Meet the Team
What makes us different?
Anyone can do daycare, but not everyone can make it special. Our team might be small, but between us, we have over 60 years combined industry experience, in just about every area you can think of.
From grooming, training and behaviour, vet nursing, animal welfare, husbandry, and legislation when your pup is with us, it's all love and care from every angle. As if they were our own!
Joe
Owner of Playful Pups
Why did you choose to get into doggy daycare?
I’ve probably always worked better with dogs than people! Eight years ago I worked in the city and dropped off my two German Shepherds to daycare on the way to work. We moved from one centre to another as we noticed the service levels drop off when new owners took over. At the time I noticed there were no centres close to where I lived and saw this as an opportunity.
Years later we decided to revisit the opportunity for the Braeside and south east suburban community and that’s how Playful Pups was created.
What’s your experience with dogs?
Over the last 30 years I’ve had several German Shepherds and completed lots of different training for them, including Bark Busters. My past shepherds Vixen and Dancer were members of a training group in Moorabbin which they attended regularly.
What dogs do you own?
A rescue German Shepherd called Blitzen. He’s my best friend and so great to be around, super loyal and I love him to death… I’ve always owned Shepherds and love how loyal and smart they are.
What do you do outside of Playful Pups?
I love playing ball with Blitzen, enjoying food and wine, hanging out with friends, PT training and watching movies.
Why did you choose to work with dogs?
I’ve always loved animals and wanted to work with them in any way possible. I’m endlessly fascinated by their behaviour and psychology.
What is your experience?
I’ve many years’ experience working with dogs and animals – from vet nursing, dog adoptions and zookeeping working with Australian natives. I’ve also more than a decade of experience working as an animal behaviourist, helping to train not only dogs, but cats, birds and all kinds of pets in their homes.
I have a Certificate II in Animal studies specialising in vet nursing, a Certificate III in Captive Animals, a Certificate IV in Companion Animals, Behaviour and Training, and Nutrition Accreditation. I also like to keep up to date, constantly reading and learning about animal/dog behaviour and psychology.
What do you do outside of Playful Pups?
Outside of PP my focus is on raising my son and BMX racing with the Casey Wolves BMX club.
What’s something few people would know about you?
I've been lucky enough over the years to have the experience to train and learn from a wide variety of animals including Dingos, Tasmanian Devils, Koalas and even a Rhino. Koalas remain my favourite animal and I've been lucky enough to be a part in their conservation, breeding programs and care.
Renae
Dog Carer
Kelsey
Dog Carer
Why do you love working with dogs?
I've always loved being around dogs, growing up I always gravitated towards them. They are always happy to see you and make your day instantly better, they never fail to put a smile on your face.
What’s your experience?
I have Certificate II in Animal studies, I have worked in a kennel and grown up with dogs.
What animals do you own?
Louis the 2-year-old Cavoodle, Sundae the 12-year-old Choc Lab and Sebastian our rescue cat.
What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?
I grew up playing netball so I still play and now coach. Other than that I love to hang out with my dogs, enjoy cocktails with friends, concerts and watching my favourite shows and movies.
What’s your favourite dog character?
Winn- Dixie from the movie. Winn- Dixie, a little girl forms a connection with a stray dog and it brings together a group of strangers, the best!
Tracy
Dog Carer
Why do you love working with dogs?
While Growing up we always had different types of animals in our household. I have always loved being around animals more than people. Coming in to work and seeing the dogs always puts a smile on my face. Let's face it. dogs are the best thing ever. They are loyal and have so much love to give.
What’s your experience?
I have had several year's experience working with dogs- from volunteering at the RSPCA for 5 years working in the kennels and assisting the behaviour team when assessing the dog's behaviour or implementing their training plans. While studying I got to experience working ina boarding kennel and on a farm. I have worked as a dog walker for several years but felt I needed a change so went to work at a doggy daycare instead. I have been pet sitting for years as well.
I have a Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and I also did The Gentle Dog Trainers Association Course. I have done an Introduction to Dog Grooming Skills (Level 1). I love to constantly learn so I like to listen to podcasts or watch webinars on dog behaviour.
What animals do you own?
Unfortunately, I have no animals at this present time. I lost my dog Coco Bean a few months back. I just look after other people's animals now.
What do you like to do outside of Playful Pups?
Outside of Playful Pups I enjoy relaxing with a good book. I love being in nature and enjoy hiking and taking in all the scenery. I also enjoy live music and musicals. On Sundays, I volunteer at Southside Dog School so I can learn from other trainers.
What’s your favourite dog character?
Since I was a kid, I have always loved Lady from Lady and the Tramp.
Blitzen
Quality Control Manager
Why did you choose to work with dogs?
I am incredibly social, I love to meet all the new dogs and make sure they feel comfortable before moving into the group. I take my job very seriously and always get to play ball for my hard work.
What’s your experience with dogs?
I was the brains behind Playful Pups, despite what my parents might say. I have been working alongside my dad, and mum!, everyday here at Playful Pups since we opened in 2020.
What dogs do you own?
None at the moment. I have my paws full protecting my home and keeping my parents in line.
What do you do outside of Playful Pups?
Ball mostly. I love balls of all shapes and sizes. If I’m not playing ball at home I love playing ball on the beach and going for a swim. It’s always great to see how much panic I can cause my parents when I swim out as far as I can.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Playful Pups?
That I get to spend all day with my dad! I also get to play lots of ball and with my BFF Biggie.
Jacynta
Groomer/Owner Powder Pups Vanity Room
Why do you love working with dogs?
I had always loved all things hair and all things puppy. Growing up, I always tried to put bows in my dogs hair and dress them up. As I got older, I thought i wanted to be a hairdresser but soon realised there was something missing. So I turned to dog grooming. I fell in love with it and never looked back.
What’s your experience?
I have twelve years of grooming experience, and before I started grooming, I went to a dog behavioural course to better understand the ways a dog thinks and behaves. The course has benefited me tremendously. Growing up I also spent alot of time around the Cocker Spaniels and Silky Terriers my grandmother bred and showed.
What animals do you own?
I have a very goofy black and white Shih Tzu named Panda. Even though he is a groomers dog, he still refuses to stand while I groom him and loves to play in mud puddles and standing in the rain. I'm also a cat mama, I have two adopted cats named Anubis and Mazikeen.
What do you like to do outside of Powder Pups Vanity Room?
I have a very blessed life raising my two energetic boys alongside my soul mate.
Why did you choose to work with dogs?
Animals have always been my passion from a young age. Dogs can always put a smile on your face and make your day instantly better.
What is your experience?
I have many years of experience working with animals. I've worked 7 years as a dog groomer, I've volunteered at both the RSPCA and Healesville Sanctuary, I've also worked at boarding kennels.
What dogs do you own?
I have a 3 year old Husky x Staffy who is a rescue.
What do you do outside of Playful Pups?
I love spending time with friends and family. I also offer pet sitting and dog walking services which keeps me very busy.
What’s your favourite dog character?
Scooby-Doo
Taylah
Dog Carer
Elena
Dog Carer
Why did you choose to work with dogs?
I love working with dogs because no two dogs are the same. Each one has thier own personiality, quirks and charm. You can always expect the unexpected, but thier love and loyalty never change. Being around them daily has definetly shown me that my future will always have dogs in it.
What’s your experience with dogs?
I've grown up around dogs and spent plently of time with them through family and friends. Those hands on experiences taught me how to understand their behaviour, build trust and apprecitae each dogs unique personalilty.
What dogs do you own?
I have a GSP puppy named Paisley who keeps me on my toes!
What do you do outside of Playful Pups?
Outside of work I love spending time with freinds and family, experimenting in the kitchen and travelling. I did lots of travelling over the last few years and plan to continue doing so. I'm always up for a good time and discovering something new.
What’s your favourite dog character?
To have to choose one is quite difficult so heres a few, classic Scooby-Doo, Goofy and Bolt.
Why do you love working with dogs?
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, so getting to work with dogs every day honestly feels really rewarding. I love how every dog has their own personality, quirks, and way of communicating. One of my favourite parts of the job is building trust with them, especially the shy or nervous pups, and seeing them grow more confident over time. It’s such a fun and positive environment to be part of, and no two days are ever the same.
What’s your experience?
I’ve always dreamed of working with animals and grew up surrounded by dogs in the family, so caring for them has always been a big part of my life. I also completed a certificate in animal care, which helped grow my understanding of animal behaviour, wellbeing, and care. Working with dogs has always felt very natural to me, and I love being able to spend my days around them.
What animals do you own?
I own a Border Collie mix named Suki, who definitely keeps life interesting. She’s very smart, full of personality, and a little bit of a gremlin sometimes. She loves running, chasing balls, going on adventures, bringing you sticks no matter how big or tiny it is, enrichment games, and making everyone laugh with her goofy antics. She’s also very cuddly once she’s tired out.
What do you like to do outside of playful pups?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, gaming, skincare, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with a good movie or show after a busy day.
What’s your favourite dog character?
Definitely Dug from Up and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Dug is chaotic and lovable, and Clifford was one of my childhood favourites growing up.
Ashley
Dog Carer
