SMALL DOG BOARDING IN TOWNSVILLE
A sleepover at Bluewater House– where your dog is part of the family, not a number.
It’s a calm, country retreat for your pup. Designed for small dogs who feel best with company, comfort, and homey environments.
Our boarders aren't shut away overnight, and they're not on a "yard time" schedule. They're part of the household for the duration of their stay.
New here? Start with a Meet & Greet.
24/7 Supervision
15 Years Experience
Home Environment
Small Dogs Only
Est. 2015
WHAT OUR FUR MUM FAMILIES SAY
BUILT BY A FUR MUM, FOR FUR MUM FAMILIES
Bluewater House exists because I couldn't find the care I wanted for my own dogs. I wanted professional, reliable care without the cells, and home-style comfort without having to rely on friends, family, or side-hustle pet sitters.
So I built it.
THE FUR MUM BALANCE
Most boarding options sit at one extreme or the other. We aim for the best of both worlds– safe and professional like a kennel, but warm and home-based like a pet sitter.
| Feature | Traditional Kennels | Home Pet Sitters | Fur Mum – Bluewater House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Facility | Someone else’s home | Jen’s home, designed for dogs |
| Supervision | Scheduled | Varies | All day, all night |
| Experience | Staffed, impersonal | Often limited | Nearly 15 years, small-dog focused |
| Routine | Clock-based | Inconsistent | Dog-led, sun-based rhythm |
| Overnight | Separate sleeping | Varies | Dogs sleep in the bedroom |
| Reliability | High | Can be hit-and-miss | Consistent, accountable, professional |
| Extras | Often upsold | Rare | Included as standard |
FEEDING AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Feeding time is handled safely and calmly. Dogs are fed separately in pens so they can eat in peace – no pressure, no competition.
If your pup is fussy, slow, or has a routine they're used to, let us know. Feeding concerns are incredibly common, and we know all the tricks when it comes to helping dogs settle into meals while they're staying with us.
Fussy eater? We've seen it all. Just tell us what works at home.
BLUEWATER HOUSE: A PEACEFUL TOWNSVILLE ESCAPE
Bluewater House sits in a quiet pocket of Townsville's northern beaches – no traffic, no neighbours, and no visual triggers that set dogs off.
It's a genuine home with space to roam, shade to escape the heat, and the kind of peace that helps anxious dogs decompress.
Drop-off and pick-up happens at our Mather Street daycare location in Garbutt, so you don't need to drive out to Bluewater.
WHO THIS BOARDING SUITS BEST
Bluewater House is a great fit for:
✔ Small dogs who love company and settle best in a home environment
✔ Dogs who are a little anxious and do better with people and other dogs nearby
✔ Owners who want better than kennels – care that feels loving, professional, and consistent
Not all dogs are comfortable with having company 24/7, whether that be people or a pack. That’s ok, there are other options for those pups.
We prefer an in-person Meet & Greet before a first sleepover. It lets us meet your pup, understand their routine, and plan a smooth introduction.
If you're completely confident your dog will thrive in a home-based, family-style environment, we may be able to start with a phone call instead.
Either way, the goal is the same: a calm, happy sleepover for your pup, and peace of mind for you.
MEET & GREETS FOR BOARDING
Boarding PRICING
$55 per night per dog
Discounts:
$5 per night off for Fur Mum kids who regularly attend daycare at least once per week
Pensioner discounts
Long-term stay discounts at our discretion
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
24/7 supervision and company
All meals (or we'll feed your dog's own food)
Play, enrichment, and outdoor time
Calm, structured routine
Treats
Medication administration if required
CHECK-OUT AND COLLECTION
On check-out day:
If daycare is open, we offer free collection between 10:00am and 12:00pm
Otherwise, your dog checks into daycare and can be collected any time before 6:00pm.
Common Questions
-
It's rare, but it happens. We'll give them time, patience, and gentle reassurance. If a dog is genuinely distressed and not improving, we'll contact you to discuss options. We'd never force a dog to stay if they're truly unhappy.
-
Absolutely. Familiar things help dogs settle faster. Especially if they are a picky eater, go on hunger strikes or get an upset tummy from new foods. Just make sure to include written instructions so we can make sure to get it right.
-
We have a relationship with a local vet and will seek treatment immediately if needed. You'll be contacted as soon as possible. Emergency contact details are collected at booking.
-
Yes. We regularly administer tablets, liquids, and eye/ear drops. Injections are something we need to discuss ahead of time. Just make sure to include written instructions so we can follow it exactly.
-
We keep numbers intentionally small – with a maximum of 15 dogs at a time, depending on the group. This ensures every dog gets proper attention and the environment stays calm.
-
We understand plans change. We ask for as much notice as possible so we can offer the spot to another family. Peak periods (school holidays, Christmas) have specific terms – we'll confirm at booking.
Existing Fur Mum Family?
Book boarding through the client portal.
New to Fur Mum?
Start with a Meet & Greet so we can make sure Bluewater House is the right fit for your pup.