Manly · Whangaparāoa · Hibiscus Coast

A home away from home for your dog

Daycare, overnight and holiday stays with Sam, Dobby and Bailey. A fully fenced garden, comfy couches, and photo updates so you never have to wonder.

Bailey, a fluffy white Pekingese, grinning with her tongue out on a sunny lawn while Dobby the dachshund runs up behind
10+ years · Pet first aid trained
Services & prices

How Sam can help

Small and medium dogs only, never more than three guests at a time, and someone is always home with them.

Daycare

$45 per day

Off to work or out for the day? Your dog gets garden play, company and naps instead of waiting by the door.

  • Regular weekday spots, e.g. every Tuesday and Thursday
  • Drop off and pick up whenever suits you
  • A photo update during the day

Overnight stays

$50 per night

Sleepovers the way your dog likes them: on the couch, in their own bed, or snuggled up on Sam's. No kennels, no cages.

  • Second dog $45 a night
  • Photo updates every day

Holiday stays

$50 per night

Going away for a week or three? Your dog settles into a real family home while you relax, with regular photo updates.

  • Second dog $45 a night
  • Christmas fills fast, so book early

Price list

ServicePrice (NZD)
Daycare$45 / day
Regular weekday daycare (same days each week)$45 / day
Overnight stay$50 / night
Holiday stay$50 / night
Each extra dog from the same family (overnight)$45 / night
Giving medicationIncluded
Bath before going homeIncluded

Payment is by bank transfer and due the day before the booking starts. No deposit needed.

Sam smiling under a big tree in the park, holding Dobby the dachshund and Bailey the Pekingese
About Sam

Hi, I'm Sam

I've been looking after dogs for more than ten years, and I still get excited every time a new pup walks through the door.

A real home, not a kennel. Your dog stays with us in our home in Manly, Whangaparāoa. There's a good-sized, fully fenced garden to play in, and inside they can sleep wherever they're comfiest: their own bed, the couch, or curled up on mine.

I take up to three dogs at a time, and only small and medium dogs. That keeps things calm, safe and friendly, and every dog gets plenty of attention.

We're always home. Your dog is never left alone for the day. There's always someone here to keep them company, give them a cuddle and let them out in the garden.

  • Pet first aid trained and police checked
  • Medication given as directed, baths included
  • Photo updates throughout every stay
  • Drop-off and pick-up at times that suit you
The welcoming committee

Meet Dobby & Bailey

Every great stay needs a welcome. Dobby (a dachshund) and Bailey (a Pekingese) are both 10 and have seen it all. They're gentle, patient, and very serious about nap time. They'll show your dog the best sunny spots in the garden.

Dobby and Bailey live here, so they don't count towards the three guest spots.

Bailey, a white Pekingese, and Dobby, a black and tan dachshund, sitting side by side on a bed looking up at the camera
How it works

How booking works

  1. Send an enquiry

    Check the calendar and send the dates you need. It's an enquiry, not a booking yet.

  2. Sam replies

    Sam checks the dates and the dogs already staying, then lets you know if she can say yes.

  3. Meet & greet

    New dogs pop round first so everyone can sniff each other out. Just arrange a time with Sam on WhatsApp.

  4. Pay & drop off

    Pay by bank transfer the day before, drop off any time that suits, then enjoy the photo updates.

Reviews

What dog owners say

16 five-star reviews from happy families.

Sam took great care of Jake. It is a relief to know your dog is being well looked after.
★★★★★Pam · Jake · Dog boarding · Mar 2026
Thank you for looking after Mocha for a period of time. Appreciate your warmth extended to Mocha!
★★★★★Keiko · Mocha · Dog boarding · Feb 2026
We have been so lucky to have Sam and her family look after our Beau. She goes above and beyond, treating her visitors as part of her family. We had regular updates and pictures, which is so reassuring when leaving your fur baby. I have no hesitation leaving Beau with Sam at any time and wouldn't leave her anywhere else. It is like a home from home.
★★★★★Rachael · Beau · Dog boarding · Jan 2026
Tails were wagging when we came back. Thanks Sam!
★★★★★Zasha · Doggy daycare · Dec 2025
I'm so grateful to have found Sam to look after Coco for the day! She was incredibly accommodating, especially when I had to pick Coco up quite late. Sam kept me updated with messages and photos, and since it was Coco's first time, she sat with her at mealtime to help her settle. Coco played non-stop with Bailey and Dobby and came home happy, relaxed and completely worn out. Highly recommend Sam!
★★★★★Connie · Coco · Doggy daycare · May 2025
Sam was very accommodating and very helpful. Arlo had a great time and enjoyed the company. Thank you!
★★★★★Hima · Arlo · Dog boarding · May 2025
Read all 16 reviews
My partner and I are truly grateful to Sam and her family for taking really good care of our little Eevee. Eevee looks brighter, healthier, happier and honestly well rested! She adjusted really well with Sam and her family. Highly recommend.
★★★★★John · Eevee · Dog boarding · Nov 2024
Sam and family were great. Zeus looked like he was at home in all the pictures we received. He was happy and relaxed when we collected him. Will definitely use them again.
★★★★★Grant · Zeus · Dog boarding · Oct 2024
Brilliant care and updates as usual. Hugo always has the best time, thanks Sam!
★★★★★Jessamyn · Hugo · Dog boarding · Oct 2024
Stella is a timid wee dog, so finding someone who would look after her was key. Sam was fantastic and the communication was excellent. I would certainly recommend Sam and would place Stella with her again.
★★★★★Val · Stella · Dog boarding · Oct 2024
Our pooch always enjoys going to Sam's. They are lovely people and look after him well.
★★★★★Harry · Dog boarding · Feb 2024
Sam instantly put us at ease and made the whole (daunting) process of being a first-timer a breeze. The meet and greet was great to see how our pup got along with their dogs. The communication and photos meant we could enjoy our holiday without wondering if our dog was having a good time. Highly recommend!
★★★★★Rachel · Dog boarding · Feb 2024
As anxious pet-parents we felt totally relaxed leaving Rupert with Sam, as she is just so lovely. She also sent regular photos and messages that were very much appreciated. Our pooch was pampered like one of Sam's family. We'd highly recommend her :)
★★★★★Vanessa · Rupert · Dog boarding · Oct 2023
Sam looked after our two dogs Chester and Sadie for 7 days. We felt comfortable as soon as we had our initial meet and greet. We got regular updates and photos, which was great. Will definitely use Sam's services again.
★★★★★Mark · Chester & Sadie · Dog boarding · Oct 2023
Sam is an excellent host. Everything about Alfie's stay was first class. Highly recommend Sam to anyone. Our Alfie clearly loved staying with Sam and her family.
★★★★★Michael · Alfie · Dog boarding · Sep 2023
Nova had a great time staying with Sam. We will definitely come back and love the service Sam provided.
★★★★★Ming · Nova · Dog boarding · Sep 2023
FAQ

Good questions

Which dogs can stay?

Small and medium dogs who are friendly with other dogs and comfortable in a busy family home. Every new dog comes for a meet & greet first.

What vaccinations do you need?

Up-to-date vaccinations, including kennel cough, plus current flea and worming treatment.

Where will my dog sleep?

Wherever they're comfiest. Their own bed, the couch, or on Sam's bed.

What should I bring?

Your dog's food, any medication with clear instructions, and a favourite toy or blanket if it helps them settle.

When can I drop off and pick up?

Any time that suits you. Just let Sam know roughly when to expect you.

Is my booking confirmed when I send the form?

Not yet. The form is an enquiry. Sam checks her calendar and the dogs already staying, then replies to accept or decline. Your booking is confirmed once she says yes.

Can my dog come on the same days every week?

Yes. Regular weekday daycare is popular, for example every Monday or every Tuesday and Thursday. Choose "Regular weekday daycare" on the enquiry form and tick your days.

How do I arrange a meet & greet?

Message Sam on WhatsApp and pick a time that suits you both. Every new dog has one before their first stay.

How do I pay?

By bank transfer. Sam sends the details once your booking is confirmed, and payment is due the day before the booking starts.

Will I get updates?

Yes. Sam sends photos during every stay so you can see your dog having a good time.

Can you give medication?

Yes, at no extra cost. Just hand it over with clear instructions for the dose and times.

Booking enquiry

Got dates in mind?

Check the calendar, then send Sam your dates. She'll review your enquiry and reply to accept or decline. New to Sam's? Message her on WhatsApp to arrange a meet & greet.

Month

Available Limited spots Fully booked
Booking enquiry
Service

This is an enquiry, not a confirmed booking. Sam will reply to accept or decline. For a meet & greet, just message Sam on WhatsApp.