A DOGGY day care centre has been launched to help raise much-needed funds for Halton Haven Hospice.

In its bid to bring in the £1.3 million it needs to run every year, the hospice is branching out into day care for dogs as a form of income.

Hessey’s Hound Haven, based in Penketh Business Park, will offer affordable day care for pets and peace of mind for their owners and will officially open on February 28.

CEO for Halton Haven, Viv Culleton, said: "We operate in a very competitive environment and there is an urgent need for us to explore new ways of raising much needed funds to support our work.

"Every year we face a shortfall in external funding which has to be made up through our own efforts and that of our incredible supporters.

"The idea for the Hound Haven arose out of providing a place where patients and families using our services could leave their dogs knowing that they would be well looked after.

"We could see that there was a more general need for this kind of service on a commercial basis as well, and so the doggy day care venture was born.

The Hound Haven has range of activities from agility equipment to games, with a pool to be added for the summer.

The centre is being managed by Jess Hessey.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

She said: "I am very excited for the fantastic opportunity afforded to me by Halton Haven Hospice.

"I am 110 per cent committed in making Hessey’s Hound Haven the best place for any dog, any shape, any size, enjoying a stimulating, loving and playful environment.

"I know my team and I will do our utmost to ensure that every dog goes home feeling loved and a little bit tired from all the fun they had."

Dog owner Sarah Devine was delighted with the service.

She expalined: "As an owner who has a large, energetic, sociable dog who hates to be alone I spent a long time looking for the perfect place for her while I worked.

"I found it at Hessey’s Hound Haven.

"The new unit is brilliant- the dogs have plenty of space to play with different areas depending on their size or social need.

"They can play, run, climb, search for treats, get comfy and are constantly entertained with different activities."

`The staff are amazing and care for the dogs as if they were their own pets. They have lots of experience and are always friendly yet professional.

`I get to see what my dog Luna is up to through the Facebook page and love to see how happy and content she is. Luna loves it so much she sits at the door in the morning ready to go and then sleeps all night when she gets home as she has had so much fun.’

Following its soft launch, the premises will be officially opened next Friday.

If dog owners would like to view the premises, call Jess on 07881228673 to confirm.