Nestled in the idyllic countryside of Fareham, Hampshire, Dinky Dogz Ltd—formerly known as Diddy Dogs Lodge Ltd—is a five-star haven designed exclusively for small-breed dogs and puppies. Behind its success is Jill McKenzie, a lifelong animal lover who transformed her passion into a successful pet-care business built on compassion, structure, and trust.
From Healthcare to Pet Care: A New Calling
Jill started her foray into professional pet care in 2015 after a successful career as a children's nurse. She said working in healthcare was stressful, and a real-life experience as a pet owner inspired her to start a new chapter.
“I got Heidi, my beautiful Cavapoo puppy, and realised in searching for holiday care there was no one specialising in only small dogs and puppies," she said. "I wanted to create a safe place for small breeds to stay and play in a loving, homey environment.”
That vision became the foundation of Dinky Dogz’s philosophy: small dogs deserve big love, gentle care, and a safe space all their own. Jill’s dream quickly took shape.
“I started off small with only 2–3 dogs but have since grown into a thriving 5-star pet business," she said.
Dinky Dogz has blossomed into an exclusive, luxury daycare and holiday service where small dogs are treated like family.
Life at Dinky Dogz
Today, Dinky Dogz Ltd is a licensed pet service tucked away in a serene rural setting on the outskirts of Fareham. The property overlooks rolling countryside, offering an idyllic retreat where dogs can play, relax, and feel right at home.
“Our mission is to always strive to create a harmonious environment, ensuring all our little guests are able to fully relax, whilst enjoying a safe, fun and loving experience away from home,” Jill said.
She lives on-site with her two dogs: Heidi, the mischievous Cavapoo who inspired it all, and Ella, an adorable rescue.
“As best friends, they happily welcome all our guests to stay and play,” she added.
When asked what she loves most about her work, Jill’s answer came straight from the heart.
“My favourite aspect of my job is being with all the dogs, watching them interact with each other," she said. "I love the relationship I have with my dogs and their owners.”
Finding Structure with Revelation Pets
Running a successful small-breed-only daycare and boarding business single-handedly is no small feat. Jill wears every hat—from caretaker to administrator—and she knew she needed the right tools to stay organized and professional.
That’s when she discovered pet-care business software built for businesses like hers.
“A friend recommended I try Revelation Pets, as she used it for her dog boarding business, and said it’d help me organise and manage everything easier,” Jill said.
From scheduling to payments, Revelation Pets became a core part of her day-to-day operations.
“My favorite feature is I can book daycare and boarding on the same booking invoice for each dog,” she said. “The feature I use the most is the email reminder for payments due.”
Those small efficiencies add up to big benefits that help Jill save time, stay organized, and maintain strong relationships with clients.
Professionalism and Peace of Mind
For Jill, the impact of Revelation Pets goes beyond convenience. It has brought a new level of professionalism and reliability to her operations, supporting her as both a business owner and a customer service provider.
“When a client was trying to remember how much she’d paid and was insisting on a refund, the T&Cs on Rev Pets supported my negotiations and enabled me to manage the client fairly but professionally in a polite manner,” she said.
This transparency and structure are key to maintaining the trust that her loyal clients have come to expect.
“Rev Pets has helped me create a business that has structure, routine, professionally managing clients ensure my business has a good reputation,” she said.
That reputation shines through in every detail, from the careful booking process to the warm welcomes her furry guests receive each day.
An Affordable Essential
As a solo operator, Jill values tools that are not only effective but also affordable. Revelation Pets fits perfectly into her business model, allowing her to focus on what truly matters: caring for her dogs.
“The cost of Rev Pets is so affordable, and every pet business will do well using this software—it’s a godsend to me and my business,” she said.
With everything from invoicing to client communication running smoothly, Jill can devote her time and attention to ensuring every guest feels safe, loved, and at home.
A Model for Modern Pet Care
Nearly a decade after opening, Jill has built something truly special: a pet-care business rooted in kindness, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to small breeds.
Running the business on her own is a source of pride, proof of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Her story reflects the best of what small pet businesses can achieve with the right mix of heart and technology.
As Dinky Dogz Ltd continues to thrive, Jill remains grounded in the same values that inspired her from the beginning. Her days are filled with wagging tails, playful energy, and the joy of watching dogs build lifelong friendships.
A decade into her journey, Jill McKenzie and Dinky Dogz stand as a shining example of how passion and purpose can redefine pet care. With her dedication and the support of Revelation Pets, Jill has built a structured, reputable, and truly special space for small dogs to thrive.
Want to streamline operations at your pet-care business? Start your free trial of Revelation Pets today!
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