About Us

Having trained dogs from basic obedience to advanced handling skills, for over 25 years and having bred dogs during that time too, it was a natural step to open my own Boarding & Breeding Kennels. So, early in 2004, I joined forces with my brother, Keith, and our search for the right location brought us to Norfolk.

Thornwood Farm is found by crossing over the railway lines just before East Harling centre, take the first right through Roudham Industrial Estate, and it is on the left-hand side. Set in 5 acres of countryside, of which 2 acres are dedicated to exercise paddocks, it is very much a family affair. When you arrive you are greeted with a lovely farmhouse surrounded by landscaped grounds and gardens. Adjacent to the house is the Reception, Grooming Room and Kennels.

Starting with a customer base of zero, we now have over 800 customers, with 6-7 new customers each week. We had a lot of work to do when we first arrived, renovating and developing the site to meet our own criteria which was to offer an environment and service that we would be happy to take our own animals to. We take all new customers on a tour of our impressive facilities.

The Grooming Room is like a pet beauty salon. It is light and airy, smells divine and has everything pets need to be pampered and beautified. Jan is in charge of the grooming service offering a very high level of individual attention. There is also a mobile service and delivery /collection service too.

All of the kennels are extra large, which was a conscious decision. The smallest kennel is half as large again as the legal requirement and the largest can easily house up to 5 labradors. The kennel unit can take up to 40 dogs and is centrally heated with each kennel having its own heat lamp. All kennels offer each dog the opportunity to be indoors or outdoors. One thing all visitors notice is how calm the dogs are. They are regularly exercised in the 2 acres of exercise paddocks and they are very happy.

The kennels are spotless and are regularly maintained to keep them in tiptop condition. We have nothing to hide and we are proud to show every area and aspect of our kennels and believe in quality not quantity.

Keith and I run the Kennels as a partnership both managing the boarding and other services. However I also specialise in training and behaviour management issues.  

The breeding programme has included Staffordshire BTs, German Short-Haired Pointers, English and American Cockers. They are all pure breeds and Kennel Club registered.

As well as dogs, we also cater for small animals including reptiles, rabbits, budgies, parrots, tortoises, mice and other small mammals.

The flexible approach certainly sets us apart. We have a fair charging policy and do not have a minimum stay rule. We are open every day except Christmas and New Year’s Day and always try to work around our customers needs.

The future is looking very rosy for us with plans to build an additional kennel block to meet customer demand and a cattery is also being discussed and planned.