Pat n Chat
Social Activities - With Dogs
A social program in a doggy daycare setting.

What is it?
Pat n Chat is a fun, social program based in Belrose on the Northern Beaches. It takes place in a doggy daycare environment and runs from 10 AM to 3 PM. Right now, the program is in its pilot phase, which means we’re trying out a four-week block where participants come one day a week. During this time, we’ll test how it works and get your feedback to help make it even better. You’ll play an important role in shaping how the program runs in the future.
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After the pilot phase, Pat n Chat will continue, so you can keep coming along and enjoying everything it offers.
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The program is all about mixing social activities with time spent around dogs. Each activity has a dog twist—like making up songs about dogs in music class or baking treats for them during cooking. Because we’re based in a doggy daycare, you’ll also get to help out with basic dog care, like feeding, playing, and making sure they’re happy and comfortable. If you’re looking to make friends, learn new things, or just have a great time with dogs, this is the program for you!
Who is it for?
Pat n Chat is perfect for:
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People who love dogs and want to spend more time with them.
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Anyone looking to make new friends in a fun and supportive environment.
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Those who enjoy creative activities like art, music, or cooking with a dog-themed twist.
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Individuals who want to learn basic animal care while having fun.
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People with disabilities who are seeking a relaxed, inclusive, and engaging program.

Why join?
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Spend time with dogs in a fun, relaxed environment.
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Meet new people and make friends who love dogs as much as you do.
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Try new activities like art, music, or yoga.
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Learn the basics about animal care.

What you will do
​The pilot program runs over four weeks, with each week focusing on a fun theme:
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Week 1: Art-themed activities like painting with dog paw prints.
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Week 2: Cooking-themed activities such as making dog treats.
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Week 3: Music-themed activities like creating dog-inspired songs.
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Week 4: Movement-themed activities, including dog-inspired dance and doggy yoga.
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An example day looks like this:
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Morning: Arrive at the doggy daycare, meet the other participants and dogs, and help with basic dog care tasks like feeding or playtime. Start your first social activity, such as painting with dog paw prints.
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Midday: Enjoy a shared lunch, relax, chat, and cuddle with the dogs.
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Afternoon: Continue with dog care tasks, followed by a second social activity like adding personal touches to the artwork. Wrap up with a reflection session, pack up, and head home.
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Each session is designed to be enjoyable, inclusive, and can be tailored to the group’s needs and interests.
How It Works
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How often are the walks scheduled?Walks can be weekly or fortnightly, depending on your availability and your match’s schedule.
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How long are the walks?Walks usually last about an hour. If you need shorter or longer walks, let us know, and we can adjust to what works best for you.
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Where do we go on our walks?We’ll decide the walking route together, starting from your home or a nearby meeting spot. Walks are planned to suit your goals, accessibility needs, and what’s safe and dog-friendly. Routes can include: - A stroll through the neighborhood or a local park. - A stop at a dog-friendly café if you’d like a social break. - A visit to a dog park or venue if you’re looking to meet new people and dogs. Every walk is tailored to make sure it’s enjoyable, comfortable, and meets your preferences.
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Can I bring my own dog?Yes, you can bring your own dog! Please note that we can only have one dog on a walk. This means either you or the volunteer will bring a dog, but not both. If you’d like to bring your dog, staff will conduct an assessment to make sure it’s a good fit for the program.
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Do I need to have experience walking dogs?No prior experience is needed! Staff and volunteers will guide you and ensure you’re comfortable.
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Should I bring a support worker?You can bring a support worker if it helps you feel more comfortable or if you need extra help. Our volunteers can help with things like pushing a wheelchair, but they can’t help with personal care like getting dressed or using the bathroom.
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Can I join another program while doing Wag n Walk?Yes, you can combine Wag n Walk with other programs like Pat n Chat for more social activities or Taster Experience for career exploration.
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What happens if I don’t feel comfortable with my match?We’ll work with you to understand your concerns and, if needed, find a new match that better fits your preferences.
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How much does it cost?All program fees are covered by your NDIS package. If your goals are about having fun and making friends, the fees will come from your core supports. If your goals are about learning skills or getting ready for a job, the fees will come from your capacity building funds. Not on NDIS? Contact us to explore options.
What's next?
Looking to get even more out of your time with us? You can join multiple programs to match your interests:
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Want more social activities? You might enjoy our Wag n Walk Program, where you can connect with others while enjoying regular dog walks.
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Exploring career opportunities in animal care? Add on our Taster Experience Program to explore different roles like dog walking, grooming, and working in vet clinics. Or, dive into our Animal Advocacy Training Program to gain skills and certification for a career in the field.