Dog Daycare

Is your dog suitable for daycare?

• All dogs over 6 months old must be desexed
• All dogs must have a valid C5 vaccination certificate
• The initial ‘call’ to discuss booking in your dog is when our staff will discuss your dogs background and socialisation history.

Temperament Test

We assess each new dog to learn about their general behaviour and activity levels to determine whether your dog will safely and happily join in with the other dogs in the daycare. At the beginning of your dog’s first day at daycare, we take your dog into our daycare area and introduce them to a dog handler to see how they respond. We then slowly introduce your dog to one or two other dogs at a time and see how they interact. If they respond positively, we then place them in a group and monitor them closely. We will provide a report card at the end of the session providing details of how your dog interacted throughout the initial process and if everything is positive, your dog is welcome to visit us whenever suits.

Pen Separation Process

We split play groups by temperament, so playful and energetic dogs are in one group, and quieter and more reserved dogs are in another. We don’t always separate based on breed, because we know all dogs are unique and have different needs.

Day in The Life at PETstock Daycare

7:30am: Good morning!
We open at 7:30am every weekday to greet old friends and meet new ones. Notify a staff member and a friendly Daycare attendant will welcome your dog into their playgroup for the day. At this time we will also take new dogs through their Animal Behaviour Assessment and you can ask any further questions.
NOTE: We close off the intake of dogs booked in for a full day strictly at 9:30am so that they can settle into their groups for the day.

9:30am: Let's party!
Once all pups are settled, the fun begins. Your dog will be involved in exercises that include ball games, castle climbs and upbeat music, to release those high energy levels. Not all dogs will love every activity, so we’ll carefully monitor play groups to ensure the safety and happiness of all dogs.

11:30am: Time for some zen...
Welcome to the most magical hour, morning nap time. We tone down the tunes and switch it to classical music; blankets are brought out; and calming aromatherapy oils are released into the air. Cuddles and rest continue for some, depending on individual dog requirements.

12:30pm: Let's get started again!
When it hits lunch hour, some dogs are ready and raring to go again while others need a gentle wake up. Either way, it’s time to start moving again with slower games which may include bubble machines and individual toys. We’ll then look to reassess the playgroups and exercises will commence.
NOTE: Groups may be rotated to ensure maximum interaction and free play continues. 

2:15pm: Daily challenges.
It’s time to get your dog’s brain ticking and put some of their skills to the test, learning new tricks and reinforcing old ones. The learnings will include sitting, recall, spinning and paw shakes.

3:00pm: Time for a snoot test.
For an afternoon pick me up, we introduce new toys and hide delicious treats around the pen, waiting to be discovered. This type of activity will lift your dog’s engagement and keep them focussed with food rewards.

4:00pm: The goodbyes begin...
As pickups start, groups become smaller, and some staff tears are shed. We ensure gentle exercise and rest time are maintained during these periods, and it also provides our handlers the opportunity to do a quick tidy up of any coats that were dirtied during play.

6:30pm: See you next time! (dependant on location closure time)
So ends another day at PETstock, the last dog goes home happy and sleepy (so that you can rest too!). For us, it’s clean up time so we can make the place spotless for the next day. Lastly, we’ll update the parent Facebook page, and send out a report card to your email address, so you know exactly what your best friend has been up to for the day.