Doggy Day Care

Doggy day care is daytime care for your dog while you're at work or busy. On PetCloud, your dog spends the day at a sitter's home rather than a commercial facility, with company, play and rest. Depending on the sitter you choose, you can also book Puppy Day Care for younger dogs.

During Road Trips - If you're on a road trip or staying at a caravan park with your dog and you have a non-dog-friendly spot to explore for the day.

Working Long Hours - If you work long hours at an office and you own a solo dog prone to boredom or anxiety and loneliness.

Critical socialisation period - If your puppy is in the critical socialisation period (around 11-17 weeks) and has had all their core vaccinations.

It varies from Sitter to Sitter in a Home Based Environment, usually:

• Supervision and cuddles
• Ball throwing and fetching
• Tug of war with a ball rope.
• Sensory Stimulation through Scent trails
• Enrichment Toys such as kong wobblers & snuffle mats
• Doggy Naps
• Some Sitters may have fenced pools and with the Owner's permission, and Sitter supervision, some dogs may be allowed to swim in summer to cool down.

Socialisation - Socialisation is a vital part of a puppies' learning, development and wellbeing. Puppies have what is known as the 'critical socialisation period' from roughly 3 to 17 weeks of age.

Mental health - Doggy Day Care can provide many different opportunities for mental stimulation: new sights, sounds, smells, friends to make, and games to play. This keeps their minds active and is a crucial element for overall health, wellbeing, and development.

Separation Anxiety preventer/ management - Being cooped up inside alone all day and not knowing where their owner is, or when they are coming back can be very stressful on a puppy. Doggy day care may help to prevent or manage separation anxiety, as they will have lots of physical and mental activities to keep them stimulated and dogs and people to keep them company.

Doggy day care can save you money in the long run - It's worth thinking about the long-term benefits. Puppies already have teething as an excuse to chew on everything in sight.

Don't tempt them anymore with being bored, alone, and afraid or you could find yourself replacing your furniture, clothes and more, which can become costly.

If they develop severe anxiety issues from being left alone all day, your puppy may need to be put on expensive medications just so they can function. So really, it's not only an investment in your savings, but also in your pet's health, wellbeing, and development.

It suits social dogs that don't like being home alone all day. If your dog is anxious around other dogs, look for a sitter who hosts one dog at a time, or consider dog walks or home visits.

Yes. Puppies have a 'critical socialisation period' between approximately 3 -17 weeks of age. However, your pup must have all core vaccinations prior to being exposed to other puppies, so this means your pup probably won't be able to start socialising until around 11 weeks after their vaccinations are all complete.

Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety. Certain breeds can also be more affected by being left alone - for example - working breeds, Labradors, Retrievers and Terriers. What is key is having two dogs of a similar size and similar temperament together.

Breeds particularly prone to anxiety about being alone include;

• Toy Poodles and Mixed Poodle Breeds such as Cavoodles
• Australian Shepherds.
• Staffies
• Chihuahuas
• Bichon Frises
• Italian Greyhounds
• Malteses
• French Bulldogs
• Fox Terriers
• Pomeranians

It depends. Oodle type dogs - Cavoodles, Spoodles, Labradoodles, Groodles really enjoy doggy day care. Working dogs such as Kelpies are very intelligent and have a strong work ethic and like to be in control. There's not enough space for them to run around or tasks for them to do - unless the Sitter lives on acreage.

Doggy day care on PetCloud starts from $45 a day. Sitters set their own prices, shown on each listing, and are more likely to offer a discount for regular bookings and multiple dogs.

Choose a sitter who has completed identity verification and a police check, read reviews from confirmed bookings, and meet them first. Check the yard together at the meet and greet for escape routes and hazards. Look for a secure, fenced yard with shade, water and soft areas to rest, and use the Property Safety Checklist at the meet and greet.

It depends on the sitter and their local council's limit on dogs per home. Ask the sitter how many dogs they care for at once before you book.

Core vaccinations are expected for dogs. Annual boosters aren't required to book, but check each sitter's listing for any extra requirements.

Yes, if your puppy has started their vaccinations. Look for a sitter with puppy experience and tell them about feeding, toilet training and nap times.

Many dogs do well with two or three days a week, which gives them exercise and company without getting overtired. Young, high-energy dogs may enjoy more, while older or anxious dogs may prefer one day a week or shorter days. Watch how your dog copes and adjust.

Bring your dog's lead and harness, their usual food if they eat during the day, any medication with written instructions, and a favourite toy or blanket. Make sure your dog's vaccination details, vet contact and an emergency contact are in their PetCloud pet profile.

Kennel cough can spread wherever dogs mix, including parks and day care. Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date, including the kennel cough vaccine your vet recommends, and keep your dog home if they're coughing or unwell. Home-based day care with fewer dogs lowers the risk compared with large facilities.

Yes. Playing, socialising and new smells are tiring, so many dogs sleep well after a day at day care. If your dog seems unwell, lethargic for more than a day, or isn't eating, talk to your vet.

Day care suits social dogs that are lonely or bored at home all day. A dog walker suits dogs that are happy at home but need exercise and a toilet break, or dogs that prefer not to be around other dogs.

Search by suburb or post a job on PetCloud with your days and your dog's needs. Compare listings and reviews from confirmed bookings, arrange a meet and greet, then book and pay securely through PetCloud.

Create a sitter listing on PetCloud offering doggy day care, with photos of your secure yard, your prices and the suburbs you cover, and apply for work on the Pet Jobs board. Read our guide to becoming a pet sitter, and complete PetCloud's Pet Professional Training Course to stand out.