Paws and Pause Reviews 

As an ex-trainee and a dog owner myself, I would not recommend to anyone putting their dogs in this place. I would like every dog parent to be aware of who actually looks after your pup (or not).
This place is funded through different sources, including lottery funding, private investors and crowdfunding, and uses vulnerable people in life crisis as "trainees". People who are anxious, struggling with addiction and dealing with real mental health issues... Whilst the idea may sound great, trust me, IT IS NOT! It is dangerous for everyone and for your dogs. And I have serious questions about whether this type of funding structure means the place is subject to the same inspections and accountability that dog parents might reasonably expect.
Yes, there are a few "full-time" workers, but it's not enough to deal with so many dogs at the same time.
It may sound gorgeous for people that they will be "healing" by being around dogs. Ok. But do dog parents actually know about it? It works both ways! Dogs can become anxious and stressed themselves! Dogs are not here only to help us — just because they are all fluffy and lovely and loyal to people. Well… their people!!!
In this place, they are being used alongside vulnerable people to, let's say… MODERN SLAVERY!!! To me, it feels like people and animals are both being exploited by the same system. This is cruel, but this is the reality I experienced.
We owe them security and good mental health too!! They won’t say it to you, so I will!!! And I hope you listen — dog parents <3
This is abusing these dogs to make money from a system that, in my opinion, puts the interests of the organisation above the wellbeing of the people and animals involved.
Talking about healing — the "people manager", or whatever this person's role is — Ula — is trying to collect people into the community she belongs to, literally advising their friends, so-called "healers", to go for a session, whilst she keeps talking about sexual subjects and other disgusting stuff in front of all these vulnerable people.
This is dangerous because people really have mental health difficulties, and being an amateur like this can cause more harm than good.
So my appeal to dog parents — be aware of who is actually looking after your dogs...
I have been there myself, and no wonder many of these dogs just keep trying to run away. The feedback you are getting is the only thing you can relate to, but trust me, it is not true! Management tells you to do puppy eyes when talking to you.
Some of these full-time workers do really care about your dog, but they are frustrated and are not being treated with respect. They work overtime for a living wage, and the only reason they do it is because they really care about the animals. If not for them, your dogs would be in an even worse place.
Plus, this place is mouldy, sticky and unhygienic. There was black mould, and so many people became ill because of it. I nearly ended up in hospital myself. It was absolutely disgusting. I think a Tesco's rubbish area is cleaner than this place.
Please!!! Think before you pay towards this dodgy business. It is not a good place, neither for all the poor people who go to the "program", nor for your dog.
You are being scammed.
I own 3 dogs myself. And I believe animals AND people deserve respect from one another.
I would NEVER put my dog there, not even if they paid me.
So PLEASE! Think about it...
Ask questions. Find out who is actually looking after your dog. Your dog cannot tell you what happens when you are not there.

Very friendly staff!! My Dog Harvey had an amazing time, he made lots of new friends and did lots of different things across the day which kept him really entertained! Essential for my dog to be in great care whilst I’m in the office. Highly recommend!!

My experience as a trainee at Paws and Pause has been amazing. I have been here for four months and in that time I have seen my confidence boosted and my motivation increased.
I love spending time with the dogs and getting to know them all individually. Seeing the dogs happy and engaged is very rewarding.
I have learned so much about dog behaviour and animal welfare. I have gained hands on experience using positive reinforcement techniques that ensure the dogs thrive and are safe and happy.
The management and team are incredibly supportive, positive and friendly. They have made me feel very welcome and a part of the team. They have encouraged me to get involved with all aspects of the daycare including enrichment activities, training and social media. They have given me support with my mental wellbeing and I have received one to one sessions helping me to set and achieve goals plus helping me with future employment opportunities.
I genuinely look forward to my days at Paws and Pause. Spending my time looking after beautiful pups has been a lovely experience!

I can't recommend Paws and Pause enough! The staff are absolutely amazing and treat my dog Fletcher, like family.
​ I love that Fletcher isn't spending any time stuck in a van he gets straight to the fun. Plus the transparency gives me so much peace of mind throughout my day.
​I feel so relaxed knowing he is safe, having the best time, and being so well looked after. Thank you, you really are a fabulous team

Paws and Pause have been excellent with my dog. I was originally nervous looking for day cares as I never leave my dog but the team put my mind at ease. He always has the best time - he goes in really happy and comes back tired after a fun day. It has been great for his socialisation. The staff are really kind and you can tell they really love and care for dogs. I love the social enterprise aspect and the fact I know my money is going to a good cause too.

As a first time puppy and dog owner, we trialled Paws and Pause with our Labrador kiwi. I didn’t know what to expect but I’ve honestly been amazed at how much care they took with her, how much thought and care went into her experience and how well they kept us as dog owners updated and involved in their daily sessions. After one week, Kiwi would realise she was walking towards Paw and Pause and would strain at the lead to get there. I’ve read some bad reviews on here but to be honest, we had the best experience possible with them and we’re only sad we couldn’t transport them to our new home out of London. It’s also their responsibility to look after the dogs in their care and that means if aggressive dogs can’t play and live amongst other ones, they have to go.. which makes sense to me.. anyway, highly recommend.

I’m very concerned by what I saw on 11.08.26 on Paws & Pause Instagram account. They posted a story which showed a grey dog named Arlo (possibly a whippet or Italian greyhound) being made to ‘dance’ to music by a worker. Arlo was displaying classic signs of discomfort, yet Paws & Pause thought it was appropriate to post this on social media. I flagged up my concern in the comment section, and I was swiftly blocked by Paws & Pause! I will be taking further action.

This review is about out and out discrimination by this organisation.
My daughter, Aziza,who has a disability, worked for this establishment, as a volunteer, for over a year. She loved working there as she has always wanted to work with animals.
She worked hard. Was always there when she was expected to be. Very enthusiastic. Fitted in extremely well with her work colleagues. They liked her very much. Also, hardly missed a day. And then out of the blue management said she had to leave.
The reason I, as her mother, am writing this review is because under the Equality Act 2010 a dismissal, even as a volunteer, when your disability is the given as the reason for your dismissal, it then becomes discriminatory. This is exactly what happened to my daughter.
She was let go for exactly this reason. They were very clear about that fact!!!!
My daughter, regardless of her disability wants to work. She loves working. Even just volunteering. In fact she has always worked because she never gives up.
But, just like this employer, there have been so many others, who claim to be all about Equality, when they are not.
They are not willing to give someone who is different a proper chance simply because it’s too inconvenient for them. It disgusts me the way people with disabilities are treated.
I have travelled to many countries. I have seen, even all the way in Singapore, how people with disabilities are properly integrated into society. Especially work wise.
This is a terrible indictment of this society today!!!

Jameelah Yagoub

Paws and Pause looked after our Bowie for a few months every Wednesday last year and were always great, he loved his time there.

The only reason we can't go 5 stars is because you have subscribe to go weekly, and we would have preferred to not go every week. Other than that, we love them!

Might be an OK dog care choice if you've a quiet and compliant lap dog, but the minders had no idea how to cope with my anxious little rescue when she barked and hoarded toys. Despite several successful day care sessions, it was easier to throw her out than make an effort. Shame on you Paws and Pause. If the review allowed me to give zero stars I would.