About Us

At Grassgarth Kennels and Tarnside Cattery, we are a family-run business based in the beautiful Lyth Valley near Kendal, in the heart of the Lake District. For over 30 years, we have been caring for dogs, cats and small animals, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable place for pets to stay while their owners are away.

Set in peaceful countryside with stunning views across the Lake District hills, Grassgarth offers a calm and spacious setting for pets to enjoy their stay. We are fortunate to be surrounded by private land and have direct access to Whitbarrow Scar and woodland walks, giving dogs plenty of opportunity for exercise in a quiet and natural environment.

Our aim has always been to provide more than just boarding. We want every pet to feel safe, settled and well looked after, and every owner to feel confident that their pet is in caring and experienced hands. We know that every animal is different, with their own personality, routine and individual needs, which is why we take the time to get to know each pet and care for them accordingly.

Over the years, Grassgarth has grown to offer a range of services including dog boarding, cat boarding, small animal boarding, doggy day care, grooming, dog training, dog park hire and wedding chaperone services for dogs. Whatever service you use, the same approach runs through everything we do — kind, practical care tailored to each individual pet.

Our dog kennels provide thermostatically heated indoor accommodation with individual outdoor runs, while our cattery offers individual pens with cosy indoor sleeping areas and secure outdoor spaces for cats to relax, stretch out and watch the world go by. Small animals are also cared for in a clean, secure and quiet environment, with routines followed as closely as possible to help them settle in comfortably.

We are proud to have been awarded a 5 Star Animal Welfare Licence for both our kennels and cattery, reflecting the high standards of care, cleanliness and accommodation we work hard to maintain. We are fully licensed and insured, and our staff are trained in dog handling and pet first aid, with experience caring for pets of all temperaments, including rescue dogs and cats who may need a little extra patience and reassurance.

At the heart of Grassgarth is Hilary, whose years of experience and dedication have helped shape the business into what it is today. Hilary and the team understand how important it is for owners to know their pets are being cared for properly, and we always do our best to follow home routines, cater for individual diets, administer medication where needed, and make each pet feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

We know leaving your pet in someone else’s care is a big decision, which is why we are always happy to answer questions, talk through your pet’s needs and show you around.  Whether your dog is staying for a holiday, your cat needs a peaceful cattery stay, or you are looking for day care, training or grooming, we are here to help.

At Grassgarth Kennels and Tarnside Cattery, we are proud to offer a caring, experienced and personal service in one of the most beautiful parts of Cumbria — giving your pets the attention they deserve and giving you peace of mind while they are with us.