K9 River Retreat is a luxury (kennel free) boutique, homestay-styled dog boarding facility set on 100 acres with Barron River frontage. We are situated in beautiful Kuranda, the naturally air-conditioned suburb of Cairns, Far North Queensland. Our canine guests sleep in spacious, friendly (indoor) bedrooms, with comfortable human grade mattresses and lounge suites.
They have all day access to five different, large, safe and secure, enclosed outdoor areas with sand-pits, plunge pools and agility courses (2,500sq metres). We pride ourselves on boarding a maximum of 18 dogs, using environmentally friendly products.
They have all day access to five different, large, safe and secure, enclosed outdoor areas with sand-pits, plunge pools and agility courses (2,500sq metres). We pride ourselves on boarding a maximum of 18 dogs, using environmentally friendly products.
Services
Chris and Petra Lovey met whilst working for the RSPCA more than 30 years ago. They got married, raised two kids and in 2007 purchased their 100 acre river front hobby farm in Kuranda. Petra remained in the animal field, obtaining a Diploma in Applied Science, Animal Technology and working in boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, zoos and sanctuaries.
The road becomes Oak Forest Road and eventually wraps itself around a farm to the right, where it becomes dirt road. Go over the railway line which is only used for the Savannahlander tourist train, then over the Barron River Bridge. Turn left onto Armstrong Road (over a cattle grid) and we are exactly 1 kilometre on the left.
Will never send my girl anywhere else. She gets so excited to see Chris or Petra and is more than happy to stay in the car with them when I'm picking her up! She has such a ball and I believe is in the best care she could be while I'm away. Honestly these guys are amazing. If there were 10 stars it wouldn't be enough.
Q: What do I need to bring for my dog? A: You do not need to bring anything, however if you wish you can bring your dog's bedding and or toys. Q: Do I need Tick Protection for my dog? A: Yes. Please administer good quality tick protection. Remember that most tick control products contain toxic ingredients and need to be used with caution.
Reviews (17)
Lucinda Brown
Dec 23, 2021
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Lynne Porter
Sep 14, 2021
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Courtney Georgina
May 26, 2021
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This was the first time I’d gone away without having friends or family to watch my boy. I am so glad I came across K9 River Retreat. Chris was so reassuring on the phone when I first enquired. Petra was very… welcoming when we arrived and I knew Rufus was in good hands. Seeing regular updates eased the dog mum guilt as I knew he was having a great time, making friends and receiving lots of love.
Denise Scott
Feb 15, 2021
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Tricia Kreider
Dec 02, 2020
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Cyndi Rissmann
Oct 08, 2020
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Thank you for taking such amazing care of our Chea. Thank you for caring so much about our beloved pets while we travel. Thank you the photos everyday, so we are assured our family members are being cared for in the best possible way. We will be back again. This is the most amazing place for your pets. 💯 percent!
Phoebe Ayarat
Sep 28, 2020
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Sue N. Garry Ikin
Aug 22, 2020
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Naomi York
Aug 21, 2020
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Franky O'Ryan
Jul 26, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
Our little fluffy boy Rufua had the best time at K9 River Retreat, he can sometimes be a bit anxious if we leave him in new surroundings but he was instantly at ease. Chris and Petra run an A class business and will take such great care of your furry baby, we couldn't recommend them enough! Thanks again
Our little fluffy boy Rufua had the best time at K9 River Retreat, he can sometimes be a bit anxious if we leave him in new surroundings but he was instantly at ease. Chris and Petra run an A class business and will take such great care of your furry baby, we couldn't recommend them enough! Thanks again
Saskia Bromm
Jul 05, 2020
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Tarlii Yandell
Dec 25, 2019
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Chris, Petra, and the rest of the team are incredible at what they do - I felt so comfortable leaving my puppy with them to go on a holiday. The photos they post on Facebook are a lovely addition to the service, and it's great to see your dog interacting with the other dogs having their holiday. The long drive to the beautiful property is so so worth it when you know you don't have to worry about your family member. Loved getting feedback on how my dog interacted with other dogs, and potential issues that my dog might have (areas to train etc.). My puppy was so exhausted after coming home which
Bec Keller
Jun 27, 2019
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We LOVE K9 River Retreat ! We regularly board our two treasures here . Our dogs are loved and cherished here , it’s really like a home from home . The care they receive is the highest in every aspect including diet . The owners Petra and Chris are some of the most genuine , caring , giving and generous souls I have ever met. The facilities are impeccable and I love that our dogs are walked to the beautiful river daily. This is the benchmark that every dog board business should base themselves upon. We had a death in our family and these lovely people were so accommodating and helpful when we
Kate Steel
Jun 18, 2019
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I have used K9 several times and each time my little man comes home happier. It is awesome to know our furbaby is having a great holiday at the same time as us.
The staff are professional and friendly. The business is clean and tidy and the dog play areas are very well maintained.
It is nice to know that our very important family member is loved and looked after when we are away. Thank you K9.
The staff are professional and friendly. The business is clean and tidy and the dog play areas are very well maintained.
It is nice to know that our very important family member is loved and looked after when we are away. Thank you K9.
Lyn Busato
Jun 08, 2019
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Carol Hughes
Jun 11, 2017
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K9 River Retreat is easily the best boarding establishment I have ever used in all the years I have been owned by dogs. I felt so happy finding a place where our Dachshund Max could be in such a wonderful home-style setting rather than a traditional kennel set-up, especially now that he is older. When we picked him up today, after his latest stay, I could see how much he was loved by Chris and Petra and how happy he was in their care. I was also able to keep track of Max's antics while we were on holiday through the many Facebook posts and photos, which kept me happy!
I can recommend K9 River
I can recommend K9 River
Fenn Hughes
May 24, 2017
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I am very happy to recommend K9 River Retreat to anyone looking to board their dog. It is brilliantly set up like a normal home situation which really suited our older dog Max who gets to live a pretty comfortable life with us. Petra and Chris gave him plenty of attention during his stay and we could see from the pictures they posted on Facebook that he was having a very nice time, not missing us at all, which was great. It was proof positive that the welfare of the animals staying with them comes first and foremost which is really important to me.