AUSTRALIA'S MOST-LOVED PET CARE COMMUNITY
A proper day out for your dog. In a real home,
with a real dog lover.
Wagly Doggy Day Care places your dog in the home of a verified, passionate Pet Professional — not a commercial facility, not a kennel, not a cage. A real home where they can play, rest, explore, and be properly looked after while you get on with your day.
If you would prefer to chat to someone about what services and staff will best suit you or find out about becoming a WagLy pet professional, click below to book a chat.
Wag ly, Day Care
Dogs are social animals. They are not designed to spend eight hours alone on the couch waiting for you to come home. Day care gives them the stimulation, the company, and the care they need to be genuinely happy — and it means you come home to a settled, content dog rather than one who has been counting the minutes.
Wagly Day Care runs from 6am to 6pm, seven days a week. You choose the hours. We find your perfect local carer.
In a real home — not a kennel · 6am to 6pm flexible hours · Matched by size and energy · Verified and background checked · Photo updates throughout the day · Single or multi-dog bookings
IN A REAL HOME!
WHAT IS WAGLY DOGGY DAY CARE?
Not a facility. A home.
There is a fundamental difference between commercial day care and Wagly Day Care and it matters enormously to your dog.
In a commercial facility your dog is one of many — sometimes dozens — in a space designed for throughput, not comfort. There are staff rosters, noise levels, and management structures built around efficiency. Your dog is a booking number.
In a Wagly Day Care home your dog is a guest. The Pet Professional who hosts your dog has chosen to do this because they love dogs. Their home is set up for it — comfortable resting spaces, access to a garden or yard, enrichment activities, and the kind of one-on-one attention that a commercial facility simply cannot provide at scale.
Your dog knows the difference. And so will you, when you see the photos.
HOW THE MATCHING WORKS
Not every dog belongs together. We make sure yours is with the right ones.
Wagly Day Care hosts take a maximum of two dogs at any one time in a standard home setting — your dog and one other, or two dogs from the same family. This keeps the environment calm, manageable, and genuinely enjoyable rather than chaotic.
For Pet Professionals on acreage or larger properties with the right setup, we can arrange multi-dog day care with more than two dogs. These bookings are assessed individually and only approved for carers whose property and experience genuinely supports it.
When dogs from different families share a day care space we do not simply put them together and hope for the best. We match them carefully based on size — large dogs are not paired with tiny dogs unless we know both dogs well and the pairing makes sense.
We match on energy level — a high-drive working breed and a sleepy senior Labrador are not a natural match, no matter how lovely both dogs are.
We match on temperament — dogs who are known to be reactive, selective with other dogs, or have had previous issues need a carer and a pairing that accounts for that.
You tell us about your dog when you book — their breed, their size, their energy, how they go with other dogs — and we find a day care host and a companion pairing that actually works.
THE DAY CARE DAY
What your dog's day actually looks like.
Every dog is different and every day is shaped around the dogs who are there that day. But this is what a typical Wagly Day Care day looks like for your pet.
Morning arrival — from 6am
Drop your dog at your carer's home any time from 6am. Your carer is ready for them — calm, prepared, and ready to make the transition from your car to their home as smooth as possible. For dogs who have been before this moment is a tail-wagging reunion. For first timers there is always a meet and greet before the first booking so the environment is already familiar when the real day begins.
Morning activity
Drop your dog at your carer's home any time from 6am. Your carer is ready for them — calm, prepared, and ready to make the transition from your car to their home as smooth as possible. For dogs who have been before this moment is a tail-wagging reunion. For first timers there is always a meet and greet before the first booking so the environment is already familiar when the real day begins.
Morning activity
Once dogs are settled the day gets going. Depending on the dogs and the carer this might mean a morning walk through the neighbourhood, free play in the yard, enrichment games and puzzle toys, or simply the joy of a comfortable couch and another dog to lie next to. The morning is active and engaging — not just containment.
Rest and quiet time
Just like children, dogs need downtime during the day. Wagly Day Care carers set up comfortable, separate quiet spaces where dogs can rest, sleep, and decompress without being disturbed. A dog who has had proper rest time during the day is a calmer, happier dog at pickup. This is not an afterthought — rest is a deliberate part of the day.
Outings and adventures
Day care hosts can take dogs on outings during the day — local parks, walking trails, off-lead areas, café visits, and community explorations. These outings are planned around the dogs' energy levels and comfort and are always managed safely with the dogs' wellbeing as the priority. Every outing is tracked via our live GPS walk tracker so you can watch along in real time.
Photo updates throughout the day
You will hear from your carer during the day. A photo of your dog looking extremely pleased with themselves at morning tea. A video of the two dogs discovering they share a love of the same squeaky ball. A picture of your dog genuinely asleep with their new friend. These updates are one of the most loved parts of Wagly Day Care — they turn a workday into something genuinely enjoyable.
Evening pickup — by 6pm
Your dog needs to be collected by 6pm. This is not a hard cutoff designed to be inconvenient — it is a boundary that respects your carer's home and family, and ensures day care remains day care rather than unplanned boarding. If you know you need overnight care, our Home Boarding service is the right booking and your carer may be able to offer both.
If pickup is going to be after 6pm, please let your carer know in advance. Late pickups without notice are not fair to your carer and may not be possible to accommodate.
PRICING
Simple, transparent pricing. No surprises.
Hourly day care — $25 per hour
Pay for exactly the hours you need. Drop off at 8am, pick up at 2pm and pay for six hours. Drop off at 9am and pick up at 3pm and pay for six hours. The meter only runs while your dog is there. Minimum two hour booking applies.
Perfect for: part-time workers, school-run days, appointments that run longer than expected, or owners who need flexible care around a changing schedule.
Full day — $95
The simplest option. Drop off any time from 6am and pick up any time before 6pm and pay one flat rate. No watching the clock. No calculating hours. Your dog has a full day with their carer and you pay $95 regardless of when you arrive or leave within the 6am to 6pm window.
Perfect for: working days, full days away, regular weekly bookings, or anyone who wants maximum flexibility without watching the clock.
Regular booking discount
Book three or more days per week with the same carer and ask about our regular client rates. Consistency is wonderful for dogs — your dog settles faster, builds a genuine relationship with their carer, and gets progressively better care as the carer learns exactly what makes your dog tick.
Two dogs from the same family
Bringing two dogs? Day care for two dogs from the same household is available at a combined rate — ask at the time of booking. Keeping siblings or bonded pairs together during the day is one of the kindest things you can do for dogs who struggle when separated.
IS DAY CARE RIGHT FOR YOUR DOG?
Day care is wonderful for most dogs. Here's how to know if yours is one of them.
Your dog is going to love day care if:
They are social and enjoy the company of other dogs — day care with a compatible companion is genuinely enriching for social dogs who miss having company during the day.
They get bored or anxious at home alone — dogs who bark, chew, dig, or pace when left alone often transform completely in a day care environment. They have something to do, someone to be with, and no reason to be anxious.
They are full of energy and your schedule does not always allow for the exercise they need — a day in a home with a yard, a walk, and another dog to play with will channel that energy productively.
They are a puppy who needs socialisation and stimulation — early, positive experiences with other dogs in a safe, managed environment are invaluable for a young dog's development.
They are a family dog who is used to company and finds being alone all day genuinely distressing — day care replaces the company they are missing.
Day care may not be the right fit if:
Your dog is dog-reactive or has a history of aggression towards other dogs — please tell us this when you book.
We take it seriously and will work with you to find a day care placement that is appropriate, or recommend a solo pet sitting arrangement instead.
Your dog is very elderly, unwell, or recovering from surgery and needs a quiet, undisturbed environment — our in-home pet sitting service may be a better fit.
Your dog is extremely anxious in new environments — in this case we strongly recommend a meet and greet before any booking, and in some cases our in-home pet sitting service may be more appropriate.
If you are not sure, tell us about your dog when you enquire and we will give you an honest assessment.
We would rather help you find the right service than put your dog in a situation that does not work for them.
WHAT YOUR DAY CARE HOST WILL DO
More than babysitting. Genuine care, all day.
Your carer will:
Welcome your dog warmly and help them settle when they arrive ·
Provide fresh water at all times and feed according to your instructions ·
Set up comfortable resting spaces for quiet time during the day ·
Supervise all interaction between dogs at all times — dogs are never left unsupervised together ·
Take dogs on at least one outing or walk during the day unless you have requested otherwise ·
Send you photo updates throughout the day ·
Contact you immediately if anything concerns them ·
Have your vet contact details on hand at all times ·
Return your dog to you at pickup settled, tired, and happy
Your carer will not:
Leave dogs unsupervised together · Accept more dogs than agreed without prior notification ·
Leave dogs unattended for extended periods ·
Allow interactions with unknown dogs without careful management
WHAT TO BRING
A few things that will make your dog's day go smoothly.
Your dog's own food and feeding instructions if they eat during the day ·
Any medications they take during the day ·
Their favourite comfort item — a toy, a blanket, or something that smells like home, especially for first visits ·
Your vet's contact details ·
Up-to-date vaccination records or record of the 'Titre Test' your carer will ask to see this at or before the first booking ·
A collar with current ID tags ·
Written instructions for anything specific to your dog — feeding times, commands they know, things that upset them, things they love
MEET AND GREET
We strongly recommend meeting before the first booking.
A meet and greet before your dog's first day care session is one of the most valuable things you can do. It gives your dog the chance to visit the home, meet the carer, and potentially meet any other dogs in a relaxed, no-pressure setting before the real day begins.
Dogs who have had a meet and greet settle significantly faster on their first day care day. The home smells familiar. The carer is not a stranger. The other dog is not completely unknown. That head start makes an enormous difference to how quickly your dog relaxes and begins to enjoy themselves.
We offer meet and greets as a standard part of the Wagly Day Care booking process. They are short — usually 20 to 30 minutes — and they are worth every minute.
Two ways to book your Day Care
FOR PET OWNERS
Your dog's next great day starts here.
Tell us your suburb, the days you need, and a little about your dog.
We will find the right Wagly Day Care host in your neighbourhood and arrange a meet and greet before the first booking.
Every day care host is verified, background checked, and personally reviewed by our team. Your dog is going somewhere great.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK
FOR DOG LOVERS
FOR DAY CARE HOSTS
Love having dogs around? Earn money doing it.
If you work from home, have a suitable property, love dogs, and want flexible income doing something genuinely enjoyable — Wagly Day Care hosting could be perfect for you.
Set your own hours within the 6am to 6pm window, choose how many dogs you host, and build a regular client base of dogs who are genuinely excited to come back.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand this is a big decision! Hope we can answer some questions here for you.
What hours can I drop off and pick up?
Any time between 6am and 6pm. Your carer will confirm their specific preferences within that window but the day care window is always 6am to 6pm. Dogs must be collected by 6pm — if you need care beyond this time please book our Home Boarding service.
What if I am running late for pickup?
Please contact your carer as early as possible if you think you will be late. While we understand life happens, arrivals after 6pm without prior arrangement are not fair to your carer. If you regularly need later pickups, please speak to your carer about whether they offer boarding as well.
Can I book day care for two dogs from different families? Yes
Yes, subject to matching. We will assess both dogs — their sizes, breeds, energy levels, and temperaments — and confirm compatibility before placing them together. We do not guarantee two-dog placements from different families until we are satisfied the match is right for both dogs.
Can my dog attend day care every day?
Absolutely. Many Wagly Day Care dogs attend regularly — some every working day, some two or three days a week. Regular attendance is brilliant for dogs. They settle faster, form genuine bonds with their carer, and the carer gets to know them deeply over time. Regular bookings often qualify for discounted rates.
My dog is not great with other dogs. Can they still attend?
Tell us about your dog's history when you enquire and we will give you an honest assessment. Some dogs who are reactive on lead do beautifully in a home day care environment. Others genuinely are not suited to being with another dog. We will always be honest with you and help you find the right arrangement for your specific dog.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
Your dog must have had their puppy vax and 1st year booster before attending day care. After that if you choose not to vaccinate yearly we only require a 'Titre Test' so show their immunity is still active. Your carer will ask for proof of vaccination before or at the first visit. This protects your dog, the other dogs in care, and the carer's own pets if they have any.
What if something goes wrong during the day?
Your carer will contact you immediately if anything concerns them. For medical issues they will follow your instructions and contact your vet if needed. All Wagly Day Care carers have your emergency contact details and your vet's details before your dog arrives. You are always kept informed.
Is day care available on weekends and public holidays?
Day care availability is set by individual carers. Many Wagly carers are available on weekends and some on public holidays. Check availability at the time of booking and note that some carers may charge a public holiday surcharge.
Real pet lovers, right in your neighbourhood.
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