ANZAC Day Long Weekend Pet Boarding

ANZAC Day Long Weekend Pet Boarding for Small Dogs and Cats in Sydney

With ANZAC Day falling on Saturday 25 April this year and NSW observing an additional public holiday on Monday 27 April, many Sydney families are planning a well-earned long weekend away.

Whether you are heading up the coast, visiting relatives interstate or simply enjoying a few nights without the morning routine, one question tends to surface early in the planning: who will look after the dog or cat?

For owners of small and toy breed dogs under 10kg, finding the right boarding facility can feel like a challenge. Most boarding kennels cater to all breeds and sizes, which means your Cavalier King Charles, Maltese or Toy Poodle could end up sharing exercise yards with larger, more boisterous dogs. At SmallPaws Pet Hotel in Duffys Forest, that scenario simply does not exist.

Why the ANZAC Day Long Weekend Fills Up Fast

SmallPaws is a boutique pet hotel with a maximum capacity of just 20 guests at any one time. That intimate size is one of the reasons pet owners across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore and Eastern Suburbs choose SmallPaws year after year. It is also the reason availability during long weekends and school holidays tends to disappear quickly.

The ANZAC Day long weekend is one of the busiest booking periods of the year. With three days off work and the autumn weather still mild enough for a getaway, demand for quality pet boarding spikes.

If you are considering a trip over the long weekend, booking sooner rather than later is the best way to secure your preferred accommodation.

We only have a few spots left! So we are encouraging our Dog and Cat Guests to book in advance to ensure they do not get disappointed if they miss out., says Kait, SmallPaws

What Makes SmallPaws Different from Traditional Kennels?

SmallPaws is not a traditional boarding kennel. It is Sydney’s only 5-star boutique pet hotel that exclusively caters to small dogs under 10kg and cats. Every aspect of the facility has been designed with smaller pets in mind, from the size-matched socialisation groups to the climate-controlled indoor playroom – the only one of its kind in Sydney.

Guests enjoy six hours of outdoor play each day in naturally grassed exercise areas, two hours of one-on-one enrichment activities, and accommodation in individual climate-controlled suites. All boarding rates are fully inclusive, with no hidden charges for oral medication administration, senior dog care or special diets when owners provide food.

With a 6:1 staff-to-guest ratio and qualified veterinary nurses on staff, SmallPaws provides a level of personalised attention that larger facilities simply cannot match. The team has over 50 years of combined experience and many staff members have been with SmallPaws for years, so returning guests are greeted by familiar faces.

Dog and Cat Boarding Options

SmallPaws offers four tiers of dog accommodation, ranging from The Lodge at $86 per day (off-peak, shared occupancy) to the luxurious Pucci Suites at $148 per day (off-peak, solo). Long weekend bookings typically fall under peak pricing, so check the website or call reception on 02 9450 1579 for current availability and rates.

Cat owners can choose from six accommodation levels in the dedicated cat wing, which is completely separated from the dog areas. Cat boarding starts from $44 per day (off-peak) for The Apartment, through to $66 per day (off-peak) for The Presidential Suite. All cat guests enjoy two hours of daily solo access to a fully covered secure play area, climate-controlled suites maintained at 22 degrees, and classical music playing at all times.

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Boarding Stay

If you are planning to book your small dog or cat in for the ANZAC Day long weekend, here are a few things to organise in advance:

• Vaccinations need to be up to date. Dogs require a C5 vaccination and cats require an F3 vaccination, both administered at least seven days before the boarding stay begins. If your pet has not been vaccinated recently, book in with your vet now to allow enough lead time.
• All dogs over six months must be desexed, and current flea and tick treatment is required for both dogs and cats. If your pet takes oral medication, SmallPaws will administer it at no extra charge – just bring it along with clear dosage instructions.
• For pets who have not boarded before, SmallPaws offers private tours by appointment during school term, Tuesday to Saturday between 1pm and 2pm. A tour is a great way to see the facility, meet the team and help your pet feel comfortable with the environment before their stay.

Client Testimonial – Dog Owner

“We have been using SmallPaws Hotel since we got our puppy Charlie two years ago.  We use them nearly every second month as we are grey nomads and are traveling constantly. The team at SmallPaws provide myself and my husband complete peace of mind knowing that we can leave our dog Charlie in their care. We now have our friends and families dogs also going to SmallPaws – we highly recommend their service!” – Sue and David Cunningham and Pooch Charlie

Client Testimonial – Cat Owner

“The end-to-end experience at Small Paws has been fantastic! We love that their costs are all inclusive, so we can drop our Cat Ziggy off with his special diet, and we do not have to pay extra for him to have his own food! We love the attention to detail that Tracey and the team offer at Small Paws and it is fully air-conditioned and heated!” Jenny Clarke and Cat Ziggy

Do Not Leave It Too Late

SmallPaws’ boutique capacity means there are only 20 spots available at any one time. Long weekends are among the first periods to book out each year, and the ANZAC Day weekend is no exception. If you are thinking about heading away between Friday 25 April and Monday 27 April, the time to book is now.

To make a booking enquiry, visit smallpaws.com.au/make-a-booking or call reception on 02 9450 1579. If you would prefer to see SmallPaws in person first, book a tour.

SmallPaws also offers a Pet Taxi service covering the Northern Beaches, North Shore and Eastern Suburbs, so getting your pet to and from Duffys Forest is taken care of too.

“We love that the majority of our Guests are returning, and we get to know them so well, and what their individual needs and wants are – no to Guests are the same, and we cater to what each Dog and Cat Guest requires.”, Kait, SmallPaws