Home from Home Boarding For Dogs
About In The Dog House
Established in 2016 by Jenni and Gordon, In The Dog House was created as a refined alternative to traditional kennels — offering a peaceful, homely, and highly personalised experience for every guest.
Our spacious bungalow, complete with a secure dog-friendly garden, provides the ideal balance of comfort and safety. Guests enjoy daily walks along the breathtaking beaches and countryside of East Lothian, with occasional day trips extending as far as Bamburgh and St Andrews for an extra touch of adventure.
We are fully licensed by East Lothian Council, approved by Police Scotland, and protected by specialist animal boarding insurance, giving owners absolute peace of mind.
All dogs staying with us become part of our family, sharing our home with our two much-loved dogs, Lily and Poppy, and our daughter — ensuring a warm, trusted, and nurturing environment throughout their stay.
Our criteria
Our Guest Criteria
Our love of dogs naturally extends to the care we provide for yours. Our aim is for every guest to feel calm, settled, and genuinely at ease during their stay with us.
All accommodation is provided within our home — we don’t use kennels — which allows us to offer a relaxed, home-from-home experience. To maintain this peaceful environment, we’re best suited to welcoming dogs who are:
- Well socialised and comfortable in a home setting
- Neutered or spayed (with the exception of young puppies)
- Fully up to date with vaccinations
Because all guests sleep together in our kitchen/family room rather than in bedrooms, we’re unfortunately not able to accommodate dogs who experience separation anxiety overnight. Dogs who find this difficult can become unsettled, which isn’t fair on them or on the other guests sharing the space.
For the comfort and safety of everyone in our care, we’re also unable to accept dogs with a history of aggression, including resource guarding, food-related aggression, or reactivity towards people or other dogs, whether on or off lead. Maintaining a calm, well-mannered group helps ensure a relaxed and enjoyable stay for all.
Walks & Behaviour
Our daily beach walks are often a highlight of our guests’ stay. To keep these outings safe and enjoyable, we ask that dogs have reliable recall and are comfortable walking politely on the lead. Strong pulling or uncontrolled off-lead behaviour isn’t suitable for our group walks.
Not Sure if We’re the Right Fit?
If you’re unsure whether your dog meets our criteria, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a friendly chat. We’re always happy to offer honest guidance — and if your dog would be happier in a kennel environment, we can recommend excellent facilities locally.