you can go on holiday and don’t need to worry. The fact that Karina is a Veterinary Nurse is always a comfort if there was ever any problem it will be picked up immediately and dealt with. I would have no hesitation whatsoever of recommending Take the Lead to anybody who is looking for their dog to be treated as one of the family in their absence. 
Debbie Brown 

B & Toby

I leave my babies with Karina and the TTLS team when I go away for home boarding. They are always so happy when I get back. Love the facebook page as can see them enjoying themselves while I am away, highly recommended! 


Donna Boddie 

Roxy

Sending our husky Roxy off to the TTL daycare field for the first time was like sending a child to school for us! But we were reassured as soon as we saw pictures on Facebook of how much of a good time she was having! TTL are great with her, even when they get their sandwiches pinched from the field!! As well as daycare, Roxy goes on solo hour walks and has been known to wait with the kitchen bin on her head and contents on the floor...again TTL are great about that! She has stayed overnight several times and despite pinching frozen chicken they still invite her to stay over again!!! A great team of dog lovers who will take care of your dog just like you would!

Selina & Rick

Huxley

My four legged friend has been going to Take The Lead since January 2014 when he was 3.5 months old. Karina is so helpful and has given me advice on many occasions and the whole team provide an excellent service. Being with other dogs from such an early age has made my dog very sociable around others, this was very noticeable with his puppy school class mates who were a lot more timid or just excitable. You can just tell that he loves Karina and Kate and if he doesn't go in the week when I work at home you can see he is slightly disappointed when it reaches around 10.30am and he knows he's not off to see his friends :)


Selina & Matt

Phoebe

It was a huge relief to find such an amazing day care service for my dog, Phoebe. Karina is a true professional and it's always reassuring to see the pictures of all the dogs playing so nicely. Phoebe returns home tired but happy. Thanks for taking care of my precious girl! She looks forward to seeing you again in the New Year!


Diane

Buddy

I would just like to say a massive thank you to Karina, Kate and the rest of the Take the Lead team. We have been using them for the past 7 weeks and they were brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble, they helped with advice getting Buddy to settle into his new routine, arranged for him to get a hair cut and reassured when I was worried about him. Buddy came home exhausted and happy every day and I loved seeing what he got up to in the day from the pictures posted throughout the day. I am sure he will be very happy when he comes back to you in October 2014.

Claire & Nick 

Bo & Harry

Karina and her team have been fabulous with Bo, who occasionally can be a difficult 'child' , and more recently with Harry who is excitable to say the least! Always reliable and the pups feel like they've just gone to their second home when they're with her.


Victoria & Stuart 

Snoop

Dear Karina 
I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to you and the team for the great work you do at Take The Lead Services. I think with the variety of options and value that you provide means you have started to exceed most American doggy businesses - Wow! I have been comparing notes with american colleagues and they are always impressed with the range that I describe for Take The Lead Services. Thank you too for being available for Snoop at such short notice, it's invaluable to us! 

Kerry & Steffan  

Barnaby

We cannot praise Take The Lead Services enough for the care and attentive service they provide for our puppy Barnaby.
​  
It is so refreshing to have  a boarding service that is reliable and professional - it surpasses 5 stars!


Vicky and Al Harris

George

Take The Lead have taken care of George since he was a young puppy. 
From the start, the initial meeting of who would be looking after our little pup was excellent and comforting.

From thereon in,  any requests either to change or add times/dates for the dog walking service and boarding has always been accommodated without fuss.  To know there is a complete support network available and provided to such a high standard is invaluable.

I just wanted to say thank you for everyone’s involvement in providing such and excellent, efficient and caring service.

Linda 

Alfie 

Hi Karina
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for taking such good care of Alfie. We felt completely at ease leaving him in your care and was very grateful for the photos to show us how much fun he was having!! He clearly wasn't distressed with us leaving him which is what we was looking for!
He is completely worn out from all the walks!!! 
Will highly recommend you and will sure to be in contact next time we are away!!
Many thanks
Paula

Koda 

Thank you for having Koda to stay. It was a great service in a great environment! We loved the facebook photos and updates whilst we were so far away. A truly worn out dog returned to us, a sign of a good walk! Tail wagging when saying goodbye to Sue, a sign of a happy customer! Thanks 

Danielle 

Sookie

Hi there Karina, just wanted to say a huge thank you and appreciation on the care that you took with Sookie when she stayed with you! I will recommend you to all my family and friends and we will definitely be using you again!! Sookie had so much fun and really enjoyed the long walks!! She is super tired, hasn't woken up yet!! Thanks again x

Sarah & Simon 

Bertie

We're relatively new to Take The Lead Services, but they have been great! Bertie has a fab walk & we love the updates and photos we get too! Thank you so much for looking after our boy for us! 

Lucy & Ben 

Albert

Dear Karina,
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with Sue & Richard, who walk Albert, my 2 year old Boxer.They have been a pleasure to deal with from the start, and Albert loves them to bits - it's all I can do to keep him semi composed when they come to collect him, and he always comes back happy and tired from a lovely, fun walk. I started using a dog walker as I have a small baby now and getting Albert out for the walks he needs with the pram is very difficult, especially in the Autumn & Winter months, and I can honestly say that Sue and Richard have been a god send.  It really is a weight off my mind knowing that Albert will still get some good walks during the week, with the love and attention that he needs. I would not hesitate in recommending Take The Lead Services to anyone who was looking for a friendly and reliable dog walking provider.I am one VERY happy and satisfied customer - thank you :)

Lyndsay Hall

Gizmo & Marshall
Hi, I just wanted to say a big thank you to you, Sue and Richard for looking after Gizmo and Marshall on such short notice. It's great to know there is such a professional and supportive group of people that eased all our worries and concerns regarding the care of our dogs. I now know that my dogs are more sociable than I realised and they even got on with a cat!! 


Christina x

George & Murphy

Just want to say huge thanks to Karina for the wonderful service. My dogs love her and we can't even mention her name without the boys getting excited... that is the best recommendation of all! 

Sarah & Jeff

Humphrey

I have great pleasure in recommending Karina’s dog caring service. My very lively sprocker, Humphrey, adores her and leaves me without a backward glance, his entire body wagging furiously. When he returns from a walk or overnight stay, he is calmer and has clearly enjoyed himself. Karina is friendly and very professional, engendering absolute faith in her ability to deal with her charges. I really appreciate her flexibility and willingness to help out at short notice.

Marian

Jake

I am quite new to life with a dog, Jake came into our family in May 2013. He is a very bouncy black lab, who used to be in Army. He was on tour in Afghanistan and broke his leg. I knew I needed to find a dog walker when my husband advised he would be away for 3months. My decision to use Take The Lead Services was not only based on the fact that Jake loved Karina when they met, but for her background as Veterinary nurse. Karina has been so supportive with my questions about Jakes 'bad' leg, giving me advise on how to improve his scar tissue. I know Jake loves going out with the Team, he gets to enjoy much play time and lots of swims! Take The Lead Services are great as they are so flexible around my requests for when I need them to get him, which fits in with my varying work diary. I love getting back and seeing pictures of the days fun and games on their Facebook page.They really have taken the stress out of being a doggy parent, I cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you so much!

Mary and Mike

Spencer

Hi Karina, 

I just wanted to thank you again for all the help you have been with Spencer since his first stay with you when he was 16 weeks old. 
He really was happy in the pictures you sent us and let us enjoy our holiday knowing the care you were giving him was just like being at home. 
He really looks forward to being at your house and runs happily in the front door when we leave him. He also trots off happily when you have come to collect him if we are away for the day.  
He enjoys being with the other dogs and I think it definitely has helped to make him the happy dog he is around all dogs when we go on walks. We are so happy with the care you give him and feel very lucky to have found such a lovely environment for him to be in when needed.  

Joyce

Deacon

Deacon is our 5 year old soppy, loving and sensitive German Shepherd.  Ever since the day we brought him home both our lives have revolved around him.  So when my wife and I were due to get married abroad panic struck in! The thought of having to leave Deacon for 2 weeks was a huge worry.

Finding the right person for him to live in our home with during this period was paramount. After many calls and meeting many other dog sitters, we found Karina! The best choice we have ever made.

The regular communication we had with Karina, prior to meeting, provided us with much needed reassurance. We were concerned with the fact that Deacon is an ‘exceptionally’ large German Shepherd, so we wanted someone who could handle him on and off the lead and who had experience with this breed. Within moments of meeting with Karina we knew that he would be loved as if he was Karina’s own dog, walked enough to wear him out, cared for and safe with her vast veterinary nursing experience.

 We met with Karina on walks with other dogs several times prior to going abroad and on each occasion we were filled with ease and confidence.
Within a day of being away we were missing Deacon, wondering if he was OK, then we received a little video message of him playing with other dogs having the time of his life, this was the only thing we needed to see. We had regular photos sent to us throughout our holiday, seeing Deacon at home in his environment safe and sound provided huge relief and reassurance that he was happy.

We also had the bonus reassurance that our home was well looked after too, and felt at ease having Karina stay at ours and that Deacon remained in his home environment.

 When we arrived home we were welcomed with a little photo album of all the walks he had been on and the friends he had made, this was a great touch and we knew from the energy and vibe off Deacon that he was quiet clearly happy and comfortable around Karina and Matt.

Karina is a rare find and one that we would recommend to anyone to trust their dog with and in our case our home. We so pleased we have found you Karina, and that we have the reassurance to know all future holiday care of Deacon will be covered by yourself.

Andrea & Felicity

Sam & Bailey

Hi Karina,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with our dogs Bailey and Sam. As you know, I came to you originally as the original dog walker that I had arranged to meet failed to show up on 2 occasions leaving me completely in the lurch. Your service has been exceptional. Even when you were rushed in for an emergency appendix operation, everything was extremely well organised and immediate cover was put in place to make sure that our dogs still got walked. So important to me as I work and it is crucial that my dogs get taken out in the middle of the day.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending your services as you are friendly, flexible and reliable. All of things that us “doggie” lovers look for.

Clare & Matt 

Harvey & Charlie

Charlie is our two year old Black Cockerpoo and his brother, Harvey, is a 1 year old Cockerpoo. We were going on holiday and the in laws were going to be looking after them but couldn't handle the walking part. 
I was very worried about how the dogs would be on lead as they can be wary of other dogs and they hadn't been off lead much so I did panic but Karina visited us and gave us the reassurance we needed and text me to put my mind at rest when she was out with them. 
Karina did some lead work and recall training with the boys and so we have continued to have the boys walked. 

Best thing we ever did! 

Thank you to everyone at Take the Lead Services.
Alison & Liam

LuLu

Lulu is our beautiful rescue dog who we have had for a year now. This was the first time that we have had to leave her while away for 10 days and I was very apprehensive about leaving her. 
We were very relieved to find Take The Lead services where Karina introduced us to "foster mom" Sue. 
Sue came to meet Lulu beforehand and it only took a few minutes for our shy, people wary dog to sidle over to her for some attention! Being a rescue dog Lulu is quite nervous but I knew she would be okay after that first visit. 
Sue, her husband Richard and their two children took wonderful care of Lulu. I loved the updates and photo's we got while away which was a lovely touch to let us know all was well. 
The stories I heard when we got back were great and I almost felt bad taking her home again! She had made a lifelong friend with one of their dogs ( who I was very tempted to take home as well!) 
She had a wonderful time cuddling up to everyone and getting loads of love and attention which is all we could have hoped for. She was very spoilt with walks which she loves and all in all had a great time. I would thoroughly recommend Sue and Richard as a wonderful home away from home for any dog. They are very passionate about their animals and I will definitely be using them again with no apprehension this time!  We cannot thank them enough for taking such good care of our very special family member. 

Angela + Family 

Ralph

We started using Karina when Ralph was 10 weeks old, Ralph is a very friendly dog but took a special shine to Karina instantly! Karina has been coming in daily to play with Ralph whilst we are out, first it started with a couple of visits a day to keep him company and let him out in the garden. But now Ralph loves going out with Karina and some of her other dogs for play time and walks. Karina has been so flexible in accommodating last minute requests for visits due to work commitments, we know she genuinely cares for all the dogs she looks after and understands how much Ralph means to us; we often get photos of Ralph playing with his friends which really does brighten our day! She has been invaluable to us with Ralph’s toilet training and our puppy worries, so with her being a trained veterinary nurse our minds are always at ease. Ralph has also been lucky enough to stay over at Karina’s when we were away for the night, and as with his walks he always comes back in fantastic spirits and happily exhausted from lots of playing and cuddling!
We really can’t thank Karina enough for her flexibility and the care she gives Ralph, he is so very loved at home and its fantastic to know that he is equally loved when we aren’t around.


Danielle and Will

Max & Aiza

I thought finding someone to take care of our two dogs (and meet my fussy standards) was going to be an impossible task, but as soon as I met Karina I knew we had the right person. 
Karina's professionalism and dedication to her job shines through and speaks for itself. She was instantly given the woof and wag of approval from Max and Aiza.
Our dogs have regular daycare and it makes a huge difference knowing they are safe, well looked after and happy. It means we can get on with our day without any guilt or worry and that is invaluable. 
Karina's background as a veterinary nurse only goes to reinforce our belief that they are in the best possible hands.  
We would not hesitate to recommend Karina and continue to be really happy and appreciative of all she does for us.   

Frances & Mark 

Bella 

We got Bella when she was 11 months old and full of beans. We therefore knew we would need to find a dog walker to help us out for when we were not around all day.
Karina has been brilliant with this. She has been be really flexible around our shift work which is really appreciated and a huge weight off our minds. 
We know it is something that not all dog walkers would be prepared to support us with and is something we really value.

Bella is a really playful dog who loves being around other dogs so we know she appreciates the chance to run around playing chase when she goes out with Karina. She will, without fail, manage to find muddy puddles to jump in (even when other dogs are happy to stroll past them!) but Karina will always wipe her paws before dropping her home. 
Bella has also had a few holidays with Karina whereby we know she has been well looked after and is always exhausted upon our return from all the fun she has been having. 

We would absolutely recommend Karina to anyone looking for a dog walker and she has made our lives with Bella so much easier. 

Matt and Claire

Digby

Having felt apprehensive about leaving my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Digby, in kennels I was delighted to discover 'Take The Lead' where I could leave my dog in a caring home environment. 
I have left Digby with Karina on several occasions and I have been amazed at the outstanding care that she has provided. I have no qualms what so ever when I leave him now as I know that he is going to be taken good care of and come back absolutely shattered from his time playing with the other dogs, along with his delightful walks!
I even get the odd picture text to let me know what Digby is up to, which is most reassuring for us pet lovers!  
I would most certainly recommend Karina to anyone. The service Take The Lead provides is absolutely outstanding, reasonably priced with a personal and genuinely caring touch. Amazing!"

Ceri 

Harry & Phoebe

I found Karina a couple of months ago when I desperately needed someone to take care of my two enormous unusual hounds. 

Harry is 8 and is described by those who know him as a dog with "enthusiasm". This translates to an kleptomaniac of all things remotely edible, and Phoebe, who had a very bad start to life but landed on her feet when she met and instantly fell for Harry. 
Karina house and dog sat for me for two weeks during which time the dogs had a brilliant time, walking for miles, meeting new friends and generally not missing me at all. The house was impeccably clean on my return and I could relax and enjoy my holiday. Now when I pack my suitcases instead of sulking in the corner and making me feel suitably guilty, they start bouncing around because they know Karina is on her way. Thank you so much, I don't know how  we would cope without you

Harry, Phoebe and Louise

Sher

Karina is quite simply, the best dog walker we have ever had. The care and affection she shared with our dog can best be expressed by the leaps of joy he greets her with every time he sees her. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with a wide range of pets, very professional, and enthusiastic. Outstanding.

Natalia Belova

Oliver

I use Karina to look after my cat when I have to go away on business trips for work. I found her service easy to use and reliable. Karina always puts my mind at rest by letting me know how everything is as I hate leaving my boy, he's very high maintenance!  I wouldn't hesitate to use Karina again in the future.

Jemma Gardner

Charlie

I have used Karina a number of times to walk my dog Charlie. She is very friendly, knowledgeable and an all round animal loving person! I think she is great with him, but I think he loves her even more than he does me! He always comes back completely worn out as you can see from the photo I sent in! Karina even manages to make him behave with other dogs where I sometimes have trouble with him being dominant! Karina was also on hand when Charlie broke his paw, I called her up and she was able to offer immediate advice and came over to look at him within a couple hours. Within two weeks he's back running around like normal. I wouldn't hesitate leaving Charlie or any other pets with Karina as I am guaranteed an excellent service and a loving safe place for them to be. Thanks again Karina

Antony Hart

Jessica & Peter

Karina looked after our family rabbits Jessica and Peter for the first time in the summer holidays a couple of years ago.
At the time we thought Jessica was a boy and he was called Benjamin... off they went on a holiday with Karina. A week later we got a phone call - Benjamin had given birth to 8 babies! We could not believe it and the kids were so excited! Benjamin became Jessica!
Despite the multiplying population of rabbits we had left her with, Karina did a fantastic job in rearing the bunnies as we were away for four weeks. She even hand reared the little weakest one "Twiglet" who we kept.
We are so grateful for all your care and i'm sure you'll be seeing the trio again soon!
Emma Haynes + Family

Florence

Karina looked after our Birman, Florence, for over five years, taking care of all her daily meds and injections (she had kidney disease and developed other problems over time). She was also our cat-sitter anytime we were away and at times a house-sitter too! In all that time we found her, professionally and personally, to be unfailingly responsible, trustworthy and conscientious and we had complete confidence in her. Recommended without reservation!

Billy Budis & Kim Poor

In Memory of Florence - A beautiful cat with a heart of gold who loved to be pampered and adored - 2012 x

Sam & Friends

Karina has looked after both my collection of small animals and walked my terrier cross several times when she was living in West London. I have always found her to be excellent at caring for them and very helpful with fitting in around the times we needed. She did not seem to be phased by the slightly more exotic animals and was great at keeping to the feeding/care plans I left. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing their animals cared for.

Lu Covell

Logan

Karina takes care of Logan on a regular basis for me as I sometimes work long hours and can't be around for him. Depsite him being a strong dog Karina never seems to have any problems with him and I am always amazed how tired he is at the end of the day! Karina even helped him through his rehabilitation after a major knee operation and has got him back to full fitness 6 months on. Thanks!

Dan Brendish

Spudley

Karina has boarded my dog Spudley and my previous dog Bella for 2 week periods each year in the summer when I go away. I met her at the vets and I am so happy I know I can call on her to help me with Spud any time, she's very flexible. He's a cheeky chappy and loves to wind Karina's dogs up but they play all day long. Sometimes I think he likes to come home not to see me but to get some sleep as he can't bear to miss out if the others play - no matter how tired he is!

Julie Aveiro

Alfie

Karina walks my German Shepherd dog Alfie three times a week when I am working long hours. Being a Police Officer I often get stuck at work and I have always been able to rely on Karina to get to my dog at the drop of a hat to ensure he isn't left all day. Despite him being a handful he gets walked with other dogs and is always shattered when I get home. It is such a relief to know I can call on such an experienced and professional service that I happily recommend to all of my colleagues.

Craig Boltwood

Goa, Barley & Tiger

I can highly recommend Karina as a cat sitter.  I have used her for about 4 years now and she has always been available to look after and feed our cats.  It’s very reassuring to have someone you trust to look after things while you are away. 

Piers Meadows

Milly, Smudge & Patch

Karina has looked after my diabetic cat and my guinea pigs on several occasions over the last year. She is always able to help and I know i can trust her with my cat even when he was particularly poorly. She went out of her way to take him to the vet for me whilst i was away and I wouldn't want to use anyone else. 

Lucy Adams