Bunny Lodge Kennel and Cattery Review

Hello - I am one of the new managers of Bunny Lodge, and my husband Jade and I have arrived just prior to Christmas to start in our new role.
What a busy time it has been caring for everyones pets!
In anticipation of a busy period we enlisted the help of some very caring, competent, and experienced staff - the outcome has been very positive for everyone, and it now has a real family feel!
So we look forward to you bringing your fluffy family members along to be cared for by our team, and we know 2021 is going to be a great year for positive and professional changes at Bunny Lodge!

I have 2 dogs that visit Bunny Lodge Doggy Daycare a couple of times a week. They LOVE it. They leap out of the car when we arrive and are fast asleep by the time we get to Rolleston after a hard days playing. The "kindy teachers" are kind tolerant and accommodating to all manner of issues and take good care of my two hounds. I thoroughly recommend

We have a covid pup and as such she wasn't properly socialised at the critical times. Kali took some time to get used to the excitement of all the other dogs being around, but has become a more well mannered pup and always comes home well exercised and content after her daycare visits to Bunny Lodge.
We have also used boarding for both our Cat and Dog and they both enjoyed their stay and came back themselves.
I would also rate the sites ability to react to short notice changes or bookings (Mainly me being unorganised) nothing seems to be a problem and they accommodate my family very well.
Highly recommend and I tell lots of people about them!!!

I took my dog there for an overnight stay to get him used to staying in a kennels
He lost a lot of weight overnight and was very tired i put this down to him being a bit of a sook .
So the next time was for 4 nights and when he came back it took 5 days for him to return to normal he was sleeping all of the time and had to be coaxed outside to the toilet
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS KENNELS AND WILL CANCEL HIS XMAS BOOKING FOR 2 WEEKS AS I DON'T THINK HE WOULD BE IN A VERY GOOD STATE AT THE END OF HIS STAY

Great place to leave your dog , Main reason why i take my pet there is for the pond, Being a lab its the highlight of his day ! , Staff are freindly and know there stuff ,

Run down, unmaintained facilities, do the staff even clean???

As an only child we decided to take Hugo to day care for socialising and it is the best thing we have done. The staff are awesome with Hugo and spent the time to get to know him so as to put him in a group he fitted in with and be happy with. He also spends the odd weekend there and never comes back stressed or anxious. If the girls are around when I collect Hugo they always give me a run down on his day - they are awesome :)

Did a great job of looking after my baby, thank you. Rosie

Animals loved & cared for well,
very happy during their stay. Fair pricing :) thanks to the team at Bunny Lodge

Nice boarding kennel and dogs get taken out 3 times a day. My dog has been happy on pick up each time we've been and they've been accommodating for any needs he's had. Only downside is the fairly strict opening times

Our dog Bull has been attending both the daycare and boarding kennels at Bunny Lodge for the last 8 months and we could not recommend it more highly.

The staff that we have interacted with, Megan and Bailey, are wonderful and Bull always comes home happy and healthy. He loves his time at both Daycare and the Kennels, and gets so excited whenever we arrive.

We also love seeing the photos of Bull having a great time posted on their Daycare Facebook Page!

Kairi comes here 3-5 times a week and she absolutely loves it. Her wee tail wags every time she pulls up because she knows she's about to have fun all day.

Great facility, huge pool. Large exercise areas, caring staff and a great manager !

Maybe with the hundreds of dollars spent keeping our dog here, you can put towards teaching your staff basic polite manners like even hello...

My dogs, who stayed at Bunny Lodge three weeks ago, were not greeted, spoken to or patted on arrival, even though these people knew it was their first time ever in a boarding facility. On pick up, same thing; it took an age to bring them to the office, once again there was no interaction with the dogs, just a growling for me for being late (I wasn't - they had changed their hours but I was well inside the time detailed on their email to me and the times then advertised on their website. These hours are still being advertised as at 6th Sept 2016). I was charged an extra day for the two dogs, even tho I was not late. They later said they would refund it but two weeks later they haven't. My last three emails have not been answered. I was also told my tardiness would 'go on my record'. No need, as I won't be back and will definitely advise others not to go there. The wonderful website and previous good reviews are obviously pertinent to the previous owners; unfortunately Bunny Lodge does not live up to that now.
(Would not even award one star, but had to click on a star to be able to post...)
22nd Sept: Have now received my refund, with the delay apparently due to technical issues with email communication, so am happy with that outcome. However the main issue was never the money, and despite repeated requests, I will not be removing the review of my experience at Bunny Lodge.

Dog was very happy! Loved the people and almost didn't wanna come home!

Leaving my dog Mia here for 3 weeks was the biggest regret of my life. She lost a huge amount of weight, had bites on her ears, and they never updated me on her. I was moving countries and if I would have stayed in NZ I would have pressed charges for animal neglect. I have a degree in animal science so I know what mistreatment in animals looks like. She was absolute skin and bones.

I volunteered at Bunny Lodge for a few days over the holiday period. I found the staff warm and friendly, and they actually really care about the animals they are looking after, and work extremely hard to make sure each individual dog/cat/bunny is well looked after.

I have read some of the 1-star reviews about the staff/management. That seems like sour grapes to me; all I experienced while working there from the new managers and staff was warmth and supportive positivity; they are really kind to their staff and animals alike and there is a real upbeat feeling there. I would work there again in a heartbeat, and also I would not hesitate if to have my pet stay at Bunny Lodge if ever needed. :)

It s taken me a couple of months to write this because I m still fuming. After seeing other reviews I feel that it s important the dog owners know what type of care their beloved pets are going to receive when they entrust them to Bunny Lodge.

We left Lincoln at Bunny Lodge for two and a half weeks - I expected him to lose a little weight because he stresses sometimes and because he d be getting far more exercise than he usually would. To make up for this week took along roughly 3 weeks worth of dog roll for them to give him in top of what they were already feeding him- and 10 days of anti anxiety medication that our Vet recommended if he started to stress really bad.

When we picked him up he looked absolutely emaciated and when I asked how he d been - all the girl had to say was that he had been having lots of fun and that it took him a couple of days to settle - didn t say anything about him not eating, nothing about his weight, no mention of whether or not he needed the meds.

Attached is the condition he was in - which sounds like he s not the only dog this happened to. And to make matters worse - when I picked him up they gave me back a weeks worth of food that I had taken with him.

Sure - appreciate that he was always going to lose SOME weight - but this amount of weight is unacceptable. Especially when I m handed back extra food that he could have eaten. Especially when neither of the girls who I dropped him off to or picked him up from really looked as though they could care less about my dog.

Save yourself the hassle and get a dog-sitter. This definitely wasn t worth the $600 we paid.

We had our wee one year old boy there over the new years period. When we picked him up a few days ago, we were informed that there was a case of kennel cough there who had been isolated and we were informed that if our dog got it he would "breeze through it" as he is a healthy dog. He started getting symptoms the next day and now has full blown coughing to the point of puking. He also had a sunburnt nose and a scab on it due to the sunburn. There was no concern for the safety of our dog or about the potential of him being exposed to kennel cough and we were sent on our way without any apology or compensation. Its a shame this was our first experience of bunny Lodge as family who had used them previously under the old management really rated them.

We have a large male German Shepherd, and sadly he has a bite history and does not mix well with other animals or people (long story). We were very responsible when selecting a kennel, carefully looking for a place that had the expertise when it comes to handling potentially dangerous dogs. We thought we'd found that with another kennel - being very open about our dog's history and temperament. We were assured that there would be no issues, with the owner being an ex-police dog handler, and on the first two occasions that was true, but on the third occasion the owner was away and his wife was left to receive our dog. She mishandled the dog and he gave her a warning snap. She then stated they couldn't take our dog as they have young teenage volunteers handling the dog (to our surprise!).

So we gave up on kennels for three years, assuming no one was capable of looking after our dog except us. One day we heard about Bunny Lodge. We called them and gave them the full story, and we were told very confidently that they have never turned away a dog. Rather than a vague reassurance of who would be handling our dog (like the last place) these guys have a colour-coded system for classifying dogs, and then they provide the resources required to handle those dogs.

On the first time we dropped him off, one of the senior team came to meet us and went for a short walk on their grounds to gauge our dog's temperament and how they would need to handle him. They were incredibly relaxed and confident, even offering advice on how we can handle him differently back at home. While we were away (worrying about how things were going), they even called us to reassure us that everything was going really well.

On our second visit, sadly the first chap was no longer with the company, and we dealt with two other staff members. While they were much younger, both seemed very confident with our dog and had no trouble over the week of his stay. It still amazes us to see people - other than my wife and I - handling our dog and for our dog to treat them like one of the pack. It's hard to describe the relief that we've finally found a good kennel, and one that seems so much more professional than the previous that we'd visited. We can go on holiday again! Thanks Bunny Lodge.

I could not sing higer praise of Bunny Lodge, I have taken my dog Nova in there and with some magic work in the space of a month they have turned her from nervous and antisocial to an absolute gem and is now great with other dogs!
Having great staff on hand to help socalise my dog has been fantastic and she is now in there every week to have fun and socalise and always comes home happy and exhausted from a great days play.
Just have a look at the happy doggo faces on their facebook page of the daily play groups and you will see what a great place it has been for my Nova and others.
Massive thanks and shout out to the great team at Bunny Lodge

I have taken my pets (dogs and cats) to Bunny Lodge at various times over the years.

More recently, I have been taking my dog to 'doggy day care'. Wow! Water parks, big paddocks, cool dogs of all shapes and sizes, super dooper caring and responsive staff. Thanks for the work you do keeping my girl entertained and looked after!

Great place to take Oki (cat) too when we have a holiday. The staff love our beautiful boy.

They brought out 3 different beds before they brought my dogs out. I've had my dog stay at a range of kennels and he was noticeably knackered and distraught after staying here. Many friends also have had very bad experiences.

Looked after our two Skelly wags for two years and they always seemed happy to go! Staff very kind and loving.

Since taking over Bunny Lodge this year we have worked extremely hard to uphold our family's first class animal care legacy, with being in the industry for an impressive 24 years.

With animal welfare our number one priority you the customer also have to experience and feel like you have made the best decision for your pet's.We changed the hours to ensure we Uphold our extremely high standards and to make necessary improvements.
When people make reveiws you would expect there to be an honest account of there experience, I'm finding generally that's not the case.
Val has been an eye opener to us, Her Dedication to discredit people who have proven history in the industry is disgusting.
She was well aware of the new hours,but am guessing she could not see the numerous signs all around the office or the fact she was given a copy to take with her.
She took advantage of the office door being open to other customers, although being told that am check outs automatically change to pm at 10:30am which cannot be changed by staff.
Our staff are extremely polite and highly experienced and did not deserve the disrespect she has shown them.
Hardly professional for someone who works for a school.
When they reported to me, I advised to send an email requesting her account details which I still have not received via email.
Although she swears black & Blue she did.
She's not going to win a oscar for this performance

Bunny Lodge is outstanding. The staff are excellent and very professional. They are consistently accomodating and my dog loves going there. The communication from Bunny Lodge is always top class and I often recommend Bunny Lodge to friends.

Awesome kennels Friendly caring staff always have a smile on their faces, my dog loves bunny lodge!

Hardy has been a regular at Bunny Lodge Day Care and the occasional boarding for almost 5 years now and he loves it.

Most dogs will get exited to go "walkies", Doggy Day Care dogs get excited going to "school".

The team are flexible, friendly and always happy to help. The facilities are top notch with plenty of space to run, swim and play.

We wouldn't take Hardy anywhere else and highly recommend you give them a shot.

Our dogs have such a good time here, whether it's day care or boarding we know they'll be taken good care of. They have been able to squeeze us in on short notice as long as it's not holiday season and the facilities are truly luxurious for pets. It's like they go to a 5 star resort on holiday.

The Staff at Bunny Lodge has been a pillar for our family the past few months working and supporting us with our dog. With their help our anxious, nervous and sometimes erratic pup are now able to socialise with other dogs (something we didn't think was possible). He loves going there and sees the Staff as his other family! Every time we drop him off there we have peace of mind knowing he is in the care of very capable people who takes care of him like their own. We use their daycare and boarding facilities on a regular basis and have recommended them to our close friends.

Great place to holiday your furry friend there is a temporary road closure on Jones Road best to enter and exit from Kirk Road onto Jones Road rather g always into Rolleston. 15/11/20.

Had to use the "services" of Bunny Lodge almost 3 weeks ago unexpectedly. Advised them on arrival that this was my puppys first time away and if there were any issues to let me know. I made calls at least once per day and was advised each time that "he was fine and having a great time with his friends" My dog is female....After picking her up almost 5 days later she had lost around 5-8kgs. I called the nxt day to express my concerns and advised I would send an email with photos.After no response to my email I followed up with a second, I was told I would be contacted on Monday.It is now Wednesday and still nothing. Absolutely gutted that I placed my trust in these people and this happened.Never again...

Name change to "Bark".
Great doggy daycare

Excellent service. They treat your pets like they were there own. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Will be back.

Definitely would not recommend this place. Appalling customer service, complete lack of attention to my dogs wellbeing.
Also very run down premises, maybe they should spend some of the thousands they, very undeservedly charge their customers on some actual upkeep of the property.

Left our little fur baby here for 4 nights. When she came home she had a bunch of dried poo which had gone rock hard and stuck to her fur , she smelt absolutely terrible even after a couple of bath s she still stinks, and the toys we left her with didn t come home with her and are no where to be found. Waste of money, we absolute regret leaving her there. She s now at home and is super aggressive and defensive with us, which she never was before she went. This place is honestly like a prison for dogs, it isn t nice at all and is just disgusting! Would never take her back there ever again. Wish I could give them zero stars!

Have used bunny lodge many times . The dog is always happy.

Misty absolutely loves staying here, she attends doggy day care and has such a blast. Staff are so helpful and kind towards her needs. Thanks so much.

We had my two dogs stay at bunny lodge three weeks ago and am so happy with the great care they toke with them as one of them has had separation anxiety in other kennels we have used in the past, there staff are really lovely and take such great care of the animals , I will be definitely useing you guys again but will be bringing the cat aswell next time.
Thank you so much bunny lodge for looking after our babies and giving us a stress free holiday, we can't thank you guys enough

We have used for both the Day Care and the Boarding side. Our dog came home happy and healthy which is a suprise because he is such a wuss.
The staff are great and understand dogs and there individual needs.
Highly recommend

Hello - as one of the new managers of Bunny Lodge, I'm really looking forward to the challenge of making positive changes to the business, alongside the new owners who have great plans for the future.
I'd like to thank all the very hard working staff for their commitment and caring over the Christmas and New Year period - you went above and beyond!
We are committed to becoming the best in Christchurch - so please, bring your pets along to us and experience the changes!
Jade Bosch
Manager

Absolutely appalled. A few days before Christmas all hardworking dedicated employees had their contracts terminated due to 'new management' which I have been informed are all inexperienced. After several years of working for bunny Lodge and having no cases of kennel cough due to our stringent vaccination policy it is no surprise that cases have appeared at the facility mere weeks after new ownership has taken over. It hurts me that all of the absolutely lovely owners and their pets that past employees treated like family are now under the care of inexperienced staff that delete any negative comments or reviews that appear on their Facebook page. Grow up. Will not be recommending and will be letting everyone know not to use this facility.

Facilities were very small, unclean, overcrowded and very loud (staff walking round with ear muffs on). Overall a very stressful environment - we ended up cancelling our booking and taking our pup on holiday with us. The website and old reviews are misleading. Would recommend talking to your vet about other options. Since doing this, we've found a kennel/lodge on the outskirts of Chch with facilities and staff perfectly suited to our pup.

These guys are great. We use their day care service daily.