A doggy day care for Suffolk’s four-legged friends is celebrating five years of caring for the county’s pets. 

The Suffolk Dog Town, formerly known as Ipswich Dog Day Care Creche, celebrated its fifth birthday in style with a party at its premises in Farthing Road, Ipswich.  

According to founder, Clare Holmes, the business is going from strength to strength. 

“We have a five-star licence with Babergh Council, which allows us to look after 40 dogs a day,” explained Mrs Holmes. 

“We’re now looking after up to 200 dogs a week. It’s mad, but we love it!” 

Ipswich Star: Clare Holmes founded the centre in 2018. Credit: Clare HolmesClare Holmes founded the centre in 2018. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Ipswich Star: The Suffolk Dog Town celebrated its fifth birthday with a party for people and dogs alike. Credit: Clare HolmesThe Suffolk Dog Town celebrated its fifth birthday with a party for people and dogs alike. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Ipswich Star: The party was enjoyed by dogs and their owners. Credit: Clare HolmesThe party was enjoyed by dogs and their owners. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Mrs Holmes founded Ipswich Doggy Day Care Creche in 2018. Her husband, Danny, an army veteran, was in a serious road traffic accident in 2005, and Clare had needed to spend a lot of time helping him recover. 

“He turned around to me one day, and said, you need to find something for you, now,” explained Mrs Holmes. 

So, she decided to pursue her dream of opening an organisation which cares for dogs, which she and Mr Holmes run together. 

The organisation has recently been rebranded to ‘Suffolk Dog Town’, as Mrs Holmes felt this name was more representative of the many and varied services offered.  

Ipswich Star: The Ipswich Dog Day Care Creche is now known as the Suffolk Dog Town. Credit: Clare HolmesThe Ipswich Dog Day Care Creche is now known as the Suffolk Dog Town. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Ipswich Star: Clare Holmes with her husband, Danny. Credit: Clare HolmesClare Holmes with her husband, Danny. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Ipswich Star: The creche looks after up to 40 dogs each day. Credit: Clare HolmesThe creche looks after up to 40 dogs each day. Credit: Clare Holmes (Image: Clare Holmes)

Canine clients can be booked in for dog training, grooming, sessions for puppies to help them learn how to socialise with other dogs, and even photography, with Dionne Bond from Candydash Images on hand to take pet portraits. 

“Without any exaggeration, this is a massive family,” said Mrs Holmes. “We get to know the dog, and the family.” 

Staff work with owners to help dogs settle in at the creche and are always happy to recommend walkers, nutritionists or other types of trainers.” 

“We’re slowly growing. Every day is getting bigger and better, which is just fantastic,” said Mrs Holmes.