Safe Journeys, Happy Dogs: Why Travel Time Matters at Duncan’s Dog Co.

info DDC
Sep 17
4 min read

Recent headlines have raised concerns about how dogs are transported to and from daycare. Some owners have asked us: “How long are the dogs in the car for?” It’s a fair question—and one we’re more than happy to answer

At Duncan’s Dog Co., the journey has always been part of the experience. We’ve built our ethos around safe, comfortable travel from the very beginning.

People Carriers, Not Vans

We don’t use vans. Never have done, never will do. From day one, we’ve chosen people carriers with full windows all the way round, so dogs can enjoy natural light and a clear view. Unlike the horror stories of metal cages tied together with cable ties in vans with no windows, our approach has always been about transparency, safety, and comfort. Dogs travel in bright, open vehicles that feel like part of the home environment. We also don’t use signwritten vehicles. That’s a deliberate choice for security: we don’t want to draw attention to the fact that we’re dropping your precious dog’s home, often when nobody is in.

Custom-Built Comfort and Travel Buddies

Our vehicles are set up with three main travel areas, designed for safety, comfort, and flexibility:

• Front passenger seat – with a divider for nervous dogs, puppies, golden oldies, or those on their very first day who need a little extra reassurance up front.

• Middle area – fitted with a custom-built dog guard that safely separates the front from the back. Dogs here are carefully matched with their regular travel buddies, chosen daily based on the bookings, their size, and their temperament.

• Back area – offering another secure space for dogs who are also grouped with familiar companions. This consistency means every dog rides with friends they know, keeping the journey calmer, happier, and stress-free from the moment they’re collected.

All of our guards are custom-built to fit the vehicle. This means they maximise space, prevent rattling, and keep journeys smooth and quiet. To go even further, all vehicles are also fitted with live trackers and cameras, so safety and accountability are always in place.

Full Climate Control

Every vehicle is fully air-conditioned throughout, keeping temperatures safe and comfortable in all weathers. We also use run locks, which allow us to keep the engine and air conditioning running while the car is locked. That means when we’re collecting or dropping off other dogs, the rest of the group remains safe, cool, and secure inside the vehicle. It’s better to know your dogs are comfortable in warm weather—which we’ve seen our fair share of this summer.

Smarter Routes, Shorter Rides

Traffic in London and Surrey isn’t something we can control—but we can control how we plan our journeys. We’ve developed a unique routing system to minimise travel time and get dogs from door to daycare as quickly and comfortably as possible.

The Journey Is Part of the Fun

We’ve always believed the car ride should be more than a means to an end. Drivers chat to the dogs, play music, and create a calm, happy atmosphere. For many of our pups, the excitement starts the moment we pull up outside their home.

Drivers Who Know Their Dogs

Here’s another big difference: our drivers are also our playground monitors. That means the person who collects your dog is the same person who spends the day with them. There’s no handover, no strangers—just a familiar face from pickup to playtime to drop-off. This builds trust and creates strong bonds. Dogs know their driver, and their driver knows them. At the same time, dogs also mix with our whole team, so when a driver takes well-deserved annual leave, they’re never left with a complete stranger. Any new members of staff spend at least a month training on the routes and meeting the dogs, making sure they build relationships before they ever take the lead role.

A Family-Sized Team With Experience

We’re not a faceless operation. Duncan’s Dog Co. is a family-run business, supported by a close-knit team that’s been with us for years. Becks has been with us since day one—nearly 13 years! And Kelly, Nick, and Eleanor have each been with us for over six years, providing consistency, care, and expertise you won’t find everywhere. We’re also proud to be a one-site facility—and we intend to keep it that way. We don’t run multiple branches or franchise out our name. Everything we do is focused here, with the team you know and trust. Our size means we know every dog by name, their quirks, their routines, and what makes them happy.

Why Our Transport Is Different

Duncan’s Dog Co.	Typical Van Setups
People carriers with full windows all round for natural light & visibility	Vans with no windows, dark and enclosed
Custom-built crates designed for space & comfort, no rattling	Metal cages often tied with cable ties, cramped & noisy
Fully air-conditioned throughout, with run locks for constant climate control	Limited or no cooling, poor airflow in summer
No signwriting on vehicles for added home security	Branded vans advertise when homes may be empty
Passenger seat divider for puppies, golden oldies, or nervous first-day dogs	No tailored setups for different needs
Drivers are also handlers – same person collects, cares for, and drops home	Separate drivers & supervisors, no personal bond
Family-sized, long-standing team who know every dog	High staff turnover, larger anonymous operations