What makes Newcastle Pet Resort different from other dog facilities?

We're not just a dog kennel - we're a social-first dog resort that truly cares about you and your dog. We don't just want to take your money; we want to ensure you, your dog, and your family are living a balanced, happy life. Every pup must pass our Facility Entrance Assessment, and we provide daily updates with photos so you can see exactly how your fur baby spends their day.

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Does my dog need an assessment before joining?

Yes, every dog must complete our mandatory Facility Entrance Assessment (FEA) before joining. This ensures we're the best place for your pup and helps us understand their personality and social comfort level. We use a "Traffic Light" system - Green (thrives), Yellow (needs guidance), or Red (not suitable for group play).

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What if my dog isn't social with other dogs?

Not all dogs are social on the level of group play, and that doesn't mean they're a bad dog - their limitations are just different. If your pup receives a "Red" assessment, we'll refer you to a dog trainer or behaviorist to help understand your pup's social needs better.

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How do you group dogs for play?

We thoughtfully match playgroups based on energy and personality. If your dog is shy, we won't put them with very confident, energetic dogs. Instead, we'll group them with calmer dogs who will let them follow along and build confidence gradually. We may have 5-6 dogs or 10-15 dogs in a group, depending on each pup's comfort level.

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Are there any hidden costs or extra fees?

No HIDDEN costs - what you see is what you get! We don't charge extra for medication, extra meals, bringing your own food, or Facebook photos. The only optional extra is a warm hydro bath & blow dry. If your dog needs medication three times a day or extra cuddles, you're not charged (We do charge extra for Un-desexed dogs over 12 months of age & if your pooch is Assessed as a "Yellow" dog as extra consideration is needed when socialising these dogs).

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Will I get updates about my dog during the day?

Absolutely! We upload photos to Facebook every afternoon showing your pup having fun. You'll see proof of how they spend their day, and we provide feedback about their social interactions and any observations we make.

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Do you offer transport services?

Yes! We have three "school buses" that pick up and drop off pups. You'll receive SMS notifications when your fur baby is collected and when they're dropped home. Our vans are specially fitted with internal crates for safety, and we can access all crates from three different doors.

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My dog sleeps on the bed with me - how will they cope overnight?

Nearly every dog that comes here is a "bed pup." Each dog has their own bedding (you can bring theirs if preferred), and because they're mentally and physically exhausted from play and enrichment, they're ready to sleep and dream about their new friends. 

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What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while in your care?

We want to have transparent conversations about our processes. We'll contact you immediately and discuss what happened and what we're doing about it. We have 24/7 cameras with sound to monitor all dogs, and we want to make sure we're on the same page about your dog's care.

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Do you offer airport transfers?

Yes! If your pooch is staying with us, we offer complimentary airport transfers to Newcastle Airport (conditions apply). We'll drive you to the airport in your own car, park it securely at our facility, then pick you up when you return. Because we're family, and family helps family.

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What training do your staff receive? 

Our staff are trained on the job and with specialized training from "the dog gurus" - leaders of doggy daycare in America. They're trained to understand dog behaviour, manage playgroups safely, and help dogs develop proper social manners and bite inhibition.

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Can you help with my dog's behaviour issues?

Yes! We focus on teaching proper dog-to-dog play manners, appropriate greetings with people, and helping dogs become confident and balanced. We may suggest working with a third-party trainer or behaviourist alongside our staff to help your pup overcome specific challenges.

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What does a typical day look like for my dog?

Your pup will be with us from 7am to 6pm, participating in supervised playgroups matched to their personality and energy level. They'll learn social skills, get mental and physical stimulation, and receive individual attention from our caring staff. They'll go home tired, happy, and balanced.

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How do I know if Newcastle Pet Resort is right for my dog?

If you want your dog to become confident, well-mannered, and able to go anywhere with your family, we're perfect for you. We're ideal for busy working families, retirees who need occasional care, first-time dog parents learning about behaviour, and anyone who wants their pup to have proper socialisation in a supervised environment. We are honest about your dogs behaviour and will not put your pooch in a stressful or unsafe situation. Your dog will tell us if we are right for them!!

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What's your philosophy on dog care?

We follow " PLAY  STAY  LEARN "  focused on understanding each dog's play style, offering flexible stay options, and teaching dogs proper manners during the most effective times (when they're excited and playing). Every pup is loved like family, and every family gets the trust and transparency they deserve.

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