Match-making website for man's best friend - help for the lonely pooch

dogtree.com.au is a free service with thousands of canines seeking companions while their masters are at work.  Pet owners can also use the site to arrange dog sitting or daily walks, and meet like-minded dog lovers in their own neighbourhoods.

Members set up a profile for their dog, with details including breed, age, size, personality, flaws and vaccination history. They can then search by postcode to find other dogs living nearby, and leave private messages for each other.

Founded by journalist Britt Smith, dogtree was launched in February and thousands of members Australia-wide.

Ms Smith says the goal of the site is to connect canines who are lonely, bored or suffer from depression during their long days alone. It also allows time-poor pet owners to help each other out with dog duties.

“Dogs are intelligent creatures and just like us they need stimulation and company,  yet we leave them alone all day to go barking mad in the dull backyard. With so many solo dogs, it makes sense to pair them up for the day,’’ Ms Smith says.

Hundreds of dogtree members have adopted the 'playdate' concept after meeting on the website. Others have arranged long and short term dog sitting, while some have set up walking groups and dog clubs at their local park.

 "dogtree is a grassroots, community-based service based on the well-being of the animal - but their owners are also making friends and getting to know their neighbours,' Ms Smith says. "Chances are, you will find a  lonely dog on your street who is just waiting for a dog like yours.'

Ms Smith quickly realised the need for a dog-match service after placing an ad for a playmate for her Tibetan terrier, Bearbear.

She received 20 phone calls from dog owners who also felt guilty leaving their canines at home alone during the working day.

A week later she had arranged regular playdates for Bear with fox terrier  Stella, who lived on the same street. Twice a week the dogs would meet up, alternating between each other’s backyards.

“It was a great arrangement. I would drop Bear off in the morning before work and pick him up at night. It’s a free and safe alternative to doggy daycare, which can be inconvenient and expensive,’’ Ms Smith said.

Bear has also made friends with other dogs Mersha the Samoyed and Sophie the maltese terrier, who regularly get together for park play dates and walks.

Reference: Visit Dogtree

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