Paws & Relax
Anxious dogs, rescue cases, and senior pups are a recurring specialty — staff are named in reviews for patient, trust-first handling.
Groomer Jess is mentioned by name for patient work with nervous dogs who won't tolerate strangers. Staff retention also stands out: multiple long-term clients (some attending for eight or more years) note that the same core team has remained consistent, which matters a lot for dogs that take time to warm up to people. One negative review in the sample raises a data privacy complaint related to a bulk email sent without blind copy, which led to frustration over repeated failed unsubscribe attempts — worth asking about directly if you're sensitive about how your contact details are handled.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (141 total)
“the teachers do heaps of enrichment and training and the class size is never too big”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
Credentials & background
Sourced from 6 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Paws & Relax
Paws & Relax runs a combined doggy daycare and grooming salon out of Hamilton, and the two services are deliberately integrated — dogs can be groomed during their daycare day, sparing owners a separate weekend appointment. The grooming team has particular form with anxious and senior dogs: reviewers describe groomers like Jess spending extra time building trust with nervous rescues and older dogs who've had bad experiences elsewhere, rather than rushing the session. On the daycare side, staff use positive reinforcement training throughout the day, group dogs by energy level and temperament, and run enrichment activities and themed days — meaning dogs aren't just parked in a yard but are actively engaged. Long-term clients (several note four, five, eight, and even ten-plus years of attendance) consistently mention that staff track individual dogs' progress and communication home includes a daily diary of who each dog played with and what training was worked on. The business appears especially well-suited to anxious or reactive dogs: multiple reviewers describe dogs with separation anxiety or rescue trauma who were gradually introduced through half-day trial visits before being worked into the full program.
Best for: dogs with separation anxiety or rescue trauma needing a gradual introduction program, owners wanting grooming and daycare combined in a single visit, and puppies starting out in a structured socialisation and training environment.
Location
About Hamilton — local context+
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Paws & Relax
Is Paws & Relax suitable for dogs with anxiety or separation anxiety?+
This appears to be one of their genuine specialties. Multiple reviewers describe dogs with rescue trauma, severe separation anxiety, or prior bad experiences at other daycares who were successfully integrated at Paws & Relax. The process described involves trial hourly visits, then half-days, before progressing to full days — rather than a cold drop-off on day one. Staff are described as trained in positive reinforcement, and dogs are grouped by temperament rather than just breed or size. If your dog has anxiety, it's worth asking them directly about their assessment process when you enquire.
Can my dog be groomed on the same day as daycare?+
Yes — this is one of the more commonly praised aspects of the business. Reviewers specifically mention the convenience of having grooming done during a daycare day, avoiding a separate weekend appointment. The grooming team operates within the same facility, and long-term clients describe grooming as a seamless part of the day rather than a stressful isolated event. Groomer Jess is mentioned by name in several reviews for her patient and attentive approach, particularly with dogs who are nervous around new people.
How does Paws & Relax keep dog parents updated during the day?+
Based on reviews, they use a combination of a Facebook group where photos and videos are posted throughout the day, and a written daily diary handed to owners at pick-up. The diary notes who their dog played with and what training activities were worked on. Several reviewers specifically mention that these updates are a major reason they feel comfortable leaving their dogs there — particularly owners of anxious dogs who want reassurance during the day.
Do they accept older or senior dogs for grooming?+
Reviews suggest they do, and handle them well. One reviewer describes bringing a 17-year-old dog for grooming and reporting a stress-free experience completed in under an hour. Another mentions their senior rescue receiving a gentle, trust-building approach. If your dog is elderly or has specific health considerations, it's worth mentioning this when booking so the team can allocate appropriate time and handling.
How long does it typically take to get a daycare or grooming spot?+
Reviews don't mention wait times directly, so it's not possible to say confidently from the data available. Given that multiple reviewers describe multi-year standing weekly bookings, demand appears strong and consistent. Contact Paws & Relax directly to ask about current availability, especially if you're looking for a regular weekly slot rather than a one-off visit.