BUSY owners can leave their pets at Clacton’s first canine creche when a grooming parlour launches a new doggy day centre.

Muttley Makeovers, which opened in Old Road just over a year ago, is expanding to offer more services.

“It’s like a kids’ creche, but for dogs,” said owner Debbie Thornton.

“There are toys for dogs to play with, training sessions in groups or one-to-one, indoor agility and rest areas – it’s a fun centre for dogs.

“It’s for people who get called away for the day or are working and don’t want to leave their dog indoors.

“You can drop them off in the morning and they get walked and exercised and have a good day.”

Debbie said she had ploughed “every penny” from the last year back into the pampered pooch business and now has a strong customer base with more than 700 clients.

“A lot have asked if we can look after their dogs for the day,” she said.

“I put the idea on Facebook and got about 100 replies – there was a lot of interest.”

The business has expanded into the property next door to provide the new service. It is being launched on Monday and also includes massage therapy for dogs.