Kip Homestead Yarra Valley
Formerly Homestead Pet Retreat
Dog boarding
Cat boarding
Dog Training
Door to door Transport
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.
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
Tara
I recently enrolled my Pomeranian puppy, Little Foot, in the board and train program at Kip, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. David, our trainer, was absolutely incredible. His expertise, patience, and genuine love for animals were evident from the start. He took the time to understand Little Foot's unique personality and tailored the training to suit his needs. Throughout the program, David provided regular updates and insights, ensuring I felt confident and informed about Little Foot's progress. Little Foot has returned full of joy and is now more obedient, calm, and confident. The techniques David used were not only effective but also gentle and compassionate, which was very important to us. He taught Little Foot essential commands and addressed specific behavioral issues, making our day to day life much smoother and more enjoyable in the long run. I am beyond grateful for David's dedication and the comprehensive care Little Foot received at Kip.I wholeheartedly recommend the board and train program to anyone looking to improve their pet's behaviour and to overall give their furry babies a good little holiday. Thank you, David and the Kip team, for the amazing work you do! Little Foot cannot wait to hang out with his new best friend David again when we enrol him in the future. Thank you Tara
Jordan Tilse
The weekend check out times are two hours long at different times on a Sat and Sun. I'm currently in a queue of 6 people waiting to collect their dogs. This place charges enough to have longer weekend opening hours.
Steven Penny
Our Angus was looked after as if he were their own dog. Staff friendly and helpful.
Sarah M
Would recommend Kip Homestead Board and Train program to absolutely anyone! Besides missing our 1 y/o rescue pup Toby during his stay, we had such a positive experience from start to finish. Not only has Toby learnt so much from his trainer David, but so have we. Whilst Toby was away, we received regular updates and could tell how cared for he was just from the way David spoke about him and Toby's demeanour in the videos. We engaged in the online training whilst he was away, which honestly was so informative. My partner and I sat down and did the training together and the way it is set out and explained is so easy to follow. For me, this was so useful as I felt like I had done so much research online, but it had been really tricky with so much variety of information online. The content provided in this training actually made sense and my partner even said "I feel like this was written for Toby" as it was so easy to relate for us. When we picked Toby up, we had approx. 2 hrs of handover with David, which involved both watching and practicing in the the training Toby had learnt with different distractions, including other dogs. Toby is visibly more confident and comfortable in his surroundings. I would recommend this program to anyone, but particularly anyone who feels lost on what the best way to support there dog. Toby was attacked at a dog park prior to his stay and we were so concerned about how to support him to build his confidence around other dogs following this, but also to prevent it from happening again as an excitable puppy who doesn't read queues very well. Toby has now built solid foundations, which we are continuing to strengthen around his recall and valuing us and our engagement over the competing distractions around him. We have been provided guidance on how to continue our training with Toby and honestly feel so much more confident in ourselves/Toby that we can support him to be as confident and comfortable as he can be in a big world! Sooo much gratitude for David! We could see Toby, who isn't confident around all people, absolutely adored him and enjoyed his stay and training with him. Thank you so much David and Kip :)
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. If you’ve selected transport, we’ll pick them up right from your door in the morning.
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, or if you’ve selected transport, we’ll drop them at your door.
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.
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!
FAQs
Does my pet need to be vaccinated?
Does my pet need to be desexed?
Can you pick up my pet? When will the pet van come?
Can I tour the facilities?
My pet needs medication! Can you administer it?
My dog is a picky eater! Can I bring my own food?
