‘Woof Land by Tails Project’ celebrated its opening at MAR Shopping Algarve in Loulé on Thursday, November 21, welcoming around 15 dogs on the first day. This new addition offers visitors the opportunity to leave their pets in the care of experienced handlers while they shop, which makes for Portugal’s first shopping centre to provide a pet-sitting service.
“This is one more feature of MAR Shopping’s pet-friendly atmosphere for people to enjoy,” said Paulo Lopes, from MAR Shopping Algarve’s marketing department.
The new 200sqm area is run by a team of specialists and led by renowned dog trainer Sara Tails, who has been training dogs for the last 10 years. Sara first approached Paulo Lopes earlier this year to propose the concept for a doggy day care and school at the shopping centre, and she said Paulo loved the idea. Moving forward from there, Sara said she enjoys that MAR Shopping Algarve invites guests to bring their four-legged friends along.
“Dogs are part of our family,” Sara said. “A happy dog is a happy family.”
Sara has five dogs of her own (three of which were in attendance on Woof Land’s opening day). Sara has an impressive portfolio of experience, which includes teaching one of her dogs (Ginja) how to do math, tell time and even training her to work with disabled children.
Beyond just pet sitting, Sara said Woof Land will also host special activities, including contests, training sessions, workshops and much more. Sara stressed the importance that Woof Land does not aim to be in competition with other local dog trainers, but instead as a place where anyone can share valuable lessons about dogs.
Woof Land is open from 10am to 8pm daily (closed on Tuesdays). Prices for pet-sitting services start at just €2 per hour (€9 per half day and €15 per day), with special pricing for monthly packages. As outlined by Woof Land’s ‘School and Daycare Tails Project Rules’, guests must submit an application with both their and the dog’s information. Dogs must undergo an evaluation prior to attending and must also be vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped.
For the holiday season, Sara said clients can take special Christmas-themed photos with their dogs.
For more information about Woof Land’s prices, schedules and additional park rules for these services, visit woofland.tailsproject.com or marshopping.com/Algarve, and follow Woof Land on Instagram and Facebook for updates on news and special events.
By CAMERON COBB
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