Pets at the Howlin

- 161 Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare BT39 9RT

Introduction / Overview

For pet owners across Northern Ireland, particularly those in and around Ballyclare, finding a single, trusted resource that can cater to all aspects of their beloved companion's needs is invaluable. Enter Pets at the Howlin, a truly exceptional establishment located in Ballyrobert that transcends the traditional definition of a "pet store." This comprehensive hub offers a remarkable array of services, from a well-stocked retail shop to professional dog training, engaging daycare, and even dog walking, making it a genuine "one-stop shop" for the modern pet owner. It's a place where pets are not just catered to, but truly loved and understood, fostering a sense of community and unparalleled support for local animal families.

Pets at the Howlin has built its reputation on a foundation of genuine passion for animals and a deep understanding of their diverse requirements. The team, a close-knit "family" including Donna, Mark, Aaliyah, Diane, Anne, and Robin, are lauded for their efficiency, friendliness, and profound knowledge. This collective expertise allows them to provide tailored solutions and compassionate care, whether you're navigating puppyhood, transitioning to a raw food diet, or tackling specific behavioural challenges. Their holistic approach to pet well-being ensures that every aspect of your pet's life, from nutrition to socialisation and training, is considered and supported.

What truly sets Pets at the Howlin apart is the profound impact they have on the lives of pets and their owners. Testimonials consistently highlight the transformative results achieved through their training programs and the immense joy and physical benefits dogs gain from their daycare services. It's clear that this isn't just a business; it's a dedicated community that invests wholeheartedly in the happiness and health of every animal that walks through their door, or bounds out of a car ready for daycare!

Location and Accessibility

Pets at the Howlin is conveniently located at 161 Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare BT39 9RT, UK. This address places the comprehensive pet care facility within the accessible area of Ballyrobert, a village in County Antrim situated near the larger town of Ballyclare. Its position on Ballyrobert Road ensures it is straightforward to locate for residents of Ballyclare, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, and other surrounding communities across Northern Ireland.

For customers travelling by car, Ballyrobert Road provides good connectivity within the local network, making the journey to Pets at the Howlin relatively simple. Given the nature of a multi-service pet facility that includes daycare and training, ample parking is typically available on-site or in the immediate vicinity, facilitating easy drop-offs and pick-ups of pets, equipment, and supplies. The semi-rural setting often means less traffic congestion than a bustling town centre, contributing to a more relaxed and stress-free visit for pets and their owners.

While specific public transport routes directly to 161 Ballyrobert Road might require checking local bus timetables, the overall accessibility of Ballyclare and its surrounding areas ensures that various transport options lead to the general vicinity. However, for the convenience of using multiple services like daycare, training, and shopping, most customers will likely find personal vehicle transport the most practical method. Furthermore, the business offers a helpful **pick-up and drop-off service**, significantly enhancing accessibility for clients who might struggle with transport, truly making their services available to a wider local audience.

Services Offered

• Pet Shop: A comprehensive retail space stocking a variety of pet foods, including specialist options like raw food, natural treats (such as liver cake for training), and a wide range of accessories and supplies.
• Puppy Classes: Early socialisation and basic obedience classes (e.g., "Gone to the Dogs puppy classes with Robin in Ballyclare") to help young dogs develop good manners and confidence.
• Dog Daycare: Weekday daycare services designed for dog socialisation and exercise, ensuring dogs are stimulated and physically tired ("comes home absolutely knackered").
• Dog Walking: Professional dog walking services to ensure pets get adequate exercise when owners are busy.
• Dog Training Packages: Tailored training programs addressing specific behavioural issues such as loose lead walking, jumping up, and recall, often offered in multi-session packages for comprehensive results.
• Canine Behavioural Support: Expert advice and guidance from experienced staff (e.g., Donna) to address a wide range of training and behavioural concerns, even detecting underlying health issues impacting behaviour.
• Raw Food Advice: Specialist guidance on transitioning to and maintaining a raw food diet, supporting owners with detailed information and ongoing support.
• Pet Pick-up and Drop-off Service: A convenient service to transport pets to and from daycare or training sessions, adding significant flexibility for busy owners.
• Personalised Support: Ongoing support and answers to questions for pet owners, building long-term relationships and trust.

Features / Highlights

• Comprehensive "One-Stop Shop": This is the most significant highlight, offering a rare combination of a pet shop, daycare, dog walking, and training services all at one location, providing unparalleled convenience for pet owners.
• Exceptional Staff and Personalised Care: The team (Donna, Mark, Aaliyah, Diane, Anne, Robin) consistently receives praise for being "absolutely fantastic," "incredibly helpful," "friendly," and that "nothing is ever a bother to them." They offer personalised support and genuinely care for each animal.
• Transformative Training Results: Testimonials highlight incredible improvements in dog behaviour, with one owner noting their Labrador was "a different dog on walks" and "perfect" after a five-week training package, calling it "the best money I have ever spent."
• Effective Socialisation: The daycare services are highly effective for dog socialisation, leading to happier, more confident, and well-exercised pets, as evidenced by dogs "running straight to daycare" and being "loved by everyone there."
• Expertise Beyond Training: Donna's ability to identify a potential health issue (arthritis) in a rescue dog during socialisation classes, leading to prompt veterinary attention and significant improvement, showcases a holistic approach to canine well-being and a keen eye for detail.
• Quality Product Selection: The pet shop stocks a variety of foods, including a good selection of raw food and natural treats, catering to health-conscious owners.
• Convenient Pick-up and Drop-off Service: This added service significantly enhances accessibility and convenience for busy pet owners.
• Strong Community Feel: The business fosters a strong, welcoming, and supportive community for pet owners, making them feel part of the "Pets at the Howlin family."

Contact Information

Address: 161 Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare BT39 9RT, UK

Phone: 028 9334 1643

Mobile Phone: +44 28 9334 1643

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For pet owners across Northern Ireland, particularly those in Ballyclare and the surrounding areas of County Antrim, Pets at the Howlin stands out as an exceptionally suitable and truly indispensable local resource. Its unique position as a comprehensive "one-stop shop" for virtually all pet care needs offers unparalleled convenience, saving locals time and effort from having to visit multiple locations for pet supplies, daycare, training, and walking services. This integrated approach, all under one roof, is a significant advantage for busy households and dedicated pet parents.

What truly cements Pets at the Howlin's suitability for the local community is the extraordinary dedication and expertise of its staff, often referred to as a "family." Their profound love for animals, combined with their professional knowledge in areas like raw feeding, training, and behavioural support, means that locals receive not just services but genuine, personalised care and advice. The consistent positive feedback, highlighting transformative training results, the effectiveness of their daycare in promoting socialisation, and the staff's willingness to go "above and beyond," speaks volumes about the positive impact they have on local pets and their owners.

The added benefit of a convenient **pick-up and drop-off service** further enhances accessibility, ensuring that even those with busy schedules can utilise their fantastic offerings. Pets at the Howlin is more than just a business; it's a vital part of the local pet community, fostering well-behaved, happy, and healthy animals while providing invaluable support and peace of mind to their owners. For anyone in the Ballyclare area seeking comprehensive, compassionate, and highly effective pet care, Pets at the Howlin is unequivocally the perfect local choice.

Pets at the Howlin

161 Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare BT39 9RT, UK