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.

Donna - Handler

Donna is our longest standing employee, having joined the team back in 2020! She has completed a certificate in Animal Care through Southern Institute of Technology and was a domestics keeper at Natureland Wildlife Trust before finding her true passion with our canine friends. She takes classes for Canine Know How and enjoys dog walks and furthering her knowledge in canine behaviour in her spare time. She has a wealth of experience so come and say hi!

Jess - Handler

Jess joined the team in February 2024. She completed a certificate in Animal Care (Companion Animals) through Otago Polytechnic with the intention of becoming a vet nurse. She became a canine attendant at the Nelson SPCA where she learned her true passion was dogs. She then had a change of scenery and was a domestics and native bird keeper at Natureland Wildlife Trust before joining us. She has done work with Dog Almighty and she assists Scent Class for Canine Know How. Her miniature schnauzer, Cricket, comes to play at daycare most days too!

Sara - Handler

Sara joined the team in 2023, coming to us from another doggy daycare in the Wellington region. She runs classes and walks through Canine Know How and is always looking for the next opportunity to soak up some dog knowledge. She has two gorgeous dogs, Moss and Max. Moss occasionally comes to daycare too!

Jayde - Handler

We welcomed Jayde to the team in July of 2024. She has completed a certificate in Animal Care (companion animals) with Jess through Otago Polytechnic. She continued on and completed a diploma in Veterinary nursing assistance. She has been on reception at Stoke Vets and also a dog walker extraordinaire for PetSitters. She has two gorgeous labradors at home, but hopes to make it three!

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.

Our Centre can be divided into multiple play spaces. Small groups and individuals can have their own space to enjoy one on one play, puzzles and 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.