Supporting safe, stress-free births

Trusted Whelping Boxes in the UK

We design and supply high-quality, easy-clean whelping boxes in the UK — giving pets and breeders a safe start.

Thoughtful Design for Healthy Starts

An Introduction to Whelping Boxes

Our whelping boxes in the UK are designed to support new mums and their litters — whether you’re a breeder, vet, or pet owner.

Made from sustainably sourced timber, each one is easy to assemble, hygienic, and secure. No screws, no stress — just a practical, slot-together space where safety comes first.

What Are Whelping Boxes Used For?

They create a safe, enclosed space for dogs, cats, and other small animals to give birth and nurse their young.

Who Are They For?

We supply domestic breeders, kennels, and veterinary clinics across the UK — anyone who wants a clean, controlled birthing space.

What Are They Made From?

Each whelping box is crafted from sustainably sourced timber, with our tool-free slot-together system for quick setup and easy maintenance.

UK-wide delivery or click & collect
Slot-together assembly
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Safety & Comfort for Litters

A whelping box creates a calm, contained space where newborn animals can rest safely beside their mother with minimal disturbance.

Support New Life the Right Way

Why Use a Whelping Box

Whelping boxes offer a safe, clean space for new mums and their litters — giving them the comfort and protection they need in those first, vital weeks.

Prevent Accidental Squashing

Built-in pig rails stop the mother from accidentally rolling onto her litter, helping prevent injury during the first few weeks.

Easy Monitoring & Cleaning

The open design and slot-together build make it simple to check in on pups and keep the space clean and hygienic.

Thoughtful Design for First-Time or Experienced Breeders

Built to Support Every Birth

From setup to daily care, our whelping boxes are designed to make life easier — for both you and the animals in your care.

Optional Removable Door Panel

Includes a lift-out front panel so the mother can come and go comfortably, while keeping the litter secure inside.

Smooth, Pet-Safe Treated Wood

We use sustainably sourced, water-based treated timber that’s smooth to the touch and safe for animals, even during extended use.

Custom Sizes Available

Every animal is different — that’s why we offer made-to-measure whelping boxes built to your exact size and breed requirements.

Flat-Pack Storage & Transport

Our slot-together design means each box arrives flat-packed, making it easy to store, move, and assemble without tools.

Easy to Wipe Clean

The open layout and smooth surfaces make daily cleaning quick and stress-free — ideal for hygiene-conscious breeders and vet clinics.

Pre-Installed Pig Rails

Each box comes with pig rails already fitted — offering vital protection for newborns by preventing accidental squashing from the mother.

Confident Care from Day One

Whelping Box Know-How

Whether you’re preparing for your first litter or supporting repeat births, these simple tips help ensure a safe, stress-free whelping experience.

Soft, Supportive & Safe

Bedding Setup

The right bedding setup provides warmth, stability, and cleanliness for both mum and pups. It needs to be soft enough for comfort, but supportive and secure to avoid slips or entanglement.

Ready When You Are

Expecting a Litter Soon?

Make sure you have everything in place for a safe, stress-free birth. Our whelping boxes are ready when you are.

Helpful Answers

Everything You Need to Know About Whelping Boxes

We’ve answered common queries to help you make informed choices when preparing for your litter — from pig rails to box sizes.

What is the point of a whelping box?

A whelping box provides a secure, enclosed space where dogs or other small animals can give birth and care for their young.

It keeps the mother and her litter safe, comfortable, and confined during those crucial early weeks, helping reduce stress and potential accidents.

What should be in a dog's whelping box?

Essential items include absorbent bedding (like vet fleece or washable pads), a heat source if needed, and pig rails to prevent squashing.

The box should be clean, easy to access, and provide enough space for the mother to lie fully stretched with her puppies.

How long do newborn puppies stay in a whelping box?

Puppies usually stay in the whelping box until they are 3–4 weeks old.

By then, they start walking more and may need a larger space to explore and begin toilet training.

However, the exact timing depends on the breed, litter size, and development rate.

What are pig rails, and why are they important?

Pig rails are slim bars that run around the inside of the whelping box, a few inches off the floor.

They prevent the mother from accidentally lying on and crushing her puppies by providing a safe gap for the pups to escape into.

They’re a key feature for safety in the early days.

What size whelping box do I need for my dog?

The right size depends on your dog’s breed and litter expectations.

She should be able to lie flat in all directions and move comfortably.

For small breeds, 30–36 inches may be enough; larger breeds often need 48 inches or more.

We also offer custom sizing to ensure a perfect fit.

Can I use the whelping box for cats or other animals?

Yes, our whelping boxes are suitable for other small animals like cats, rabbits, and even guinea pigs.

The enclosed, easy-clean design makes them ideal for any pet needing a safe birthing or nesting space.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how Gardening Works uses and protects any information that you give Gardening Works when you use this website.

Gardening Works is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Gardening Works may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. This policy is effective from 06/11/2025.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

  • Name and job title
  • Contact information including email address
  • Demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
  • Health information provided during consultations where necessary to provide safe services (with your explicit consent)
  • Other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What do we do with the information we gather?

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional emails with your consent about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you with your consent for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

Lawful basis for processing

We process your information under the following lawful bases:

  • Consent – where you have clearly agreed (e.g. marketing communications, consultation forms)
  • Contract – to provide you with the services you have booked or purchased
  • Legal obligation – to meet requirements such as tax and accounting rules
  • Legitimate interests – to operate and improve our website and services

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. To prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How long we keep your data

We will retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes explained above. Certain records, such as consultation forms, may be kept for up to 7 years in line with industry guidelines.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.

Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.

When you first visit our website, you will be asked to accept or reject non-essential cookies (such as analytics or advertising cookies). You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our site.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • Whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, you will be able to tick a box to give your consent to receive marketing communications. If you later change your mind, you can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us at orders@gardeningworks.co.uk
  • If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us at orders@gardeningworks.co.uk

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. 

Your rights under UK GDPR

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Request access to the data we hold about you free of charge
  • Ask for corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Request erasure of your data (where lawful)
  • Restrict or object to processing of your data
  • Request transfer of your data to another provider (data portability)
  • Withdraw consent at any time (where consent is the basis for processing)
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

If you would like a copy of the information held on you please email orders@gardeningworks.co.uk or write to Unit 9, Chapel Hill Industrial Estate, Chapel Hill, Longridge, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 3BU.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.

Copyright Policy

This website and its content are protected by copyright laws. All rights reserved.

The content of this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, and software, is the property of Gardening Works or its content suppliers and is protected by the United Kingdom and international copyright laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, create derivative works from, or exploit in any way the content of this website without the prior written consent of Gardening Works.

You may download, print, and store limited copies of the content of this website for your personal, non-commercial use, provided that you do not alter or remove any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices.

Any unauthorised use of the content of this website may violate copyright laws, trademark laws, and other laws. Gardening Works reserves the right to take legal action against any unauthorised use of the content of this website.

Cookie Policy

This website, Gardening Works, uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and to help us understand how users interact with our site. This Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how we use cookies, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.

 How we use cookies

We use cookies for a variety of purposes, including:

  • To remember your preferences and settings
  • To understand how you use our site and to improve your experience
  • To show you relevant content and advertising
  • To analyse traffic and usage patterns

Cookies that we use

We use the following types of cookies on our website:

  • Strictly necessary cookies: These are essential for the proper functioning of our website and cannot be disabled.
  • Functionality cookies: These enable us to remember your preferences and settings, and to provide enhanced, personalised features.
  • Performance cookies: These collect information about how you use our website, such as which pages you visit, and help us to improve the performance of our site.
  • Advertising cookies: These are used to show you relevant content and advertising based on your browsing history and interests.

Cookie consent 

When you first visit our website, you will be asked to accept or reject non-essential cookies (such as analytics or advertising cookies). Essential cookies will be placed regardless, as they are required for the website to function.

Changing your preferences

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our site.

Third-party cookies

Some cookies may be placed by third-party providers (for example, Google Analytics or embedded social media content). These providers may set their own cookies in line with their own privacy and cookie policies.

Cookie duration

Some cookies are session-based and will be deleted when you close your browser. Others are persistent and remain on your device until they expire or are deleted.

Managing your cookie preferences

Most web browsers allow you to manage your cookie preferences. You can set your browser to accept all cookies, to block certain types of cookies, or to block all cookies. You can also set your browser to alert you when a website tries to set a cookie.

Please note that if you block or delete cookies, some features of our website may not work properly.

For more information about managing your cookie preferences, please refer to the help section of your browser or visit www.aboutcookies.org.

Terms of Use

This website is operated by Gardening Works (the “Website”). By using the Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use (the “Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Website.

  1. Use of the Website

The Website is intended for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not use the Website for any illegal or unauthorized purpose. You may not use the Website in a way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Website or interfere with any other party’s use of the Website.

  1. Intellectual Property

The content of the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, and software, is the property of Gardening Works or its content suppliers and is protected by the United Kingdom and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, publish, display, modify, create derivative works from, or exploit in any way the content of the Website without the prior written consent of Gardening Works.

  1. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Website is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Gardening Works makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the Website or the information, content, materials, or products included on the Website. Gardening Works will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of the Website, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

  1. Limitation of Liability

Gardening Works will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of the Website, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

  1. Changes to the Terms

Gardening Works reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time without notice. Your continued use of the Website after any such modification constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.

  1. Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Website will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law.

Disclaimer

This website (the “Website”) is provided by Gardening Works on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Gardening Works makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the Website or the information, content, materials, or products included on the Website.

Gardening Works will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the content of the Website, or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided on the Website. Gardening Works will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of the Website, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

Gardening Works does not warrant that the Website will be available at all times or that the Website or any content will be error-free. Gardening Works reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue the Website or any content at any time without notice.

The content of the Website is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information contained on the Website.

Cookie Notice

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and to help us understand how users interact with our site.

You can choose to accept or reject non-essential cookies such as analytics or advertising cookies. Essential cookies are required for the site to function and cannot be turned off.

You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer.

You can find out more in our Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy.