Doggy day care

No one likes leaving their dog home alone all day, but most people don’t see any other option. Which is why French couple Olivier Duvillard and Michel Le Ma?e decided to open the dog day care centre For Dogs Sake.

Duvillard moved to Australia eight years ago and met Le Ma?e two days after he arrived. They’ve been together ever since. Both had glamorous jobs -“ Duvillard in marketing for L’Or?, while Le Ma?e worked in retail fashion and art -“ but their long hours in the office every day meant they couldn’t fulfil their dream of owning a dog.

When Duvillard resigned from his job a year ago to set up a business at home, Le Ma?e bought him a dog for Valentine’s Day -“ a Staffy named Pepita.

She was the one who really started it all, Duvillard said of Pepita. Because we loved her so much we wanted to do something with dogs.

The pair travelled overseas late last year to investigate their new business venture. During visits to New York, London and Paris they discovered doggy day care to be doing massive business, especially in the States.

For Dogs Sake, which opens this week, is located in a 400 square metre space on Cleveland Street, Chippendale, opposite Prince Alfred Park. There are three pens for different types of dogs -“ there’s one for large dogs, one for small dogs and one for quiet or older dogs.

There’s no point putting a tiny active terrier with an older Labrador who needs quiet time. Both dogs will not achieve optimal happiness, Duvillard said.

All dogs coming into the day care will be carefully screened by a certified dog trainer. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that each dog is safe and happy in its social surroundings.

The space has floor-to-ceiling windows and a mural painted by Mambo artist David McKay. The floor has been covered by a rubber material built for the comfort of dogs’ joints and is ideal for activity.

The centre caters for up to 60 dogs a day and includes dog activities like games and grooming, and all dogs are taken for a walk. There’s even a pick-up and drop-off dog shuttle. Full day care costs around $39.

Both Duvillard and Le Ma?e have been trained by the RSPCA and carers are also professionally trained. For more information check out www.fordogsake.com.au.