27 April 2021

An expansive country estate just for pets

| Neha Attre
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Dogs at Tara Estate Pet Boarding

Tara Estate Pet Boarding is a fun-filled pet resort that offers boarding and grooming facilities for pets. Photos: Thomas Lucraft.

A state-of-the-art enrichment play yard that includes a circulated pool and climbing apparatus, along with other features such as air-conditioned rooms, sofas and televisions, are some of the amenities available at a sprawling Canberra estate.

But it is just for pets.

Located in Pialligo, Tara Estate Pet Boarding is a fun-filled pet resort. The pristine blue water at the facility’s lake even has a dock diving ramp, climbing logs and canoes for dogs to sit in.

The Tara Estate Pet Boarding and dog daycare facility offers a variety of services for dogs, including additional playtime, swimming, enrichment play yards, socialising and exercising.

Owner Nicole Dimoff says she wanted to establish a resort for pets in Canberra that would give them all the services they need under one roof, and where they can roam around freely.

Nicole Dimoff with dog

Tara Estate owner Nicole Dimoff with a four-legged friend. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

Tara Estate Pet Boarding, one of Canberra’s oldest animal boarding facilities, is now set up on an expansive 10 acres of parkland at Pialligo. The centre includes upgraded play runs, a lake at the back, high fencing that keeps the premises secured, and enriched spaces tailored to suit the needs of furry guests.

Running a business is not something new for Nicole. She previously owned an event management company, a garden centre and an interior decorating businesses. Along with running Tara Estate Pet Boarding and dog daycare facility, Nicole’s business partner also runs a landscaping business.

“In 2018, we saw an established business that was in need of new energy, focus and capital investment,” says Nicole. “We knew what we would want for our dogs and saw an opportunity to build an amazing pet resort on the acreage.

READ ALSO The best dog boarding kennels and catteries in Canberra

“Creating a safe environment for dogs is of paramount importance to us so we consulted, designed and built an outstanding offering for all the dogs who stay with us, and we are continuing to improve our facility.”

Like many other businesses, Tara Estate Pet Boarding felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown period when travelling was restricted and people stayed at home. Nicole says she utilised that time to enhance the daycare business and focus on the needs of customers.

She says she observed that just like humans, pets were affected during the pandemic. As most pet owners were working from home during that period, their pets got used to receiving extra attention from them.

“Pets were definitely affected after their owners returned to work,” says Nicole. “They weren’t used to staying alone again and some ended up developing separation anxiety. And because of the restrictions, they missed the opportunity to socialise with other pets.

“That’s where our doggy daycare grew from and we have now created different groups for the dogs – depending on size and breed – that cater to their specific needs. We have several outdoor play areas where we are able to focus on the needs of different types of breeds. We also have sheltered or indoor areas for puppies.

“We also have facilities for our feline friends. The cats enjoy indoor and outdoor large pens, and the opportunity to play one-on-one with a team member in a large, open, secure space.”

For more information, visit Tara Estate Pet Boarding.

Tara Estate Pet Boarding staff

The team at Tara Estate Pet Boarding. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.

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The staff I met at Tara were enthusiastic, caring and reassuring. The place is clean, well maintained and has an efficient booking system. Very happy with our experience there.

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