We have moved and settled into an Independent Living unit at The Haven Retirement Village.

The dog policy in the retirement villiage is that we have to apply for each dog to be allowed. If the doggie is desexed, small or medium size and not overly noisy there should not be any problem getting this approval. However we are only allowed to have one doggy at a time.

We have loved caring for guest doggies in our home for more than 9 years and over 150 different doggies have enjoyed their holidays with us, including many repeat guests.

Most of the time there is at least one of us at home as my husband is retired and I don't have a 'day job'. Your fur baby will not be left alone for long periods of time.  

We are an 'empty nest' couple with no pets of our own. We miss having our own doggie so we look forward to having guest doggies stay with us for a holiday when their family are away. Your doggie will get all our love, pats & cuddles and attention.  

The 'meet and greet' prior to the stay ensures peace of mind that your fur baby will be well cared for. This meeting is at our home so the doggie has a chance to explore and get familiar with where they will be staying, and you can see the security and comfort they will have. This usually takes around 30-45 minutes and we discuss:

• Does the doggie have any special needs or behavioural problems (eg separation anxiety or reactive to other dogs or people)
• Feeding details
• Where the doggie will sleep (anywhere except in or on our bed is available). A lot of doggies sleep on their bed on the floor next to our bed as they like to be close to us
• Exercise - What is the doggies usual exercise? We aim to give them the same amount of time eg 30 minutes walk daily, and/or play time/games, ball play and optional visits to the dog park or beach
• If the doggie likes car rides 
• Allergies? Likes and dislikes? Medication?
• Regular Vet's details

Although we only have a small backyard it has secure fencing and we have a doggy door so your fur-babies can go inside and outside as they please. We take the guest doggies for walkies or to the dog park or beach so although the yard is small, they will stil have exercise and enrichment times. We share the comfort of the inside of our home with our guests, so they enjoy a comfortable temperature and being close to us. 

We have a car available to take the doggie to the vet if needed.

We try and give our 'guests' similar rules as what they they have at home eg being allowed on sofas/lounges or not.

There is always shelter and access to water.

We can give the doggie a bath if needed (eg after going to the beach/park or if they get muddy or roll in somethinkg smelly).

Good communication is important so we share updates (with photos), during the homestay by MMS or email.

We can administer oral medication or insulin injections.

We only take one booking at a time.

No puppies - only adult doggies and up to 25kg maximum

Doggies vaccinations need to be up to date.

We have Police Checks.