By Natalee Kerr
Classical music would play to pets at a doggy day-care proposed for Grovedale, according to a planning permit application.
BB’s Doggy Daycare would seek to limit “physical and audible stimuli” in favour of “gentle” music to calm client dogs, the application reveals.
“The science behind calming dogs with sound has shown many positive effects of relaxing music for dogs in a stressful or high stimuli environment,” the application says.
“We will ensure that each dog leaves at the end of the day further enriched and challenged to be a better canine citizen.”
The 40-dog daytime minding service, in Lewalan St, would “satisfy” the Environment Protection Authority’s noise control guidelines, said an acoustic report on the proposal.
Enrolled dogs would also undergo a two-hour behavioural assessment before admission to “minimise perpetual barking”.
“If the dog shows that they are well trained they will be accepted for a day-stay trial at day-care … to show that the dog is suitable to our centre’s environment,” the application says.
Four enclosures would house dogs, with specific spaces designated for “larger and highly-energised” canines.
The centre would also provide “stimulating games and socialisation”, with a ratio of one employee for every 10 dogs.
The applicants described themselves as experienced pet handlers who were already operating a dog-grooming business in Geelong.
Their Grovedale centre would also offer grooming services for up to 12 dogs daily.
The centre would operate from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with dog grooming 9am to 3pm Wednesday to Saturday.
Council has put the plan on exhibition for public comment until 29 November.
