Business Details
21 Years
experience
Professional Dog Walking & Cat Minding Services
Established in 2005, we are one of the Northern Beaches' longest-running pet care companies. Our boutique service prioritises small group sizes with a maximum of four pets per carer, ensuring individualised attention and safety. All staff are police-checked, insured to $5 million, and hold specialist qualifications in canine behaviour and animal first aid. We offer tailored dog walking options including off-leash park visits, on-leash coastal walks, and senior dog strolls, alongside comprehensive cat minding services.Our commitment to reliability is demonstrated through 100% attendance guarantees and 30-minute cat visits. With a focus on mental stimulation and social compatibility matching, we help pets thrive while providing owners with peace of mind through regular photo updates and house security services. Our team's expertise extends to caring for rescue animals and those with special needs, supported by ongoing professional development with leading NSW dog trainers.
Services
Dog Walking
Cat Minding
Group Walks
On-Leash Walks
Senior Dog Strolls
Pet Sitting
House Security
Photo Updates
Plant Watering
Mail Collection
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We guarantee 100% attendance for all scheduled services
- Our carers hold specialist qualifications in canine behaviour and animal first aid
- Maximum group size of four pets ensures individualised attention
- Comprehensive $5 million pet care insurance coverage
- Personalised 30-minute cat visits with playtime and updates
What people say
Loves her
Happy and healthy
Exhausted after walks
No silent treatment
Peace of mind
Services
Dog Walking
Our small-group dog walks accommodate maximum four compatible dogs. Each session includes a full hour of exercise at secure locations, tailored to the group's temperament. Professional carers ensure safety while promoting social development through structured play.
Cat Minding
Personalised 30-minute visits include playtime, grooming, and environmental enrichment. Our trained carers maintain routines while providing mental stimulation through interactive toys and affectionate interaction, reducing separation anxiety for your cat.
Group Off-Leash Fun
Supervised off-leash sessions at secure parks like Frenchs Forest. Small groups ensure individual attention while socialisation benefits develop confidence and positive behaviour patterns in a controlled environment.
Senior Dog Strolls
Tailored walks for older dogs focus on sensory stimulation through sniffing and gentle exercise. Our carers adapt pace and route complexity to accommodate mobility requirements while maintaining mental engagement through environmental interaction.
House Security Service
Complimentary service includes mail collection, bin management, and light switching. Regular property checks maintain security while our carers tend to plants and provide visible presence to deter potential intruders during your absence.
People
Tracey Smyth
Owner & Lead Carer
Certified canine behaviour specialist with over 15 years' experience. Holds advanced qualifications in dog training and animal handling. Established Petmates in 2005 after successful UK pet care venture. Specialises in rescue animal rehabilitation and senior pet care.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We cover most Northern Beaches suburbs from Manly to Collaroy, including Frenchs Forest, Balgowlah, and Freshwater. Service area ensures minimal travel time for pets.
How are dogs grouped for walks?
We assess temperament and energy levels to create compatible groups of maximum four dogs. This ensures safety and maximises enjoyment through appropriate social interaction during walks.
What qualifications do your carers hold?
All carers have advanced certifications in animal behaviour, practical dog handling, and first aid. We maintain $5 million insurance coverage and undergo regular police checks for client safety.
Can you accommodate special needs pets?
Yes, we specialise in caring for rescue animals, elderly pets, and those with specific behavioural requirements. Our owner has particular expertise in building trust with timid or trauma-affected animals.
What's included in cat minding visits?
30-minute visits include feeding, litter tray cleaning, playtime, grooming, and environmental enrichment. We also provide house security services, plant watering, and regular photo updates during your absence.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Charlotte Schaefer
Apr 22, 2021
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Tracey and Merrin have been a complete blessing for our cavoodle Pearl! I was so impressed with how they assessed and got to know Pearl and from day one we knew Pearl was in loving hands. They really understand dogs and how to make sure they are grouped with compatible dogs so they can have wonderful outings with their furry friends. Pearl always returns so happy and rests so well after so I know she's had another wonderful adventure. Thanks Tracey and Merrin. Highly recommend.
Rachael Brown
Apr 05, 2021
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Highly recommend Tracey and Petmates. Tracey has taken care of my fur babies on multiple occasions while we were on holidays. She is always great with communication and sending updates. Even sending happy birthday cards on my cats birthday, very cute and thoughtful. Always happy with their service and will always use when we go away.
Natalia Dowse
Apr 04, 2021
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Tracey has cared for our cats on two occasions - visiting, feeding and playing with them twice per day. We have cats with complicated care and dietary needs and Tracey managed these extremely well. We felt relaxed and confident leaving our pets in her expert care. She offers a very reliable and professional service, sending us photo/ video updates for extra peace of mind. We highly recommend Petmates.
Ian Shorey
Oct 21, 2019
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Our cats love having Tracey look after them. We always return to happy kitties. We've been using Tracey for nine years - she's great, reliable, very professional and just plain nice. I&K
Amanda Buckley
Oct 03, 2019
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We use Tracey every time we go away for a weekend (or longer). Tracey is always available and very trustworthy. Most importantly, our cat Eddy loves it when she comes to visit. We would highly recommend her.
Lisa Trueman
Oct 02, 2019
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Tracey has walked Daisy, our Golden Retriever, several days a week since we got her as a puppy 10 years ago. Tracey looks after Daisy as if she were a part of her own family, she loves her, and cares for her as well as we do. I am able to work with peace of mind knowing our precious Daisy is completely safe and happy with Tracey, out having fun with her friends at the park or beach. I could not recommend Tracey and Petmates any more highly.
