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Success Story:

Halo Dogs, Justin Kumaran

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Halo Dogs: From Start Up to Thriving Business, 15 Years On!


Back in 2010, Justin Kumaran launched Halo Dogs with a bold vision: to create a dog care business that prioritises dogs’ emotional, social, and physical well-being. In 2011, he turned to Enterprise Enfield for advice and guidance to help bring that vision to life.

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Following Enterprise Enfield’s advice and support, Justin transformed Halo Dogs from a small start-up into one of London’s leading premium dog care providers. Fifteen years later, the business now operates from a 540-acre site in Enfield, employs 20 staff and runs a £1 million luxury dog hotel alongside adventure daycare, grooming, training, and rescue services.

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We caught up with Justin to look back at how Enterprise Enfield helped him get started, to celebrate his achievements and hear about his exciting plans for the future.

 

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A Unique Approach to Dog Care​

Justin gained early experience at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Enfield Chace Dog Training Club, and through ADTB-certified courses. He wanted to move away from traditional kennels, which often focused on convenience for owners rather than the welfare of dogs themselves. His aim was to create a 'Eton meets Centre Parcs' experience for dogs – a blend of professional care, training, and fun in a safe, natural environment.

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Today, Halo Dogs offers day care, overnight stays, grooming, training, rescue, vet nurse consultations, pet transport, work placements, and an active online community - giving dogs and their owners a truly holistic service.

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Halo Dogs is not only recognised as an industry leader – many well-known brands have followed its model, sought advice, and adopted its approach. The business is credited with starting and leading the revolution in modern dog care and dog holidays, modernising the outdated kennel model into a world where dogs really do go on their holidays.

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How Enterprise Enfield Helped in the Early Days

​Although Justin had passion and vision for his new venture, he was looking for advice and support to refine his business model, he explains, “I needed help with structuring the business sustainably -particularly around refining services, operational systems, marketing strategy, and financial planning. I also sought guidance on securing funding to turn the vision into reality.”

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With Enterprise Enfield’s tailored one-to-one advice, guidance and support – including workshops covering all the essential aspects of running a business – such as marketing, finance and improving digital presence, Justin was able to refine his plans and secure the resources he needed.

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This support not only gave Halo Dogs a solid foundation but also led to early recognition: in 2011, Justin won our Start Up Business of the Year Award - and three years later, Halo Dogs was awarded Business of the Year - a reflection of the remarkable growth achieved in such a short time.

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Impact and Growth​

Enterprise Enfield’s support helped Halo Dogs develop clear services, build strong operational systems, and establish a trusted brand. Today, Halo Dogs stands as a true success story. Justin says:

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“The support was transformational. We’ve grown from a one‑van start‑up into operating on a 540‑acre site with a £1 million luxury dog hotel, consistently earning 5‑star reviews and becoming a trusted name in London’s premium dog care sector.”

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Halo Dogs has developed a strong ethos of giving back to the local community. In addition to running a dog rescue registered charity, they also offer valuable work experience placements for SEND children and young adults and have partnered with Oaktree school since 2021, providing weekly placements for its students.

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Highlights of Halo Dogs success include:

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  • Growth from a single van to a multi-service operation on a 540-acre site.

  • A team of 20 staff providing premium care

  • Hundreds of 5-star reviews from clients and vets.

  • Active involvement in welfare campaigns such as Pup Aid and Lucy’s Law.

  • Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming hundreds of dogs

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Looking Ahead​

Justin has no plans to slow down. Halo Dogs will soon expand its 'Train the Trainer' courses, launch a secure dog park and field hire services, and create even more opportunities for young and marginalised people to gain skills and employment.

Reflecting on the journey, Justin credits Enterprise Enfield’s early advice and support with giving him the structure, confidence and tools to turn his passion into a thriving, award-winning business. ​​​

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We asked Justin for any tips for other business owners or start ups:

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  • "Lead with passion, but back it with structure. Loving what you do is vital, but systems, training, and financial planning make the difference between a hobby and a thriving business.

  • Invest in your people. A strong, well-trained, well-recognised and well-rewarded team is the backbone of any service business.

  • Stay true to your values. In our case, putting dogs’ wellbeing first has always guided our decisions and kept us authentic, we never cut corners, but offer premium services and premium care 

  • Seek advice early. Mentors and organisations like Enterprise Enfield can save you years of trial and error.“

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For more details about Halo Dogs visit: www.halodogs.co.uk

Find out more about: work experience opportunities for young people with SEND 

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Find Out How You Can Grow Your Business with Enterprise Enfield

​Enterprise Enfield offers a range of business advice and support services, to encourage, guide, inform and empower people to be successful in business.  Many services are free or heavily subsidised:

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