{"id":10100,"date":"2026-03-18T17:05:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T11:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.setmore.com\/blog\/?p=10100"},"modified":"2026-03-18T17:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T11:37:09","slug":"the-dog-port","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.setmore.com\/blog\/the-dog-port\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dog Port: Building a safe space through simple scheduling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Portobello, Edinburgh, you have access to the beach. Now, you may think the beach in Scotland is about as useful as a radio on a motorbike, but really, it\u2019s one of the busiest spots just outside the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the hustle and bustle, there\u2019s a shop that feels a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not louder.\u00a0
Not in your face.
Not rushed.
Just calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dog Port was started to fill a gap in Portobello, and all of Scotland really: there weren\u2019t many self-service dog washes. But for founders Natalie, Kenny, and Susan, this wasn\u2019t just about baths. It was about building a community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA good day is when it\u2019s busy but calm. When dogs are coming in, feeling relaxed, and there\u2019s not too much going on to overstimulate them. We like to have a steady trickle of people coming through and being able to speak to customers properly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a hub for dogs and their humans. We visited The Dog Port to see how their space became a doggie haven, with a little scheduling help along the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the space work for the dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For The Dog Port, there are no canine guidelines. Their doors are open to rescues, puppies, golden oldies, and even if they\u2019ve never been to a groomer before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs come in and lick your face, others bundle in sniffing everything in sight, and then there are nervous or reactive dogs. For them, most retail spaces are a no-go \u2013 they just don\u2019t feel possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawn by The Dog Port\u2019s emphasis on welfare and community support, Bronwyn was keen to support the business and now takes a lead in marketing and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s really important. I have a nervous dog myself, and there are so many shops I wouldn\u2019t even dream of going into. You don\u2019t know if you\u2019re going to be scrutinised, or if other dogs \u2013 or their owners \u2013 might not be welcoming.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For these dogs and their owners, it can be stressful to even go to a traditional groomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dog Port wanted to offer something unique:<\/p>\n\n\n\n