MEET THE TEAM
Vickie Wilson, Owner
What started as a dream for Vickie, turned into a quickly growing reality. Dogs Galore was started as a way to spend more time with her personal dogs- and in less than 5 years, she has 239 dogs visiting on a weekly basis.
Vickie’s CV is far too long to list, as well as winning most national titles in Dog Agility, she has dabbled in most things dogs! Obedience, Rally, Tux wonder dog… You name it! She is a highly sought-after trainer, and we are lucky enough to have her in the North Island after she started out life in Canterbury. Vickie currently has 3 dogs, Wheedle and Alaska (heading dogs) and Hardy (kelpie). You couldn’t ask for more from a business owner, she is very hands-on but allows our staff to get on with their jobs. We consider ourselves pretty lucky 😊
Savanna, Manager
Howdy! My name is Savanna but please just call me Sav! I've always had a passion for dogs and learning what makes them tick so at 15 years old I completed an animal care and behaviour course at Wintec and went on to my first dog job in a kennels in 2012. I've been working with dogs ever since! I stumbled across Dogs Galore in 2017 and despite having a few years away due to a relocation, DG has always been my number one and I'm happy to be home, it is truly the best dog daycare there is and it really makes my day to see all the dogs so happy to see me on pick up!
I live on a lifestyle block in Rotoorangi with my partner and 4 dogs, Vulpix (kelpie) Shadow (Thai Ridgeback) Sarge (Mastiff x) and Tonka ( a three legged huntaway) I compete in agility as well so in my spare time you can find me training, or at dog shows in the weekends ignoring my other responsibilities.
Mackenzie, Groomer
My family dog Baxta is one of the originals at DG so, I’ve been seeing Vickie and the “School bus” since my primary uniform!! I finished school in 2020 at TAC and began a year of Vet Nursing in 2021 at Wintec, through this I came to do work experience for my course at Dogs Galore and have never looked back! Now I’m a full time van driver and groomer at DG and you’ll catch me looking after the daycare dogs, or in the groom room knee deep in soap bubbles and dog hair! I live in Te Awamutu with my partner, Max and our two dogs - Penny (labrador) and Goose (standard poodle)
Vik, Galore Pack Handler
I live in the district with my two teenage children and my dog, Kaia. I spent much of my childhood dog trialling in the hills of Kāwhia, where my love for working with dogs really began. After more than 25 years milking cows and working in childcare, I decided it was finally time to follow that passion. I completed my Animal Care course through the Open Polytechnic, landed a job with Dogs Galore in 2024 — and I haven’t looked back.