Barking adventures at Adelaide Dog Farm Days

With a passion for dogs and a love for the countryside, Owen Kelly and his fiancée Abbie Parker have created a unique sanctuary that brings joy to countless dogs and their owners. Based on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, Adelaide Dog Farm Days offers city dogs a chance to experience the joys of farm life. 

Australian Farmers sat down with Owen to discuss the inspiration behind the farm, and the daily activities that make this place a true doggy paradise. 

Journey to the farm 

Owen’s path to creating Adelaide Dog Farm Days began with a deep-rooted love for the countryside and a desire for a simpler, outdoor lifestyle.  

“We both were born and raised in South Australia. I grew up in the country coastal town of Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Abbie in Adelaide. As adults, we were drawn to the country lifestyle, we loved being outdoors, we loved camping and exploring together,” says Owen. 

The decision to purchase a 20-acre farm was influenced by the need to balance proximity to Adelaide with the tranquility of rural life.  

“We chose this area as it met our needs of being close to the city and close to the beach. We are beach people and love the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is stunning, and we are so lucky to call this place home.”  

With family ties in the neighboring region of McLaren Vale, the location was perfect for their envisioned lifestyle.  

A haven for dogs 

The idea of transforming their farm into a haven for dogs was born out of practicality and passion.  

“When we purchased the property, the previous owner had cattle and made something like $18,000 a year from the small parcel of land. We quickly realised that making an income on 20 acres through traditional farming methods was going to be difficult,” Owen explains. 

Owen’s love for dogs played a pivotal role in this transition.  

“One of the reasons we moved to the country was for our own dogs to be able to enjoy the space to run, explore and play. We saw how much our own dogs loved the farm, with the dams, creek line and walking trails throughout the property.  

“We just couldn’t ignore how much it was literally ‘doggy paradise’. Our land was simply built for dogs to run, explore, swim and ultimately have the best day out and we couldn’t ignore it. 

“This was the spark that made us pursue our farm daycare.” 

All aboard the big yellow bus 

A typical day at Adelaide Dog Farm Days is filled with activities that keep dogs engaged, happy and well-exercised.  

The day starts in the city of Adelaide with Owen picking up all the dogs from people’s homes in a big yellow bus.  

“We take about 10-15 dogs a day and pick them up directly from people’s front doors. By mid-morning, we make our way back to the farm, and the dogs have 5-6 hours of time to run themselves wild.” 

The farm’s features provide ample opportunities for fun and exploration.  

“We start the day usually by exploring our smaller dam, which is about knee-deep, and the dogs love splashing around in there. Then we explore the large paddock, which has lots of smells, sticks and space for dogs to run and play with each other.”  

The day also includes a 1km bush walk loop around the large dam, and by the afternoon, the dogs can rest under the pergola or continue exploring. 

A road less travelled 

Setting up Adelaide Dog Farm Days was not without its challenges. Navigating council approvals was a significant hurdle.  

“We had some logistical challenges with council approval. We worked closely with Alexandrina Council to provide an innovative, rural value-adding development to the region, which is supported by council members,” Owen explains.  

The collaborative effort ensured a supportive arrangement that has continued to benefit the venture.  

“I think with such a niche offering it was very difficult to find any resources to help and guide us along the way. That is why we would love to help other farmers and entrepreneurs in the pet space with their own business journeys.”  

For rural property owners considering diversifying their income in unconventional ways, Owen offers some heartfelt advice.  

“My advice would be that if you are passionate about something, you need to follow that passion. Find out as much information as you can, but ultimately you need to start taking the steps involved in creating the business as soon as possible.” 

Owen also highlights the importance of commitment and focus.  

“In my experience, you need to go all in. Subsidising the daycare with traditional farming methods was our original thought; however, logistically, it is very difficult, and time management-wise, we quickly put that idea to bed.” 

For the love of dogs 

The innovative concept of Adelaide Dog Farm Days has received enthusiastic feedback from dog owners and the community.  

“So many dog owners are simply blown away by the service that we are offering. A lot are amazed by the idea and love the fact that their dog can be a ‘farm dog’ for the day whilst they are at work.” 

The dogs themselves also seem to understand the special treat that awaits them.  

“A lot of our regular dogs know their daycare day and wake their parents up with excitement that morning. When we pull up in front of the dog’s house in our bright yellow school bus, they know exactly where they are going and are simply filled with excitement and energy.”  

This consistent positive feedback underscores the success and impact of the service they provide. 

Future plans 

Looking ahead, Owen and Abbie have ambitious plans for Adelaide Dog Farm Days. They envision expanding their services and reaching more dogs and owners across Australia.  

“We have so many exciting things planned for the farm. We want to serve all the dogs of Adelaide with the possibility of a farm day and so many other services. 

“We would love to expand our services across Australia. We would love to help other farmers and dog lovers with land to create the same experience for city dogs all over Australia. If this sounds like something you as the reader would be interested in, please reach out to us.” 

Memorable moments 

For Owen, the most rewarding part of running Adelaide Dog Farm Days is seeing the joy it brings to the dogs and their owners.  

“The most rewarding part is seeing dogs that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to explore a farm have the joy of doing so. I feel so lucky to be able to give them an experience they wouldn’t otherwise get,” he shares. 

Feedback from owners about their dogs’ improved behaviour and socialization is another highlight.  

“I often get feedback that dogs’ behaviours, obedience, and socialization have improved. So I get the satisfaction that I am improving a dog’s life and their connection with their owners on a daily basis. That truly is the most rewarding aspect.” 

Memorable moments abound, but one recent experience stands out.  

“A most recent memory was having 18 dogs running around the farm on a single day. Seeing all the happy dogs exploring, running, playing and enjoying the land that we call home was truly a breathtaking moment. 

“On this day, it finally hit me that our dream to start a ‘farm for dogs’ had become a reality.”