TWO OWNERS. TWO DOGS.
ONE RATHER GOOD IDEA.
For years, the Strathalbyn community has known Vincent and Emma Saunders through Bonce Hair Boutique. Throughout that time, one constant remained: Rufus. As the salon’s unofficial concierge, Rufus proved a simple, unshakeable truth—that the presence of a dog fundamentally improves the environment for everyone who walks through the door. It is a reality that, once observed, is impossible to ignore.
When the opportunity arose to secure the former ambulance station at 1/3 Rankine Street, the vision for Hounds of Strath became clear. We didn't want a holding pen; we wanted a destination.
We have since transformed this landmark into a professional indoor-outdoor resort—a place where dogs can socialise, exercise, and be washed in a curated environment. It was designed for the practical resident who wants to drop off their companion on the way to work and collect a clean, settled, and genuinely tired dog on the way home.
The idea started with Rufus. It was always going to.
THE FACES OF THE RESORT
Rufus — the original. The reason this place exists. You'll find him on the logo.
Jackson — Pug x Cavalier. Known to most as Pig Dog. Rufus's best friend and co-founder in spirit if not in title. A very important dog.
Between them, they have excellent taste in company. The resort holds the same standard.
Hounds of Strath began with a simple idea and a familiar face — Rufus. Vincent and Emma Saunders, long-time Strathalbyn locals and owners of Bonce Hair Boutique, brought Rufus to the salon each day and quickly saw how much better a place feels when a dog is part of it. When the old ambulance station became available, the idea grew into something more: a proper place where dogs could spend the day socialising, playing, being cared for, and heading home happy, clean, and tired. Hounds of Strath was built from the same community spirit behind Bonce Hair Boutique — just created for dogs this time.
THE BONCE CONNECTION
We can't wait for you to meet our team
Selective. Safe. Social.
We are not the right resort for every dog. And that is the point. Hounds of Strath is a curated social environment. Every dog begins with the Paws-port trial month — four visits, a river walk, a wash, and an honest assessment of whether the resort is the right fit. If it is, we'll tell you. If it isn't, we'll tell you that too. A harmonious pack is the foundation of every dog's safety and enjoyment. We take that seriously.
