Small dogs playing together at Kuri City Doggy Daycare in Christchurch
Small Dog Daycare · Christchurch

Christchurch's Only Small Dog Daycare

Your small breed in a space built just for them. No large dogs — not sometimes, not in a separate area. Never.

Mon–Fri 7am–6pm. 473 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch. Free on-site parking.

  • Christchurch's only small-dog-only daycare
  • 208+ five-star Google reviews
  • Here since 2017

Small Dog Daycare in Christchurch

Kuri City is Christchurch's only daycare built exclusively for small breeds. Every dog in our daycare is a small dog — not mostly small dogs, not a separate room for small dogs. Exclusively small dogs, every day, with no exceptions.

If you have a Cavoodle, a Maltese, a Shih Tzu, a Bichon Frise, a Chihuahua, or any other small breed, this is the dog daycare in Christchurch that was built specifically for your dog.

Cavoodle Maltese Shih Tzu Bichon Frise Chihuahua Pomeranian Miniature Schnauzer Miniature Dachshund Miniature Poodle Papillon
473 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown · Mon–Fri 7am–6pm · Free parking

Why Small-Dog-Only Matters

Most daycares in Christchurch take all sizes. That means your small dog shares a space with dogs two, three, or four times their size. The big dogs aren't being aggressive, they're just playing the way big dogs play. But when a 35 kg dog plays the same way with a 6 kg dog, the small dog gets hurt, or frightened, or both.

  • No large dogs — ever Every dog in our daycare is a small breed. Not mostly small — exclusively small. This is the environment your dog comes back to every day.
  • Same energy, same size, same pace Small dogs want to play, socialise, and explore, just with dogs at their own level. In a size-matched group, they do exactly that.
  • Many came anxious, they don't stay that way Dogs that struggled at mixed facilities often settle quickly here. A predictable, same-size environment gives anxious dogs the safety they need to come out of their shell.
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Small dogs playing together at Kuri City Doggy Daycare
A Day at Kuri

Not a room where dogs wait.

Daycare at Kuri is an active day with a familiar team. Dogs arrive from 7am and are greeted by the same staff they know from previous visits. The team tracks each dog's energy, preferences, and behaviour day to day.

Familiar faces every morning The same staff greet your dog each visit. Small dogs build trust with familiar people — we take that seriously. The same team, every day.
Free play, enrichment, and rest Open play areas, structured enrichment activities, outdoor breaks, and rest time built into the day. Dogs who need a mid-afternoon break get one.
A purpose-built space for small dogs A converted warehouse in Phillipstown — high ceilings, large open play areas, and a layout designed around how small dogs actually move and play.
Instagram updates while you're at work We post photos and stories throughout the day at @kuriwelovedogs. Check in on your dog during your lunch break — our families mention this one most in reviews.

"My mini schnauzer Ace always has an amazing time at Kuri, super excited to get out of the car when he realises where he is. At the end of the day he is so tired from all the fun he barely makes it a block before he is passed out on the back seat. Staff are just lovely. I love being able to see my baby on the Instagram stories during the day. Oh and their grooming service is pretty good as well"

Deb Anderson
Small dogs playing at Kuri City Doggy Daycare in Christchurch

"I have nothing but good things to say about Kuri. They put so much effort and time into making sure all the dogs are well looked after and exercised. The staff are absolutely lovely and my doggo is beside himself with excitement every time I drop him off. He also loves their raw food. 100% recommend them."

Andrew Grear

Daycare Pricing

Casual drop-ins or day passes, the more you use Kuri, the better value it gets.

Casual rates

2 Dogs — Same Family

Both dogs, one visit

  • Full day (7am–6pm) $100
  • Half day (until 1pm) $81
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Day passes

Pass 1 Dog 2 Dogs Per day (1 dog)
5-day pass $270 $435 $54
10-day pass $460 $695 $46
20-day pass $870 $1,240 $43.50
Half-day 10-day pass $340 $34

Day passes expire 3 months from purchase. A cancelled day stays on your pass — it is not lost.

Late pickup after 6pm: $10 per 15 minutes, capped at $30.

Getting Started

Three simple steps and your dog has a daycare home. The meet-and-greet is free — no commitment until you're happy.

Contact Us

Call (03) 355 5874 or email [email protected] to check availability and arrange a meet-and-greet.

Meet-and-Greet

A free introductory visit before your dog's first day. Your dog gets familiar with the space, the team, and the other dogs. We get to understand their needs and temperament.

First Day

Drop off from 7am. Half days end at 1pm; full days run until whenever you collect, up to 6pm. Bring your dog on a lead with their vaccination records.

What to bring on the first day

  • Your dog on a lead
  • Vaccination records (first visit only)
  • Any medication, clearly labelled
  • Food if your dog eats during the day

We provide water throughout the day. No need to bring a bed or toys unless your dog has something they particularly rely on.

Daycare FAQs

Your daycare questions, answered.

Straight answers for Christchurch small dog owners thinking about daycare for the first time.

What size counts as a small dog?

Generally dogs under 15 kg. Breeds we regularly see include Cavoodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon, among others.

If you are unsure whether your dog qualifies, call us on (03) 355 5874 and we will tell you honestly.

Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Yes. We require up-to-date vaccinations before any dog attends daycare. This protects every dog in the facility. Bring your vaccination records to the meet-and-greet and on your first day.

My dog is a bit anxious. Is daycare right for them?

Not every dog suits daycare, and we will tell you that honestly. Some anxious dogs thrive in a small-dog-only environment where the stimulation level is predictable and the other dogs are a similar size.

Others do better with our dog walking or pop-in service, which is one-on-one and lower-intensity. Come in for a free meet-and-greet and we will help you work out which is the better fit for your dog.

Can I see what my dog is doing during the day?

Yes. We post photos and updates on our Instagram account (@kuriwelovedogs) throughout the day. Many of our daycare families check in from work during their lunch break — it is one of the things mentioned most in our reviews.

What are your daycare hours?

Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm. We are not open on weekends for daycare. The store is open Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Late pickup after 6pm incurs a charge of $10 per 15 minutes, capped at $30.

Can I book a regular weekly spot?

Yes. Many of our daycare families book the same days each week. Contact us to discuss a regular schedule and whether day passes make sense for your situation — the more you use Kuri, the better value they get.

What is your cancellation policy?

Contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel. Day pass bookings do not expire, so a cancelled day is not lost — it stays on your pass for the next visit.