Meet the Humans (and Hound) Behind Hound Hero
Big adventures, small groups, and a whole lot of heart.
Hound Hero Melbourne is a family-run dog walking, daycare, and overnight care business based near Altona, proudly caring for hounds across Melbourne's west.
Founded by Mike in 2023, Hound Hero was built on a simple idea: dogs deserve more than just supervision. They deserve adventures, companionship, individual attention, and somewhere they can genuinely feel at home.
We're a small team by design. We get to know every dog, their routines, personalities, and quirks. Whether they're joining us for a walk, a regular daycare day, or an overnight stay, they're part of the pack.
Meet Mike — Founder & Fetch-Master
After a career in finance and the energy sector, Mike decided it was time to trade spreadsheets for tennis balls and follow his lifelong passion for dogs.
Since 2023, he's been building Hound Hero around his love of working with dogs, particularly larger, active and energetic breeds.
Mike is a familiar face at local dog parks across Melbourne's west, often accompanied by a loyal crowd of fetch enthusiasts. A former lacrosse player, his ball-throwing skills are something of a local legend—and the dogs are certainly not complaining.
But there's more to Hound Hero than a good game of fetch.
Mike brings calm, confident, handling and a thoughtful approach to every dog in his care. He understands that some dogs need a proper adventure, others need encouragement to settle, and every dog benefits from a routine that balances exercise, enrichment, and rest.
He's also trained in pet first aid, because keeping the pack safe is just as important as keeping them happy.
Meet Kelly — Co-Pilot & Organiser
From managing bookings and client communications, to making sure every guest's needs are understood, Kelly helps keep Hound Hero organised, welcoming, and running smoothly.
She's also responsible for ensuring Hound Hero HQ has the essentials: comfortable beds, spare leads, plenty of treats and, enough tennis balls to satisfy Mike's fetch ambitions.
Together, Mike and Kelly have created a home-based dog-care service that combines professional reliability with the warmth and familiarity of a family home.
And then there's Teddy…
A beagle-hound mix with an extraordinary nose, impeccable opinions and a healthy appreciation for comfortable furniture, Theodore Houndsvelt is Hound Hero's resident hound and self-appointed senior executive.
As our Hound in Residence, Teddy is a familiar presence around Hound Hero HQ, helping suitable visiting dogs settle into the rhythm of home life.
He's also the voice behind The Woofer in Chief, our collection of dog park reviews, local adventures and field guides to dog-friendly Melbourne's west.
His qualifications include extensive sniffing experience, advanced treat detection, and a lifetime commitment to investigating suspicious smells.
His performance reviews have been consistently excellent, although management has raised concerns about selective hearing.
Small Groups. Big Adventures. Home-Style Care.
We believe great dog care starts with understanding the dog in front of you.
That's why our group walks and daycare are limited to just five dogs (six if we include Teddy), allowing us to focus on compatibility, safe socialisation, and individual attention.
Our days combine outdoor adventures, enrichment, companionship and plenty of downtime.
For overnight guests, Hound Hero HQ offers a comfortable home environment where dogs can enjoy familiar routines, individual care, and a cosy place to rest.
We take the time to learn about every dog's personality, preferences, and needs. Meaning we meet all new clients before commencing care.
Your Hound's Safety Matters
We know trusting someone with your dog is a big decision.
Mike is trained in pet first aid, and both Mike and Kelly hold current police checks.
We prioritise safe group sizes, suitable introductions, secure environments, and clear communication with owners.
Our goal is simple: for you to feel confident about who's caring for your dog, and for your dog to enjoy their time with us.
Come Meet the Pack
Whether your hound needs regular daycare, an adventure-filled group walk, or a comfortable place to stay while you're away, we'd love to get to know them.
Every new Hound Hero starts with a free meet and greet, giving you the opportunity to meet us, ask questions, and see whether we're the right fit for your dog.