Hi, my name is Nell, and I am the manager of Coldstream Boarding Kennels. I have had a long association with Animal Aid originating from when I was a teenager. My mum became involved in a fundraising group for Animal Aid in Healesville which began a long history of fundraising and voluntary work, leading to a full time position at the Kilsyth shelter.

After working with the Animal Aid, I left to pursue a career in veterinary nursing. I have worked in a number of high quality veterinary centres, with my most recent nursing position at the Animal Emergency Centre in Blackburn.

I also have my own tribe of four-legged family members consisting of 2 cats, 2 dogs and a horse. My partner, Jason, is also involved in the shelter and kennels, often lending his expertise as an electrician.

With my training and experience as a veterinary nurse, and a team of committed staff, we can provide the highest degree of care to all the pets holidaying at Coldstream Boarding Kennels. 

Kirsten is a clever cookie who holds a Certificate 3 in Animal Technology and a Bachelor of Biological Sciences ….. with honours!

She has 2 ponies, Ernie and Whisky and 3 dogs Zac and Nickki and her newest recruit Chase from right here at Animal Aid. Various chickens and a cat round out her furry/feathered family! Kirsten started with CBK in July and is a great addition to the team. Kennels. 

My name is Tania and I've been an animal attendant with Animal Aid since October 06. I share my time between the welfare shelter and the boarding kennels, which gives me variety in my work each week.

 I have worked within the animal welfare field for about the last five years, and was drawn to the Animal aid by its positive and progressive attitude to education and rehabilitation. It has been a great experience to work with such a dedicated group of staff and volunteers. One of my favorite activities is as a member of the A.R.T.'s team, where I get to work with individual dogs to help shape their behaviour into something that will make them more re-homable. Enabling them to become valuable members of loving new families.  

Hi, my name is Sharon,  my role as supervisor involves  ensuring that all our guests are happy and healthy.  The most important part of my day is giving all the animals lots of TLC, and making sure that they are happy and safe.

I have 4 dogs and 3 cats of my own (oh, I better not forget my husband).  Two of my dogs are greyhounds, adopted from the greyhound adoption program.  I used to be a volunteer foster carer for this program.

I am really enjoying my new role here at CBK, as we deal with a great variety of different breeds of cats and dogs of various ages - kittens and puppies to very old cats and dogs.  Every day is different.

So, if you are going away on holiday, don't forget to come down and have a look at our kennels and cattery, and say hello.

Jim has been involved with the Animal Aid in a voluntary capacity since his retirement a few years ago. He was recently asked to become our Pet Chauffer and enjoys meeting owners and their pets.

He can often be seen travelling the roads from here to Timbuctoo! Jim comes from an administrative background and doesn’t have any pets of his own at the moment. He gets his regular furry, 4 legged “fix” here at CBK!

Hi, my name is Heidi, and I am a new member of the team at Coldstream Boarding Kennels. Four years ago I was a volunteer at the Animal Aid, but left to concentrate on my education. I have recently completed a Science degree, majoring in Zoology, and will shortly begin my honours year. Whilst completing my degree I missed the regular animal contact and decided to seek employment in the pet industry.

I have always loved animals and was brought up surrounded by various dogs, cats, horses and with two German Shepherd dogs of my own. I currently have no pets and enjoy giving my attention to our charges.