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.
Where Play Meets Purpose
At Darlo Dogs, we’re not about cramming a bunch of small dogs into a room and hoping they figure it out. Every pup’s day is thoughtfully designed — without losing the magic of letting dogs be dogs.
We create playgroups matched by temperament and energy, not size — giving pups the chance to learn, socialise, and build confidence in a safe, supervised way. Some love a cheeky wrestle, some prefer gentle nose-to-nose sniffs, and some are happiest tucked up next to a buddy for quiet companionship.
No chaos. No cages. Just a calm, happy space where every dog can thrive in their own way.
Baby Puppies, Big Milestones
Those early weeks shape everything. That’s why we created the Baby Puppy Social Club — a gentle, five-session introduction to the big wide world for pups aged 10–16 weeks.
Your puppy will:
Build confidence through positive socialisation
Learn safe play and polite puppy manners
Be gently introduced to early grooming
Experience enrichment without overwhelm
Starting them young helps them settle into daycare naturally and enjoy every visit — setting them up for years of happy, stress-free adventures.
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 know daycare isn’t the right fit for every dog — and that’s okay. That’s why we start with a gentle 3-hour trial to help your pup settle in and make sure they’re comfortable in our space.
After that, we’ll work with you to find the rhythm that suits them best — whether it’s once-a-week playdates, a few regular social days, or a full schedule of enrichment and fun.
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.
Why Pawrents Choose Darlo Dogs
When your pup spends the day with us, they’ll:
Build confidence in a safe, loving environment
Make friends and learn social skills naturally
Enjoy balanced days filled with play, rest, and enrichment
Come home happy, fulfilled, and ready for cuddles
Because at Darlo Dogs, it’s not just about caring for dogs.
It’s about knowing them, loving them, and helping them flourish.
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!
