We are the amazing dog boarding kennel alternative that thousands of owners are raving about.
We welcome your dog into the home of a local dog lover just like you. We have carefully-screened minders all around Australia and, for your complete peace of mind, all our minders are fully insured.
Hi, I’m Jenny Brearley. If you’re feeling anxious about finding someone to look after your dog while you are away, I’m glad you found this website, because 23 years ago, I had the same problem. That’s why I started “Don’t Fret Pet!” — holiday dog minding.
You see, I felt terrible taking my eccentric Ridgeback, Sophie, to dog boarding kennels. I wanted a more natural and homely alternative to concrete floors and wire cages. I hated the thought of Sophie having to cope with the barks and behaviours of a hundred other dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. There was no way I could enjoy my holiday. I felt guilty.
On top of that, it was inconvenient driving to the outer suburbs (where most dog boarding kennels are located) to drop Sophie off at times that didn’t suit me while trying to get ready to go away.
I’d tried leaving Sophie with friends and family but I always felt like I was asking them a favour. Although they meant well, they weren’t really used to looking after dogs so I was always worried about Sophie.
I also tried having neighbours feed and keep an eye on Sophie, but again, I felt like I was putting them out. I was also afraid they would forget her… or Sophie would get sick… or… 100 other things that could go wrong.
I considered taking Sophie with us on holidays. But dog-friendly accommodation is almost impossible to find. Long car rides often cause terrible stress for dogs (many get car sick). And then there’s the question of who looks after them while you go on a day trip during your holiday. You can’t very well leave them alone in a strange holiday apartment.
That’s when I came up with the idea to start “Don’t Fret Pet!” and created a network of dog lovers who could offer dog minding services in their own homes. I screened potential minders to make sure they had experience caring for dogs and I provided them with information to ensure we could provide consistent, professional care to every client.
We’ve won a whole swag of awards and we’ve been featured in heaps of newspapers and magazines. The proof of our success comes from over 10,000 wonderful clients who have sent us messages.
It seems like only yesterday I was looking for a boarding kennel alternative for my dog, Sophie. That's when I started ``Don't Fret Pet!`` in 1993. Since then we have helped over 12,000 dogs and their owners enjoy their holidays.
Margaret has been finding wonderful homes for your little furry friends for a number of years ensuring all parties are happy!
Will has been with “Don’t Fret Pet!” on the Sunshine Coast for over a decade and has enjoyed the experience of providing care and accommodation for guest dogs in this beautifully sunny region. Yandi, his adorable, senior citizen Westie, has proven to be a wonderful hostess for the many guests that stay on their “mini” acreage property.
Tony has been with Don't Fret Pet since May 2011.
Tony is married to Julie and they have 3 grown up children aged 25, 21 and 19.
Tony likes nothing more than finding a lovely family home for your dog to stay while you’re away on holidays.
Gracie the family Pug spends most of her day asleep by Tony's side or following him from room to room.
They love spending time with family and friends or simply curled up on the coach with their favourite pooch.
Ralf has been with “Don’t Fret Pet!” for over a decade and has managed several territories in that time. She has her own beautiful West Highland White who is often found supervising in the office and Ralf is also ‘second mum’ to Maggie the Cavoodle, and super-regular guest who comes to stay often throughout the year.
Paul joined his wife Brent at “Don’t Fret Pet!” two years ago after deciding to leave his government career to work in an environment surrounded by fur babies. Paul can often be found chatting to Vets, Groomers and Minders and doing home visits.
Brent joined the “Don’t Fret Pet!” family in 2005 after many years in the marketing industry and now owns and manages north and south east Brisbane and the Gold Coast areas. Brent and husband Paul have a band of adoring staffies who accompany them to the office every day to assist in any way they can (usually by sleeping under the desks)
Hi, I am Jenny and I have been working with DFP for three and a half years. A highlight for me is when a minder sends in a photo or feedback of their four legged boarder having a good time at their home away from home!
Carole has been with “Don’t Fret Pet!” since 2009. She manages our ACT and Newcastle areas, after previously owning and managing a “Don’t Fret Pet!” franchise. She and her husband have the pleasure of being mum & dad to 4 rescue dogs, a rescue cat, a couple of goats, and birds too numerous to count. They also are minders for “Don’t Fret Pet!” having welcomed many visiting doggies into their home over the past 8 years, as well as visiting pets in their own homes.