About Chilly’s & Getting Started
What is Chilly’s and what do you do?
Chilly’s is a Melbourne-based dog walking and dog day care service helping busy, loving dog parents give their dogs the exercise, enrichment and routine they need. Our job is simple: keep your dog happy, safe and tired in the best possible way.
How do I get started with Chilly’s?
To get started with Chilly’s, you just reach out via our online enquiry form, Instagram DM, email or phone and tell us about your dog, where you live and what type of help you’re looking for. We’ll confirm if you’re within our service area, discuss options for dog walking or day care, book a meet & greet, and then set up a regular plan that suits your dog’s temperament, your schedule and your budget.
Do you offer a meet & greet before starting?
Yes, Chilly’s always does a meet & greet before we start walking or caring for your dog. This is usually at your home and gives us a chance to meet you and your dog, learn their routine, understand any quirks or red flags, go over keys/home access, and answer your questions. It’s also your chance to decide if we feel like the right fit for your dog.
Why is there so much information on your website?
There’s a lot of information on the Chilly’s website because we’d rather out-answer than out-advertise. Most small businesses think you have to outspend everyone to show up in search, but we’ve seen that businesses win when they clearly answer the real questions people are asking. Our FAQs, local guides and service pages are written for dog parents who are actually Googling “dog walker Caulfield” or “is dog day care right for my anxious dog?”, not for an algorithm. If our content gives you clarity – even if you don’t book with us – we see that as doing our job properly.
Services & Suitability
What services does Chilly’s offer?
Chilly’s offers a mix of dog walking and dog day care services in Melbourne, including regular weekly walks, casual or one-off walks (depending on availability), day care options, puppy visits, senior dog visits and check-ins for dogs with special needs. We’ll recommend the right combination based on your dog’s age, energy, temperament and your lifestyle.
Chilly’s is right for most dogs who need consistent exercise, company and mental stimulation, and whose humans value safety, communication and reliability. We work with high-energy dogs, anxious or shy dogs, puppies, seniors and multi-dog households. If we ever feel we’re not the right fit – for example, if your dog needs specialist behaviour work- we’ll be honest about that and point you towards better options.
Can you walk reactive or anxious dogs?
Yes, Chilly’s regularly walks reactive and anxious dogs, but we tailor their plan very carefully and may recommend solo walks only. We’ll ask about your dog’s triggers, how they respond to other dogs and people, what tools you use (harness, muzzle, head collar) and what training you’ve already done. We avoid situations that will overwhelm your dog, and if we think they would benefit from a trainer alongside walks, we’ll say so.
Yes, Chilly’s walks puppies, but in a way that’s age-appropriate and positive rather than overwhelming. We focus on shorter outings, controlled social exposure, lots of sniffing, toilet breaks and basic training reinforcement instead of long, intense walks. We’ll always follow your vet’s advice about when your puppy is allowed outside and around other dogs.
Do you work with senior dogs or dogs with medical conditions?
Yes, Chilly’s cares for many senior dogs and dogs with ongoing medical conditions. For older or unwell dogs, we adjust pace, duration and terrain, build in more rest, and prioritise comfort and safety over distance. We’ll ask about your vet’s recommendations, medications and any red flags, and we may request a vet clearance for certain conditions.
Can you handle multi-dog households?
Yes, Chilly’s can walk more than one dog from the same household, as long as it’s safe to do so. We’ll look at each dog’s size, strength, behaviour and how they interact with each other. In some cases, we might suggest walking them separately (for example, if their energy levels or training needs are very different) to keep everyone safe and relaxed.
Chilly’s is not a formal dog training business, but we’re happy to reinforce the cues and routines you’re already working on, such as sit, wait, loose-leash walking or recall. If your dog needs behaviour modification or structured training, we’ll recommend working with a qualified trainer and then integrate their advice into our walks and visits.
Dog Walking – How It Works
How long are Chilly’s dog walks?
Chilly’s standard dog walks are typically from 45 minutes to 2 hours of actual walking time, not including travel, unless we’ve agreed otherwise. For puppies, seniors or dogs with health issues, we may recommend shorter or gentler walks. We always adjust to what’s best for your dog on the day rather than rigidly chasing a time on the stopwatch.
Will my dog always walk with the same walker?
Chilly’s aims to keep your dog with the same regular walker so they can build trust and routine. In the real world, people do get sick or take holidays, so if your usual walker is unavailable, we’ll introduce a backup walker, fully brief them on your dog’s needs, and let you know who is coming.
Chilly’s generally walks dogs on-lead for safety, but we may include off-lead time in safe, appropriate off-leash areas if you’ve given written permission, your dog has reliable recall and the environment is suitable that day. Off-lead decisions are always at the walker’s discretion and can change based on weather, other dogs in the area and how your dog is behaving.
Chilly’s chooses walking routes around your local area in Melbourne, using nearby parks, residential streets and designated off-leash spaces where appropriate. We aim for a mix of exercise and enrichment—sniffing, exploring and moving at your dog’s pace—while avoiding unsafe or overly stressful environments.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Chilly’s walks in most normal Melbourne conditions, including light rain and cooler days, with appropriate adjustments to route and pace. In extreme heat, storms, high winds or hazardous conditions, we may shorten the walk, move it to a cooler time of day or convert it into an indoor/enrichment visit. We’ll always put your dog’s safety first and communicate with you if we need to make changes.
What should my dog have ready on walk days?
On walk days, your dog should have a well-fitting harness or collar, a secure lead, access to fresh water, and any tools you want us to use (such as a muzzle or specific harness). If they’re prone to getting muddy, leaving out a towel is helpful. If you’re not sure what gear is best, we can suggest options suited to your dog’s size and behaviour.
Can you walk my dog while I’m at work?
Yes, Chilly’s is set up to walk your dog while you’re at work or away from home. With your permission, we can securely hold a copy of your keys or use your building’s access system so we can collect and return your dog safely while you’re out. You’ll still get updates and photos so you can see what they’ve been up to.
Do you offer weekend or evening walks?
Chilly’s can sometimes offer weekend or evening walks depending on demand and staff availability. These slots tend to be popular and may carry a small surcharge. If you specifically need weekend or after-hours help, let us know in your enquiry so we can confirm what’s realistic.
Dog Day Care – How It Works
What different forms of payment do you have?
Dog day care with Chilly’s is a structured day where your dog spends several hours with us for a mix of walks, play, enrichment and rest. It’s designed for dogs who need more than a quick stroll—high-energy dogs, social dogs or dogs who find long days home alone tough. Think of it as their “doggy school day” while you’re busy.
How long is a typical day care session?
A typical Chilly’s dog day care session runs for an agreed half-day or full-day block (for example, a morning session or an 8am–4pm window), including walks, downtime and any transport we provide. We’ll confirm exact drop-off, pick-up or collection times during the booking process so you know exactly how the day works.
How do you decide which dogs attend day care together?
Chilly’s plans day care based on temperament, size, energy levels and social skills rather than just filling numbers. We only group dogs together when it’s safe and beneficial for all of them. If we think your dog is better suited to solo time, a quieter environment or a different mix of dogs, we’ll tell you and adjust the plan.
Is my dog suitable for dog day care?
Your dog is likely suitable for dog day care if they are generally friendly with other dogs, cope well with new people and environments, and have the energy to enjoy a bigger day of activity. Extremely anxious, highly reactive or very noise-sensitive dogs might find day care overwhelming at first, so we may recommend a gradual introduction or focusing on walks and one-on-one visits instead.
What vaccinations does my dog need for day care?
Chilly’s requires day care dogs to be up to date with core vaccinations and any additional vaccinations your vet recommends for group settings. We may ask to see your dog’s vaccination record before their first day to keep every dog in our care safe and healthy.
What if my dog doesn’t enjoy day care?
If we notice your dog is stressed, overwhelmed, over-aroused or simply not enjoying day care, we’ll talk to you honestly about it. We might recommend a different setup—such as solo walks, smaller groups, shorter days or different dogs—or suggest pausing day care altogether. Your dog’s wellbeing comes before filling a spot.
What should my dog bring to day care?
For day care, your dog should bring their usual harness or collar and lead, any food or treats needed during the day, any medication with clear written instructions, and optionally a familiar item like a blanket or toy if it helps them settle. We’ll confirm any specific requirements based on your dog’s routine.
Behaviour, Health & Safety
What happens if my dog gets sick or injured while in your care?
If your dog becomes sick or injured while in Chilly’s care, we will immediately prioritise their safety by contacting you (and your emergency contact), assessing the situation, and seeking veterinary advice or treatment if needed. We’ll follow your instructions wherever it’s safe to do so, but we won’t delay necessary care if your dog is in distress.
What if my dog shows aggression?
If your dog shows aggression towards people or other dogs that we weren’t aware of, Chilly’s will pause services and discuss what happened with you. Depending on the severity and context, we may recommend behaviour work with a trainer, move to solo-only services or, in some cases, decide we can’t safely continue. We will always prioritise safety for your dog, our team and the public.
Can you administer medication?
Yes, Chilly’s can usually administer simple medications such as oral tablets, liquid medicines, some eye drops or topical treatments when you provide clear written instructions. For complex medication schedules, injections or high-risk drugs, we’ll assess on a case-by-case basis and may suggest that some treatments remain with your vet.
Do you have first aid training for dogs?
Chilly’s believes in being prepared, and we aim to ensure team members have basic canine first aid knowledge and access to an appropriate first aid kit. We’re not a veterinary practice, but we can handle basic first response and will always escalate to a vet when your dog needs professional care.
How do you keep my dog safe on walks?
Chilly’s keeps your dog safe by using secure, well-fitting harnesses or collars, avoiding unsafe environments, managing introductions to other dogs and people carefully, and adjusting routes based on weather, traffic and your dog’s behaviour. We don’t let dogs off-lead unless it’s appropriate and authorised, and we take your safety instructions seriously.
What if my dog has special needs or disabilities?
Chilly’s is experienced with dogs who have mobility issues, sensory impairments, chronic illnesses or other special needs. We’ll discuss your dog’s limitations, vet advice and daily routine, then tailor walks or visits accordingly—this might mean gentler routes, shorter durations, extra support or specific handling techniques.
Booking, Pricing & Cancellations
How do I book dog walking or dog day care with Chilly’s?
You can book Chilly’s services by filling out our online enquiry form, sending us an Instagram DM or email, or contacting us by phone. We’ll ask a few questions about your dog, your location and preferred days, confirm availability, and set up a meet & greet. After that, we’ll lock in a regular schedule or casual plan that works for everyone.
How much do Chilly’s services cost?
Chilly’s pricing depends on the type of service (walks, day care, puppy visits), whether it’s solo or group, and how often you book. To keep things transparent, we list our current prices on our Pricing page, and we’re happy to walk you through options and help you pick something that suits both your dog and your budget.
Do you offer packages or discounts for regular bookings?
Yes, Chilly’s often offers better value for regular, ongoing bookings than for one-off casual services. If you know you’ll need help a set number of days per week, ask us about package or multi-session pricing so you can get the most value out of a consistent routine.
What is your cancellation policy?
Chilly’s has a cancellation policy to keep things fair for clients and staff, usually requiring 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or change a booking. Cancellations inside this window may be charged in full or incur a partial fee; we’ll clearly explain the policy when you start with us and remind you in your welcome info.
Can I book casual or one-off walks?
Yes, Chilly’s can sometimes accommodate casual or one-off walks in Melbourne, depending on our schedule. Regular clients get priority for peak times, but if you need ad-hoc help, just ask and we’ll either fit you in or recommend options if we’re fully booked.
Do you charge extra for weekends, evenings or public holidays?
Some weekend, evening or public holiday services may have a small surcharge to reflect increased demand and staff availability. We’ll always be upfront about this before you confirm a booking, so you know the cost in advance.
Can I change my regular schedule?
Yes, you can change your regular days or times with Chilly’s as long as we have availability. We simply ask for as much notice as possible so we can reorganise routes and offer freed-up spots to other clients who need them.