Only the best care for your furry family
Our Facility
Dock Diving & Swimming Pool
Swimming & Diving Lessons Available
Perfect for hot summer days, burning off extra energy, or just having some fun—our full-sized dock diving pool is a hit with water-loving dogs. Did you know just 5 minutes of swimming equals the workout of a 20-minute run?
Lifejackets provided
Swimming or Diving Lessons available in summer
Full Sized Sandpit
One of the best mental and physical forms of enrichment!
Digging is an innate behaviour dog’s ancestors utilised before domestication. Wild dogs would dig themselves dens to sleep in, bury food or treasures, or dig to hunt small prey. These genetic needs to dig are still ingrained into dogs DNA!
🐾 Uncovers different scents, sights, and sounds
🐾 Satisfies their genetic urges to dig
🐾 Prevents digging in your gardens
🐾 Both physically and mentally enriching
Largest Free-Roam Indoor-Outdoor Facility In Canterbury
Phodography By Lisa
During their visit, your dog enjoys free-flow access between our indoor and outdoor spaces, with plenty of room to roam, play, and relax. No cage-hen style daycare here, just open spaces designed for comfort, enrichment, and fun
Enrichment Deck
Full of activities to challenge your dog mentally & physically
Packed with activities to engage both mind and body, our Enrichment Deck is a playground built just for dogs. With tunnels, slides, climbing equipment, pools, and gardens, there’s plenty to explore! Each activity is designed to enrich daily life, build muscle, boost confidence, and leave dogs feeling happy and fulfilled
Dog-Friendly Gardens
Each play area includes dog-friendly gardens designed to spark curiosity and engage the senses. Packed with herbs, clover, grass, catnip, and flowers, these spaces offer natural enrichment that encourages sniffing, exploring, and relaxing
Spa Pool
An in-daycare option for our swimmers. Deeper than a paddling pool but deep enough for a dip!
Snuffle Boxes, Toys & Fun!
Alongside our physical play equipment, we provide snuffle boxes, puzzle toys, and interactive games designed to stimulate your dog’s senses and encourage natural behaviours like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. It’s the perfect balance of mental and physical enrichment to keep dogs happy, fulfilled, and relaxed.
Doggy School Bus
Pick-up and drop-off service
Formerly saving humans, now saving busy dog parents 😎
Pick-Up & Drop-Off service in our fully decked-out ex-ambulance — now officially the ECC Doggy School Bus!
No more rushing around — we’ll safely transport your pup to and from daycare, making your mornings easier and your dog’s day even better!
🕒 Morning pick-ups & afternoon drop-offs
🐾 Crate-secured, air-conditioned, and dog-loved!
Comfy Rest & Relax Spots
Kennel Free
Every area is equipped with plenty of comfy spots where dogs can unwind throughout the day. From couches and beds to blankets and of course, snuggles, there’s always a cozy place to rest between play sessions.
Our staff are trained to guide dogs through communal rest, creating a calm environment without the need for kennels
Daycare For Puppies
Safe Socialisation Specifically For Puppies
Research shows that the critical socialisation period between 7 and 14 weeks is when puppies are most open to new experiences, and what they learn during this time can influence their behaviour for life.
At Elite Canine Collective, our Puppy Curriculum is designed to make the most of this vital window. Through safe exposure to new environments, sounds, surfaces, people, and gentle play, we help puppies build confidence, resilience, and social skills.
The Elite Canine Collective Difference
Safe Environment
To ensure every dog’s safety and compatibility, all pups go through a thorough assessment with one of our trained staff before joining daycare. This process helps us match dogs with appropriate playmates and create a stress-free environment for everyone. You can rest easy knowing your dog will be in a safe, supportive, and carefully managed space, where their wellbeing is our top priority.
Group by Size & Temperament
Each day, we carefully create daycare groups based on the size and personality of each dog. This ensures that every pup has a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with playmates who match their energy level and temperament. Whether your dog loves to run with the big dogs or enjoys a more relaxed group, we tailor their social experience to suit their unique needs.
Low Staff - To Dog Ratio
To ensure a safe and enriching environment, we maintain a low staff to dog ratio. This allows us to give each pup the attention, supervision, and care they deserve, keeping both dogs and team members happy and safe throughout the day.
Staff To Puppy Ratio 1:3
The first 6 months of a dog’s life is vital for shaping their behaviour and confidence. To give them the best start, we keep our puppy groups small, with a maximum of three puppies per trained staff member. Alongside expert guidance and a safe, structured environment, our puppies also learn valuable social skills by spending time with calm, well-mannered adult dogs who help model appropriate behaviour.
Complete Transparency
We believe honesty is key, because let’s face it, no one is an angel 100% of the time! We’re committed to complete transparency about your dog’s behaviour during their day with us. At pickup, our team will give you a quick debrief on how your pup’s day went, whether they were playful, a little grumpy, unsettled, or just not quite themselves.
Our staff also perform daily health checks and are trained to spot changes in behaviour early, so we can support your dog’s wellbeing and ensure their daycare experience stays positive and stress-free.
Clean & Hygienic
Our facilities is cleaned daily with Odarid Pet Sanitiser - a pet safe disinfectant that has been tested and proven to eliminate viruses such as:Canine parvovirus, canine distemper, feline leukemia, corona virus, equine influenza A, salmonella, e-coli, streptococcus, HIV-1 (aids virus), hepatitis B virus(HBV), Herpes 1 and 2, legionella pneumophila, enterobacter aerogenes, enterococcus faecium, staphylococcus, listeria monocytogenes, infectious peritonititis, avian influenza, and most viruses, bacteria and fungi.view full data sheet here
Qualified Staff
Our team is made up of passionate professionals with a wide range of certifications, including Canine Behaviour, Enrichment, Puppy Development, and Fear Free Handling. With ongoing training and a deep understanding of dog behaviour, you can trust that your pup is in skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate hands every step of the way.
Professionally Trained
Our staff are professionally trained in canine body language, behaviour, and psychology to ensure your dog feels safe, happy, and understood while in our care. We use modern, science-based training methods and are committed to ongoing education, because when it comes to dogs, there's always more to learn and ways to grow.
Force Free Training
At ECC, we are proudly committed to force-free, positive training methods. All of our practices follow the LIMA approach - Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. Which means we always choose the kindest, most effective techniques to guide behaviour. Our focus is on building trust, using rewards and encouragement rather than punishment. Your dog’s emotional wellbeing is our top priority, and we will never put them in a situation that causes stress, fear, anxiety, or pain.
Fear Free Certified
All ECC staff are Fear Free Certified, meaning your dog is cared for by professionals trained to keep play, training, and downtime positive and stress-free. It’s our way of making sure every pup feels safe, happy, and at home
Structured Days
Every day at daycare is thoughtfully planned to provide your dog with the perfect balance of play, learning, rest, and enrichment. Our daily schedule includes dedicated time for social play, training, mental stimulation, and relaxing naps—because dogs thrive on routine and balance.
We offer a variety of engaging spaces, including our custom-designed sensory garden for satisfying sniffing instincts, an enrichment deck for building problem-solving skills and confidence, as well as a sandpit for digging fun and pools for water-loving dogs to cool off and splash around in. Every element is designed to keep your dog physically and mentally active in a safe, fun environment.
Kennel Free Environment
At daycare, dogs enjoy a completely kennel-free environment designed to feel just like home. Our structured days include dedicated nap times with dimmed lights, soothing music, and plenty of cozy blankets and beds to help pups unwind. Our experienced staff are trained to help dogs settle, offering gentle support, cuddles, and pats. Prefer your pup to have a private rest space? Individual (crated) downtime can be arranged upon request when you book.
Indoor-Outdoor Freedom
At ECC, all dogs enjoy the freedom to roam between our cosy indoor areas and expansive outdoor spaces throughout their day. Our Canine Enrichment Park is the largest free-roam indoor/outdoor daycare area in Christchurch, spanning an impressive 1450sqm. This space is split into four dedicated areas, ensuring plenty of room for dogs to explore, play, and relax. We also have a separatedock diving poolfor water-loving pups to enjoy a splash! Whether rain or shine, your dog will have the perfect place to stay active and comfortable.
Safe Environment
To ensure every dog’s safety and compatibility, all pups go through a thorough assessment with one of our trained staff before joining daycare. This process helps us match dogs with appropriate playmates and create a stress-free environment for everyone. You can rest easy knowing your dog will be in a safe, supportive, and carefully managed space, where their wellbeing is our top priority.
Group by Size & Temperament
Each day, we carefully create daycare groups based on the size and personality of each dog. This ensures that every pup has a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with playmates who match their energy level and temperament. Whether your dog loves to run with the big dogs or enjoys a more relaxed group, we tailor their social experience to suit their unique needs.
Low Staff - To Dog Ratio
To ensure a safe and enriching environment, we maintain a low staff to dog ratio. This allows us to give each pup the attention, supervision, and care they deserve, keeping both dogs and team members happy and safe throughout the day.
Staff To Puppy Ratio 1:3
The first 6 months of a dog’s life is vital for shaping their behaviour and confidence. To give them the best start, we keep our puppy groups small, with a maximum of three puppies per trained staff member. Alongside expert guidance and a safe, structured environment, our puppies also learn valuable social skills by spending time with calm, well-mannered adult dogs who help model appropriate behaviour.
Complete Transparency
We believe honesty is key, because let’s face it, no one is an angel 100% of the time! We’re committed to complete transparency about your dog’s behaviour during their day with us. At pickup, our team will give you a quick debrief on how your pup’s day went, whether they were playful, a little grumpy, unsettled, or just not quite themselves.
Our staff also perform daily health checks and are trained to spot changes in behaviour early, so we can support your dog’s wellbeing and ensure their daycare experience stays positive and stress-free.
Clean & Hygienic
Our facilities is cleaned daily with Odarid Pet Sanitiser - a pet safe disinfectant that has been tested and proven to eliminate viruses such as:Canine parvovirus, canine distemper, feline leukemia, corona virus, equine influenza A, salmonella, e-coli, streptococcus, HIV-1 (aids virus), hepatitis B virus(HBV), Herpes 1 and 2, legionella pneumophila, enterobacter aerogenes, enterococcus faecium, staphylococcus, listeria monocytogenes, infectious peritonititis, avian influenza, and most viruses, bacteria and fungi.view full data sheet here
Qualified Staff
Our team is made up of passionate professionals with a wide range of certifications, including Canine Behaviour, Enrichment, Puppy Development, and Fear Free Handling. With ongoing training and a deep understanding of dog behaviour, you can trust that your pup is in skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate hands every step of the way.
Professionally Trained
Our staff are professionally trained in canine body language, behaviour, and psychology to ensure your dog feels safe, happy, and understood while in our care. We use modern, science-based training methods and are committed to ongoing education, because when it comes to dogs, there's always more to learn and ways to grow.
Force Free Training
At ECC, we are proudly committed to force-free, positive training methods. All of our practices follow the LIMA approach - Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive. Which means we always choose the kindest, most effective techniques to guide behaviour. Our focus is on building trust, using rewards and encouragement rather than punishment. Your dog’s emotional wellbeing is our top priority, and we will never put them in a situation that causes stress, fear, anxiety, or pain.
Fear Free Certified
All ECC staff are Fear Free Certified, meaning your dog is cared for by professionals trained to keep play, training, and downtime positive and stress-free. It’s our way of making sure every pup feels safe, happy, and at home
Structured Days
Every day at daycare is thoughtfully planned to provide your dog with the perfect balance of play, learning, rest, and enrichment. Our daily schedule includes dedicated time for social play, training, mental stimulation, and relaxing naps—because dogs thrive on routine and balance.
We offer a variety of engaging spaces, including our custom-designed sensory garden for satisfying sniffing instincts, an enrichment deck for building problem-solving skills and confidence, as well as a sandpit for digging fun and pools for water-loving dogs to cool off and splash around in. Every element is designed to keep your dog physically and mentally active in a safe, fun environment.
Kennel Free Environment
At daycare, dogs enjoy a completely kennel-free environment designed to feel just like home. Our structured days include dedicated nap times with dimmed lights, soothing music, and plenty of cozy blankets and beds to help pups unwind. Our experienced staff are trained to help dogs settle, offering gentle support, cuddles, and pats. Prefer your pup to have a private rest space? Individual (crated) downtime can be arranged upon request when you book.
Indoor-Outdoor Freedom
At ECC, all dogs enjoy the freedom to roam between our cosy indoor areas and expansive outdoor spaces throughout their day. Our Canine Enrichment Park is the largest free-roam indoor/outdoor daycare area in Christchurch, spanning an impressive 1450sqm. This space is split into four dedicated areas, ensuring plenty of room for dogs to explore, play, and relax. We also have a separatedock diving poolfor water-loving pups to enjoy a splash! Whether rain or shine, your dog will have the perfect place to stay active and comfortable.
Full day daycare
$52 Pay-By-Day
$60 Casual Attendance
Full day daycare
Prepay Packages
$250 The Cocker Spaniel
5 visits - $50/day. Equivalent 1 visit pw
.
$480 The Border Collie
10 visits - $48/day. Equivalent 2 visits pw or 2 dogs 1x pw
.
$690 / $920 The Great Dane
15 or 20 visits - $46/day. Equivalent 3 visit pw or multi dog multi visit
.
All FD packages expire after 2 months. Please ensure you purchase the correct package to use within the time frame.
Half day daycare
$45 Pay-By-Day
$50 Casual Attendance
$400 The Basset Hound Package
10 visits - $40/day. Expires in 3 months
Does my dog have to have an assessment before booking?
All dogs must go through our assessment process prior to enrollment. This ensures suitability and maintains stress levels as low as possible.
Head over to our Enrollment Process page to see the process in depth
Can my dog stay for the day after their assessment?
Unfortunately, no. We believe in starting with a short, positive experience to help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed. Over time, we’ll gradually build up to longer sessions, ensuring your dog’s daycare experience is always positive and stress-free.
Do dogs have to be desexed in order to attend daycare?
We don’t require dogs to be desexed to attend daycare, however:
- Females in season or pregnant are not permitted in daycare.
- Males: While desexing is not mandatory, most entire males over maturity age may struggle in a social daycare environment. If we observe testosterone-related behaviours, we’ll inform pawrents and may stand the dog down if it poses a safety or welfare concern.
Can I bring lunch for my dog?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring lunch for your dog. Alternatively, you can purchase lunch through the “add-ons” section in the owner portal for added convenience.
Do dogs have access to outside?
Yes, all of our daycare areas provide full access to both indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day. The only exception is during storms, when dogs are kept indoors for their safety and comfort.
What time is pick up and drop off?
You can drop off and pick up your dog anytime between 7am and 6pm. We don’t have set time windows for drop-off, so you have flexibility.
Please note, a late fee of $50 per 15 minutes will apply for pick-up after 6pm.
How long is a half day?
Our half-day rates apply to visits of 4 hours or less. We don’t have specific time frames for half days, as long as the total visit time is 4 hours or below.
Will my dog be kenneled for their daycare stay?
Short answer: No.
We don’t have kennels at our facility. Instead, our staff assist dogs with communal rest, creating a calm and comfortable environment without the need for kennels. We provide plenty of blankets, bedding, and cozy spots for dogs to settle, and our team is always available for cuddle sessions to help them relax.
However, for pawrents who prefer their dog to have crated rest, we do offer a few crates, which can be booked through the parent portal.
How often can my dog come to daycare?
The answer depends on your dog. We don’t allow dogs to attend more than 3 days per week, as too much daycare can lead to stress, exhaustion or other negative effects.
If we notice that your dog isn’t adjusting well to certain days or multiple visits each week, we’ll let you know and work together to create a plan that ensures your dog is happy and comfortable in our environment.
Does my puppy need to be vaccinated before attending?
Please visit our Daycare For Puppies page for more info
From sandpit digging to pool splashing, our enrichment-based dog daycare in Christchurch gives pups safe, fun ways to play and learn with our qualified staff