Darlington couple’s dog businesses set for expansion

Kimberley Burnside, 40, and Paul Burnside, 44, set up Bobbie’s Walkers in January 2024 after finding kennels impersonal when trying to arrange care for their pets during family holidays.

Faced with limited options, the pair decided to create the kind of service they would want for their own dogs.

Paul initially balanced the venture with his job as a hospital porter, but demand has since surged.

Paul with his dog walking business van (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

The dog walking arm of the business is now close to closing its books and he has moved into it full time.

Alongside the success of Bobbie’s Walkers, Kimberley has launched Marley’s Groom Room, expanding the couple’s canine offering.

In August 2025, as she continued her training for a nursing degree, she had the idea of starting a dog grooming business. Now, with only around six months left of her course, her focus is shifting.

She hopes to expand the grooming side and make it her priority, potentially only nursing one or two days a week instead.

The inside of the new grooming facility in the couple’s garden (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

She said: “With only around six months left of university I am hoping to expand and focus on the dog grooming as a priority and maybe nursing one or two days a week because dog grooming really has my heart.”

Marley’s Groom Room operates from a new premises in the couple’s garden, designed to accommodate larger breeds as well as smaller dogs. The studio features a double walk-in shower, removing the need to lift bigger dogs into a bath.

The new grooming facility in the couple’s garden (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

Mrs Burnside completed her training with a woman who once won Crufts and gained her Level 2 certificate.

She grooms no more than four dogs a day but usually limits it to around three to ensure every animal receives individual attention.

A big bernoodle in the new walk in shower (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

She said: “The new studio helps me have bigger dogs as there is now a double walk in shower so I don’t have to lift them to get in the bath so it has been perfect.

“It is really personable and we get to know the dog, play with them, run around the garden if they need and take the time to build report so that they always feel secure and safe.”

Little Maggie having a lay down after her walk with Paul and groom with Kimberley (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

Bobbie, the black lab and Marley the golden lab (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

The couple describe themselves as dog mad and have embraced the lifestyle fully. Their summer house and large garden space allow dogs room to relax and play, and some even enjoy a full day package, heading out on walks with Paul before going straight to grooming with Kimberley.

Both of the business names also carry special meaning to the pair. Marley’s Groom Room is named after their beloved golden Labrador, lost in January 2024. Bobbie’s Walkers honours their black lab, Bobbie, who died in July 2023.