The Dog Den’s fantastic location, opposite Countdown in Barry’s Point Rd makes dropping your dog off for the day, just a slight detour from your regular commute. The Dog Den is super close to all motorway on ramps and routes in and out of Takapuna.
The Dog Den is a North Shore family owned business that opened its doors in November. It’s a specifically designed centre to look after your dog providing day care, grooming, boarding, dog taxi and specialist food and accessories.
Dog lovers and owners Helen Miller and Steve Richardson say, “It took us nearly two years to find the right property and location, so we could deliver something different that’s stimulating, social, and safe with a convenient drop of point right in the heart of Takapuna.”
What sets The Dog Den apart is their desire to provide the most natural environment for dogs, and be as sustainable as possible and minimise the businesses environmental footprint.
The warehouse is flooded in natural daylight. “We have so many windows we don’t need lights on during the day,“ says Helen. "Our rubber floor is perfect for the dog’s feet, but also made from recycled tyres. Fences for play areas remind the dogs of their own gardens and are made from wood. A Central low energy roof ventilation fan provides airflow."
Steve says, “We also sell Roar and Good Noze, New Zealand owned natural dog foods, both with no additives, preservatives, or colouring. We sell and use biodegradable dog poop bags and we stock Wolves of Wellington brand of collars, leads and bandanas supporting New Zealand family businesses like our own.”
During the design process the couple consulted experts in dog behaviour and socialisation, members of the council’s animal management team and swapped notes with other dog day care owners. The Dog Den is fully compliant with the MPI code of welfare for dogs (Oct 2018), code of welfare temporary housing of companion animals (Oct 2018), and PIA Australia Dog day care guidelines.
The Dog Den aims to provide the best in space and stimulation for each dog and in staffing ratios. Steve and Helen’s first hire was group supervisor, Mariah Rich. She has a diploma in veterinary nursing and animal behaviour. Mariah is a passionate dog advocate, enthusiastic with an endless pool of ideas based on her vast experience. Calm but fun Mariah is truly remarkable with the dogs and their care.
Steve and Helen have a border terrier called Darby who was the inspiration for the new business and change of direction. In the past they used other dog day care centres because they got so busy running previous businesses, but they understood that "socialisation was so important for Darby and keeping him active and occupied," says Helen.
Helen and Steve live in Northcote Point, with kids at Westlake Girls and Willow Park schools. It really is a family business with twins Hannah and Zoe (13) squeezing in working at the Dog Den between North Harbour and Westlake basketball training sessions. Jamie (9) also helps out when not playing soccer for Glenfield Rovers or basketball for Willow Park. Steve and Helen play hockey for East Coast Bays and Steve has played for North Harbour masters too. A Harbour family through and through!
You are most welcome to drop by this convenient location and meet the family and the local team who love dogs.
The Dog Den Day Care, 23 Barry’s Point Rd, Takapuna, Phone 486 0575.
Opening Hours – Monday to Friday 6:30am - 6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am - 4pm
www.thedogden.co.nz
