Out with your dog
Plan a day with your dog
Find a walk, a food stop or a local dog service. Choose your suburb to get started.
Header photograph: Paul / Adobe Stock.
Meeting other dogs safely
Not every dog wants to say hello. A dog may be on a lead because it is training, nervous, reactive or unwell, so give the dog and owner some room and ask before allowing dogs to meet.
- If your off-leash dog sees a dog on a lead, call your dog back and do not let it approach.
- If both dogs are on leads, ask first and wait for the other owner’s answer.
- If both dogs are off-leash, ask before they meet, be careful around toys and balls, and keep your dog under effective control.
Read Maroondah City Council’s on-leash and off-leash guidance.
Planning to bring your dog? Please check current dog access and any conditions with the venue or organiser before you go.
What the dog-access tick means
A tick means we have evidence of dog access for the stated area or activity. It does not confirm club capacity or suitability for every dog.
Dog services
21 listings found.
Public business contacts for dog owners. Check services and appointments directly; inclusion is not an endorsement or a general visitor dog-access claim.
Local expert story
Before the brush: how Anna helps dogs feel safe at the groomer
A missed tangle, a damp coat or a rushed arrival can make grooming harder than it needs to be. Anna from Smile Pet Salon explains how small habits at home and five quiet minutes at the salon can change the experience.
At Smile Pet Salon in Ringwood, a booked grooming appointment does not begin the moment a dog arrives. Anna first gives each dog about five to ten minutes in the salon's large backyard to have a toilet break, stretch, explore and relax. For a nervous dog or one visiting for the first time, she says that short pause can make a big difference.
That settling time captures Anna's approach to grooming. She believes the work should begin only when the dog is ready, because comfort and safety matter more than rushing through the appointment.
Comfort and safety come first. Every dog is different, so we take our time and never rush the grooming process.
Anna, Smile Pet Salon
When a small tangle becomes a painful problem
Coat trouble often starts quietly. Anna recommends checking behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar, where tangles can form first. If the coat begins to feel tight or clumpy, or becomes difficult to brush through, matting may already be developing.
Long, curly and thick coats can need brushing several times a week or even daily. A slicker brush and comb can help, depending on the coat. Redness, repeated scratching or licking, discomfort and unusual smells are signs that the skin or coat should be checked by a suitable professional.
Bath time can add to the tension
A wet coat is not the end of the job. Anna says dogs should be washed with products made for them, rather than human shampoo, and dried completely. Leaving the coat damp can encourage tangles and may irritate the skin.
Between appointments, owners can also gently check paws, ears and nails. If there is redness, an injury or clear discomfort, Anna's advice is to stop and seek professional help rather than push through it at home.
Nervous dogs need familiarity, not pressure
For a dog facing a first groom, unfamiliar handling can be stressful. Anna suggests calmly touching the dog's paws, ears and face at home so those sensations become familiar. Beginning regular grooming while a dog is young can also help it understand the routine.
At the salon, the same principle continues. A few unhurried minutes outside can let the dog toilet, take in the surroundings and settle. Anna then starts the grooming session when the dog is calmer and ready.
Why an accurate price starts with meeting the dog
Grooming needs can vary even between dogs of the same breed. Size, coat condition, the requested haircut and the dog's comfort level all affect the work involved. Anna says Smile Pet Salon's pricing reflects the experience, professional care and time used to keep each pet comfortable and well cared for.
That is why the salon does not promise an exact quote over the phone. It prefers to see the dog, assess the coat and then provide an approximate price. The salon works strictly by appointment and does not accept walk-ins.
Anna’s simple routine between appointments
The steps are small, but together they can prevent discomfort and make the next groom easier:
- Brush regularly and keep the coat clean and dry.
- Pay extra attention behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar.
- Choose a slicker brush and comb when they suit the dog’s coat type.
- Use dog shampoo and dry the coat completely after bathing.
- Gently check paws, ears and nails, and get help if the dog is sore or distressed.
- Book before the coat becomes heavily matted.
The payoff is a calmer, more comfortable dog
Good grooming is not only about how a dog looks at the end. Regular care at home can catch problems sooner, while gentle preparation and a slower arrival can reduce the stress of the appointment. For Anna, a successful groom is one that respects the individual dog and gives it the time and care it needs.
Advice and photograph supplied by Anna, Smile Pet Salon, 25 September 2026. Answers lightly edited and arranged as an editorial story for clarity and length.
Featured business
Smile Pet Salon -Dog Grooming/ Cat Grooming Ringwood
Pet groomer · Ringwood
The full directory entry below includes the business description, address, dog-access details and evidence source.
Choose a row for conditions, facilities and links.
Bayswater Veterinary HospitalBayswater NorthVeterinary clinicMore details
Bayswater Veterinary Hospital
Bayswater North
Veterinary appointments at the Bayswater North clinic.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Croydon & District Obedience Dog ClubCroydonDog trainerMore details
Croydon & District Obedience Dog Club
Croydon
Dog training at Silcock Reserve. Read membership notices and FAQs before enquiring; no manned phone line.
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Croydon Pet HospitalCroydonVeterinary clinicMore details
Croydon Pet Hospital
Croydon
Veterinary appointments in Croydon.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Croydon Veterinary ClinicCroydonVeterinary clinicMore details
Croydon Veterinary Clinic
Croydon
Veterinary appointments in Croydon.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
DogdayzHeathmontDog day care centerMore details
Dogdayz
Heathmont
Dog daycare provider serving Heathmont. Contact the provider for collection and service details; this is not a Heathmont walk-in venue.
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 3 9844 3292 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Hound HikesRingwoodDog walkerMore details
Hound Hikes
Ringwood
Dog walking serving Ringwood, Heathmont, Croydon, Warranwood and other listed suburbs.
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 435 015 419
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Kip Bayswater Dog DaycareBayswater NorthDog daycare serviceMore details
Kip Bayswater Dog Daycare
Bayswater North
Dog daycare in Bayswater North. Kip Bayswater says this location provides daycare only and does not offer overnight boarding.
Dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations: C5, or the second puppy vaccination round for puppies. Dogs older than one year must be desexed. Contact Kip Bayswater to confirm current suitability, availability and booking requirements.
Website and details · +61 3 9761 6888 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-25
Mega Pet Warehouse RingwoodRingwoodPet suppliesMore details
Mega Pet Warehouse Ringwood
Ringwood
Pet food and supplies in Ringwood.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Melbourne Animal Specialist Hospital | MASHRingwoodVeterinarianMore details
Melbourne Animal Specialist Hospital | MASH
Ringwood
Veterinarian
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 1800 838 787 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
North Croydon Veterinary ClinicCroydon NorthVeterinary clinicMore details
North Croydon Veterinary Clinic
Croydon North
Veterinary appointments at the Exeter Road clinic in Croydon North.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Oh My Fur Pet SalonRingwoodDog groomingMore details
Oh My Fur Pet Salon
Ringwood
Dog grooming in Ringwood, by appointment.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Pineapple Pet GroomingRingwoodDog groomingMore details
Pineapple Pet Grooming
Ringwood
Pet grooming in Ringwood. Contact the salon to arrange a booking.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Ringwood East VetcareRingwood EastVeterinarianMore details
Ringwood East Vetcare
Ringwood East
Veterinarian
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 3 9879 2803 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Ringwood Veterinary ClinicRingwoodAnimal hospitalMore details
Ringwood Veterinary Clinic
Ringwood
Animal hospital
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 3 9870 6440 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Shampoo SmilesRingwood NorthDog groomingMore details
Shampoo Smiles
Ringwood North
Dog grooming in Ringwood North, by appointment.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Smart Choice Dog TrainingCroydonDog trainerMore details
Smart Choice Dog Training
Croydon
Dog trainer
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 419 725 725
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Smile Pet Salon -Dog Grooming/ Cat Grooming RingwoodRingwoodPet groomerMore details
Smile Pet Salon -Dog Grooming/ Cat Grooming Ringwood
Ringwood
Appointment-only pet grooming. Dogs are given about 5–10 minutes to have a toilet break, explore the salon's large backyard and settle before grooming begins. No walk-in services.
Smile Pet Salon says its pricing reflects the experience, professional care and time used to help each pet feel comfortable. Prices vary with your dog's size, coat condition, desired style and comfort level, including between dogs of the same breed. The salon usually needs to see your dog in person to assess the coat and provide an approximate price. Contact the salon to arrange an appointment. The backyard settling time is part of the booked grooming service, not general visitor access.
Instagram · Facebook · +61 493 650 712 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-25
The Groom ShedCroydonPet groomerMore details
The Groom Shed
Croydon
Grooming for small dogs only. Croydon home salon by appointment; text preferred.
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 421 058 807
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Vet Hub RingwoodRingwoodVeterinarianMore details
Vet Hub Ringwood
Ringwood
Veterinarian
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 3 9870 7479 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Wags Walkers - Dog Walking & Pet Visit ServiceBayswater NorthPet sitterMore details
Wags Walkers - Dog Walking & Pet Visit Service
Bayswater North
Dog walking and home visits, based in Bayswater North.
Contact the business for service suitability, appointments and dog requirements.
Website and details · +61 413 426 222 · Email business
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-09-23
Warranwood Veterinary CentreWarranwoodVeterinary clinicMore details
Warranwood Veterinary Centre
Warranwood
Veterinary appointments at the Warranwood clinic.
Check current services, suitability and appointment requirements with the business.
Access or listing source · Evidence dated 2026-10-22
Coverage and how we keep this guide current
We cover Bayswater North, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Croydon South, Heathmont, Kilsyth South, Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringwood North and Warranwood, plus address-checked Maroondah parts of Kilsyth, Park Orchards, Vermont and Wonga Park. Nearby options are labelled separately.
Park rules come from Council sources. Food access uses dated Google business attributes retained in the MX food records. Service contacts come from reviewed public business sources. Source dates appear with each listing. Coverage is not exhaustive.
Regional parks and services are due for review every three months; Croydon parks and food follow monthly reviews. Changes reported sooner are checked when received. Events follow the current MX event database.
Dogs of Maroondah
Stories from local dog life
The guide helps with the practical questions. Our stories introduce the local people, dogs and businesses behind it: the walks they take, the problems they solve and what they have learnt along the way.
Read: Four dog-friendly local outings that fit into a real day
Planning a club walk?
Check the park’s dog limits and contact your chosen food venue about outdoor space, group size and bookings. A dog-friendly listing does not confirm capacity for a club or suitability for every dog.
For a longer walk, check the land manager’s current rules and signs along the whole route, including any connection between the park and your next stop.
Walking well together
A dog-walking interview with Amanda Palich from Smart Choice Dog Training is planned. Her advice will be added when the interview is complete.
Help keep the guide useful
Know a place we have missed, or spotted a changed dog policy? Send MX a suggestion or correction. Include the place, suburb and a link to the current details.
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