Swimming pool therapy for dogs set to launch in Harrogate

An innovative new physio and hydrotherapy centre for dogs is set to open in Harrogate next month.

Veterinary physiotherapist Sophie Brook is hoping to launch the facility on Skipton Road at the end of August.

The first of its kind in Harrogate, it will offer physiotherapy, rehabilitation hydrotherapy, fun and fitness swims and puppy confidence swims.

Ms Brook, who owns The Harrogate Vet Physio, has been working on a mobile basis for the last two years, treating dogs and horses.

She has spent that time looking for a suitable location to be able to also offer hydrotherapy, which she currently practises at a centre in Brighouse.

And she finally found the perfect unit at Dragon Court Business Park, which will offer a 6m x 2.5m heated dog swimming pool and a physio room.

Ms Brook, who studied veterinary physiotherapy for four years, said:

“I always wanted a pool because hydrotherapy is so good for dogs. The pool is getting fitted next month and hopefully it will be open at the end of August.

“It can help with problems such as arthritis in older dogs and hip and elbow dysplasia. There are also things like cruciate injuries that be helped through physio and hydrotherapy.”

Ms Brook said the swimming sessions were aimed at helping puppies and dogs gain confidence in the water, as not all are natural swimmers.

She said:

“You would be surprised how many dogs can’t swim. For some it’s not a natural ability. It also helps puppies gain confidence around water so if they fall in, they don’t go into full panic mode.

“I’m really excited to launch the new centre. People in Harrogate are big dog lovers, so it is the ideal place to do it.”

A signed referral form is needed for all of the sessions, including fun and puppy swims, and can be found here.

North Yorkshire Police appoints pet theft officers

North Yorkshire Police has appointed its first officers dedicated to dealing specifically with pet theft.

The force issued a statement today saying it now had a pet theft lead and a “small team” of pet theft liaison officers.

It said they would “work to ensure every officer recognises the need to offer the best possible support to victims of this type of crime”.

The team’s duties will include conducting “reassurance visits”, in which officers accompany pet theft victims on walks to help them feel more confident when walking their dogs.

The news comes even though North Yorkshire Police said there had only been 16 reported cases of pet theft so far in 2021.

Today’s announcement also said the pet theft team would also ensure other officers recognised the need to support victims of this type of crime.

An online training programme has been launched to help achieve this and North Yorkshire Police also has a seat on a national working group led by Devon and Cornwall Police.

North Yorkshire Police has also published a leaflet on keeping pets safe.

Read more:

Sergeant Simon Whitby, head of North Yorkshire Police’s dog section, said:

“As dog owners ourselves we completely understand the theft of a family pet is extremely distressing and a crime which has huge long-lasting emotional impact.

“The leaflet contains information and advice such as microchipping, reporting the theft, use of appealing through social media and where to get support.

“We want the public to know just how dedicated we are to tackling pet theft and that we take it extremely seriously.”

Lockdown “puppy boom” means more dog start-ups in Harrogate

Harrogate’s “puppy boom” during lockdown has seen local people set up new businesses to capitalise on the new market.

More dogs and the needs of new pet owners has been the driving force for several new start-ups in Harrogate.

With more people working from home the number of puppy sales has increased. This is good news for local entrepreneurs who have been able to set up new businesses to work with the new dogs in the district.

New puppies increases the need for training, grooming and accessories – this has given a boost to business for three local business owners.

Holly Hamp has opened up Dog Spa Harrogate:

“I was working in a kennels and a lot of people aren’t going on holiday so it turned into the right time right place. There are a lot of people doing the same thing. People have been getting dogs over lockdown but there are concerns with that too. There has been a puppy boom which means people need their dogs grooming and walking especially as they return to work.”

Charlotte Wilson has put her work as a makeup artist on pause so instead set up a business making personalised dog accessories. She said:

“Its all based around personalisation anything from dog treats, bowls, treat baskets. It has been really successful, I didn’t think it would go that well. I am wanting to grow it with staff, eventually we hope to sell more each day to employ people that had lost their jobs. A lot of people have just got a new dog so want to spoil it with new products. People are just mad about them! I’d never tried it before but I have three dogs and I thought what do I love and that was dogs, so I ordered the printer and set it all up.”

A dog during an agility training class.

Katie Bell has resumed her career as a dog trainer after seeing a niche for owners with new puppies over lockdown.

Read more:

Katie Bell has trained as a dog behaviouralist but worked as a dog walker until lockdown when she saw a niche for new owners needing to train their dogs. She said:

“Since lockdown I knew there would be a lot of dogs needing help specifically with separation anxiety as their owners return to work. I am getting another dog soon so I have set up a facebook group to provide regular training videos for people to follow at home. My enquiries have massively increased, I think since people have been at home more they have realised their dog or new puppy has behavioural issues. Now the rules have eased I am able to do training in people’s gardens or indoors and I think that will only increase.”

The exterior of The Dog Spa

Holly Hamp has set up a dog groomers in Harrogate after seeing the need for dog services grow.

Puppy scammers ‘hiding behind coronavirus’ in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Police has seen a rise in reports of people being scammed when trying to buy puppies online.

Fraudsters will advertise online and then use the coronavirus restrictions as a reason why the customer cannot see the dog in person.

The seller will then ask for money for the dog as well as vet bills, vaccinations, and other costs. Once the customer has paid the scammer will disappear and no puppy arrives.

Read more:

It comes as animal welfare organisations report a surge in interest in puppies during lockdown. That was followed by a surge in prices.

The Kennel Club saw a 168% increase in people searching for puppies on its website since the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown.

North Yorkshire Police has said that buying a new pet is a decision that people should never take lightly.

Kevin Ross, from the force’s fraud and economic crime unit, said:

“Unfortunately the lure of a new canine companion is one which has resulted in several people losing their money to this scam. Purchasing a new pet is a decision that should never be taken lightly. We would urge anyone considering doing so to follow the RSPCA’s guidance.”