About
A very warm welcome awaits you at Millin Brook!
Millin Brook truly is a family-run business. Owners Sian and Dave Smith moved their family (Ben, then age 8 and Jacob then age 6) from Cardiff in November 2017. The young family had decided to opt for the slower-paced, better quality life that Pembrokeshire offers. Sian and Dave were both serving Police Officers in South Wales at the time (Sian a Mounted Police Officer and Dave a Police Dog Handler) and were delighted when they were successfully transferred to Dyfed Powys Police.
How it all began…
With fresh starts come challenges! They had no family in Pembrokeshire to help with childcare, so they had to work opposite shifts whilst working on the frontline. Although they were like passing ships, working opposite shifts had its advantages. When they decided to start up a business offering home boarding for dogs- there was always someone home to keep the dogs company. As the business started to take shape, Sian went looking for inspiration for a name on a local map. She saw that the stream that runs through their land was named “Millin Brook”, and instantly loved it!
The juggle
Being dedicated and passionate about the business, Dave and Sian worked 24/7 to make it a success. If they weren’t working in the police, they were at home looking after their doggy guests, running the business and looking after their young family.
The dream was realised!
The relocation and hard work paid off, as Sian was offered a voluntary redundancy from the police in August 2018. They sought advice about expanding the business and after a successful 20 years service, Sian ended her policing career in January 2019. Planning permission was granted in May 2019 for the family’s dream – a country retreat for dogs. Almost at the point of completion, the Covid pandemic hit, which delayed the opening until September 2020. Since then, they have welcomed hundreds of guests, and the business has gone from strength to strength. They have gained many accolades and were even honoured with the most prestigious of awards in the pet industry in November 2022 – The Pet Industry Federation UK Kennel of the Year!
Improving all the time
The family continues to invest in the business. In 2023, they completed the finishing touches to their 5* Country Retreat for Dogs by installing a new driveway complete with automatic gates. This has offered much more security… and rather a grand entrance! Never forgetting about the guest experience – they also completed an adventure play park in one of the paddocks. Now the guests have even more fun!!
Putting the ‘family’ in family business
Dave finally joined the Millin Brook team full-time in March 2024, after a successful 20 year career in the Police. Now the business is as family-run as it gets! Their boys (Ben & Jacob) continue to take a keen interest in the business, and help out with guests during school holidays and on weekends.
“At Millin Brook, we believe that dogs who stay with us deserve a holiday of their own.”
Our team goes out of the way to ensure their stay with us is happy and healthy, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. We make sure to go above and beyond to meet everyone’s needs and requirements.
Our 5* Country Retreat for Dogs is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, yet a mere 5 miles from both Haverfordwest and Bluestone Resort. Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding is a multi-award winning, family-run business, offering “home from home” bespoke holidays for dogs. Guests will enjoy days filled with walks in the countryside, playing in our ten acres of securely fenced meadows, having fun in our adventure play park, taking trips to some of the best beaches in the country, and nights spent sleeping soundly and dreaming of tomorrow’s fun and adventures!
Fully licensed by Pembrokeshire County Council (AB 106/23), insured, and a member of the Pet Industry Federation.
Kennel of The Year 2022
Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding has been awarded Kennel of the Year 2022 at the Pet Industry Federation Awards, are recognised as one of the most exceptional business leaders at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2022 Grand Final, and have been awarded Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year. Scroll down to see more awards and achievements.
“Established in April 2018, Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding have been overwhelmed with having their success acknowledged. Listed below are some of the awards they have been successful in…”
The Millin Brook Family
About Sian
Siân is a retired Police Officer of 20 years. 13 years of her service was as a Mounted Police Officer with South Wales. She also worked closely with the Police Dog Section, and on occasion assisted with animal welfare duties and training. Siân is passionate about animals, and loves being out and about exploring with the dogs. She is also a keen photographer, specialising in dogs and horses.
We have many security features in place at Millin Brook, as the security of dogs in our care is our top priority. As a former Police Officer, Sian has been at the forefront of dog theft prevention advice and has featured in numerous national publications regarding her work. Sian has used her knowledge and experience to create a course for pet professionals offering Pet Theft Prevention Advice.
About Dave
Dave joined Millin Brook full-time in March 2024 following a successful 20 year career as a Police Officer, with nearly half of his service as a Police Dog Handler. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to dog training, behaviour and welfare. Dave is a keen sportsman and has completed Ironman Wales twice, and has taken part in several marathons and triathlons.
About Ben & Jacob
Ben is the eldest son, and Jacob is his younger brother. They have grown up with dogs and love dogs of all shapes and sizes. The boys love nothing more than running in the fields with them, and will even try and get them to have a game of football!
About Jessica
She has over 12 years experience working professionally with dogs and horses, and has come very highly recommended to us. Jessica brings with her a wealth of knowledge, drive, enthusiasm and love of dogs to our family run business. We are absolutely thrilled to have Jessica as part of our team!
About Barnaby
Barnaby is our beloved Pembrokeshire-born black Lab. Typical Labrador – he loves his food, and will do anything for a treat! After his daily adventures he loves nothing more than cwtching up on the sofa in front of the log burner.
