This doggy day care centre is not to be sniffed at.

More for Paws in Dodworth has been granted the first licence of its kind in Barnsley to provide day care for pooches.

Co-owner Jenni Weaver, 26, set up the business two years ago and wanted to demonstrate it was a professional outfit.

“You have got establishments like kennels and home borders that are licensed by the council. When we set up there wasn’t any such license for the day care provision of dogs,” she said.

“We have worked with the animal welfare officers at Barnsley Council to create a licence that covers day care.

“That means the high standards we were already meeting are now regulated and therefore we have got the council backing to show that we are giving a good service.”

The business, based at Fallbank Industrial Estate, offers day care, dog walking, dog or cat sitting and grooming. It has a play area with ball pools, slides, tyres hanging from the ceiling and specialist flooring to avoid joint damage.

The licence, which contains rules for the centre and the dogs entering it, is the first to be granted in Barnsley.

“We are very excited to get it,” she said. “It does look a lot like a kids nursery and the dogs have a great time.

“We try and do lots of activities with them as the main thing for the owners is that they are socialised and exercised. They can come home after a long day and their dog is relaxed and happy.”