FAQs & How it works

You’re considering booking a session for the first time but you’re not sure what to expect? Good news, you’ve come to the right page. This page is here to make you feel at home and to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. You can watch our video on the homepage here to familiarise yourself with the setting.

We kindly ask that prior to your visit you have a read through the below which outlines the FAQS, our dog field rules, as well as our Terms and Conditions .

FAQs

What is a dog park?

It is a purpose built grass field fenced for exercising or training dogs. The field is secured with high quality 6ft skirted fencing and gates, plus chicken wire along the bottom fixed into the ground which means you can exercise your dog/doggies with peace of mind, knowing they can't get out and nobody else can get in!

Poop bins and bags are provided and we ask that you clean up after your doggies to ensure continued enjoyment for everyone.

Where is Paws in the Park located?

Paws in the Park is located on the grounds of Burrough Court and is easily accessible from the surrounding towns and villages.
15 minutes drive from Melton Mowbray
20 minutes drive from Oakham
30 minutes drive from Market Harborough
30 minutes drive from Leicester
35 minutes drive from Loughborough
40 minutes drive from Grantham

Why can’t I see the time I wish for?

This will be because it has already been booked. For weekend bookings, we strongly advise booking at least a week in advance to avoid disappointment. For the popular hours on a Saturday & Sunday morning 10am - 12pm these spots go at least 2 weeks in advance.

When do I receive the gate code?

You will receive a booking reminder email 12 hours, 6 hours and 30 minutes before with the gate code in.

How do I gain access to the field & where do I park?

Booking is strictly through this website - you will be sent the code to access the field via email. When you arrive you will see the parking is within the secure compound, please do not enter until the start of your session. Under no circumstances are you to enter before your booked time slot, even if it looks empty and there is no car in the compound. If you’re seen to enter early we operate a two strike policy and have CCTV, you will be contacted.

If you arrive early, there is an overflow/waiting area the other end of the Paddock Car Park please park there. Don’t wait outside with the engine running whilst someone is enjoying their session.

Once in the secure compound you will be able to access the field via the pedestrian gate, with a catch pen between the car park and park. The parking area is for your exclusive use during your session.

Please ensure you shut the gate to the car park once you’re in.

How do I find the dog park at Burrough Court?

  1. Enter from Twyford Road through the main entrance to Burrough Court.

  2. You will pass two houses on your left.

  3. At the black gates follow the road round to the left on the corner of the Farmhouse (do not go through the gates) .

  4. Follow the sign for ‘Dog Park’ & ‘Coffee Shop’

  5. At the end of the road you will move onto a gravel car park & will see the fencing for the dog park straight in front of you.

  6. Turn left and drive forward to approach the metal gates with a large sign in the middle & two welcome signs on posts either side of the gate. This is the car park entrance to the park.

Do you allow XL Bully dogs?

We do not allow any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 or the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 or the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, or any replacement legislation.

Will I come across any other dogs during my session?

You have exclusive use of the park during your slot. All doggies should remain in vehicles until the vehicle is safely parked inside the secure parking area & the gate has been closed. Other users must wait outside the parking area until your session ends and theirs begins. As a result there should be no unplanned meeting of doggies.

Is the field suitable for my reactive dog?

The dog park does sit back from the car park for the cafe and offices, so there can be people getting out their cars on one side of the park. If you’re concerned about this we suggest visiting us on a Sunday as there is no one on site on this day. We will be putting a hedge in situ in October 2024, to help hide the view and hopefully put both yourself and your dog at ease.

Why do you have 10-minute buffers between sessions?

The 10-minute buffer between every booking is intentional. It isn't extra time for the next customer to use; it's an essential part of how Paws in the Park operates.

Many of our customers choose Paws in the Park because their dogs are reactive, nervous or simply enjoy having the space to themselves. Those 10 minutes allow one customer to leave before the next arrives, ensuring every dog has the calm, exclusive experience they've booked.

Although the field may appear empty, that isn't always the case. I or a member of the team maybe onsite carrying out maintenance, or customers may be using the field without a car.

Protecting these dogs and their owners is incredibly important to me. It's why I've chosen to lose 10 minutes between every session, despite the impact it has on the number of bookings I can offer each day. Creating a safe and welcoming environment for every customer will always come first.

So, please only enter the parking compound at the start time of your booking, not before.

I operate a two-strike policy for customers who repeatedly arrive early. CCTV is in operation, and if incidents are reported or identified, I'll contact those involved directly.

Is water available?

Absolutely! We have a dog bowl and washing point by the entrance to the field in the catch pen to wash down paws and rehydrate.

Is the field secure?

We have made our best effort to make Paws in the Park as secure as possible. We have a 6ft tall secure fence and chicken wire around the bottom which goes into the ground to prevent escapes. We also have a double gate system, both on the car park and paddock entry.

What if I forget dog poop bags?

We have this covered! There are bag dispensers of biodegradable bags right by the poop bins for you to pick up the mess left by your doggies during your session. If you do come across any dog poop that wasn’t created by your dog/doggies, please do let us know and we will deal with it accordingly.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can reschedule your booking but are unable to cancel it. All sessions booked at the outset are non-refundable.

I want to hold a class at Paws in the Park - how big is the car park?

Our secure car park has space for 6 cars . We also have an overflow/waiting area straight outside the entrance to the car park which customers can use if they are in larger groups. You would just need to bring a lead to ensure your dog/doggies get from the car to the field safely.

Does my dog have to be vaccinated?

For the enjoyment of all and to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy we ask that all doggies that come to Paws in the Park are fully vaccinated or have Primary DHP vaccinated and undergo annual titre testing. 

If your dog/doggies are unwell we ask that you amend your booking and bring them when they are better, just to avoid spreading bugs to other doggies.

Is there a limit on how many dogs I can book for?

The limit is 10 dogs. The use of Paws in the Park is at the customers own risk. Any dog attending Paws in the Park is under your custody and control. We ask that our customers use common sense and have a sensible number of humans per dog so that doggies are kept under control and poop patrol is easier!

Please ensure that all doggies coming in groups have socialised harmoniously together before booking Paws in the Park at Burrough Court.

What makes Paws in the Park, Burrough Court different?

We believe there isn’t just one, but a few things. The first and probably the biggest difference to any other dog park in the Melton Mowbray / Oakham area is the fact that you can have refreshments (including breakfast and lunch) delivered straight to you during your session in the week, Monday - Friday, from the onsite cafe, the Larder, Burrough Court through the hatch. There are also treats available for the dogs too! Details on how to order are in the shelter along with the menu.

Another is the double gate entry system with parking being within the field, as well as the environment in which the park sits. It is located within the stunning and serene landscape of Burrough Court surrounded by parkland, with part of the woodland fenced within the park itself.

Lastly, the paw wash system within the catch pen, one that is loved by many owners to wash those muddy paws and tummies down at the end of the session.