Sun Dog Hundebetreuung
Sun Dog Hundebetreuung GmbH was founded in September 2024 by Alyssa Macht.
The welfare of the dogs is our top priority. At Sun Dog, our mission is to provide a safe environment for dogs and humans.
In the 170 sqm comfortably furnished dog zone, the four-legged friends not only have a place to retreat, but also plenty of opportunities to play and run around, all under the loving supervision of a professional team. We place great importance on individual attention to offer our dogs the best possible care. Twice a day we go for a walk through the woods and fields. Outside of the walks, we make sure they get enough rest and sleep, filled with plenty of cuddles, according to their personal well-being.
Dogs can have a therapeutic, calming and stress-reducing effect on us humans. That’s why we offer a place for all people who want to build a daily structure with a meaningful activity, are willing to volunteer and enjoy working with dogs. We foster a collaborative team spirit where people are supported by an experienced and trained team in their interaction with dogs.
Alyssa
Dogs are my passion. As a child I was able to be around many different animals; from Siamese cats, dogs and rabbits. When visiting my family in Canada every summer I explored the woodland grounds with my fathers labrador and until today, I visit my godfather every year and help out at his rescue organization for exotic animals, Urban Safari Rescue Society. I have been able to gain experience with all kinds of animals there like snakes, spiders, turtles, alligators, lizards, mice and rats all the way to pigs, ferrets, skunks and my godfathers own dogs.
After about 20 years of making a career in a corporate office, I have decided to make my passion a professional reality. In 2021 I completed my FBA Tierbetreuer diploma (official Swiss diploma in animal care) including several months of practical experience in a dog daycare. Because my thirst for knowledge was not stilled, I started another 20 month education that same year to become a dog training consultant (based on the philosophy by Jan Nijboer), which I successfully completed.
When I moved out from home, my most wonderful 14 years with my Labrador, Lucky, started. He was my best friend and loyal companion. When he passed, he was succeeded by a little Podengo Português mix, Finn. After his arrival from Portugal and getting used to his new home, I notice that he did not really know how to act around other dogs. I started looking for a dog daycare so he would be able to socialize with other dogs. It warmed my heart, how he made friends at daycare in no time and really flourished in a social setting.
I would now like to give other dogs a chance for this wonderful experience. “Fun with friends” is the motto, a professional and loving daycare where dogs can make new friends and owners know, their dogs are being cared for in the best way.
My Diplomas
Mike
I’ve been fascinated by dogs and cats my entire life. Even as a small child, when I was bitten by a Schnauzer, my love for dogs never faded — much to my mother’s surprise. My wish for a pet finally came true at age 16, when I adopted a farm cat named “Phoebe” (I originally thought he was a girl). He became the center of my world and a true family member until the end of his life.
In 2011, during my nursing training, I met a classmate’s dog – Carol, a Podenco mix rescued from the streets. Through her, I discovered my deep passion for dogs, especially rescues or ones in need of urgent care. After completing my nursing degree in Germany in 2014, my life changed completely in 2016 when Estelle entered my life. Adopting an anxious and ill dog was a big step, but one I’ve never regretted. My “Pupsi” transformed my life – making it more complex, but also far more meaningful.
In 2021, I completed the FBA animal care training. Thanks to my experience with Estelle and many different dogs during my internship, I developed a special interest in dogs with unique needs or health challenges.
Working with dogs fills me with purpose, and I’m grateful to pursue this passion at Sun Dog alongside Alyssa.
My Diplomas
Jessica
Animals have fascinated me since I was a child – even though I never had pets of my own. Instead, I helped injured wildlife, cared for baby birds that had fallen from their nests, or looked after injured squirrels. Early on, I knew: I wanted to work with animals.
I initially started an apprenticeship in metal construction, but quickly realized that I missed direct contact with animals. So, I made the decision to start over and began training as an animal caretaker, specializing in dog grooming.
I’m currently in the final stages of completing my FBA Animal Care Diploma, which is further deepening my knowledge in professional dog care. What matters most to me is understanding a dog’s body language and responding to each dog’s individual needs.
At Sun Dog, I can truly live that passion: meeting dogs with calm, structure, and heart. It’s incredibly fulfilling to support their development and offer them a safe, positive space. I’m very happy to be part of this dedicated team – and to bring my love for animals into my work every single day.
My Diplomas
- Diploma FBA (coming soon)
Sarina
Even as a child, my passion for animals was obvious, and dogs especially always brought a smile to my face. Through my aunt, an active member of Therapy Dogs Switzerland, I learned early on how healing and supportive dogs can be for people.
My career path has taken me through various stages – from baker/pastry chef EFZ, to training as a painting therapist IHK, to dog care. In September 2023, I successfully completed my FBA Tierbetreuer diploma (official Swiss diploma in animal care) and gained valuable experience during my internship in a dog daycare. Since June 2024, I have been supporting Alyssa with the opening of Sun Dog and have been an active team member, looking after furry friends ever since.
A special milestone was the fulfillment of my childhood dream in August 2024: the Maltese girl Yuna moved in with me. She inspires me and enriches my life every day. Finn and Yuna have become inseparable friends and infect the other dogs with their joy and playfulness every day.
My passion for dogs is not only a personal anchor, but also the motivation to teach others about the positive effects our four-legged friends have on us.
My Diplomas
Finlay
My name is Finlay, but everyone calls me Finn. I am the four-legged co-founder of Sun Dog. In 2019 I got to move from Portugal to my new home in Switzerland. My hobbies are playing with other dogs, eating, cuddling, sleeping and exploring nature. I am looking forward to all the new friendships I will get to enjoy at Sun Dog and get to combine all of my favorite things.
Estelle
My name is Estelle, and I was born around 2014 in Serbia. Sadly, not much is known about my past, as I was abandoned by my human companions at a very young age. After about a year and a half, Mike found me – and that’s when my misfortune turned into our blessing. Nearly ten years have passed since then, and I’ve been by his side ever since. I always look forward to visiting my chosen friends at Sun Dog. My favorite things? Lying in the sun or curling up in one of the cozy dog huts for a nap.
Yuna
My name is Yuna, I am a Maltese girl, and I am the youngest sunshine at Sun Dog. My happy energy puts a smile on everyone’s face. Thanks to my mom Sarina, I was able to start with positive social contact at Sun Dog at an early age. My hobbies are playing with dogs, running around, splashing in puddles and carrying a stick with me on every walk.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
– Roger Caras
