Mikaiyla is The Doggy Den’s full-time Daycare Attendant and Supervisor, bringing both passion and expertise to the team. She holds a Certificate in Dog Psychology, Behaviour and Training, has volunteered with SEAWL, worked alongside a professional dog trainer, and studied Animal Science at university. She loves helping dogs-especially first-timers-gain confidence and settle into daycare life. At home, she has two cats, Bilby and Smudge, and her Border Collie x Kelpie, Hex. Outside work, she enjoys fishing, hiking, reading, and gaming. Her dream is to one day see wolves in Alaska.

Aaron has spent most of his life working with dogs and brings a wealth of hands-on experience to The Doggy Den. He began his career at the RSPCA as an Animal Attendant, then spent five years at a Queensland kennel-four as a Kennel Attendant and one as Manager-where he also trained dogs in obedience and security work. Afterward, he gained two years’ experience as a Grooming Assistant. Aaron loves dogs of all breeds and sizes and currently shares his life with a Wolfhound, Staghound, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Brooke grew up on a farm and has been caring for animals her whole life, making her a natural fit at The Doggy Den. She has a soft spot for working breeds like Kelpies and Border Collies, but loves all dogs equally. Before joining the team, she worked as a dog walker, where she developed a deep understanding of canine behaviour and one-on-one handling. Brooke is also a qualified hairdresser and a proud mum to three kids, a Pug named Betty, two cats, and a green tree frog. She loves helping dogs build confidence and thrive in a positive, social environment.

Emily brings extensive animal care experience to The Doggy Den, with a background as a qualified Veterinary Nurse since 2022. Her work includes monitoring surgeries, handling anxious dogs, taking X-rays, running blood tests, and administering treatments — all with a calm and confident approach. Originally from a farming background, Emily has worked in shearing sheds and at a veterinary clinic in New Zealand. She owns and trains six hardworking Kelpies and a young German Shorthaired Pointer learning to retrieve. Beyond dogs, she also trains horses and breeds her own mob of rare-breed sheep.

Jorja brings a wealth of experience to The Doggy Den, having worked with in the equine, dairy and sheep shearing industries having grown up on farms. She is a lover of dogs of all breeds and sizes – but has a big soft spot for larger breeds – and grew up surrounded by dogs including a Newfoundland and now a Cane Corso x American bulldog. She is also studying to be a veterinary nurse and states her favourite part of working at The Doggy Den is seeing how excited and happy they are every time they walk in the front door.

Mackenzie has worked on dairy farms for the last four years before starting at The Doggy Den with her kelpie, Lexi. Having grown up on farms with dogs, Mackenzie is confident with canines of all shapes, sizes and temperaments and despite loving all dogs, has a soft spot for medium to larger dogs. Along with her kelpie, Mackenzie also owns a Ridgeback x Labrador – Koda, with both dogs sporting different personalities which helps with her role at The Doggy Den. Outside of work Mackenzie loves going camping with her dogs and taking them for walks, and her goal at The Doggy Den is to make all dogs feel confident, safe and have the best time.