Adam Maguire

‘‘We found that there was a real lack of services and products for pets and pet parents in Ireland, and we had both seen when we travelled abroad to England or America that the choice was amazing,” said Sinead Deegan, who owns the boutique with her business partner Grace McDonnell.

The two met through McDonnell’s Dublin company, Animal Adventures, which offered to walk dogs and pet-sit for working owners. Deegan had been looking for a place to put her dog, Molly, while she worked.
‘‘Before, I worked a lot and travelled a lot, and when I came home, Molly would have the furniture in bits, literally, because she was bored,” said Deegan.

‘‘We’ll offer a structured base for them; dogs love routine and it’s exactly like with kids. It’s important for them to have a routine,” said McDonnell, who worked with the Kildare Animal Foundation for eight years before she established Animal Adventures.

Muttugly offers to pick up puppies and small dogs from their homes between 8am and 10am, and look after them until the owners return in the evening.

The company’s premises can handle up to eight dogs at any one time. While in the creche the dogs will be played with, taken on walks and given the opportunity to play and socialise with other dogs.

Owners can also buy accessories for their dogs, such as collars, beds and toys.

However, McDonnell and Deegan said the shop was not about making animals into fashion accessories.

‘‘We’re not about that at all. We offer more practical items like high-vis vests [for the dogs] for when you’re walking them at night, or raincoats [also for the dogs] so they won’t make a mess in your car,” said Deegan.