Doggy day care is one such idea.

Doggy day care is not a new idea but it's one that's growing in popularity all over the world.

The idea of leaving your dog in a day care centre, similar to the one you'd leave your child, has become particularly popular in the US where it evolved in the 1990s from the services offered by the more traditional kennel industry.

Never before have dogs been so embraced as a part of the family yet never have people been more time poor.

For many people who are elderly or don't have partners or children, their canine companions fulfill a very important role in their lives and as such they're regarded as family.

According to a report from Animal Medicines Australia, the industry body representing the animal health industry, the increasing popularity of the 'fur baby' has seen a marked change in the role dogs and cats play in the household.

People are now spending more money on premium products, services and insurance, to manage and enhance the well-being of their pets.

That's why it seems logical that when people can't be with their dogs, they want to know they're being well cared for.

Much like children's day care centres, doggy day care centres keep the pets occupied, exercise them, socialise them and ensure they have access to healthy food and fresh water.

The centres also assist people whose dogs suffer from depression or separation anxiety by providing the animals with an outlet for their abundant energy and need for company.

No doubt plans to open a doggy day care centre in Orange will be well received.

Once it's given the go ahead the centre will cater to some 30 dogs which will be cared for with their age, size and temperament in mind.

While there will some in the community who will scratch their heads and wonder what the world is coming to, there will be others still who will be thankful that they're able to leave their pets in safe hands.

No matter where you stand on doggy day care centres one thing's for sure, the imminent arrival of such a service is proof that Orange really is a cosmopolitan city.