The Contented Canine

nelson’s only dog daycare exclusively for the smaller breeds

about us

The Contented Canine is a specialised daycare for small breed dogs. Our team is experienced & qualified in canine care and behavior. By combining what we know works well with the latest concepts in doggy daycare, we have created a fun, safe and structured environment. We can proudly offer an exceptional and different experience for the small dogs of Nelson and their families.

Meet The Team!

Anita- Owner

After seeing a need for a Dog Daycare dedicated to the needs of smaller sized Canines, Anita's ideas became reality, opening The Contented Canine in May 2020.
Anita's life long passion for dogs lead to her returning to study and completing a Cert in Veterinary Nursing in 2004.
For the following few years she gained valuable practical experience working as a Veterinary Nurse and running puppy classes at Victory Vets.
Attending many seminars & courses on Canine Behaviour confirmed her dream was to work full time with dogs and the next several years were spent building & running the luxury kennels, Canine Retreat in Wakefield.
Anita‘s wealth of knowledge and experience enhances our daycare dog’s lives, and supports owners in their understanding of their precious pups.

Olivia- Manager/Handler

We were excited to have Olivia join TCC in July 2020.
Olivia had previously spent five years in Auckland working in the dog industry. Her valuable experience working at doggy daycares, dog walking and with Raw Essentials has significantly benefited the TCC.
In 2021 while working as a Handler at TCC Olivia furthered her knowledge by completing a diploma in Veterinary Nursing Assistance.
Some of our clients with puppies may also recognize Olivia from the monthly puppy playgroups she runs for Canine Know How.
Alongside her extensive knowledge of dog behavior and health, Olivia also offers free kisses and cuddles to every and any dog that wants one.

Donna- Handler

Donna joined The Contented Canine in November 2020.
Before joining the team, Donna completed a certificate in Animal Care for Lifestyle Animals and had spent two years working at Natureland Wildlife Trust.
To further her Canine knowledge, she is also doing some part time work with Canine Know How.
Next to her hard work, Donna also sees the best in everyone and every dog

Cheri- Handler

Cheri joined the team in July, 2021.
Prior to moving to Nelson, Cheri completed a certificate in Animal Care for Companion Animals.
She then continued to work in the dog industry, taking dog training classes, dog walking and managing a doggy daycare in Wellington.
Not only does Cheri bring extensive knowledge on dog behavior and training, she provides heaps of fun & entertainment for both the humans and the dogs!

Our Services

a different kind of daycare

We believe in getting to know dogs as individuals and engaging them physically, mentally & emotionally in activities they enjoy.

Dogs can find the lack of structure and the large groups in traditional daycares overwhelming and overstimulating. The Contented Canine is an activity & enrichment based daycare. We carefully select play buddies and have smaller playgroups, so the dogs get to enjoy quality play and individual attention.

Our centre can be divided into multiple play spaces. Small groups and individuals can have their own space to enjoy puzzles, training games & activities for mental exercise, helping to build their confidence and self control.

Our aim is for owners to collect a physically & mentally contented canine after a day with us!

Newly renovated facility

Our newly renovated facility is bright, sunny & spacious. With both indoor and outdoor spaces designed especially for the comfort and safety of small canines.

free trial

We are proud of our centre and services, by offering a free trial it gives you the opportunity to become acquainted with what we offer.

During this session we observe how your dog responds to the daycare environment and we are able to make sure we are a good fit for your dog.

Give us a try and see what makes our daycare different, free of charge.

Specifications

We love all shapes & sizes of dogs and believe everyone can be friends. However we know how interacting with large breed dogs in a group situation can be overwhelming for the smaller canines.

To give the dogs joining us the best possible daycare experience, we are selective on the size (Cocker Spaniel size & smaller) and type of dogs that become part of The Contented Canine family.