Victorian Small Business Family wins not 1 but 2 Awards with the Pet Industry Association of Australia
Announcement posted by Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort 25 Oct 2016
Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort and Cooinda Cat Resort are a new breed of Pet Resorts (family owned and operated) offering pet parents the highest levels of care in very unique environments designed to meet the psychological needs of their cats and dogs.
Jill & Cory (Mother and Daughter) have been caring for other peoples pets for a combined effort of over 60 years.
With a unique take on the care of these most beloved pets (yes many pet parents love their pets more than their kids) there are many opportunities for a media article - we are happy to work with you to create a unique story for your publication.
Media Release 1
Melbourne does it again – Local kennel resort wins national excellence award
PIAA Excellence Award for Boarding, Doggy Day Care and Pet Sitting
awarded to Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort.
Baxter, Victoria, October 24, 2016– Last Thursday night at the annual PIAA (Pet Industry Association of Australia) Pet Expo, Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort were awarded the PIAA’s prestigious Excellence Award in the category of Boarding, Doggy Day Care and Pet Sitting.
With nominations for businesses from across Australia, the winning of this prestigious award proves that not only is Melbourne the most livable city for people but also for our beloved Dogs!
“We were really excited to find out that we had been nominated, so when we won the award we were ecstatic. This award is a recognition of 9 years of hard work in renovating a rundown facility into a 7 star resort, developing industry leading standards for the care of dogs in the boarding environment and also the daily efforts of our amazing team of Doggy Doaters – our professional and caring team” commented Cory & Paul Andrews – owners of Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort.
The facility at Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort is like no other. With over 10 different type of accommodation for the dogs to choose from, and yes the dogs get to choose, a wide selection on the daily menu and lots of play through the day the dogs who holiday at DCC always go home happy and usually a little tired!
“I cannot speak highly enough of Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort. My dog Willow attends doggy day care weekly, where her individual needs are catered for. The Doggy Doaters have such a passion for all of the dogs and go above and beyond to ensure Willow's welfare is of their highest priority. They understand her social needs and match her with suitable play mates and are always willing to give up their time to discuss Willow with me during drop off and pick up times, which I'm very grateful for. Willow also attends boarding a few times a year and again I leave her without a worry, knowing that she is in the best care possible. She comes home from boarding, happy, relaxed and beautifully pampered... She doesn't get her own TV, couch, air conditioner and chandelier at home!!” – Suzanne L – Mother of Willow (Wolfhound X)
With a focus on dog psychology and the happiness of the Dogs, Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort is part of a new breed of Pet Resorts that is lifting the bar for the whole industry. It is great that this has been recognised in this award by the PIAA and the Doggy Doaters look forward to many more years of caring for their beloved four legged (and sometimes three legged guests).
# # # ENDS # # #
If you would like more information or an interview, please contact Cory Andrews at 0423 778 648 or email at manager@dogscountryclub.com.au.
Media Release 2
42 years of being covered in cat hair equates to the prestigious PIAA Pioneer Award
PIAA Pioneer Award – for over 20 years of dedication to the care and welfare of pets – is award to Victorian Jill Chancellor.
Langwarrin South, Victoria, October 24, 2016– Last Thursday night at the annual PIAA (Pet Industry Association of Australia) Pet Expo, Jill Chancellor, owner and chief Kitty Carer at Cooinda Cat Resort was awarded the PIAA’s prestigious Pioneer Award. The Pioneer award is awarded for 20 plus years association with a high level of achievement, within the Australian Pet Industry and still retaining an active role
Jill’s career started in the Pet Care industry over 42 years ago when her boss at the time fired her on finding out she was pregnant with her first child. Borrowing $20 from her mother she purchased a pair of clippers and a dog grooming book and taught herself to groom dogs – she paid that $20 back in the first week and this was the start of her grooming business, Bubbles Dog Care, and her pet care business life. Now the current owner of Cooinda Cat Resort (past 20 years) and part owner of Dogs Country Club & Kennel Resort (past 9 years) Jill’s days are committed to caring for other people’s cats and dogs, while ensuring a successful business.
“I was stunned when my daughter told me I had won this award. I never thought about this kind of recognition as I love what I do. I can’t imagine my life not surrounded by animals – especially cats and dogs” exclaimed Jill.
Prior to owning the two pet resorts, Jill was the owner and operator of the Frankston and Mornington Pet Shops. This was at a time when she cut the meat herself, packed the bird seed and cared for all the many types of animals that came into the shops. A time before the big box warehouse style pet stores and when you had to know a lot about a lot of different animals to be assured that the customers you dealt with were ready for the responsibility and that they received the highest level of customer service.
Cooinda Cat Resort is not only her business but its Jill’s home. She loves the cats she gets to care for everyday – they are all so different with their unique personalities and she loves being with them, no matter how long or short they spend with us. She also enjoys creating different environments to suit all the different types of cats that visit at Cooinda to ensure that they have a relaxing holiday while away from their home.
“We have been customers of Cooinda Cat Resort for over 17 years now, we immediately felt that it was the right place for our cats as soon as we met Jill all those years ago. The care and attention they provide is above and beyond what we have experienced at any other Melbourne cattery. Jill and the kitty carers have been so professional yet personal with our cats who over the years had significant special needs and we fully trust the caring staff to ensure they are well looked after. We love Cooinda and know our cats are happy there when we need to travel.” – Jess H – Mother of Ozemite & Vegemite (now over the rainbow bridge) and Harley & Wilson (Selkirk Rex & Domestic Short Hair Cats)
Cooinda Cat Resort has changed significantly over the 20 years that Jill has been there and is like no other Cat Resort in Australia. With her team of Kitty Carers, they have 9 different areas for the kitties including the Funky Paws and Platinum Paws Suites, with flat screen televisions, secure outside play yards and a view to the local birds who are cheeky enough to know just how close they can get! Many customer comment that the rooms are bigger (and more luxurious) than the accommodation they stay in.
The Pioneer Award is a great acknowledgement of a lifetime’s dedication to creating sustainable animal businesses that have the animal’s welfare at the forefront of everything that is done in the business. Jill is most deserving of award that celebrates high achievement while focusing on the animal’s needs.
# # # ENDS # # #
If you would like more information or an interview, please contact Cory Andrews at 0423 778 648 or email at