We’ve got some really exciting news to share… 💜
Our founder, Laura Maher, has officially been awarded:
“Dog Care Business Leader of the Year 2026 (Australia)” by the Influential Businesswoman Awards.
This recognition means so much, not just for Laura personally, but for the entire PawPals community, our incredible team, and every client who has trusted us with their dogs over the years.
Built From One Dog, One Idea, and A Whole Lot of Love
PawPals was born from a very personal place – one very loved rescue dog named Hank. Like so many dog owners, Laura understood the guilt that comes with leaving a dog home alone all day while working full time.
She wanted something better. Not just “dog minding” or chaotic group play, but a safe, structured environment where dogs could genuinely thrive. That vision became PawPals DayCare & Parlour – one of Perth’s longest-running Doggy DayCare businesses.
For over more than a decade, PawPals has built a reputation across Perth for safe, structured daycare, enrichment-focused care, honest suitability assessments, small and carefully matched play groups, and a genuine community-first approach.
Leading The Shift Towards “Daycare 2.0”
Over the past two years, PawPals has been quietly reshaping what modern doggy daycare looks like. Rather than simply supervising dogs in a play yard, the team has been developing what they call Daycare 2.0 – an enrichment-led model built around mental stimulation, calm socialisation, structured play, rest and decompression, confidence building, and safety-first group management.
From scent work adventures and themed enrichment programs to solo sniff sessions and calm learning spaces, PawPals continues to push the industry forward – with each dog’s wellbeing at the centre of every decision.
More than just an award
While this recognition is an incredible honour, what matters most to Laura is the trust clients place in PawPals every single day. For over twelve years, Perth families have chosen PawPals for their dogs – and that trust is never taken lightly.
PawPals has always been willing to have honest conversations, even when that means letting someone know that daycare might not be the right fit for their dog. Because safety and genuine happiness will always come before numbers.
To every client who recommends us, comments on our posts, trusts our team, and chooses PawPals week after week – thank you.
And to our incredible team: this recognition belongs to you too. The love, care, patience, and effort you pour into the dogs every single day is what makes PawPals what it is.
We’re so proud of how far we’ve come – and even more excited about where we’re heading next 💜
Curious about our enrichment-focused doggy daycare in Bassendean, Perth?
We’d love to meet you and your dog – and help you work out if daycare is the right fit.
