Family owned since 1988.
Cottage Kennels and Cattery was established in 1988, by Rick and Lisa Morrison. The Morrisons purchased the facility when it was nothing more than a few small, outdoor dog runs, and have spent the last 37 years shaping Cottage into the trusted home-away-from-home that it is today. Walking around you can see all of the additions, upkeep, renovations and incredibly hard work that has taken place over the years to stay up to date with the ever evolving pet care industry.
In 2018 Lisa and Rick officially opened Rothwell Run, a benchmark in dog and cat accommodation in Australia. Moving down to Little River has given them the chance to build the same level of care and trust while they cement their future with their beautiful family.
In an age where many family businesses are being acquired by large corporations, Lisa and Rick were adamant that their legacy would not be absorbed into a one-size-fits-all approach and their passion be forgotten. Their lifetime of work will forever live on in the way they intended: providing the highest level of personalised care.
After all, our pets really are our family.
After many wonderful years at the helm, in 2025 it came time for Lisa and Rick Morrison to officially hand over the reins of Cottage Kennels and Cattery. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, care, and dedication to the cats and dogs of Melbourne and surrounds. The good news? The new owners are familiar faces who you already know and trust!
Alexis Sarris and Tierney Volkmer (who you know as T) together have dedicated the past 21 years to caring for your pets at Cottage and stepped into the role of owners in 2025. As long-time custodians of Cottage Kennels and Cattery, Alexis and T have continued to uphold the same level of love, care, and commitment you’ve always known.
Alexis joined the Cottage team as her part-time job while at university back in 2011, but fell madly in love and has dedicated every day since to making Cottage what it is today.
T has an extensive background in the animal industry and her qualifications and experience are second to none. She joined the team having spent 20 years in the veterinary industry, is an experienced dog trainer and behaviourist, and even helped set up the biosecurity protocols at Melbourne’s Post-Entry Quarantine Facility.
Since Lisa and Rick’s move to Little River in 2018, Alexis and T have taken over the management and day to day operations of Cottage. In this time they have expanded on routines, policies and procedures. Using a combination of Alexis’ knowledge of the boarding industry and client needs, and T’s extensive knowledge of animal health, behaviour and wellbeing, they have been successful in implementing these changes while continuing to uphold the Cottage vision.
Alexis and T remain supported by a team of dedicated, experienced and committed animal attendants, receptionists, drivers, treating vets, and suppliers, all with a collective mission to ensure your pet is provided with the highest level of care whilst at Cottage. Donna Sturrock leads the reception team with pride and has been with Cottage since 2005. She has been there through every step, change and improvement and is always happy to share her knowledge and experience with Melbourne’s pet owners.
Our caring team always go the extra mile to make sure your pet is comfortable, loved, safe and enriched.
Cottage Kennels and Cattery is your pet’s home away from home.
Since 1988