Meet our Amazing
Play Pawz Team
Sarah
Daycare ManagerMy name is Sarah and I am an experienced and qualified doggy daycare manager with a successful history in dog supervision and handling, training, and managing other doggy daycares in New Zealand. I approach all interactions with our doggos in a responsible, confident, and caring manner, meaning our fur-friends respond well because they feel respected and cared for. With a combined background in animal care services (and previously as a chef), I pride myself in demonstrating the importance of applying responsibility, confidence and care when overseeing your doggy’s daycare experience.
Sahara
Daycare Assistant and dog trainerHi! My name is Sahara and I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Dog Trainer. I have an extensive background working in multiple veterinary clinics as a nurse and dog trainer as well as volunteering in many animal shelters. I love getting to know each individual dog’s little quirks and personalities and making sure they feel loved and cared for while under my supervision. In my spare time I love to go on hikes, go 4Wdriving with friends and spend time with family.
Jake
Daycare AssistantHi! My name is Jake and I love animals. I have worked at the RSPCA and AWL, and now I’m fortunate enough to work at Play Pawz with all my doggy friends. My favourite thing about dogs is how loving and affectionate they are. Sometimes at work I’ll sit on the couch and my furry friends come snuggle up close to me. I love patting, playing with and spending time with all dogs, including my own German Shepherd, Max.
Tia
Daycare AssistantHi, my name is Tia and I am currently studying my Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Vet Nursing Stream). Working with dogs is my life long dream which is why I love working at Play Pawz, spending time and playing with the dogs, and giving them joy and happiness. I have a Papillon of my own who I adore, and also love being with him in my spare time. When I am not at work with your doggys I play netball, go camping and enjoy the beach with my friends.
Cathy
Daycare Assistant and Dog TrainerHi, my name is Cathy and my background has seen me work in the animal industry for many years. In this time, I have worked at a large dog boarding facility, ran my own mobile hydrobath business and, with the desire to understand dogs more, I became a professional dog trainer, running a variety of different classes for all ages. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, dancing and taking my dog Xena on walks.
Bree
Daycare AssistantHi, I’m Bree! I’ve always had a strong passion for animals and love working in a field that brings me joy. Before joining Play Pawz, I worked at a pet resort caring for dogs and cats, and with horses at Woodlands Equestrian—looking after up to 13 horses with tasks like feeding, grooming, medicating, and travelling for shows. I’m currently studying my Certificate IV in Animal Care Services (Vet Nursing stream) and doing placement at a local vet clinic to gain more hands-on experience. I also volunteer with the Animal Welfare League and various equestrian centres. In my spare time, I enjoy caring for my horse Frankie and visiting the beach. At Play Pawz, I love getting to know each dog’s personality and making sure they feel safe, happy, and loved.
Helana and James
OwnersHi, we are Helana and James, proud owners of Play Pawz. We have always had a love of dogs and a deep desire to enrich their lives by treating every dog as if they were our own. In 2023, we acquired Play Pawz from founders Tiff and Patrice as a natural extension of our commitment to provide happiness to our fur-friends and their owners.
Taking an active role in the Play Pawz operations, we are proud to offer an unrivalled experience of fun, stimulation and safety for your doggys. Our aim is to provide dog owners with peace of mind to go about their day knowing their dog is having fun with other fur-friends in a genuinely caring and safe environment.
As owners and managers of other social service operations, our genuine dedication to ensuring the wellbeing of our fur-friends, their owners, and our team, continues to be our key priority.