A Telford woman who swapped a 15-year career to launch her own dog day care and home boarding business has been named Animal Star Awards Dog Daycare of the Year 2026, Midlands Region.
After 15 years in her previous career, Fiona Guinea decided the time was right to pursue a long-held ambition of running her own business. Looking for a better work-life balance and the opportunity to work with dogs every day, she launched The Dog Nanny Shropshire in January 2025.
Since opening, the business has grown to care for more than 120 registered dogs and already holds a 4-star local authority licence, the highest rating available to a newly established dog day care business.
The Dog Nanny Shropshire provides licensed home-based dog day care and home boarding, offering dogs a family home environment rather than traditional kennels.
Each day is carefully planned around the dogs in attendance, with countryside walks, enrichment activities, rest and relaxation, and opportunities to socialise in small, compatible groups. Her own Shar Pei, Wilma, has become a familiar face to many customers and followers on social media, while the business has built a strong reputation across Shropshire, with much of its growth coming through recommendations from satisfied customers.
Fiona said: “After 15 years in my previous career, I felt ready for a new challenge. I’ve always loved dogs, and I wanted to build a business that reflected that while giving me a better work-life balance.
“To receive the Animal Star Awards Dog Daycare of the Year 2026, Midlands Region title just 18 months after launching The Dog Nanny Shropshire is something I’m incredibly proud of. It makes all the hard work feel worthwhile.
“I’d like to thank every customer who has trusted me with their dogs. Without their support this simply wouldn’t have been possible. I’d also like to thank my son, Marvin, my mum and dad, and of course Wilma, who has been part of the journey from day one.”
The award marks another milestone for The Dog Nanny Shropshire following its rapid growth since opening in January 2025. Fiona looks forward to continuing to grow the business, while maintaining the high standards of care that have earned the trust of dog owners across Shropshire.
