Kip Homestead Yarra Valley
Formerly Homestead Pet Retreat
Your four-legged friends stay in style when you choose Kip Homestead Yarra Valley! Our purpose-built property has been designed to ensure that your pet is in an environment that created ample stimulation and allows them to have plenty of fresh air, exercise and enrichment.
4.9
Homestead Reception Opening Hours
Vet On Staff
Industry Leading Dog Training Programs Offered
Pricing Comparison
Pricing
We've got options to make your pets' stay comfortable
Additional Services
For Dogs
We have a range of additional services you can add to your dog’s stay to ensure they have the best possible stay with us.
See what our guests think
KT
I sent my 10-year-old Doberman to Kip for a 3-week stay, and the experience was fantastic from start to finish. Alaina warmly welcomed us and followed up on the check-in, making us feel at ease. During my visits, I met Jess and several members of the Kip team , and they were all incredibly friendly. During the stay, I signed my dog up for the board and train program to address his leash pulling and reactivity with other dogs. Peter, the lead trainer, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He provided detailed and useful guidance on my dog's behavior. I appreciated Kip's methodology, which focuses on guiding dogs to make good choices through correction and reward. I learned a lot from Peter. Amazingly, my dog didn't pull on the leash on the first day after returning home. We enjoyed our walk more than ever! I highly recommend Kip.
Robert Angel
Five Stars for KIP! We recently sent our 8-month-old Golden Retriever to KIP Yarra Valley’s Board and Train program. We couldn't be happier with the experience. Our pup has some age and breed-related behavioural challenges, including pulling on the lead, jumping up, reactivity to dogs and people, and moderate separation anxiety. From the moment we arrived, we were incredibly impressed by KIP’s state-of-the-art facilities, personnel and their structured methodology (positive reinforcement training). Our trainer, Cathrine, was outstanding in every way. She listened keenly to our concerns and provided tailored training that delivered clearly visible improvements in our dog's behaviour. Most importantly, our dog Blondie loved Cathrine and seemed very happy in the care of KIP - evident in daily video updates. Cathrine equipped us with practical and actionable techniques to continue reinforcing the training at home. Her communication and updates were brilliant, with KIP’s online platform providing daily videos, photos, and progress reports. We also found their owner training portal incredibly valuable, ensuring that both dog and owner receive expert guidance! Yes, KIP is expensive but it’s worth it. Given the extensive facilities, quality staff and training and results we feel it’s excellent value for money. Collecting an immaculately clean pooch who had been washed and blow-dried was an unexpected and welcome benefit. We have already booked our dog’s next stay which is an endorsement in itself. Overall, KIP exceeded our expectations with a perfect 10/10 experience! We highly recommend KIP to anyone looking for a professional and results-focussed training program and first-rate boarding facilities.
Charity D
Big thanks to the team and especially to David, who worked with our border collie x dog in the Board and Train Program. David really knows working dog breeds and how to train for the right behaviour, while also working on counterconditioning bad habits. Billie just loved him. We're thrilled with the progress she's made, and I've learned so many tips and tricks for continuing the work at home. The grounds are beautiful, and we'll definitely be back again for boarding if we need to travel. Absolutely worth every penny!
Lauren Cameron
What an awesome place! We took our 4 year old Border Collie for 3 weeks of boarding/training and we are so happy with her so far. David was Evie’s trainer and he was fantastic. Super informative, spent the time going through everything with us at pick-up and made sure we felt comfortable before taking Evie home again. We feel confident knowing that we can reach out to David at any time for support. You can tell Evie is going to miss him!! This guy knows dogs. Thanks again David and Kip Team.
Experienced Team, Safe Space, Regular Pupdates, Tailored Care
What makes Kip boarding different?
We are passionate about providing the best care and enrichment for pets and a great experience for you. Our team of pet lovers have decades of experience.
We know every pet is unique, so we have various options, including different accommodation types and extra services, to ensure we are tailoring the stay to suit your pet’s needs - better yet, we will ensure you get frequent updates so you know you are getting the services you paid for!
With best-in-industry facilities and structured processes around health and welfare monitoring, team training, customer updates and enrichment, our team will make sure your pet has the best day, every day.
Make your pet's trip easier and enjoy door-to-door transport!
Skip the traffic and let us pick up your dog right from your door. We'll take them directly to Kip to start their boarding stay, and then drop them off back to your home at the end of their stay! Transport is available Melbourne-wide.
Meet the Team
Anthony Hirst
Site Manager
Anthony is an NDTF Qualified Dog Trainer who has been training dogs from a very young age, when he started doing obedience classes when he was only 9 and has never looked back. Dog Training is something Anthony is very passionate about and gives workshops on, as he loves teaching and sharing his knowledge to help others.
Nat Larner
Boarding Lead
Nat is a passionate and dedicated manager who goes above and beyond to make sure your pets have a fantastic stay. She always has a smile on her face and works hard to keep your pets happy and comfortable with every stay.
Alaina Peters
Admin Lead
Alaina, a dynamic and caring individual, is a shining example of hard work and exceptional leadership. Her unwavering dedication and compassion create an environment where both her team flourish, and where any pet at Kip Homestead enjoys their stay.
Jess McKinnon
Training Lead
Jess combines a passion for canine development with years of hands-on expertise. She is committed to finding what makes your dog tick, and bringing them on a positive and safe learning journey. It's no wonder that her patient approach has led to many successful and happy dogs!
Dr. Ken Chang
Veterinarian
Dr. Ken has been the greatest addition to the Kip team. He is incredibly knowledgeable and is always willing to help both our pets and our people where and how he can. He’s a very caring and compassionate veterinarian with a sense of what the pets needs are at all times.
Dog Training Programs Available
Industry-Recognised Board & Train Dog Training Program
Starts at $148/day
We offer an industry-recognised Board & Train Program that ensures a cohesive relationship between you and your pooch. This is our most popular program and can help with many challenging behaviours, including:
jumping all over you and your guests,
having selective hearing,
reacting to other dogs and/or
pulling on the leash
At the end of the program, your trainer will meet with you for a comprehensive handover session, as well as providing you with a complimentary follow-up session and lifetime support on your training journey with your dog. We believe that dog training is about developing trust in your relationship and achieving life goals together. Start your furry friend on the right paw.
Daycare & Train Program
Only $90/day
Can't commit to a long program? Our Daycare & Train is a great way to give your pooch some extra stimulation and some new manners along the way! With our daycare & train program, you can drop off your pooch at 8:30am and pick them up at 4:30pm. Throughout the day, our team of professional trainers will complete multiple training and stimulation sessions with your pooch, improve manners, controlled socialisation around lots of other dogs and learn improved manners along the way. Training includes: • Better leash walking, • Better focus on the person at the end of the leash, • Door manners, • Learning how to relax, and/or • Building motivation. Interested? Speak to us about whether this program is right for you and your dog.
How Boarding Works
Step 1: Choose Date
Request your boarding stay and complete your pet’s profile, including details such as your pets' vaccinations and any medication they need.
Step 2: Start Your Stay
Drop off your dog during reception hours and check in for your stay.
Step 3: Welcome & Health Check
Your dog gets settled in for their holiday, and staff gives them a health check.
Step 4: Holiday Time!
Your dog enjoys playing and exploring the grounds with our staff, eating delicious meals, and resting in their comfortable room. You can add some extra training too to further enrich their stay.
Step 5: Enjoy Regular Updates to your Phone
Enjoy regular photos and video updates right to your phone throughout their stay.
Step 6: Home Time!
Pick them up during reception hours and be reunited with your precious pet!
Has your pet been pawing to stay at a pet retreat?
What you need to know about your Boarding Visit
As pet pawrents ourselves, we know that leaving your pet for the first time can be stressful! We offer the best dog boarding Melbourne has to offer - every trip to Kip includes your own room, 1-on-1 playtime with our staff, daily photo and video updates, and premium kibble meals, and we encourage pet parents to come visit the accommodation before the trip. Whether your dog loves running in our grassy yards, or your cat loves lounging in the sun, we’re sure your pet will have the best time!
To ensure everyone’s safety, please make sure that all pets are up to date with all vaccinations, and a certificate must be presented.
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What we do
DOG BOARDING
Are you needing overnight care for your dog?
Keeping your four-legged friend happy, comfortable and safe is what pet boarding with us is all about. Every Kip trip comes with cosy rooms, premium meals, and extras that are sure to entertain even the fussiest pets.
CAT BOARDING
Do you have a cat that requires overnight care?
Many of our pet retreats offer cat accommodation options. Our staff are well versed in the quirks of our feline friends - providing a high level of care and attention in accommodation from standard rooms to penthouse suites.
How We Do Things
Safe & Fun
We have lots of fun together, but balance is key, which is why we tailor our services to meet your pet’s needs.
Passionate Team
While our team are a pack of dog lovers, they also undergo training to ensure that your pup is in the safest hands.
Regular Pup-Dates
Leaving your pup can be scary, so we deliver regular updates (or pup-dates) right to your phone, so you know they’re having fun!
