Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pet Care Partner in North London
Established in 2009 as Big Walkies, our business began with a passion for canine care in Muswell Hill. Over the years, we expanded our expertise by acquiring Ruff Mutts grooming parlour and Doggie Daycare in 2016, creating a comprehensive service for dogs and their owners. Our team comprises experienced professionals, all DBS checked and trained in canine first aid, dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to each dog's needs. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards through our licensing with Haringey Council and insurance with Pet Business Insurance since 2009. Our bespoke premises near Alexandra Palace offer a safe, welcoming environment where dogs can exercise, socialise, and receive grooming services.With decades of combined experience in animal care, including Ruth's background since 1996 with various breeds from rescue dogs to working breeds, we understand the unique requirements of every canine companion. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures we stay at the forefront of best practices in pet care. The team's genuine love for dogs is evident in their work, creating positive experiences for both pets and owners. We maintain transparency in our operations, clearly displaying our licence number LN000019190 for client reassurance. Through our proven track record of satisfied customers and repeat business, we have established ourselves as trusted experts in North London's pet care industry.
Services
Dog Walking
Doggie Daycare
Grooming
Puppy Intro
Bath & Brush
Coat Clipping
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Pet Perfume
Mat Removal
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years' experience in professional pet care since 2009
- Our team members are DBS checked and trained in canine first aid
- We maintain transparent licensing with Haringey Council (LN000019190)
- We offer stress-free grooming environments for nervous dogs
- Our proven track record shows consistent 5-star customer satisfaction
Associations and certifications
- Haringey Council
- Pet Business Insurance
What people say
Loves to go there
Safe and happy
Gorgeous groom
Highly recommended
Tail wags with excitement
Services
Dog Walking
Our professional dog walking service caters to all breeds and sizes in North London's parks and woodlands. Experienced handlers lead small groups of no more than six dogs for minimum one-hour adventures. We provide essential exercise and socialisation while ensuring safety through controlled environments and expert supervision.
Doggie Daycare
This comprehensive daycare service offers full-day care with two walks and supervised playtime in our secure premises. Dogs enjoy social interaction and rest periods without crating, receiving complimentary cleaning before evening return. We accommodate flexible timings and offer discounts for regular bookings across North London.
Grooming
Our stress-free grooming service caters to nervous dogs with gentle introduction sessions and breed-specific treatments. We offer full grooms, baths, and maintenance services using natural products. Professional groomers prioritise comfort while delivering precise clipping, trimming, and hygiene care for all breeds.
Puppy Intro
Designed for young dogs aged 3-6 months, this introductory service builds positive grooming experiences. We provide basic hygiene treatments in a calm environment to establish future comfort. The programme includes essential care elements while familiarising puppies with salon sights and sounds.
Bath & Brush
This maintenance service combines thorough cleaning with coat care for dogs between full grooms. We include de-matting, bathing with natural shampoos, and complete hygiene trims. The service helps maintain coat condition while addressing specific hygiene needs through regular appointments.
People
Ruth Gillbanks
Owner
With over 25 years' experience since establishing a boarding kennel in 1996, Ruth leads Top Dogs with expertise across all services. Her diverse canine experience includes working with rescue dogs and various breeds, ensuring comprehensive understanding of dog care requirements.
Natasha
Senior Dog Walker
As Senior Dog Walker since 2021, Natasha specialises in handling diverse breeds with particular expertise in Labrador and spaniel care. Her consistent presence ensures reliable service delivery while building strong relationships with regular clients' dogs.
Eloise
Dog Walker
Joining in 2022, Eloise has become a trusted walker with particular knowledge of Coldfall Woods routes. Her experience handling various dog sizes contributes to our adaptable walking groups while maintaining safety and enjoyment for all participants.
Barney
Dog Walker
A regular walker since early 2022, Barney manages both Alexandra Palace walks and daycare supervision. His versatility in handling different environments ensures consistent care across our services while maintaining pack harmony.
Katrice
Dog Walker
Joining in 2023, Katrice specialises in managing large, energetic dogs with particular skill in behaviour management. Her outdoor expertise enhances our ability to handle challenging temperaments while ensuring safe, enjoyable walking experiences.
Questions
What areas do you cover for dog walking services?
We serve North London including Muswell Hill, Alexandra Palace, Trent Park, and surrounding areas with convenient collection and drop-off options.
Are you licensed and insured for pet care?
Yes, we hold Haringey Council licence LN000019190 and have maintained Pet Business Insurance since 2009 for complete client reassurance.
What grooming services do you offer for nervous dogs?
We provide stress-free grooming with gentle introduction sessions and calming environments specifically designed for anxious or nervous canine companions.
Can I book multiple services for my dog?
Yes, we offer combined packages including walking, daycare, and grooming with discounts available for regular bookings across our services.
What are your daycare operating hours?
Our standard daycare runs approximately 9am-4pm with flexible early/late arrangements possible, particularly during summer months for extended daylight hours.
How do you ensure dog safety during walks?
We maintain strict safety protocols with maximum six dogs per handler, secure premises, and fully trained staff to ensure all activities remain controlled and safe.
