Our Facilities
Welcome to our website.
Boarding Kennel, Cattery and Doggy Day care plus we also look after other smaller pets such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and other pocket pets.
We are your one-stop for all your pet boarding needs!
At Creature Comforts Pet Lodge we appreciate the high standards pet owners and animal lovers expect. We provide a safe, roomy and social environment in a pleasant rural setting, catering for all sizes and ages of pets including those needing extra care.
We have large individual indoor/outdoor kennels, grassed exercise areas for the dogs and a new purpose built cattery for the cats. With a friendly, caring atmosphere you can confidently drop off your beloved family pets with peace of mind, knowing that they will be well taken care of by owner, vet nurse Nicola Hucker and her team.
We are conveniently located between Bulls and Sanson on State Highway 1, just 20 minutes from Palmerston North and en route between Taupo and Wellington.
Our happy customers bring their pets to us from all over the country from Wellington to Whangarei, throughout the Manawatu (Palmerston North, Feilding ..), Horowhenua (Levin, Otaki..) , Rangitikei( Wanganui, Marton, Hunterville, Ohakune, Taihape..) , Taranaki ( New Plymouth, Hawera…), and beyond..
Please read About Us, Boarding Kennels, Cattery, our Services and the FAQs . Should you not be able to find the information you need to make your Online Booking please do not hesitate to contact us via email.
Boarding Kennel
Here we care for your precious dog, who will be given lots of love, attention and have a home away from home.
Daily Activities & Exercise
Socialisation and fun are key to our guests' enjoyment with 'outside time' for 2 – 3 hours am and 2 – 3 hours pm (weather permitting of course). We offer large grassed exercise areas for the more energetic guests and smaller, quieter spots for the elderly or shy.
The facilities are comfortable, spacious, clean, hygienic and safe.
Special Accommodations
Our Toy House is very popular with our smallest canine guests. It has a lovely courtyard for them to play in with access to day kennels and trampoline beds if they just want to chill out and watch their friends playing.
The cottage is fully insulated so provides a warm cosy environment for them when they go to bed at night. When the weather gets cooler we have spare coats to put on them so they keep warm.
Meal Times & Care
Meals are served morning and evening allowing all guests a siesta or 'quiet time' between 11am and 4pm (our closed time). This ensures adequate rest and digestion.
Guests staying longer than 10 days, during off peak times, are treated to a complimentary bath on departure. We also regularly weigh our long term guests to make sure they are maintaining their check in weight. With lots of exercise time they can burn up lots of energy!
Diet & Special Requirements
We feed a diet suitable for all breeds. If your canine friend is on a special diet (e.g. Puppy Food, renal food) or a fussy eater we recommend you bring their own along for the duration of their stay.
Please bring a generous amount for their stay, with it labelled and with precise feeding instructions. That way we know how much we are to feed them and can give extra if we feel they need it. Raw food is welcome, we have a freezer/fridge for storage.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
NO VACCINATION = NO BOARDING. We have no exceptions to this rule.
We require all vaccinations to be up to date for any stay at the Kennels. Compulsory vaccinations are Canine Cough and the 5 in 1 vaccine, which includes Parvo Virus, hepatitis and distemper.
This helps protect your dog and other dogs from the risk of spreading or catching harmful diseases. Please ensure that your dog's flea and worm treatments are up to date and will cover them during the whole length of their stay.
We are confident that your dog will have a great time when they stay at Creature Comforts Pet Lodge. Dogs that stay with us get lots of playtime and socialisation, lots of hugs and pats, good quality food, clean and comfy kennels and an experience that leaves them happy.
Cattery
In the cattery is where we care for your precious cat, who will be given lots of love, attention and have a home away from home.
Modern Facilities
Our cattery has recently been built, which is positioned well away from the kennel area and for the sun. It features three sunny separate catteries, allowing our guests in these rooms and provide a more tailored experience for each individual.
This gives them more time out of their individual cage to explore the cat trees, enjoy the sunny conservatory and have a relaxing stress-free stay. The cattery also features double glazed windows and is fully insulated so it is a safe, cosy, quiet haven – just as puss likes it!
Diet & Nutrition
We feed a highly palatable diet suitable for all breeds. If your feline friend is on a special diet (e.g. Hills u/d, kitten food etc) we recommend you bring it along for the duration of their stay with us.
Health & Vaccination Requirements
NO VACCINATION = NO BOARDING. We have no exceptions to this rule.
Important Requirements: Vaccination certificates must be presented upon arrival prior to checking in (eg Tricat, Felocell 3 or Ducat) and vaccinations must be current. Please check with your vet prior to booking.
This helps protect your cat and other cats from spreading or catching harmful diseases. Please ensure that your cat's flea and worm treatments are up to date and will cover them during the whole length of their stay. Male cats over 6 months old must be neutered.
Doggy Daycare
Do you have a social dog that may benefit from coming along during the day to play outside with other dogs? Doggy Daycare gives your dog a chance to have fun with their canine friends while you are off working, shopping or attending appointments.
Daily Schedule & Benefits
Drop your dog off in the morning and then pick them up at the end of the day. Doggy Day Care gives them lots of stimulation and exercise, especially if you aren't able to manage to all the time.
It is perfect for dogs who would otherwise be home on their own during the day. Your dog comes home tired and happy from interacting with others during the day. A tired dog is a happy dog!
Socialisation & Introduction
Doggy Daycare is also a great way to introduce your dog to Creature Comforts Pet Lodge prior to boarding overnight. That way they are used to coming and having fun, and they will be more relaxed when it comes to staying over.
All social dogs, big and small are catered to in their own areas. Your dog will spend each day playing with like-minded canine friends.
Non-Social Dogs Welcome
Dogs that are not dog social are welcome. They will still benefit from the change of environment and interaction with staff, even if they don't play with other dogs. A safe, social, fun time for your dog while you shop, work or play!
Drop-off Times & Important Information
For your convenience, dogs coming for Day Care can be brought in from 7.30am, giving workers time to get to work.
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs coming to board are to be dropped off from 8.00am or a out of hours fee of $10 per pet occurs if between 7.30 - 8.00am.
Doggy Daycare Holiday Schedule
Christmas Break: Doggy Daycare takes a break over Christmas. The last day for Doggy Day Care will be 19th December 2025 and will not resume until Monday, 12th January 2026.
Public Holiday Weekends: Usually we do not have Doggy Daycare on the day before the Public holiday weekend.
Example: For a Monday public holiday, no daycare Friday through Monday inclusively.
Matariki & Easter Weekend: No Doggy Daycare on the Thursday.
Note: Holiday schedules may affect multiple consecutive days. Please contact us to confirm daycare availability during holiday periods.
Other Services
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Dog Walking | $15 per walk |
| Take to Pet to Vet Appointment (does not include Vet Bill) | $40 – 60 depending on distance |
| Medication Administration | $2 (pills) – $10 (injections) per time |
Grooming
Special Offer: FREE Bath using Herbal Rinse with Towel Dry for any dog staying 10 days or more.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Bath and Blow Dry | $25 |
| Brush | +$10 |
| Nails Clipped | +$15 |
| Large Breeds and Thick Coated Breeds Surcharge | +$10 |
Note: We only do a regular brushing of the coat (up to 20 minutes) which may not be sufficient for some breeds such as Huskys or dogs with matted coats.
Office Hours & Policies
For pick-up, collection, viewing, and reservations:
| Day | Mornings | Afternoons |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 8–10:30am | 4–6pm |
| Saturday | 8–10:30am | CLOSED |
| Sunday & Public Holidays | CLOSED | 4–6pm |
Note: Out of Hours drop-offs/pick-ups incur a $30 fee.
Rates & Booking Policies
Important Policy Information
- • Our business is 24 hours a day and we need uninterrupted time to care for our guests, therefore we do ask you respect our hours. Drop offs and Pick ups out of our business hours incur a $30 Out of Hours Fee
- • The price is per day and the drop off day is counted as the first day. If you pick up by 10.30am you don't get charged an extra days boarding fee
- • If while you are away you wish to shorten the stay, the price will remain the same as the original booking
Boarding Rates
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Toy Dogs (Toy House - discounted rate) | $25.00/day |
| Small, Medium or Large Dogs | $27.00/day |
| Extra Large Dogs or Extra Meals | $30.00/day |
| Extra Care/Medical Guest | $35.00/day |
| Entire Males | +$2.00/day |
| Bitches in-season or potentially in season | $35.00/day (regardless of size) |
| Multi-dog Family Discount | $2.00 off additional dogs* |
| No Shows | $50 fee per pet |
| Out of Hours Fee | $30 |
Notes:*Christmas/New Year Holiday period & School holidays excluded. No boarding of in-season bitches over Christmas/New Year period. If your bitch comes into heat during that stay there will be a $20 fee per day charge on top of boarding fee. When booking an out of hours pick up or drop off, please realise you will be charged from, or to, the previous, or next, opening time. eg pick up Saturday afternoon you would be charged until Sunday afternoon, plus the $30 OOH fee or a Sunday morning drop off gets charged from the Saturday plus the OOH $30 fee.
Cattery Boarding
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Cat Boarding | $16/day per cat |
| Out of Hours Fee | $30 |
| No-show Fee | $50 per pet |
Doggy Daycare
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| All dogs | $25.00/day |
| Dogs over 8 months - Entire males | $27.00/day |
| Flexi Daycare | $30.00/day |
| Out of Hours Fee | $30 (on top of daycare rate) |
Note:Flexi Daycare is for drop off and pick ups that are slightly outside our normal daycare hours, subject to agreement of times eg drop offs from 7am onwards or to 6:15pm pick up. If you book a Flexi daycare and you don't show OR you change it to come at the regular time without 12 hours notice OR you come at regular time, you will still be charged $30. Dogs coming for Day Care can be brought in from 7:30am. Dogs coming to board are to be dropped off from 8:00am or a out of hours fee of $10 per pet occurs if between 7:30-8:00am.
Doggy Daycare Break: Last day 19th Dec 2025, resumes Monday 12th Jan 2026.
Christmas Holiday Rates (Dec 20 - Jan 8)
| Service | Minimum Charge |
|---|---|
| Dogs | $250 |
| Toy Dogs | $250 |
| Cats | $160 |
| Deposit Required | $50 per pet per week or part week (not a percentage deposit) |
Christmas Booking Policy:We don't charge extra at Christmas but cannot offer discounts. If dog hasn't stayed before, daycare or overnight stay required prior to Christmas booking.
Payment Information
Bank Account: BNZ 02-0727-0162617-000
Reference: Use your pet's name (e.g., "Xmas Poppy" for Christmas bookings)
Easter Holiday Rates
| Service | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Easter Bookings | 3 days minimum |
General Notes:Prices are subject to change without notice. Current vaccinations required for all pets - NO VACCINATION = NO BOARDING.Male cats over 6 months must be neutered.
Holiday Policies & Schedules
Christmas Holidays 2025/2026
Important Christmas Booking Conditions
- • Due to high demand for bookings from 20th December through to 8th January, special conditions apply
- • We don't charge extra at Christmas but we cannot offer discounts during this time
- • Minimum boarding charges apply (see rates section)
- • If your dog has not stayed with us before, we prefer they come for a doggy daycare day or overnight stay prior to their Christmas booking
- • We get more bookings than we can fill for these peak times - please check your junk folder for confirmation emails before paying a deposit
- • $50 deposit required per pet per week booked, within 7 days of placing a booking
- • Cancellation after Oct 15th forfeits deposit OR if you reduce the number of days in the stay, the amount to pay will be the original booking
Deposit & Booking Requirements
- • $50 deposit per pet per week or part week required within 7 days of booking confirmation (this is a fixed amount, not a percentage)
- • Use your pet's name & "Xmas" as reference (e.g. "Xmas Poppy")
- • Please wait until you get confirmation email before paying deposit
- • Bank account: BNZ 02-0727-0162617-000
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation of a Christmas booking after 15th October will lose any deposit paid and it is non-transferable. If the deposit hasn't been paid there will be a $50 cancellation fee per pet. This will be entirely at the discretion of Creature Comforts Pet Lodge.
If a customer requests a change of booking dates for a confirmed Christmas booking after 15th October, or if you reduce the stay, the amount to pay will be the original booking.
Christmas Opening Hours
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| 23rd Dec | 8-10:30am & 4-6pm only |
| 24th Dec | 8-10:30am & 4-6pm only |
| 25th Dec | CLOSED |
| 26th Dec | CLOSED |
| 27th Dec | 8-10:30am |
| 28th Dec | 4-6PM only |
| 29th Dec | 4-6pm only |
| 30th Dec | 8-10:30am & 4-6pm only |
| 31st Dec | 8-10:30am & 4-6pm only |
| 1st Jan | CLOSED |
| 2nd Jan | 4-6pm only |
| 3rd Jan | Normal opening hours |
Important Note: If you have an entire female and she is due to come into season or comes into season over the Christmas/New Year period, she won't be able to stay with us as it is too disruptive for the other dogs. At these times we do not have the extra space available to distance her far enough away from entire males. If there is no other option there will be an extra $20 on top of the boarding fee per day to house her.
Easter Holiday Policy
Easter Bookings: A minimum charge of 3 days boarding during this peak time applies to all Easter bookings.
Current Availability Notice
PLEASE NOTE: We currently only have a very limited number of kennels or spaces in the cattery and not all dates are available. Please email us to check availability and include the dates you require and if it is am or pm for check in & drop off.
If your dog hasn't been before please include size of dog, and if it is social with other dogs. Any accepted booking we receive now we require a $50 deposit per pet per week or part week asap so we can adjust what space we have left.
If we have a cancellation we might be able to offer a place if it fits in with the cancelled booking.
Pet Boarding Booking Form
Complete the form below to request a booking for your pet.
About Creature Comforts Pet Lodge
Established in 2003 and now proudly operated by the Hucker family since 2014, Creature Comforts Pet Lodge was founded by Irene Bessem and Sonja Bright.
With a passion for superior pet care, our team—led by owner and vet nurse Nicola Hucker—ensures your pets enjoy a home away from home. With a friendly, caring atmosphere you can confidently drop off your beloved family pets with peace of mind, knowing that they will be well taken care of by our experienced team.
Our facility is trusted by local veterinarians and pet owners nationwide, and we strive every day to provide the highest standards of care and comfort for your beloved animals.
"We care about all our guests, like we would want others to care about our pet."
Terms & Conditions
Please read our terms and conditions carefully before booking your pet's stay with us. These policies ensure the safety and well-being of all our animal guests.
Important Notice: By making a booking with Creature Comforts Pet Lodge, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. We reserve the right to update these terms at any time.
Phone
(06) 329 3787Address
3191 State Highway 1, Sanson RD9, Palmerston North 4479Get DirectionsOffice Hours
Out of hours: $30 fee applies