Awarded 'Best Dog Daycare in the City of Merri-Bek for 2024'
Quality Business Awards Australia
Enrolment & Bookings
Our Requirements
- All dogs must be up to date with C5 vaccinations. Proof is required upon enrolment.
- Triennial vaccinations are accepted, however Kennel Cough vaccinations must be updated yearly.
- Puppies must have had their final vaccination at least 10 days before attending.
- All dogs over the age of 12 months must be desexed (except in the case of a medical exemption).
- Female dogs that are not yet desexed must not attend daycare if they are in season.
How do I get started?
Easy peasy!
Step 1: Enrol your dog by completing our online enrolment form here.
Step 2: Our staff will be in contact with you shortly to organise your dog's first day with us.
Got questions? Want to organise a tour of our facilities before enroling? No problem! Contact us via phone or email and we will be happy to help.
Your Dog's First Day
On your dog's first day, you will be met by one of our friendly staff in our reception area. Please ensure that your dog is wearing a collar/harness and is on lead. You do not need to bring anything for your dog - we have plenty of bedding, toys and treats for everyone!
After saying goodbye, it is time for your dog to meet their new playmates! Our qualified carers closely monitor the body language and behaviour of your dog to determine when they are ready to join the group. If your dog requires their own space to watch for a while, some one-on-one dog introductions, or lots of pats and cuddles to feel comfortable, that is exactly what they will get! We never rush any dogs into joining the pack - we want daycare to be a positive experience for all.
When ready, your dog will be grouped with compatible doggy friends based on their temperament, play-style, confidence, energy levels and interests. Our staff are in attendance with each group of dogs at all times - at no time will your dog be left unsupervised. You can check in on how your dog is going via our regular video and photo updates on Facebook and Instagram. If there are any problems or your dog is not enjoying themselves, our staff will call you.
To read about how a typical daycare day runs, see A Day at Barks and Recreation.
Pick Up Time
When you arrive to pick up your dog, our staff will bring them out to meet you in our reception area. We will provide feedback about your dog's day and discuss their suitability to continue attending daycare with us. At the end of the day you will be emailed a highlight video of our day so that you can watch all of the fun your dog had with their new friends!
What happens next?
If your dog has fit in well and enjoyed their time with us, you will be added to our Barks and Recreation Members. You will receive an email with instructions for accessing our online booking system. You can now check availability and book and pay for daycare visits online. You may also wish to take advantage of a Barks and Recreation Subscription or purchase a Multi Visit Pass to save money off your visits!