What makes us different
SmallPaws Pet Hotel has been privately owned by the same family for over 30+ years, and providing high-quality, personalised pet care is at the heart of what we do. All staff members at SmallPaws are passionate animal lovers, and most members have their own dog or cat, and are expertly trained in animal care and welfare.
In addition to this, combining the tenure of the SmallPaws team, they boast a combined 50+ years working at SmallPaws Pet Hotel.
Unlike traditional boarding kennels, we pride ourselves in delivering the service that we market. Honesty and integrity are two of our key pillars, and our small team will always ensure that we exceed Owner expectations with the service that we provide to all our Guests.
Furthermore, our costs are all inclusive (inc. special diets, medication administration, senior guests, six hours of outside playtime, with two of the hours being spent with a SPPH Employee for stimulation, enrichment, and playtime), so there will be no hidden charges upon departure.
For both Cat and Dog guests, there are several levels of accommodation to choose from, which have been specially designed to harness the modern, rustic-rural charm of the SPPH property. Ranging from our more luxurious Pucci Suites that replicate a human bedroom for a true home-away-from-home experience for our Dog guests.
Or for our Cat guests we have the Presidential Suite that is a luxury, walk-in sized Suite with a private window looking onto our tranquil valley vista, offering plenty of sunlight and wildlife-gazing.
Please refer to Dog Holidays and Cat Holidays for detailed information on the accommodation that we have on offer.
Honesty and Integrity
Unlike traditional boarding kennels, we pride ourselves in delivering the service that we market.
Honesty and integrity are two of our key pillars, and our small team will always ensure that we exceed Owner expectations with the service that we provide to all our Guests.
Luxury accommodation optionsthe choice is yours
For both Cat and Dog guests, there are several levels of accommodation to choose from, which have been specially designed to harness the modern, rustic-rural charm of the SPPH property. Ranging from our more luxurious Pucci Suites that replicate a human bedroom for a true home-away-from-home experience for our Dog guests. Or for our Cat guests we have the Presidential Suite that is a luxury, walk-in sized Suite with a private window looking onto our tranquil valley vista, offering plenty of sunlight and wildlife-gazing.
Please refer to Dog Boarding and Cat Boarding for detailed information on the accommodation that we have on offer.
Doggy Day-care
SmallPaws Pet Hotel is also the only doggy day-care on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that cares exclusively for small/toy social dog breeds 10 kg and under, and that has outdoor grassed play-areas. For six hours of the day, our day-care Guests will be allocated a suitable group of other dog guests, which we base on age, size, and temperament. Please refer to Small Doggy Day-care for further information.
We've taken the eco-guilt out of traveling, as we're now powered by Solar!
Creating Sustainable Pet Holiday Experiences
In an era where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, the SmallPaws commitment to environmental sustainability continues to grow and flourish, with our latest (and biggest) endeavour in sustainability to-date. The goal being to create luxe, eco-experiences for our Guest’s to enjoy, and to remove any eco-guilt for their Owners.
With this, we are so happy to announce that this has finally come to fruition with the installation of a state-of-the-art Solar Power System in May of this year!
Here’s a preliminary snapshot of the environmental impact that the new SmallPaws Solar System will have:
- Saving the equivalent of 15,134 litres of petrol a year
- Planting the equivalent of 911 trees every year
- Avoiding coal being burnt to generate electricity of 17199 kgs per year
SmallPaws Pet Hotel vs Typical Competitors
| Feature | SmallPaws Pet Hotel | Typical Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership & Experience | Privately owned family business with 34+ years in operation, ensuring consistent standards and genuine care | Often part of chain or franchise with less personalised attention |
| Age & Tenure of Team | Staff with combined 50+ years of experience, highly focused on animal care and wellbeing | Staff turnover typically higher, resulting in less continuity in care |
| Breed/Size Specialisation | Exclusively small and toy dog breeds (under 10kg) and cats - Sydney's only specialist boutique pet hotel | Many competitors cater to all breed sizes, reducing specialised focus and expertise |
| All-Inclusive Pricing | No hidden costs; includes special diets, medication administration, senior guests, six hours outdoor play plus two hours enrichment activities | Extra charges frequently applied for diet changes, medication administration, and extended exercise |
| Outdoor Play & Enrichment | Large naturally grassed play areas, six hours of outside play daily, plus two hours one-on-one enrichment and social interaction | Outside play may be limited to brief yard time; enrichment often optional or not included in standard rates |
| Accommodation Standards | Multiple luxury tiers including Pucci Suites with premium features, all fully air-conditioned and heated for year-round comfort | Standard kennels often with fewer premium options or climate-controlled upgrades available |
| Climate Control | Indoor climate-controlled playroom - the only dog boarding facility in Sydney with this feature for rainy day comfort | Basic or no indoor climate-controlled play areas; dogs may miss exercise on poor weather days |
| Staff Qualifications | Qualified veterinary nurses on staff with 6:1 staff-to-guest ratio ensuring expert, personalised care | Basic carers with 20:1 ratios, limiting individual attention and medical expertise |
| Dining Experience | Gourmet Prime 100 meals served on ceramic bowls with freshly cooked chicken breast options | Standard kibble served in plastic bowls with limited premium meal choices |
| Grooming Services | Twice-daily spa services with complimentary spa bath before departure and Harlow Harry cologne spritz | Basic grooming or none included; bath services typically charged as extras |
| Guest Updates | Daily photos and reports keeping owners connected to their pets throughout their stay | Updates provided on request only, with limited photo sharing or communication |
| Facility Capacity | Maximum 20 boutique guests ensuring intimate, personalised attention for every animal | 50-100+ animals creating institutional atmosphere with reduced individual focus |
| Emphasis on Service & Integrity | Focus on honesty, integrity, transparency and delivering exactly what is promised with genuine family care | Service levels vary; operations may rely more on volume than personal care and relationship building |
| Environmental Commitment | Powered by solar energy, significantly reducing eco-footprint and demonstrating sustainability leadership | Many facilities do not highlight sustainability initiatives or ecological responsibility |
| Award Recognition | Northern Beaches Local Business Awards Winner 2023 and Finalist 2024, validating excellence in service | Limited or no industry recognition or awards for service excellence |
| Location & Setting | Peaceful bushland setting in Duffys Forest, providing tranquil environment away from city noise and traffic | Often located in industrial or high-traffic areas with increased noise and stress levels |