FAQs about Daycare Services at Doggie Playmates
If your pooch is driving you nuts after work because he or she’s been bored stiff all day, barks while you’re out, gets up to mischief, or you just want him/her to have a little fun while you are at work, maybe a few hours, or a day in doggie daycare is something that will really benefit you both.
We are open at 7.30am and close at 6.30pm (NSW times).
Yes, please make a booking as spaces are limited and we strictly adhere to our staff to dog ratio, so you may be disappointed if you turn up without a booking.
Dogs need to be at least 16 weeks of age and current on vaccinations.
No, dogs who are aggressive towards other dogs or people may not come to daycare. We also do not allow dogs that eat rocks. Doggie Playmates have river stone gardens for dog exploration.It is the owner’s responsibility to inform us of specific behavioural habits.
We are unable to accept enrolments at Doggie Playmates daycare for the following breeds:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Fila Braziliero (Brazilian Mastiff)
- Japanese Tosa (Japanese Mastiff)
- Dogo Argentina (Argentinean Mastiff)
- Presa Canario.
All other breeds are assessed on the basis of each individual dog and may be permitted to attend should they be assessed as suitable.
Yes, all dogs over the age of 7 months must be spayed or neutered.(de-sexed) – limited exceptions may be made with prior approval (conditions apply).
All dogs attending Doggie Playmates Daycare must have up-to-date C5 vaccinations (administered within the last 12 months and not less than 1 week prior to first visit). Owners must submit proof of C5 vaccinations from their Vet. Alternative vaccination methods are not accepted.
Puppies must have at least their first vaccination before entering day care and must have their booster and final puppy vaccinations by 16 weeks.
- 6-8 Weeks – First Vaccination,
- 10-12 Weeks – Booster Vaccine
- 14-16 Weeks – Final Vaccine.
Doggie Playmates has a large outdoor play space which serves to maintain your dog’s established outside toileting routine whilst attending daycare.
We find that dogs in care at Doggie Playmates follow the lead of other dogs’ outside toileting. With very few accidents occurring within our inside play space, your dog’s home toileting routines won’t be affected by attending Doggie Playmates daycare.
Yes, please do come and visit and meet with us before you bring your dog in for daycare to ensure you are happy and comfortable leaving your furry family member in our care. will not be able to enter the daycare area, when other dogs are in care. Having strangers in the play area can be disruptive to the dogs attending, so we do limit access to these areas to early morning or later in the afternoon.
When your dog is first brought back they will be in a transition area. This allows your dog to see and smell other dogs and other dogs can smell and see them but they still have their own space. Once they are visibly comfortable with other dogs we take him/her out in the company of a leader/carer and watch for successful integration with other dogs, and play.
Yes, we have a large fenced and secure, outside yard with places to run and explore, dog sport equipment and toys for play, and shady nooks, and beds to lounge and nap.
Yes! At doggie Playmates we pride ourselves in providing a safe and secure facility where your dog has varied play spaces and is well cared for.
- The facility is securely fenced tto prevent any escape artists leaving the facility.
- Our staff are trained in animal behaviour.
- The dogs in our care are never left unattended.
- We have a maximum staff to dog ratio of 1 pack leader/Carer to 15 dogs.
All dogs are assessed for suitability to attend day care, and watched closely through successful integration with other dogs in care.
Please bring your dog in wearing their collar, and lead. Please do not bring toys, food, bedding or any other items that may induce possessive behaviours in your dog.
Dogs play, run and rumble together with their mouths and feet. If a dog ends up with a minor wound or scratch it is from over zealous play, not a fight or skirmish. Your dog playing at daycare is very similar to a child playing at school, or football.
Staff are trained in animal first aid, so all minor injuries or illnesses can be addressed by our staff members. If there should be an urgent need to see a Vet, we will transport the dog immediately to one of our preferred local Veterinary Clinics located in Coolangatta /Tweed Heads which is approximately a 5 minute drive from Doggie Playmates centre. Owners will be contacted immediately if this should be the case.
This really depends on the dog. A younger more active dog will enjoy spending more time in play with other dogs in daycare, whereas an older less active dog seeks out the company of and being around other dogs.
At Doggie Playmates we recommend the equivalent of 3 full days per week as a maximum for dogs of non working owners, and a maximum equivalent of 4 full days per week for working owners, so that dogs don’t become dependant on the company of other dogs.
Our exception to this maximum provides for owners with short term daycare requirements.
Yes, we understand dogs love to lounge, rest or nap. We have a dedicated rest room with lounges, playroom beds, and a selection of outdoor lounges, mats, beds and shady spots for dogs to choose from.
We will always let you know if we see that your dog is not enjoying their time at Doggie Playmates – but your dog will also let you know through their actions. Dogs should come home tired from daycare – but a happy tired, because they’ve had fun being with other dogs. We constantly monitor the dogs to ensure they are not stressed and will remove them from situations that seem to cause them concern. After one or two daycare visits, your dog will display eagerness for their return to our daycare facility to meet up with Doggie Playmates. If they are hesitant to come in –this may be a sign that they are coming too often – or that daycare isn’t right for them.
Yes, we send photo updates throughout the day and are happy to give you a quick call or e-mail during the day to update you how they are doing. We will also communicate this with you when you come to pick them up. We will also upload images or short videos of dogs in daycare to our website gallery, and other social media including facebook, Instagram and or youtube.
Your dog will be fed small amounts of healthy dog treats whilst attending Doggie Playmates daycare. If your dog is booked for long daycare (9 + hours), we will request an evening meal be provided for your pooch.
