Our Team

Ian is the proud owner of The Pet Ranch and the driving force behind its vision of becoming one of the South Coast’s most trusted boutique boarding facilities.

A lifelong dog owner with a passion for working breeds, Ian has owned and trained German Shepherds, Kelpies and many other working dogs throughout his life. His experience has given him a deep understanding of canine behaviour, health and wellbeing, as well as the importance of providing dogs with structure, enrichment and compassionate care.

Ian purchased The Pet Ranch with one simple goal—to create a boarding kennel where pet owners could leave their dogs and cats with complete confidence, knowing they would receive the same love, care and attention they receive at home.

Behind Ian is a dedicated team of experienced and compassionate animal carers who share the same commitment to exceptional pet care.

As Manager of The Pet Ranch, Michelle oversees the day-to-day care and wellbeing of the animals staying with us and works closely with the team to maintain the highest possible standards of care. Her extensive hands-on experience, knowledge of canine behaviour and genuine passion for animals ensure that every pet staying at The Pet Ranch is treated as an individual and receives the care, understanding and attention they deserve.

Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience in dog training, behaviour, handling and canine care particularly diets in dogs. With an extensive background working with dogs of all breeds, ages and temperaments, Michelle has dedicated much of her life to understanding canine behaviour and providing the highest standard of care.

Her experience ranges from family pets and dogs with complex behavioural needs through to high-level competition and working dogs. Michelle has been actively involved in IGP Dogsport and ANKC competition for more than 20 years, successfully training and competing with multiple dogs. She is an experienced trainer in competition obedience and tracking and has presented motivational obedience seminars throughout Australia.

Throughout her career, Michelle has worked extensively with dogs displaying a wide range of behavioural challenges, including reactivity and aggression. Her experience and understanding of canine behaviour allow her to confidently care for and manage dogs with different personalities, temperaments and individual needs.

Michelle has also been involved in the development and training of working dogs and puppies, including dogs prepared for future roles within law enforcement and other working environments.

John brings an exceptional level of professional experience in dog training, behaviour, handling and working-dog development to The Pet Ranch. With an extensive background in law enforcement and professional working-dog training, John has worked with dogs at the highest levels.

During his career with the Queensland Police Service, John was involved in the training and development of police dogs across a range of specialised disciplines, including explosives and narcotics detection, tracking, obedience and protection work. John also has extensive experience in the assessment, development and selection of working dogs and puppies. His knowledge of canine behaviour and temperament allows him to confidently understand and manage dogs with a wide range of personalities and behavioural challenges.

John is also highly experienced in IGP Dogsport. He has trained and mentored numerous teams to successfully achieve IGP titles and has conducted helper training and development seminars all over Australia. His extensive professional background, practical experience and deep understanding of canine behaviour bring an invaluable level of knowledge to The Pet Ranch team. John’s experience ensures that dogs of all breeds, temperaments and backgrounds can be handled with confidence, understanding and professionalism.

Originally from Sweden, Jenny’s love for animals began at an early age, growing up with sled dogs where caring for, training, and working alongside them was part of everyday life. Those experiences sparked a lifelong passion for animal welfare and laid the foundation for a career dedicated to working with dogs.

Over the years, Jenny has gained extensive experience managing and training sled dogs in large professional kennels, working with high-drive breeds in demanding environments where consistency, health, and wellbeing are always the priority. She has also worked with a variety of herding and hunting breeds, giving her a deep appreciation for the unique personalities, temperaments, and needs of different dogs.

Jenny is passionate about every aspect of canine care, from health monitoring and a to behaviour and enrichment. She has a keen eye for recognising even subtle changes in a dog’s physical condition or behaviour, allowing her to provide attentive, individualised care that helps every dog feel safe, healthy, and supported. At The Pet Ranch, Jenny is dedicated to making every dog’s stay a happy and enriching experience. Whether they’re here for a day or a longer visit, she is committed to ensuring they feel cared for, comfortable, and right at home.

With over five years of experience training and competing in a variety of dog sports, Mia brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication and a genuine passion for all things canine to the Pet Ranch team. Her experience spans boarding kennels, dog daycare, animal welfare and assisting in the raising and development of puppies and dogs for specialised working roles, including experience with explosive detection dogs.

Having worked with a wide range of breeds, sizes and temperaments, Mia has developed a deep understanding of canine behaviour, breed-specific traits and the unique instincts and purposes behind different breeds. Her involvement in animal welfare and helping dogs find loving homes further reflects her commitment to ensuring every dog receives the care, understanding and attention they deserve.