About Us | Pillow & Paw Dog Retreat

Our Story

Pillow & Paw Dog Retreat was founded in June 2025 in the peaceful village of Riverstick, County Cork. As lifelong animal lovers we noticed that local boarding options were either too large and impersonal or too far from home. We wanted to create a place where dogs could enjoy a holiday of their own – somewhere cosy and secure, run by people who treat every guest as family.

We transformed a charming outbuilding on our property into a luxurious, boutique retreat. Each of our bays enjoys plenty of natural light, comfortable bedding and fresh air. Our name reflects our philosophy: soft pillows for sweet dreams and gentle paws greeting you at our door.

We’re passionate about providing a warm, safe and personalised environment. Our private bays open onto a large, secure yard where dogs can enjoy off‑lead play. We live on site, so there’s always someone around to provide one‑on‑one care, cuddles and enrichment. Because we limit capacity, we’re able to get to know each guest’s quirks and preferences, ensuring routines that suit them. We are conveniently located near Cork Airport and Kinsale, and accept only fully vaccinated pets – health and safety come first.

Our owner enjoying a scenic woodland walk with a dog

Happy dogs playing on the retreat's grassy lawn

Our Vision & Values

• Comfort: dogs should feel at home when staying with us – snug bedding, gentle music and a relaxing atmosphere ease any nerves.
• Safety: we maintain high standards of cleanliness, secure fencing and have on-site cameras to protect your pets at all times.
• Connection: we’re proud to be part of the Riverstick community and work closely with a talented local groomer to enhance your dog’s stay.
• Individual Care: our limited capacity allows us to learn every dog’s quirks and preferences, ensuring tailored routines and lots of cuddles.

What's Next?

We currently operate four comfortable bays, with plans to add a fifth bay with an adjoining door so canine family members can choose to visit each other or retire to their own space. We have just added new raised beds and are waiting on the installation of secure doors, which will complete our fifth bay by late August 2025.

Your feedback shapes our growth – many of our plans come from conversations with our earliest visitors. We're excited to continue developing Pillow & Paw for the dogs of Riverstick and beyond.