Wilderness, waterways and coastal escapes
Walks, visits and pet minding for locals and holiday guests in Mallacoota.
Explore Mallacoota ideasDog walking & pet minding in Mallacoota & Lakes Entrance
Local care for your dog.
Peace of mind for you.
Half-day and full-day pet care designed around your planned activities and your dog’s individual needs. Thoughtful care in Mallacoota and Lakes Entrance for local dogs and holiday companions. Explore the places your dog cannot join you, while they enjoy their own kind of adventure.
Care · Adventure · Connection
Room to explore. Time to connect.
Local care
Two coastal towns.
Designed around your dog.
For local dogs and dogs visiting with their families. Tell us where you’re staying and your preferred dates so we can confirm suitable care.
Lake adventures, day trips and dinner out
Walks, visits and pet minding for locals and holiday guests in Lakes Entrance.
Explore Lakes Entrance ideasService dates vary between towns. We confirm our availability in your chosen area before booking.
Little moments, happy memories
Captured for you.
With your consent, photo updates bring you a little closer to their day—from playful outings to quiet, contented moments.
For your Mallacoota holiday
You explore.
They have a good day too.
A national park walk, a day on the water or a relaxed dinner out. Let’s plan personalised pet care around the moments you’ve come here to enjoy.
National parks for you. Dog-friendly exploring for them.
Planning to explore Croajingolong National Park or another area where pet dogs cannot go? We can arrange half-day or full-day care, including suitable dog-friendly outings with time to pause, explore and enjoy the scenery at their pace.
For longer days, we’ll agree a care plan with walks, company and rest that suits your dog. A short visit does not cover a whole day away.
Plan your national park visitA day on the water, with care on shore.
Heading out with Mallacoota Fishing Charters, or hiring a boat from Buckland’s Jetty Boat Hire for a pet-free day exploring the waterways? Enjoy your time on the water while we arrange walks, company and care for your dog back in Mallacoota.
Share your departure and expected return times so we can agree the right length of care before your trip.
Or try learn-to-surf lessons with Mallacoota Surf Shack while we care for your dog. Share your lesson times when enquiring.
Cruise aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard.
Take in Mallacoota’s lakes and rivers on a cruise with Mallacoota Cruises & Eco Tours aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard. We can mind your dog while you enjoy the journey.
Tell us your cruise times and we’ll tailor care around an outing, quiet company or your dog’s familiar routine.
Explore Loch-Ard cruisesEnjoy dinner. We’ll take care of your dog.
Plan a dog-free dinner at Mallacoota Golf & Country Club or Gipsy Point Lodge, or an evening out at Scallywags. Once your pet-care booking is confirmed, relax and enjoy your evening while we look after their comfort and routine.
Check dining availability directly with the venue.
Request pet care before finalising your outing. Availability, duration, handover arrangements and the total price are agreed individually. Care at your accommodation requires permission and a suitable setting. Book activities directly with each operator; these are local suggestions.
Pet dogs are generally not permitted in Victorian national parks. Check current park conditions and dog-access rules before travelling; assistance-dog entry arrangements are separate. Parks Victoria dog-access guidance.
For our Mallacoota neighbours
Local dogs. A little extra care.
You don’t need to be on holiday to enjoy a helping hand. Enquire about regular walks, planned time away or unexpected, last-minute pet care in Mallacoota.
A regular adventure
Arrange private dog walks around your routine. Tell us your preferred days, frequency and what your dog enjoys.
When plans change
Need care at short notice or while recovering from illness? We’ll check availability and agree a suitable plan. Last-minute and emergency requests are welcome, with care confirmed before booking.
Local support & discounts
Need care at short notice? Ask about local discounts for emergencies or last-minute pet care.
For your Lakes Entrance holiday
Make time for your plans.
We’ll make time for your dog.
Stay in Lakes Entrance and enjoy a day trip, a lake adventure or dinner out, with half-day or full-day pet care arranged around your plans.
A relaxed evening in Lakes Entrance.
Enjoy Mexican dining at La Catrina or a meal at the Central Hotel. We can arrange company and care for your dog while you enjoy your evening.
Check opening times and book directly with the venue. Later care hours are available by prior arrangement and subject to availability.
Explore Buchan Caves.
Plan a day trip from Lakes Entrance to Buchan Caves while your dog stays in our care back in Lakes Entrance. Discover the cave formations on a guided tour, with a care plan agreed for your time away.
Check current tour availability and reserve entry with Parks Victoria. Include your driving time when requesting pet care.
You venture out. We’ll take care of your dog’s own adventure.
Hire bikes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from Venture Out and enjoy exploring without having to bring your dog along. We’ll plan suitable walks, company and rest around their needs.
Share your activity and hire times so we can agree your handover and return arrangements.
Take a break at Metung Hot Springs.
Enjoy a bathing experience at Metung Hot Springs while we mind your dog in Lakes Entrance. A little time for you, with thoughtful care for them.
Book your experience directly and allow for travel to and from Metung when requesting your care hours.
Pet care is based in Lakes Entrance for these outings; activity destinations do not extend our care area. Request care before finalising your plans. Service dates, suitability, accommodation permission, hours and the final price are confirmed individually. Book outings directly with each operator.
View Mallacoota visitor ideasMallacoota & Lakes Entrance locals
A little extra care.
Whenever life needs it.
From a regular walk to an unexpected day away, let’s find a care plan that gives your dog company and gives you peace of mind.
Regular dog walking
A familiar face and an outdoor adventure to look forward to. Enquire about weekly or recurring private walks around your dog’s age, temperament, energy and routine. Share your preferred days and times so we can check a regular arrangement.
Last-minute & emergency care
Unexpected travel, illness or a change of plans? Get in touch with your location, timing and the care your dog needs. We’ll check what’s possible and respond as soon as we can. Care is subject to availability and must be confirmed before you rely on it.
A helping hand for locals
Local discounts are available for emergencies or last-minute pet care. Tell us what would help; we’ll discuss suitable care, any discount and the final price before booking.
For a time-sensitive request, call Tess on 0420 414 133. This is pet-care support; if your dog needs urgent medical help, contact your vet.
Our services
Choose their kind of day.
One-to-one care, tailored to your dog.
Guide prices in Australian dollars; your total is confirmed before booking.
Half-day & full-day pet care
Enjoy your planned activities while your dog enjoys personalised care. We agree a mix of suitable walks, company and rest around their needs and the time you’ll be away.
Flexible care hours to accommodate early-morning surfing, fishing trips, boating and later dinner reservations, by prior arrangement and subject to availability.
Half-day care From $99 · up to 4 hoursFull-day care From $169 · up to 8 hours
Starting rates cover one dog and an agreed mix of company, suitable walks and rest at your home or permitted holiday accommodation. Additional pets, travel and extended hours are quoted before booking. Share your departure and return times so we can confirm your total price.
Private dog walks
A walk at their pace, with time to explore and a comfortable return home.
30 minutes $3545 minutes $4460 minutes $53
Puppy visits
Gentle play, a toilet break and support with the little routines that help a puppy feel settled.
From $35 per visit
Home visits & local support
Fresh water, food, a toilet break and a wellbeing check in familiar surroundings. A helping hand when you’re recovering from illness, heading away or need support with your dog’s routine.
From $35 per visit
Planned holidays & last-minute care
Care in your own home for planned holidays or unexpected time away. Need last-minute or emergency pet care? Get in touch and we’ll check what’s possible, subject to availability and a suitable care arrangement.
From $98 per night
A little extra care for locals
Regular dog walking, planned holidays or unexpected time away—local care is here to lend a helping hand. Discounts are available for locals needing emergency or last-minute pet care.
Tell us what would help. We’ll discuss a suitable care plan and any local discount, with the hours and final price agreed before booking.
Final availability and price depend on location, travel, extra pets and care needs. Outdoor plans adapt to weather and dog-access rules. Social adventures can be discussed individually.
Getting started
A good fit starts here.
01
Tell us about your dog
Choose a service and share your service area and location, dates and the care you’re looking for.
02
Have a conversation and make a plan
We arrange a 10-minute Zoom, FaceTime or phone conversation, discuss your dog’s needs and agree availability, care and price.
03
Enjoy peace of mind
Your booking is confirmed in writing. You receive an update after each walk or visit.
A few helpful answers.
Can I book a regular weekly walk?
Yes, you can request recurring care. Include your preferred days and frequency in the enquiry so we can check a workable schedule.
Do you walk dogs in groups?
Our initial focus is private walks. Any social outing requires assessment, compatible dogs and owner agreement before it is confirmed.
What happens in hot or wet weather?
We choose activities for your dog and the conditions. If a walk needs to change for comfort or safety, we’ll discuss a suitable alternative with you.
Can you care for my dog while I’m visiting either town?
Yes, you can enquire while visiting Mallacoota or Lakes Entrance. Tell us your dates and accommodation. We’ll confirm availability, suitability and any accommodation permissions before agreeing a booking.
Before you request care
A clear plan for their day.
Half-day & full-day care
Half-day care covers up to four hours from $99; full-day care covers up to eight hours from $169 for one dog. Your exact start and finish times, company, walks and rest periods are agreed before confirmation. Share your full time away, including travel.
Where care takes place
Home visits and sitting take place at your home or suitable holiday accommodation with permission. Dog-friendly outings are agreed around your dog’s needs. Boarding at the sitter’s home is not offered on this website.
Your final quote
Tell us the number of pets, care needs and any early start or late return. We’ll confirm what is included, any travel or extra-pet costs, payment arrangements and cancellation terms in writing before you commit.
Need to change your plans? Contact Tess as soon as possible. A request is confirmed only after availability, suitability, care hours and the final price are agreed.
Booking & cancellation terms
A clear plan. Peace of mind.
Requesting and confirming care
A request does not reserve a time. We confirm your dog’s suitability, location, exact hours, care plan and total price in writing after a short introductory conversation. New dogs may need an in-person introduction. Early starts, late finishes and emergency requests are subject to availability. Care takes place at your home or permitted holiday accommodation; this website does not offer boarding at Tess’s home.
Prices and payment
Rates are in Australian dollars. Half-day care starts at $99 for up to four hours; full-day care starts at $169 for up to eight hours, for one dog. Your written quote includes any agreed travel, extra-pet or extended-hours charges and any applicable tax. Payment is due 24 hours before confirmed care, or at confirmation for a same-day request, using the payment instructions on your invoice. We do not collect card details on this website. Local discounts are considered individually for emergency or last-minute care.
Cancelling or changing a booking
Contact Tess as soon as plans change. Cancel daytime care, walks or visits at least 24 hours before the agreed start for a full refund. For overnight sitting, please give at least 72 hours’ notice. With less notice or a no-show, any cancellation charge is limited to reasonable unrecovered loss, capped at 50% of the cancelled service price. We reduce or waive it if we refill the time, avoid costs, or agree an exception for hardship. The remaining payment is refunded. Changes depend on availability; there is no automatic right to transfer a booking.
If we cancel or conditions change
If we cannot provide your agreed care, we refund the unprovided service. An alternative is offered only with your agreement. Unsafe weather or dog-access restrictions may require a safer activity, changed time or cancellation; we discuss the options with you. If you are running late, call promptly so we can agree safe ongoing care and any additional charge.
Your dog’s wellbeing and emergency arrangements
Tell us about health, behaviour, escape risk, medication, vaccinations and current tick prevention before confirmation. Provide suitable leads, harnesses, food, safe access, vet details and an emergency contact. Medication and transport are provided only by prior agreement. Before care, we agree written veterinary consent and spending instructions; urgent veterinary help may be needed if you cannot be reached. Veterinary costs are dealt with according to the circumstances and applicable law. Public sharing of pet photos requires separate permission.
These terms do not exclude rights or remedies under Australian Consumer Law. To discuss a booking, refund or concern, contact hello@kincanineco.com.au or 0420 414 133.
The Kin way
More than a walk.
A richer day.
Every dog has their own rhythm. We take time to understand it, whether that means a gentle outing, a fast-paced adventure, or a reassuring visit at home.
Hi, I’m Tess Vanderslik, founder of Kin Canine Co., devoted cavoodle mum to Jimmy, and an East Gippsland local at heart. I grew up here and love sharing the little adventures that make this region special.
I’m passionate about nature, sustainability and our beautiful region, and love exploring the outdoors with a camera in hand. With a certificate in pet first aid, I bring thoughtful care and a little adventure to your dog’s day, whether you’re holidaying in Mallacoota or Lakes Entrance, or a local needing a helping hand.
Get in touch—I’d love to have a conversation about your pet’s needs.
I’m also an amateur photographer, so with your consent you can look forward to cute pet-photo updates and Instagram-worthy moments from their time with me. Private photo updates are your choice; permission to share photos publicly is requested separately.
Arrange a 10-minute conversation by Zoom, FaceTime or a regular phone call to discuss your pet’s age, temperament, routine and care needs before their first booking. Call Tess on +61 420 414 133, or request a Zoom or FaceTime conversation using the enquiry form and tell us your preferred time.
Care
Attention to comfort, routine and wellbeing.
Adventure
Suitable places, fresh air and time to explore.
Connection
Familiar care and updates that keep you close.
Online booking requests
Let’s plan
their next good day.
Tell us a little about your dog and your plans, and whether you need half-day or full-day care. Visiting for a park walk, fishing trip, cruise or dinner? Include your departure and return times. We’ll check our availability and arrange the next steps for your dog to be cared for while you make the most of your time in Mallacoota or Lakes Entrance.
Enquiry hours
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
East Gippsland local time. Flexible care hours to accommodate early-morning surfing, fishing trips, boating and later dinner reservations, by prior arrangement and subject to availability.
hello@kincanineco.com.au
+61 420 414 133
This is a booking request. Your service is confirmed once we’ve agreed availability, suitability and the final price.
Before your East Gippsland stay
A little preparation.
Safer adventures.
Ticks are a risk in coastal East Gippsland, including the Mallacoota area. Before travelling, check with your vet that your dog’s tick prevention is current and suitable for local paralysis-tick risk.
Keep prevention up to date
Use a vet-recommended product for your dog and follow its label and dosing schedule. Check when protection starts and when the next dose is due. Flea treatment alone may not cover ticks.
Check them every day
Search your dog’s whole body for ticks daily, even when using prevention, and after outdoor outings. Ask your vet to show you a thorough check. Prevention reduces risk but does not replace checking.
Know when to call the vet
If you find a tick, contact a vet promptly for advice. Weakness, wobbliness, a changed bark, retching or breathing difficulty need urgent veterinary attention. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Please share your dog’s tick-prevention product and last treatment date when arranging care, along with your vet’s details and any health instructions.
Read RSPCA tick-prevention guidanceLocal tips
A little planning goes a long way.
Your Mallacoota day out
Choose your outing, check its times and allow for handover and travel. Arrange your dog’s care before committing to your park trip, boat cruise or dinner.
Explore Mallacoota ideasYour Lakes Entrance escape
For Buchan Caves or Metung Hot Springs, include return travel in your care request. For equipment hire and dinner, share your planned finish time.
Explore Lakes Entrance ideasReady for their first visit
Have your dog’s routine, food instructions, vet details and tick-prevention information ready. Tell us what helps them settle and how they respond to other dogs.
Arrange a 10-minute conversation