It’s an image Louise Ginman can’t shake — a British bulldog tied to a park fence, panting in the scorching summer sun. During the pandemic, the professional dog trainer encountered what appeared to be an abandoned animal while taking her own dogs to the park. In reality, a dog walker had left the bulldog — prone to overheating due to their short snouts — in direct sunlight while returning to their vehicle to collect the rest of the dogs.
New South Wales (NSW) is home to a burgeoning pet population, with more than 4.6 million dogs and cats residing across the state, according to government figures. Australians are also investing heavily in their pets, with services like grooming, training, boarding, and daycare now worth over $2.2 billion annually, marking a 30 percent increase since 2021, as per an industry survey. Despite this booming industry, there are currently no minimum legal standards or qualifications required to operate as a dog trainer, walker, or daycare provider in NSW.
Industry Calls for Reform
Ms. Ginman, who previously served as the president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, is among many in the industry advocating for urgent reform. “You wouldn’t leave your child in a childcare centre without knowing exactly who’s going to look after them, what qualifications they have,” she stated. “The exact same would go for dogs.”
At a doggy daycare facility just outside of Sydney, kennel manager Georgia Gair noted that business is booming. The facility she manages spans 25 acres and promotes itself as five-star accommodation, offering luxury suites, a swimming pool, TVs, and human-sized beds. Prices start at $80 per night and jump to $110 during the Christmas period. Despite the premium accommodation, there’s no legal requirement for staff to hold qualifications, but Ms. Gair emphasized that staff were highly valued. “It’s important … that you’re aware of dog behaviours, dog body language, so you can introduce dogs in a safe and secure manner,” she said.
Concerns Over Lack of Regulation
RSPCA NSW chief veterinarian Liz Arnott expressed concerns that while many dog professionals adhere to ethical practices, the lack of regulation means there’s nothing stopping others from using harmful methods. She highlighted that some trainers still rely on force-based or fear-based techniques, which can lead to anxiety, aggression, and long-term behavioural problems. “Interpreting animal behaviour and knowing how and when to respond is really high skilled,” Dr. Arnott said.
“Interpreting animal behaviour and knowing how and when to respond is really high skilled,” Dr. Arnott said.
The RSPCA is advocating for updates to the state Companion Animals Act, which is under review until the end of next year. It is calling for mandatory qualifications for anyone offering professional dog care services, along with stricter licensing requirements and clearer standards of practice. While NSW does have a code of practice for dog boarding centres, Dr. Arnott described it as outdated and inadequate. “It was first published in [1979] and it doesn’t require any minimum qualifications for staff,” she said. “This is really problematic because there’s no standard set for which people can be assured that pets are being looked after humanely.”
Proposals for a National Register
Without clear legal rules, dog owners can’t judge how safe or reliable a dog care provider is, according to experts. Ms. Ginman supports creating a national register of certified trainers, walkers, and daycare operators, allowing pet owners to verify credentials before booking. She urged owners to ask direct questions before leaving a dog in someone else’s care. “How are incompatible dogs separated? What experience does the staff have? Can you see the facility behind the scenes?” she suggested.
“How are incompatible dogs separated? What experience does the staff have? Can you see the facility behind the scenes?” Ms. Ginman suggested.
The push for reform in NSW’s dog care industry reflects a broader trend towards ensuring animal welfare and consumer confidence. As the state reviews its policies, stakeholders hope for a future where both pets and their owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that care providers are qualified and regulated.
