Whakatāne’s newest school bus doesn’t carry children – it carries dogs.

Canine and Co’s doggy daycare bus belongs to Daniel and Chelsea Brogden, who run a pet care business offering boarding, grooming, training, and now transport for dogs to and from “The Social Club”.

The Social Club is a space for dogs to socialise, learn manners, and build confidence interacting with their doggy mates. Whakatāne attendees are picked up from Rex Morpeth Park at 7.30am and dropped back at 5.15pm.

Nearing its two-year mark this October, their boarding and daycare facility, located on Western Drain Road, is a game-changer for pet owners.

With a background in animal behaviour, Mrs Brogden had always known she wanted to work with animals. So, when the chance came to take on an existing boarding facility, the couple leapt at it –  determined to reshape the business and fill the gap they saw in the local market.

“We took it on knowing we would be changing a lot of it,” she said. “Especially with the doggy daycare side, the doggy daycare bus, and the grooming business – making it a one-stop shop.”

And it’s worked. Boarding for cats and dogs remains the core offering, but their Monday to Thursday daycare is now fully booked this term with a growing waitlist. Grooming has also started to take off, and their doggy daycare bus is one of the most visible – and loved – parts of the business.

Originally a school bus, the vehicle is now fitted with harnesses for canine passengers.

“We’ve kept it as the school bus set-up,” said Mrs Brogden. “They’ve all got their own seat. The harness seatbelt clicks onto the seatbelt, then clicks onto their harness.”

Beyond convenience, the goal is accessibility. “We have older clients who don’t drive, so we go pick up their dogs for them. Let us run your dogs, socialise your dogs – and then we send them home tired at the end of the day.”

With many dog owners working full-time, the service offers a lifeline. “In winter, when it’s cold and dark, people can’t always walk their dogs. We always tire them out for you.”

Training has also become a key part of their offering. This term, the Brogdens are hosting a sold-out workshop led by Jason Pye, an internationally experienced dog handler, in collaboration with Tammie Wharton from Freedom & Harmony. The fully booked event has drawn dogs of all breeds and backgrounds – from cavoodles to German shepherds.

“We always said we wouldn’t discriminate against breeds,” said Mrs Brogden. “There are a lot of kennels out there who put things in the ‘too hard’ basket. The breed of the dog doesn’t determine anything – it’s all about their outside lives.”

Their commitment to the community extends beyond business. The Brogdens are big believers in adoption over shopping, highlighting the importance of doing research when purchasing dogs and avoiding unregulated backyard breeders.

At Christmas, they also run a donation drive for the Kaingaroa Animal Rescue Village, collecting goods under a tree at their facility.

If you see the dog bus driving through Whakatāne, give it a wave. “The kids are hanging out the windows waving at the bus and seeing the dogs,” Mrs Brogden said. “It’s awesome. I think it’s really cool for Whakatāne to have something different, something exciting to see.”

For more information or to enquire about services, the best way to reach the Brogdens is via email at [email protected], or follow them on Facebook @Canine & Co for frequent updates on the four-legged attendee’s antics.