A keeper with the Pin Oaks pack under the trees

A lifetime of dogs

The Pin Oaks Family

Some places are built as businesses. Pin Oaks was built as the answer to a simple question — where would we be happy to leave our own dogs?

Chapter one

Michael & Doreen

Born into a dog-loving family, I grew up beside dogs. Big dogs, small dogs, long dogs, hairy ones, short ones, itchy dogs, fast dogs, other peoples dogs, slow, noisy, silent and even very old dogs. And I loved it!

I have always had a dog by my side, even when I traveled. In Scotland, I would intentionally distract dogs on their evening walks. Once I had their attention, I’d stroll, crawl or roll across to give them a big fat hello. It was normally at this point that I’d look up and see a bewildered Scot peering down at me from the other end of the lead. Needless to say, we soon got on famously and I ended up ‘baby-sitting’ their dogs, mainly black Scottish Terriers, often named “Angus”.

One year I flew to Italy to take care of Sam, a Golden Retriever from New York who needed a ‘baby sitter’ while on his summer holiday in Tuscany. It was clear that being surrounded by and caring for dogs was always going to be a big part of my life.

So, along with my mum, from whom I had inherited this shared passion, we found a wonderful smallholding. Here I would create great boarding kennels, a place for people like me to leave their dogs, a place that I’d be happy to leave my own dogs. I now had 8 tree-filled acres to put into action what came naturally.

And so it began…

As time passed, our experience and observations brought us much insight into dog care. Never comfortable with the processed foods our dogs were eating, we wanted to find a more natural approach.

Driven by her passion my Mum spent her days researching and studying dog nutrition and feeding methods. She settled on the BARF diet by Dr. Ian Billinghurst and she soon started to make this raw diet for our own dogs. They were never healthier and we were never happier.

Due to the successful results with our own dogs, it became the food of choice for our kennel guests too. Many of our kennel guests experienced improved condition during their stay as a result of eating our food. This led to continuous requests by their owners to take our food home when they collected their dogs.

So Pin Oaks Food was born.

Chapter two

Joanne

As the Manager here at Pin Oaks Kennels, I am deeply committed to the well-being of every dog in our care. Originally from Cape Town, I have spent the past ten wonderful years at Pin Oaks, where my passion for canine care and behavior continues to grow every day. Alongside my extensive hands-on experience, I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Canine Behaviour and Training to deepen my expertise. Driven by a genuine love for dogs and a true appreciation for their unique personalities, I find immense joy in my work. For me, Pin Oaks Kennels is a wonderful place where I can connect with dogs in a beautiful natural setting, ensuring they can simply relax, enjoy wholesome food, and have fun.

Chapter three

Lezanne

I’ve had a love for animals, especially dogs, for as long as I can remember. Growing up with dogs, they became a big part of my life, and from a young age I knew I wanted to work with animals. I love their different personalities and have a strong desire to care for, help and protect them. Studying Animal Health has allowed me to learn more about their needs and how to give them the care they deserve. I’m grateful to be part of the Pin Oaks Kennels family caring for the dogs in our care. Getting to know each of them and making sure they feel safe, happy and loved while they’re with us is something I truly value!

Chapter four

Georgia

Having grown up with a dog by my side—most often a beloved Cocker Spaniel—I’ve always had a deep love for dogs and can’t imagine life without them. My passion for dogs has only grown over the years, and I love spending my days getting to know and care for all of our wonderful guests at Pin Oaks. I’m constantly looking to learn more about dogs, from their behaviour and communication to their individual quirks and needs. Every day at Pin Oaks is an opportunity to learn something new and spend time with the animals I love.

Chapter five

Lorent and Chimwemwe

The guys behind the scenes, always making sure the kennels are prepared, bedding is clean and dry, picking up poos, messes and sanitising the kennels. Planting grass and looking after the gardens.

Lorent has been part of our family from the very beginning, dedicated, absolutely reliable and an amazing human being. Fearless of dogs and always ready to help. He is a genuine rockstar.

Chimwemwe is newer and has been taken under Lorent’s wing since 2025, guided by him and shown the ropes.

Golden evening light over the Pin Oaks lawns

Come and see for yourself

We’d love to meet you and your dog

Call 060 963 2265 See boarding rates