Last updated: 25 Oct, 2023
Published on: 6 Sep, 2023
Sitters, Minders, Boarding and Groomers
As a dog guardian, there will most likely come a time when you need to find a professional dog service. But with so many available, it can be overwhelming to choose what might be best for our furry friends.
But don’t worry, we'll explore how to find the right service and what to look for to ensure these services will provide a positive and safe experience for your beloved furry friend.
So, what’s out there?
Leaving your dog behind when you go away can be stressful. But if you’re taking a short weekend trip, going on an extended holiday or just want someone to check in on your dog while you’re at work, there are options for every situation to make sure your furry friend is in good hands.
Nala, adopted via Home2Home.
Your dog will be most comfortable in their own environment, with people they know and trust. If you go away for a short time, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to stay at your place and take care of your pooch. It could be a welcome mini-holiday for them too!
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Dog Sitting
Picture this, a friendly pet carer comes right to your doorstep to check in on your dog while you’re at work. They can visit once or twice a day, making sure your dog is fed, walked, and given lots of love and attention. -
Dog Minding
If you want a home away from home for your dog, this is the way to go. Your furry friend gets to stay with the carer in their home, enjoying all the comforts and cuddles they deserve. If you're planning a long holiday, a great tip is to try a shorter period of dog sitting first to see if your dog bonds well with the carer. -
House Sitting
If your furry friend prefers the comforts of their own home and you can’t find a friend or family member to help out, a house sitter could be the answer! This is ideal for dogs with separation anxiety or dogs used to owners who work from home a lot. A house sitter stays in your home, ensuring your dog is well taken care of. Bonus, they will keep an eye on your house and can do other things like water the plants, take out the bins and bring in the mail while you're away.
Apps such as Mad Paws, Pet Cloud or Paw Shake are excellent places to start your search for dog sitting, dog minding or house sitting. If you need someone to stay overnight in your home while you're away, you can check out Aussie House Sitters and Trusted House Sitter.
Boo, Darcey and friends saying goodbye to their people after daycare dropoff.
My pooch is a social butterfly. What service can help them meet other dogs and make friends?
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Pet Boarding
If you’re going on a holiday or business trip, this is a great option for you if you don’t feel comfortable with a sitter staying in your home. Your dog will stay at a facility with other pets and be cared for by experienced staff. Pet boarding facilities typically offer a variety of services, including overnight stays, daily walks and playtime, training and socialisation, grooming services and veterinary care. It’s like an all-inclusive hotel stay for pets!This is also a good option for dogs who may have a history of escaping or need an above-average amount of exercise or require additional care. Read more about finding the right boarding for your pet here.
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Dog Daycare
Your furry friend can spend the day at a carer’s home, or if your dog is well-mannered and plays well with other dogs, a dog daycare centre could be the paw-fect solution to give them socialisation and playtime!Read more about the signs of good dog play here
When choosing a dog daycare service, ensure the facility assesses your dog’s sociability with other dogs and their play style, done by a qualified force-free trainer, to determine if this service is suitable for your furry friend. Start with a two-hour trial visit where you observe how your dog interacts with others, preferably out of sight of your dog. For puppies, supervised puppy playgroups are an excellent option for socialisation and learning to extend their puppy training.
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Dog Walking/Training Walks
Does your dog need some exercise and training while you're busy? Professional dog walkers or qualified force-free trainers can take your dog for regular walks, providing them with stimulation, socialisation, and even some basic training.
Boo, Darcey and friend on a walk with their minder.
If your dog prefers a quieter or slower pace, solo or senior walks cater to their specific needs. Depending on your dog's socialisation level and preferences, you can choose between small group walks or larger playdates with other furry friends.
Here you can find neighbours who may be able to lend you a hand with walking your dog.
Ultimately you know your dog best and will be able to decide which of these options is best for your furry friend. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or they are used to having you around often, it would be best to consult with a vet to explore alternative options such as house-sitting or a trusted family member or friend staying with your pet. Similar to daycare services, a short trial is recommended to see how your dog interacts with the potential carer and or other pets if relevant.
Des, adopted via Home2Home.
Holistic care
Groomers
Curly, straight, short or long hair, a groomer is your pet’s go-to for making them look and feel their absolute best. These professionals know what to do with the most troublesome knots, shedding hair, dull coats, dirty ears and taming those long nails.
Choosing a groomer for your pet can be daunting. It’s important that a groomer is properly educated and committed to providing a force-free approach for a positive experience. If they have a certification, even better.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out if a dog groomer service is right for you. Request a tour around the facility before booking an appointment; assess the comfort of pets awaiting grooming, the overall hygiene, and the condition of grooming tools used.
Mash, enjoying her hydrotherapy session.
Veterinary physiotherapy
Much like its role in human healthcare, physiotherapy can also be helpful to our four-legged companions. In the world of pets, physiotherapy can help in various scenarios, such as post-surgery rehabilitation, managing age-related conditions, aiding in injury recovery, preventing future injuries, boosting athletic performance and providing support for patients undergoing cancer treatment and recovery.
Hydrotherapy is a tool used by veterinary physiotherapists, where they use an underwater treadmill for a pet rehabilitating from a variety of surgeries or a pet with joint pain or disease.
Read more about finding a fear-free vet here.
Banner image: Djok, adopted thanks to Dogs4Jobs.