I’m sharing this after holding off while an investigation was ongoing, but following the outcome, I believe the community deserves to know.

Around 5 weeks ago, our dog Poss was boarded at Bendigo Pet Retreat along with our other dog, Poppy. During his stay, we reached out for an update and were told he had a limp, which was attributed to arthritis at the time.

It was only later that he was properly checked and a cut was found between his toes. After being referred to a vet and undergoing surgery, it was discovered he had a large, severe wound extending up his leg, along with additional cuts and abrasions. We were advised by the vet that the wound had likely been present for several days, which is why the infection had become so serious. He is still undergoing treatment and close monitoring weeks later.

When both dogs returned home, we also noticed Poppy had cuts and abrasions, which added to our concerns.

This situation has caused significant emotional distress for our family, as well as financial strain. While the facility initially agreed to cover veterinary costs, only part of the expenses have been reimbursed and we are still waiting on outstanding payments with little to no communication.

We reported the matter to the local council. It took approximately three weeks for an inspection to occur. During that time, we were advised that changes were already being made to the yard areas. Following the investigation, council determined no breach had occurred and no further action would be taken.

Since sharing our experience, a large number of people in the community, including past customers and former workers, have come forward with similar concerns or experiences. While we cannot independently verify each claim, the volume and consistency of these reports is deeply concerning.

We are calling for:

Stronger monitoring and welfare checks for animals in boarding facilities
Clear accountability when injuries occur
Faster and more transparent investigations
Better communication with pet owners
Higher standards to ensure animals are safe and properly cared for
No pet owner should have to go through this. Animals deserve proper care, supervision, and timely medical attention when they are entrusted to a facility.

We have full documentation including vet reports, photos, and communication records, and will be attaching supporting evidence.