The 5 Best Pet Boarding Services in Melbourne

It is exciting to go on holiday. But vacations are even more fun when you are assured that your trusty companion is safe and comfortable in your absence. It will give you peace of mind. Before you settle on a pet boarding service, there are a few things to check out.

For example, you want to know what sort of food they serve and whether your pooch will be given his prescription medication as required. It is also important to know whether they have a resident vet or one on call. Also, will there be regular exercise sessions, and how about baths? We have done a check of some of the available facilities and are pleased to present the following 5 best pet boarding services in Melbourne.

1. Kepala Pet Resort & Canine Country Club

When Kevin and Pauline Lacy launched a pet motel in 1973, they had a vision. It was to ultimately establish a 5-star facility. This dream was realized when tropical landscaping, suites, modern catteries, and other state-of-the-art facilities were added to the property. Kepala Pet Resort & Canine Country Club has a heated pool, a lagoon pool and luxury suites with flat screen TVs. Their son Dale works along with qualified, attentive team members to ensure that they fully meet the needs of their guests.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pets boarding for 7 days or longer receive a complimentary Hydrobath.
• A pick-up and delivery service is available at a fee.
• Kennels are heated during the winter months and a cooling system kicks in in summer.
• The owners and manager live on-site.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• Cattery: walk-in cabin, garden cabin, luxury suite, all with balcony, soothing music, temperature controlled.
• Dog boarding: standard, luxury suites with four-poster beds, television
• Playtime
• Swimming
• Prescription medication administered
• Trampoline style beds
• Twice daily kennel cleaning
• High-quality premium food

PRICES

Cats

• Walk-in cabin: $27-$30/day
• Garden cabin: $29-$44/day
• Penthouse suite: $45-$54/day
• Luxury cat suite: $59-$74/day

Dogs

• Standard room: $45-$52/day
• Luxury suite: $67-$127/day

Playtime: $16 per 15-minute session

Swim combo: $22 per 20-minute session

Medication: $ 2.50 per administration

2. Lou Lou's Cattery and Small Animal Boarding

Since 2015, Lou Lou’s has been providing safe and welcoming boarding facilities for cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The facility was crafted out of an empty factory. Moreover, it was custom designed for the comfort of its furry guests. The priority was to ensure that there was plenty of natural light and airflow. The result was a bright spacious cattery with good ventilation. The small animal room is equally comfortable and it is climate controlled.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Lou Lou’s is conveniently located off Canterbury Road in Bayswater North.
• The sleeping, eating and toilet areas of the cat suites are separate as the units are multilayered.
• There is no dog boarding.
• Discounts apply for stays of over 2 weeks.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• Play areas: tunnel, scratchers, fish TV
• Royal Canin sensible dry food
• Rabbit boarding: individual accommodation, custom-designed units, toys
• Guinea Pig boarding: secure, hygienic, indoor only, mosquito proof units

PRICES

• Cat: $24 single, $36 twin, $44 double suite/night
• Rabbit: $20 single, $32 double suite/night
• Guinea Pig: $15 single, $28 double suite/night

3. Homestead Boarding & Training Kennels and Cattery

Homestead Boarding & Training Kennels and Cattery is located 25 minutes northeast of Melbourne’s CBD. This pet boarding service is set in open countryside with lovely surroundings. The family-owned facility is newly refurbished and offers the highest level of comfort. Moreover, the owners of Homestead kennels Scott and Tanya have over 40 years of experience between them. Their experience lies in the fields of animal behavior studies, veterinary nursing, and dog training. In addition, they work with a dedicated, committed team and your furry friend will be made to feel at home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• There is a specialized cattery that will thrill your feline friend as it has outdoor access, toys, and scratching poles.
• The owners of the kennels live on the premises, hence your pet will receive round-the-clock care.
• There is also an onsite vet to keep an eye on the well-being of the guests.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• Dog boarding: indoor kennels, light, airy, temperature-controlled
• Cattery: climate controlled
• Pet taxi services
• Vet on site
• Royal Canin food
• Playtime and exercise
• Kuranda trampoline beds
• Spacious courtyards
• Exercise yard

PRICES

Dogs

• Standard boarding package: from $47.50/day
• Luxury suite: from $89/day
• Luxury private villa: from $99/day
• Age intensive care for older dogs: $10/day

Cats

• Indoor suite: from $24.50/day
• Outdoor suite: from $33.50/day
• Luxury private cat villa: $45/day

4. Bayside Pet Centre

Bayside Pet Centre was designed with the specific physical and mental needs of your pet in mind. Accordingly, it is spacious, with safe garden areas for play. Opened in 2005, Bayside Pet Center aims to offer the best care possible, and a home away from home for your beloved pooch. The facility is continually working to improve the facilities and to maintain the highest standards. Moreover, all guests are treated the same and accommodated in premium accommodation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The center is conveniently located near the CBD.
• There are over 35 garden areas for fun and play.
• Long-term boarders are welcome.
• Pick and delivery service is available.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• An excellent garden to dog ratio
• Indoor sleeping accommodation
• Daily, all-day garden access
• Daily hygienic cleaning of the accommodation
• Heating during the cool months
• Preservative-free meals

PRICES

• From $38/day for all sizes and breeds of dogs.

** A surcharge applies during the holidays

5. Home Suite Home

Home Suite Home is a cattery that is uniquely designed to attend to your feline friend in a cozy, homely atmosphere. This 5 star facility consists of 4 specially decorated home environments to fit your cat’s disposition. If you have more than one cat, that is not a problem, they will all be spoilt and made to feel at home. Elderly cats too are welcome and so are those with special needs. The proprietors live onsite and they have over 18 years of experience in the industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

• All rooms are climate-controlled.
• The owners of the facility live on-site, therefore they can keep an eye on things.
• Air quality is monitored by the ventilation system.
• Only a limited number of cats are admitted at a go in order to maintain a serene environment.
• All cats have access to fresh air and natural sunlight.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

• Private individual outdoor enclosures
• 24-hour access to vet care
• Interactive toys, cat grass, catnip, and puzzles
• Prescription medication is administered
• Grooming
• Pet updates provided on Facebook, Instagram, text messages, and email.

PRICES

• The Urban Jungle: $22-$30/day
• The Rumpus Room: $36/day
• The Townhouse: $36/day
• Mansion Suites: $48/day

The rate per extra cat housed together is $10.