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Originally published on October 11, 2025 | Last updated on October 12, 2025
As dog owners, finding the right daycare for our beloved four-legged family members can feel overwhelming. This is particularly true when your dog is a rescue like our staffy cross, Mabel. We were naturally more hesitant about leaving her with strangers. After discovering Yappy Days in Sowerby Bridge, it’s been a game-changer for both us and Mabel. This Yappy Days review covers our experience with this fantastic doggy daycare facility in Sowerby Bridge, Halifax.
Located conveniently next to Sowerby Bridge train station, Yappy Days has become Mabel’s second home. After months of using their services, we can confidently say this is more than just a dog daycare in Halifax. It’s a place where dogs are genuinely cared for as individuals. Mabel cannot wait to get out of the car to go and play, her tail helicoptering and dragging me out of the car!
Spoiler alert: Yappy Days is an outstanding doggy daycare that puts dog welfare above profit!
Yappy Days Doggy Day Care Review
Pros
Owner puts dog welfare above profit
Fast communication
Great location with parking and nearby Sowerby Bridge
Extended opening hours for drop off before work
In house groomer
Cons
The road it is on can become congested due to parked cars of nearby industrial units
Only available weekdays
Is Yappy Days Right for Your Dog?
Yes, absolutely! Yappy Days welcomes all breeds and sizes, creating a safe, stimulating environment where dogs can socialise, play, and relax. Their flexible approach means they’ll work with you to find the best solution for your dog’s individual needs, whether that’s a full day, half day, or gradual introduction program.
Pros
Professional qualifications and expertise
Yappy Days holds impressive professional credentials that set them apart from many other daycare facilities:
- Level 3 qualification in Professional Day Care and Boarding delivered by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Day Care for Dogs license from Calderdale Council with a 4 out of 5 star rating
- 2nd highest star-rated business in Sowerby Bridge
- 2nd highest rated dog daycare in Halifax
- Above average rating – their 4-star rating is significantly higher than the Calderdale average of 3.4 stars (out of 38 licensed dog care businesses, last updated September 2025)
These credentials aren’t just paperwork – you can see the professional expertise in action through their understanding of canine psychology, proper safety protocols, and their ability to handle dogs with varying temperaments and needs. The combination of formal qualifications and genuine passion for dog welfare creates the perfect environment for your furry friend. You can see the list of current animal license holders on the Calderdale website.
Owner John genuinely cares about dog wellbeing over profit
What sets Yappy Days apart is owner John’s authentic commitment to each dog’s individual needs rather than simply maximising bookings.
The facility tour and meet-and-greet session before Mabel’s first day showed John’s genuine interest in getting to know both dog and owner. Both my partner and I visited Yappy Days to check out the facility, where we were given a comprehensive tour and John took the time to ask if we had any questions or concerns. He took time to understand Mabel’s personality, energy levels, and any worries we had about leaving her. The walls are adorned with photos of all the regular dogs, a lovely touch that shows how much he values each furry client as an individual.
This became clear from our very first interaction when John insisted we start Mabel with half days to help her build confidence and settle in properly. Given that Mabel is a rescue, this gentle approach was exactly what we needed. Rather than pushing for immediate full-day bookings, he prioritised her comfort and wellbeing.
The spacious 600+ square feet facility includes thoughtfully designed chill-out areas where more anxious or tired dogs can retreat, alongside a large, clean open play space for more energetic pups. This attention to different temperaments and needs demonstrates John’s deep understanding of canine behaviour and welfare.
Now, months later, Mabel can barely contain her excitement when we arrive as she practically leaps out of the car to see John and the team. Which speaks volumes about how welcome and happy she feels there.
Perfect location next to Sowerby Bridge train Station
The location couldn’t be more convenient for commuters. Situated right next to Sowerby Bridge train station with parking available directly outside, it makes the morning drop-off routine seamless. You can drop off your dog, and either park on Holmes Road if there is space, or park in Sowerby Bridge station car park before jumping on the train. I’ll typically set off from home between 07:45AM and 08:00AM, drop Mabel off at 08:15AM and then get on the train to get into Leeds just after 09:00AM.
Extended opening hours (7:00 AM – 6:30 PM)
The 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM operating hours are genuinely helpful for working dog owners. Early morning drop-offs mean you’re not stressed about getting to work on time, while the extended evening hours provide flexibility for those with longer commutes or unexpected work delays. This extended schedule shows they understand the realities of modern working life.
Reasonable, transparent and flexible pricing structure
The average cost in the UK for dog day care appears to be between £20 and £40 according to The Blue Cross and The Guardian.
Yappy Days falls into this bracket at £28 per day currently.Pricing is transparent, reasonable, and refreshingly flexible. Unlike many daycares that lock you into specific weekly commitments, Yappy Days allows you to book as needed without long-term contracts. This flexibility is perfect for shift workers, freelancers, or anyone with variable schedules. The rates are competitive for the Yorkshire area, and the value is exceptional considering the level of individual care provided.
Outstanding communication and daily updates
John and his team’s responsiveness is remarkable. Emails sent after 6 PM requesting next-day drop-offs are typically answered within hours. This level of communication provides real peace of mind – you know your messages are seen and your dog’s needs are understood.
The average response time to my emails is 47 minutes. With over half answered between 5 and 34 minutes.
If one email which took longer was excluded, the average response time drops to 35 minutes overall.Data from 17 emails sent over a 6 month period.
What really sets them apart is the personal touch at pickup time. John and the team are always happy to spend 5-10 minutes chatting about how your dog has been that day – what they’ve enjoyed, who they’ve played with, any funny moments, or if there’s anything you should know about. This isn’t a rushed handover; it’s a genuine conversation between people who clearly care about your dog’s wellbeing and happiness.
If Yappy Days wanted to make this even better, they would look at something similar to kids nurseries, where you could get the following via a text/email :-
- What activities your dog has done today
- A photo of your dog playing
- Which other dogs your dog seems to get along with
- Something that might have been worked on training wise
Example
What has Mabel done today at Yappy Days?
Today, Mabel has enjoyed playing tug of war with John and Louie.
Who has Mabel played with today?
In the morning Mabel was playing with Louie.
In the afternoon she played with Theo and they were both chasing balls.
What can Mabel work on at home?
Mabel is currently jumping up a lot. We are actively trying to deter her from this by coming down to her level to give her attention and turning our back on her if she does jump up.
Cons
Busy road can cause traffic delays
The main drawback is that the location on Holmes Road can get quite congested. This is due to a combination of reasons:-
- People parking on Holmes Road and then using the train station to get to work
- Employees coming to work at the nearby manufacturers like Dugdale
People parking on the right hand side essentially narrows the road into one lane, meaning between 08:00-09:00 and 17:00-18:00 the road can be fairly busy. Morning drop-offs during peak commuting times may add 5-10 minutes to your journey. While not a major issue, it’s worth factoring in some extra travel time, especially if you’re catching a specific train.
Only available weekdays
Yappy Days is only open Monday to Friday, which means there’s no weekend daycare availability. If you need dog care at weekends for work commitments or special occasions, you’ll need to find alternative arrangements. This is fairly standard for many dog daycares, but it’s worth noting if you work weekends or were hoping for occasional Saturday or Sunday care.
What we love about Yappy Days
Yappy Days stands out because it feels more like leaving your dog with a trusted friend than a commercial facility. The genuine care, individual attention, and flexible approach make it exceptional value. Mabel always returns tired, happy, and clearly well-cared for.
The facility’s cleanliness, the thoughtful layout catering to different dog personalities, and John’s obvious expertise with canine behaviour create an environment where dogs genuinely thrive rather than simply being supervised. (I won’t even hold the fact he is a Liverpool fan against him!)
Tips for using Yappy Days
- Book half days initially if your dog hasn’t used daycare before – John’s gradual introduction approach really works, especially for rescue dogs
- Allow extra travel time during rush hour due to traffic on the main road
- Take advantage of the flexible booking system – no need to commit to specific days every week
- Don’t hesitate to email with questions or special requirements the response time is impressively quick
- Consider the extended hours if you have a variable work schedule
- Make time for the pickup chat – the daily updates from John and the team are genuinely valuable
Yappy Days information
Address
Unit 7, Lockhill Mills
Sowerby Bridge
West Yorkshire, HX6 3LD
Website and contact Information
https://yappy-days.com/
[email protected]
07546 682 012 or 01422 485290
Opening Times
Weekdays – 07:00 – 18:30
Weekends – Closed
Services
- Full day doggy daycare
- Half day options (morning or afternoon)
- 2 hour slots available
- Discount available for bringing 2 dogs
- Flexible booking without long-term commitments
- All breeds and sizes welcome
- Bath and grooming services
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