Small Dog Daycare in Darlinghurst — A Day at Darlo Dogs
Small Dog Daycare in Darlinghurst - A Day at Darlo Dogs
Step inside Darlo Dogs and you’ll be greeted by a few excited barks and happy little snuffles as today’s crew spots a friend arriving — but it doesn’t take long before the room settles into a calm, happy rhythm.
Lola Bear is already doing her signature tail helicopter, Fritz’s curled up in his sunny corner waiting for morning cuddles, and Maddie — naturally — is on greeter duty at the door. Around here, every pup has their quirks, and we love them all for it.
This isn’t “just” daycare.
This is their second home.
We don’t believe in throwing puppies straight into the deep end.
Instead, we:
- Create a quiet, sectioned off space so your puppy can explore and sniff and settle after you leave.
- Carefully observe their demeanour and confidence levels.
- Introduce one calm dog with similar energy (it’s overwhelmning when everyone says hello at once)
- Gradually introduce the rest of the group when they’re ready
During Their Time With Us, Your Puppy Will:
- Build confidence through positive, guided socialisation
- Learn safe play and polite dog manners
- Enjoy enrichment in a way that supports their developing nervous system, with rest breaks
Starting young helps puppies transition into daycare smoothly and learn to genuinely enjoy socialising — setting them up for years of happy, well-balanced adventures.
Puppies Welcome
Those early weeks shape everything.
That’s why we welcome puppies after their second vaccination — when your vet says they’re ready for short walks on concrete, but not quite the grass yet.
Between 10–16 weeks is a crucial developmental window. The experiences your puppy has during this time can shape their confidence, social skills, and relationship with the world around them.
At Darlo Dogs, we make those first introductions calm, positive and never overwhelming.
Starting out and want to know how to set your puppy up for life?
Our comprehensive Social Stars: Playbook to Socialising your Puppy has all the tips your need.
Understanding their needs from the beginning
Tips on introducing new friends
Setting boundaries for a calm and confident dog
Socialising your puppy is more than just play; it’s a crucial step that sets them up for a happy, well-adjusted life. We absolutely love watching puppies learn and grow each day at our daycare. With a personal touch, we nurture each puppy’s unique needs, helping them thrive in their own special way. Download your free copy today!
For Newcomers
We understand that daycare isn’t the right fit for every dog — and that’s completely fine. That’s why we begin with two FREE 1.5-hour trial sessions, giving them time to settle in and feel at ease in our space.
From there, we’ll work with you to find the schedule that suits them best.
A Day in the Life
No two days at Darlo Dogs are ever quite the same, but here’s a little peek at what your pup can expect:
Tail wags and morning greetings as the crew settles in
Playgroups matched by personality, temperament, and energy
Enrichment games to keep curious little minds buzzing
Outdoor sniff-ventures
Proper downtime — because even busy paws need breaks
Cuddles, belly rubs, and bonus smooches (strictly optional, but highly encouraged 🐾)
And through it all, we’re right there — watching, guiding, and celebrating every little win. From Penny’s first wait at the gate to Miffy finally joining a playgroup after weeks of quiet observing, we’re here for all the moments.
Experienced & Passionate Dog Handlers
If you can find a bigger pack of dog lovers than our experienced team, we’d like to meet them! Through careful selection and rigorous training, our passionate and caring team is able to provide the best dog day care in Sydney.
FAQ
We open at 7:30am and once everyone has been checked in the day will begin!
Half dayers will join in from 7:30am or 10am.
Depending on which dogs are in that day your dog will join in a group with a similar energy level. This may change multiple times throughout the day.
There will be play, stimulating games, wee walks, some rest and chill, some more running, more play and of course 100% no nasty tasty treats for positive behaviour. (with your permission)
Our aim at Darlo Dogs is not to run the dogs ragged but for them to leave suitably exercised and content. This makes for a well balanced dog.
Pick up for you dog is anytime before 6:00pm. This gives us a chance to clean efficiently, set up for a new day and gives us sufficient time to recharge for the next days fun and frivolities.
No. We welcome all dogs as most start from 10/11 weeks old. However, as with all dogs, there is a strict temperament test before being allowed to join in the fun. We have the right to refuse any dog due to aggression or anti social behaviour.
Once you’ve decided to join Darlo Dogs head to the “Join the Family” button at your convenience. Choose the day and time that suits you for your temperament trial.
Complete the one time form and agree to the “Terms & Conditions”.
To book an exclusive daycare spot you must pre-pay as a casual or buy a credit pack (becomes cheaper too!) and then book the space online. We cap numbers for the safety of all dogs and staff.
All new dogs are required to undertake a temperament test before being allowed to join in the fun. This helps us understand if a dog is suitable to the daycare environment.
The safety of all dogs and carers is our number one priority! We have a designated ‘time out’ space where dogs are placed for a short while if they show any signs of anti-social , aggressive behaviour or their energy gets too high.
Over excitement permitted I mean, who doesn’t get over excited occasionally?
Aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Most certainly! Our team will always be watching, interacting, cuddling or playing with the dogs.
We have created a safe and positive environment exclusively for small breed puppies to learn vital social skills in a controlled environment.
They certainly will! They will go on walks to the local parks and have short visits to the closest trees during the day. For younger puppies and inside dogs we have real grass inside! (trialling.. so far so good!)
We open at 7:30am and once everyone has been checked in the day will begin!
Half dayers will join in from 7:30am or 10am.
Depending on which dogs are in that day your dog will join in a group with a similar energy level. This may change multiple times throughout the day.
There will be play, stimulating games, wee walks, some rest and chill, some more running, more play and of course 100% no nasty tasty treats for positive behaviour. (with your permission)
Our aim at Darlo Dogs is not to run the dogs ragged but for them to leave suitably exercised and content. This makes for a well balanced dog.
Pick up for you dog is anytime before 6:00pm. This gives us a chance to clean efficiently, set up for a new day and gives us sufficient time to recharge for the next days fun and frivolities.
They crave social interactions and thrive in the company of other dogs.
They need social interactions so they don’t become reactive, miss dog cues when meeting others or become aggressive when they don’t understand. Critical for young puppies to grow into well balanced adult dogs.
Being alone for long stretches, they are likely to get bored and up to mischief!
We accept puppies once they are sufficiently vaccinated to be around other fully vaccinated dogs. This is when you vet says they can walk on the footpath but not yet ready for the grass.
We will spend a few minutes with you and your dog when you first arrive before allowing them to join the daycare group. We separate the pen and give them a chance to settle in with us before introducing them to a dog with a similar energy level. When they are ready they’ll join the others. .
We aren’t just looking for potential aggressive tendencies but also signs that your dog may be too anxious in a daycare scenario. The last thing we want is to make the whole experience traumatic for your dog and leave them with long lasting issues. Some puppies and dogs may take more than one visit to feel comfortable. We want them to have the best fun and every visit a positive one!
All new dogs are required to undertake a temperament test before being allowed to join in the fun. This helps us understand if a dog is suitable to the daycare environment.
The safety of all dogs and carers is our number one priority! We have a designated ‘time out’ space where dogs are placed for a short while if they show any signs of anti-social , aggressive behaviour or their energy gets too high.
Over excitement permitted I mean, who doesn’t get over excited occasionally?
Aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
Puppy’s are welcome from 10 weeks of age and once your vet has said they’re able to socialise around other fully vaccinated dogs. When they’re okay to walk on concrete but not the grass.
It is a requirement that dogs older than 12 weeks of age are up to date with their C3/C5 and Kennel Cough vaccinations. We understand that an annual vaccination program may not suit all dogs or owners so a copy of their titre test results showing sufficient immunity will also be adequate.
In order to prevent the spread of fleas and worms between dogs at daycare, all dogs must be up to date with flea and worming treatments in order to be eligible for daycare or grooming. Fleas, like nits for kids at school love spreading the love amongst their hosts.
Yes, once a new puppy or dog is given the chance to settle in and, when they’re ready, they will join the rest of pack.
We will feed your puppy if they eat during the day. Please bring their food so they don’t get an upset tummy trying something new. They will be taken to a separate area and allowed to eat without distractions. You can also add on ‘Lunch’ to a booking and they will be given a size appropriate scoop of Ziwipeak.
With your permission pups will be rewarded for positive behaviour with our 100% natural treats.
Our approach is to always reward, distract and encourage positive behaviour.
Yes. We offer drop-off’s by foot and are $28 for up to 10 mins walk from Daycare.
You want a well balanced, confident and socialised little buddy. Small dog puppies are just that.. small. Tiny in some cases, so a safe place to learn and play is perfect! Everyone deserves a break from one of the daily park runs once in a while, don’t they? You not them!
Ready to play?
We can’t wait to meet you!
