Paws Lodge Boarding — Dog & Cat Boarding Kennels

Dog Boarding

Spacious runs · Daily walks · Webcam access

Every dog gets their own covered run with an attached outdoor yard, a raised bed and fresh water. We walk each dog twice daily along Motueka River tracks, and you can check in anytime via the webcam link we email at drop-off.

Standard Run

$45 / night

Individual covered run (1.5 m × 3 m)
Attached outdoor yard
Two 30-minute group walks daily
Fed twice daily (owner supplies food)
Bedding and bowls provided

Premium Suite

$65 / night

Large suite (2 m × 4 m) with heated bed
Private exercise yard
Two 45-minute solo walks daily
Live webcam in suite
Evening cuddle session
Daily photo update via email

Puppy Den

$55 / night

Quiet area away from adult dogs
Extra-padded bedding
Three shorter walks daily
Socialisation with age-matched pups
For dogs under 12 months

Cat Boarding

Our cattery is completely separate from the dog area — different building, different airflow. Each pod has a window perch, a hiding box and underfloor heating. We play classical music at low volume because the vet told us cats like it, and honestly they seem calmer.

Single Pod

$35 / night

Individual pod with window perch
Underfloor heating
Litter changed twice daily
Fed twice daily (owner supplies food)

Deluxe Pod

$50 / night

Double-width pod with climbing shelf
Window perch and hiding box
Underfloor heating
Daily brush and play session
Photo update via email

Day Care

Drop your dog off in the morning and collect them tired and happy by 5 pm. Day care dogs join the group walks and have supervised play in our fenced paddock. Perfect for work days, vet visits or when the carpet cleaner is coming.

Full Day

$38 / day

Drop-off 7:30 – 9 am
Pick-up by 5 pm
Two group walks
Supervised paddock play
Lunch included (basic kibble)

Half Day

$24 / session

Morning (7:30 am – 12:30 pm) or afternoon (12:30 – 5 pm)
One group walk
Paddock access

5-Day Pass

$170

Five full days (use within 60 days)
Saves $20 vs. single-day rate

Add-ons

Extra walk

$12

A 30-minute solo walk along the river trail.

Grooming bath

$30

Shampoo, rinse and towel dry. No clipping.

Medicated bath

$45

Vet-prescribed shampoo. Bring the bottle.

One-on-one playtime

$18

20 minutes of fetch, tug or whatever your dog loves.

Meet the Team

Rachel Waaka

Manager · 12 years

Rachel started as a weekend volunteer and now runs the whole operation. She holds a National Certificate in Animal Care and is the person your dog will love most in the world after you.

Tama Henare

Head Kennel Hand · 7 years

Tama handles the morning walks and manages the paddock sessions. He is the one who notices when a dog is off their food before anyone else does.

Lisa Park

Cattery Specialist · 4 years

Lisa worked at a veterinary clinic in Nelson before joining Paws Lodge. She manages the cattery exclusively and has a talent for befriending the shyest cats.

Sam Woodward

Weekend & Holidays · 2 years

Sam is studying animal science at NMIT and covers weekends and school holidays. Sam specialises in puppy socialisation and never forgets a name — human or canine.

Your Pet's Stay

How it works

Book online or call
Use the quote calculator below or ring 03 528 0000. We confirm within 24 hours.
Drop off
Check-in window: 8 am – 10 am. Bring your pet's food, any medication, and something that smells like home.
Updates while you're away
Premium guests get daily photo emails. Everyone gets webcam access and you can call anytime during business hours.
Pick up
Checkout by 4 pm. Late pickups incur a $15 surcharge. We hand over a report card with feeding, walking and behaviour notes.

The facility

Main kennel block

Fenced paddock

Heated cattery

River walk trail

What our guests say

"We left Max for two weeks while we were in Fiji. The daily photos were such a comfort, and he came home actually better behaved than when he left."

— Jo & Sam, Nelson (Max, 4yo Labrador)

"Our cat Miso is extremely anxious with strangers, but Lisa had her purring within an hour. We'll never board anywhere else."

— Erin T., Motueka (Miso, 8yo tabby)

"The puppy den was perfect for our 10-month-old. Tama sent us videos of her playing with the other pups and she slept for 14 hours when she got home."

— Dan K., Richmond (Luna, 10mo Spoodle)

Frequently asked questions

What vaccinations are required?

Dogs must be up to date with C5 vaccinations (including kennel cough) at least 14 days before boarding. Cats need F3 or F4. Please bring your vaccination certificate at check-in.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Changing food during boarding can upset stomachs. Bring pre-portioned meals labelled with your pet's name and feeding times. We stock a basic kibble as a backup.

How does the webcam work?

Premium suite guests receive a private link at check-in. The camera streams 24/7 over your browser — no app needed. Standard run guests can request a timed check-in call with video.

What if my pet needs medication?

We administer oral medication at no extra charge. Injections require a vet authorisation form (we'll email it). All medication must be in its original packaging with dosage instructions.

Is there a discount for multiple pets?

Yes — 10% off the second pet's nightly rate when booked together. The discount applies to the lower-priced booking.

What are the check-in and checkout times?

Check-in: 8 am – 10 am. Checkout: by 4 pm. Early drop-off (from 7 am) or late pickup (until 6 pm) can be arranged for $15 each. Anything outside those hours, call us.

Book Now

Quote Calculator

Check your dates and get a price.

Get in touch

Paws Lodge Boarding
238 High Street, Motueka 7120

03 528 0000
book@pawslodge.co.nz

Office hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily. After-hours emergencies: 027 528 0001.

A holiday for them, peace of mind for you.