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WE ARE EMMA AND RUSSELL
WE ARE EMMA AND RUSSELL
We live in Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, with our family and have been caring for dogs through Hounds & Hunters since 2018.
After many years working in events and hospitality, we chose to build a business around what we genuinely love - dogs, routine and caring for them in a home from home environment.
Our career background still shapes how we work today: organised, reliable and calm under pressure, with attention to detail and clear communication.
We believe good dog care is about more than exercise. It’s about understanding each dog as an individual, creating steady routines and building trust with both dogs and their owners.
Kate - Day Care Manager
Kate specialises in animal behaviour and psychology. This includes a range of techniques from observing body language to relaxation techniques such as massage and breathing work.
She has had pets (small and large) all her life and her professional experience has spanned over the course of 10 years. During this time she has predominantly worked with horses and dogs to help with anxiety and promote emotional well being.
She is studying The Trust Technique which supports life long learning and is currently completing a diploma in Pet Psychology.
Kate also manages the daily reporting for all the dogs in our care and in doing so, plays a vital role checking on the welfare of each dog. She has an incredible ‘eye for detail’ and checks over everyone meticulously for any lumps/bumps, ticks, scratches, rashes so we can report back to owners on our findings. These thorough daily notes mean the whole team knows if a dog’s physical health changes over time.
We cannot put into words how much she loves every dog that walks through our doors. She takes pride in giving them the best care possible and to help them reach their full potential physically and mentally.
Lily - Wild Walker & Qualified Midwife
LIly is a qualified midwife with a caring, compassionate approach with a genuine passion for helping others. Alongside her midwifery career, she is also a dedicated dog walker who loves spending time outdoors and providing dogs with safe, enjoyable and attentive care.
Her work has taught her the importance of responsibility, patience, communication and trust - qualities that she brings to everything she does. She is a hugely reliable and caring person who enjoys working with people and animals. Her experience as a midwife has developed these transferable skills to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, provide thoughtful, individualised care to humans and pups alike.
She loves being active outdoors with the dogs. Beginning her dog journey with dogs aged 14 when she walked dogs on the weekend for the elderly in a retirement complex. This progressed to puppy sitting and dog drop in’s for friends and family during her midwifery training.
As a wild dog walker so takes pride in making sure every dog is treated with patience, kindness and the attention they deserve. She always aims to make each and every walk as fun and stimulating as possible.
We would not be without Lily and her boundless energy and enthusiasm.
How we care for dogs
We keep our services intentionally intimate and personal so dogs are never rushed or overstimulated - whether they join us for walking, day care or boarding.
Care is shaped around temperament, energy level and confidence. Groups are matched carefully and routines are steady, so dogs know what to expect and can properly settle.
The aim is simple: dogs who feel secure while they’re with us and relaxed when they return home.
We’re fully licensed with Cheltenham Borough Council, insured and canine first aid trained. Our home meets 5★ licensing standards and is covered by 24-hour CCTV.
Above all, we take our responsibilities seriously. We show up, we communicate clearly and we do what we say we’ll do - and it’s that reliability many of our long-term clients value most.
The Dog House
Day care and boarding take place at The Dog House, our family home in Charlton Kings.
It’s a calm, working home rather than a commercial kennel or large facility.
Dogs have access to real living spaces, a purpose-built dog room, secure outdoor areas and a purpose-built playground. Our fully heated dog house ensures comfort throughout the year.
Each day follows a structured rhythm that balances meaningful walks, enrichment and proper downtime.
The aim is always the same: to create an environment where dogs feel settled, safe and comfortable - whether they’re with us for the day or staying overnight.
Claire
Thanks to Emma & Russell for stepping in at the last minute for the second time this year in a family emergency. We know our beloved puppy will be happy and loved in his second home. Always super sunny, caring and flexible, I would highly recommend H&H.
BECKY
Emma & Russell have been a fantastic find - they have become an extension of our family and are definitely integral to the functioning of our day to day life! Emma is so good with our puppy, flexible and truly worth her weight in gold! It’s true what another reviewer said, our dog does love her more than us!
MEL
Brilliant Service – The Hounds & Hunters team are the perfect companions to take your canine friend on a big stomp over the Cotswold Hills! Highly recommend!
HEATHER
Cannot recommend Emma & Russell enough. Our cockapoo Pippa spent 10 nights with H&H and had a great time. Pippa has some medical issues but while she was staying with H&H we were not worried at all.
