How Pooch's Yard
Came to Life.
"Mondays don't come quick enough..."
A story of passion, persistence, and one very important Border Collie. From £68.72 in the bank to the UK's most voted doggy day care.
Before There Was a Yard,
There Was a Dream.
Pooch's Yard was founded by Kyle Bell, back in August of 2017, but this dream starts many years before... Kyle as a child never had dogs growing up and now with his wife Nadine own 13 dogs — but he was fortunate to see the power of dogs when he watched his Grandad Albert & Uncle Michael working their Labradors as gamekeepers. Kyle was always mesmerised by how effectively the dogs work and the bond that was evident between them & their handler.
Kyle always knew from a young age that he would own dogs and that he wanted to work with dogs — but his dreams were often shot down. Usually told he wasn't 'smart enough' to be a vet or that there was 'no living to be made in dogs'. But Kyle, being the rebel he always was as a youngster, didn't listen and would in no way accept that as an answer.
After various jobs, mostly to pay bills and get by after leaving home at just 16, Kyle decided to try and join the British Army as a combat medic — in the hope to one day apply to be a dog handler. But he was medically discharged during basic training due to having arthritis in both his hip & knee.
Worn down, Kyle took on other roles — never happy nor satisfied — and with the burning desire inside to work with dogs, Kyle trained as a canine behaviourist, trainer (there is a difference) & canine nutritionist, setting up a behaviour & rehabilitation business.
£68.72 in the Bank.
A Yard Full of Hope.
Kyle noticed a trend amongst dog owners' behavioural problems. Most, if not all the issues were linked to little to no physical and mental stimulation in the dogs' life — and dogs being unable to socialise in the correct way. Some would call this the 'lightbulb' moment. Kyle calls it 'God's plan'.
Either way, Kyle started searching for a concept that suited this need and 'BAM'... on a Google search, Kyle found 'Mischief Doggy Day Care' — an incredibly friendly, family-owned day care based in Mildenhall, Suffolk. Kyle being Kyle, rang them and asked outright how it works, what's on offer, and that he was considering setting up a day care in Thetford, Norfolk. Without hesitation, without judgement, and in full support, they gave Kyle the confidence, guidance and support he needed to 'take the plunge'.
"...set up a doggy day care but with only £68.72p in the bank... was this a step too far?"
Quite possibly — but with friends around, they helped Kyle set up this dream: building fences, jumps, ramps and getting second-hand sofas down to the unit at 20/22 Telford Way, Thetford, that Kyle had secured after being made redundant from a closing business.
With everything set up, license in place and ready for a bustling business... it just needed a name. Kyle stood with a friend, admiring what they had created and said how it looked like a "fun yard for dogs." With that... 'Pooch's Yard' was born.
Pooch's Yard Opens Its Doors
License secured. Fences built. Sofas in place. The dream had a postcode.
The Dog Who Started
Everything.
Getting known and having regular business didn't really happen for 6 months. In fact, with everyone telling Kyle how he had just made "the biggest mistake of his life" and how "this idea was never going to work," Kyle started believing them. He even started job hunting.
Then, well over a month later, on 28th September 2017, Kyle received a message from Kerry & Joel — owners of Petal, a gorgeous older girl Border Collie. They discussed their needs and Kyle secured his first ever booking: 2nd October 2017, nearly 2 months after opening his doors.
Petal arrived, happy to play with Kyle's dogs Kerry (Labrador) & Chan (German Shepherd x Staffordshire Bull Terrier). She enjoyed exploring the day care, going up the hand-built ramps, zooming around and receiving lots of fuss and love. She went home a happy customer — and to Kyle's amazement, Kerry & Joel booked her in for a second visit.
It took weeks before more customers came. Still being told to 'close up shop' as the money wasn't coming in, Kyle now had a taste for the role — his dream showing a small glimmer of hope and a fire in his belly. He pushed on.
From this moment, Kyle knew: whatever it takes, this is going to work. From that moment, it was never about the money — and still to this day it isn't, and it 'NEVER' will be.
In Memory of Petal
Border Collie · First Customer · Forever Family"You were my first customer girl.... Thank you and now look at what we have here..." I used the term 'we' with her because I always felt and will always feel that without Petal we wouldn't be the business we are today and she truly was a big part of Pooch's Yard. The loss of Petal doesn't just leave a hole within Joel and Kerry's lives but also ours and all of those that knew her... each and every dog that has stepped through our doors is truly a pack member of our day care family and their lives touch ours beyond belief.
To this day, Kyle cannot talk about Petal without getting a tear in his eye — 7 years on from her first visit.
The Day a Beagle
Changed Everything.
Just under 3 years in, business was going well. Pooch's Yard was growing — it had received 2 awards for best day care in East Anglia. Kyle felt nothing could get better.
That was until the 29th May 2020, when he met Nadine for the first time. She had brought along her mischievous Beagle 'Bertie' — recommended to Pooch's Yard to help with his naughty ways.
Bertie eagerly pulls her to the front door. Kyle & Nadine then discuss Bertie's needs and what Nadine hoped for from using Pooch's Yard. Meanwhile... Bertie had his own idea: to cock his leg up Kyle and proceed to urinate all over his leg, nearly filling a boot — almost claiming Kyle as his own.
Well, it clearly worked out. Kyle & Nadine are now happily married with two little boys — 'Albert Septimus' & 'Wilfred Wilde' — along with their 13 dogs. That's right. 13 dogs (and counting).
Kyle & Nadine Bell
Married on exactly the 2-year anniversary of the day they met. Not your average Netflix love story — but their own, and they wouldn't change a moment of it.
Nadine stepped into the business bringing her expertise of child care over to the canine variety. Whilst both Kyle & Nadine love their dogs, it is down to Nadine that Pooch's Yard offers all of the extras — the small details and forever lasting memories: paw prints, themed event weeks, photoshoots, craft ideas and so on.
From a Rough Start
to the UK's Most Voted.
Fast forward a few years and over a meal at The Crown in Great Ellingham (highly recommended by them both), they had found their new unit at 1 Telford Way, Thetford. Perfect and meant to be — they took the opportunity, and that is what we all see today.
A business, despite its rough start and unsupported beginnings, offering what is now rated (2024) as the 'most voted for doggy day care' in the entire UK.
But as Kyle often tells people: "when no-one believes in you, believe in yourself." True passion will always shine through.
"Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts — without you all, Pooch's Yard wouldn't be what it is today. The family of Pooch's Yard is incredible, from the dogs that attend and the owners that bring them. Each and every one of you mean the world to us. We never forget a dog that's walked through the doors, whether it be once or a thousand times.
So, thank you for being a part of this journey. For us, this isn't a job — it's a passion & honour to care for your dogs. If we're honest, as much as we love our family at home and seeing friends, Mondays can't come quick enough. Pooch's Yard is our second home and our extended family. Thank you for everything 'we' have all created..."
Not Just a Day Care.
A Second Home.
Expert Team of Professionals
We aren't just dog lovers — this is our passion. Our knowledgeable team have expertise in many fields to ensure every dog in our care is safe, happy and thriving.
Comprehensive Pet Services
We understand how important your pooch is to you — and that's why we offer a second home for your dog. We are the day care family you can TRUST.
Safe and Clean Environment
Safety and cleanliness are non-negotiable at Pooch's Yard. Our facilities are deep-cleaned daily — including our garden area, toys and bedding are regularly sanitised.
Personalised Attention to Your Pet
We PROMISE to give your dog everything it needs to have a brilliant day — from physical and mental enrichment to affection and 'Breed Specific Focus'.
Award-Winning Doggy Day Care
Your Dog Will Pull You Into
Behaviourist-led care, structured enrichment, and long opening hours for busy owners. Trusted by 4,000+ Norfolk families since 2017.