Specialist Care for Dogs That Need Something Different
At K9 Country Retreat, we provide calm, home-based dog care in the Manawatū, offering boarding, daycare, and dog walking for dogs that may not suit traditional environments.
We understand that not every dog thrives in busy, high-volume settings. Some dogs need more space, more structure, closer supervision, and more individual attention — and that’s exactly what we offer across all of our services.
As a small, home-based establishment, we focus on quality over quantity, ensuring every dog receives one-on-one care, regular interaction, and a quiet, controlled environment where they can feel safe and settled — whether they are staying, visiting for the day, or joining us for walks.
How we can Help
Dog Boarding
Boarding at K9 Country Retreat is designed to provide a consistent, structured experience that supports each dog’s behaviour, comfort, and wellbeing throughout their stay.
Because we keep numbers low, we’re able to carefully manage each dog’s day — balancing activity, rest, and supervision to suit their individual needs.
Individual Care
No two dogs are treated the same. We adjust handling, routine, and environment based on the dog in front of us — whether they need more space, more guidance, or a slower pace to settle in.
For dogs that benefit from it, we can also incorporate basic training or reinforce existing behaviours during their stay.
What a Stay Looks Like
Each dog follows a routine tailored to them, which may include: Structured walks off the property (where suitable) Calm, supervised interaction or individual time Clear boundaries to support settling and behaviour Quiet rest periods to prevent overstimulation Ongoing observation and adjustment as needed
The focus is on creating a stable environment where dogs can relax and feel secure.
Additional Care
We are able to accommodate dogs that require: Medication or ongoing care Support during recovery from injury, Closer supervision due to behavioural needs
All care is carried out with attention to detail and consistency.
Dogs We Care For
Not every dog fits into a busy kennel environment — and that’s exactly why K9 Country Retreat was created.
We work with dogs that need a little more thought, a bit more care, or a different approach. Whether it’s medical needs, recovery, behaviour, or just who they are as individuals, we’re set up to manage it properly.
Some dogs stay with us because they’re recovering from injury or surgery and need things kept calm and controlled. Others require medication, specialised diets, or ongoing support with conditions like EPI or digestive issues.
We also regularly care for dogs who find new environments overwhelming — those with separation anxiety, those who are unsocialised or selective with other dogs, or those who simply don’t cope well in high-energy, high-volume settings.
Deaf and blind dogs are absolutely welcome, as are older dogs who need a quieter pace and a bit more attention day to day.
We understand that sometimes it’s not just about going away — life gets busy. If your dog needs to attend vet appointments and you’re unable to take time off work, we can help manage that as part of their stay.
Everything here is done with structure, consistency, and a close eye on how each dog is coping. With only a small number of dogs on site, we’re able to adjust routines, manage energy levels, and make sure each dog feels settled and secure.
This isn’t about fitting dogs into a system — it’s about creating the right environment for the dog in front of us.
For safety reasons, we are not set up to manage dogs with human-directed aggression. If you’re unsure, just get in touch — we’re always happy to talk things through honestly.
For the Dogs You Worry About Leaving
If you’ve ever thought your dog might be “too much” for normal boarding, they’re probably exactly who we’re here for.
Who
we are
Experience
With over 17 years in the canine industry, our background spans dog daycare, rehoming kennels, walking services, and training. This broad experience has provided a strong understanding of dogs in many different environments — from relaxed companions to those needing more guidance, structure, or specialised care.
Alongside hands-on experience, we have trained and competed with our own dogs, learning from highly respected trainers both within New Zealand and internationally. Ongoing education remains a priority, with regular attendance at seminars and training days to ensure our knowledge and handling skills stay current.
Knowledge You Can Trust
We combine practical experience with continued learning to provide thoughtful, informed care for every dog.
Over 17 years industry experience
Background across multiple areas of dog care and training
Ongoing education through seminars and training days
Experience working with a wide range of behaviours and needs
Safety & Peace of Mind
Your dog’s safety is always a top priority.
We hold a current animal first aid certificate and have a trusted vet located just 10 minutes from our property, ensuring quick access to professional care should it ever be needed.
For added reassurance, K9 Country Retreat is fully insured.
A Genuine Commitment to Dogs
This isn’t just a job — it’s something we truly care about.
You’ll often find us spending extra time with the dogs beyond the basics — sitting with them, keeping them company, or simply making sure they feel settled and comfortable. Whether it’s structured time or quiet downtime, every dog receives attention that goes beyond routine care.
We’re dedicated to what we do — some might even say a little too dedicated (just ask the family!).
Our Team
K9 Country Retreat is supported by a small, trusted team who share the same values and approach.
All team members are trained to maintain our calm, structured environment and provide consistent care. Their support allows us to maintain high standards while ensuring every dog continues to receive the attention they deserve. Our Philosophy
We believe every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and well cared for.
All dogs are welcome and treated with patience, respect, and understanding — with care tailored to suit their individual needs.
Services & Pricing
At K9 Country Retreat, we provide small-scale, personalised care tailored to each dog. Our focus is on a calm, structured environment — especially for dogs who may not cope well in traditional kennels or busy daycare settings.
Because every dog is different, pricing reflects the level of care, supervision, and support required.
Dog Boarding
Our boarding is designed to feel safe, calm, and supportive — whether your dog is easy-going or needs extra help to settle.
Pricing:
Standard Boarding: from $32 per night
Special Care Boarding: from $40 per night
High-Needs Boarding: from $45 per night
This may include:
Medication and ongoing care
Injury recovery or mobility support
Separation anxiety or dogs that struggle being left alone
Specialised feeding routines (including raw diets)
Extra supervision or individual management
We keep numbers low so we can tailor each dog’s routine and ensure they feel secure and well cared for.
Exercise & Enrichment
All boarding dogs receive daily activity tailored to their needs, which may include:
Walks (where suitable)
Structured interaction with other dogs
One-on-one time
Calm enrichment and mental stimulation
This is included in your boarding rate.
Additional Services
Transport:
Pick-up & drop-off available by arrangement
$1 per km (local trips may be included)
After Hours / Late Pick-Up:
May incur an additional fee
Public Holidays:
$5 per dog, per day
Feeding & Care
Raw feeding is fully supported (fridge/freezer space available)
Owners are welcome to provide their dog’s usual food
Medication is included for most standard needs
For more complex care, we’ll discuss any additional requirements with you upfront — no surprises.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!