Alpine Dog Ranch

I’m pretty sure if dogs designed their own boarding facility… it would look a whole lot like this place!
I was super nervous about boarding my 11 year old greyhound mix. I didn’t want him to be stressed out or overwhelmed. Most of the boarding places I looked at were all indoors and the dogs were only allowed at play time or were the complete opposite and the dogs were kept in a room with all the other dogs ²⁴⁄₇ which was so chaotic!
At alpine dog ranch during the day, the dogs can explore the many acres of the property and at night, are fed and kept in «bunk houses» which have individual crates or kennels as well as air conditioning and a TV!
During the day the dogs are free to do what they want (of course under adult/​human supervision). They can play in the amazing pond/​pool that has a rock waterfall with filtered water or they can just hang out in the shade or in my dog’s case, work on his sun tan. The property has lots of area to explore and plenty of room to play. The ranch also has a covered porch with cots and a thatched roof umbrella for the dogs who just want to relax and watch the activity. Jacob also hikes the property with the dogs for those dogs that like a more organized adventure.
It’s a bit of a drive to get to the ranch but it’s definite worth it! The ranch offers pick up and delivery for a small fee. The ranch only boards 15 dogs at a time (a huge plus for limiting the chaos) so make sure to book early.
All in all, my dog had a great time at «camp» and came home happy and relaxed.

I have used Thomas and his staff 4 times now, and would just like to commend them again. My dog means the world to Me, I have a boxer mix. This is the only place I trust leaving my dog, the first time we left her we made frequent calls in which Thomas would comfort us. They offer amenities such as cleaning your dog before pick up, taking photos of your dog during their play time, nap time, hikes, etc. the dogs have a busy schedule here so be prepared to have one tired pup on your hands when you get back home!

Absolutely amazing! if you have a high energy dog this place is perfect! It is VERY far out there and you have to follow their directions because the Google directions are wrong but don’t let this discourage you.
Usually we just have friends watch our dog but since he requires so much exercise I thought I would try something else. This place was everything and more. Every morning and night they took him on a hike and let him run around all day, they feed him the food we brought, and he had a private place to sleep. When I picked him up he wasn’t on leash and just walking side by side with Jason and the other dogs. Since we don’t have a yard I loved that he was just able to play and run around all day like he should… Word of advice, pay for the optional bath before pick up!
I will definitely be bringing my dog back here!

I have been using the Ranch for a couple years now. It’s simple… my dog loves getting to the ranch, she’s happy and exhausted when I pick her up. She is high energy and would be severely depressed to be put in a box. She loves Thomas and his family. He is SoCal own dog whisperer.

I am not a hard to deal with person, I am actually pretty chill… in a Bob Marley kinda way…
I have two big «Hunting» style dogs. one a German Short Haired Pointer and 110 lb American Labrador… Lots of running going on around here… lots of water, lots and lots of land… for these athletic types to play.
My dogs are ran daily, so they didn’t have any heat stroke issues that others have had here, a Rottweiler whom had a stroke here and cost the pet’s owner 10k in vet bills ! Could you imagine, so just beware, this place is very hot! So make sure your dogs are ready for the challenge!!!
I also have a fragile English Bulldog that I did not leave here, because in my opinion is just not the place for this type of breed, or any type of heat sensitive dog, or out of shape dog… with the heat and all the activity that goes on here… I would not recommend this place for Brachycephalic Breeds, means «short-nosed.“Breeds…
This is where I decided this place is not for me and my fur babies!!!
When I got home, I was bathing my super furry big Lab, I did notice he came home with gashes on his legs, swollen and a gash on his face. More bumps and scratches than I would have liked, ACTUALLY A LOT MORE THAN I WOULD HAVE LIKED… nothing serious, thank God, but what I did not understand, is why Alpine Dog Ranch did not tell me about the injuries and tried to hide it from me, until I confronted them on this issue.
I was then told a few dogs attacked my dog while he was there… Well well that’s nice to know… what really bummed me out is that they tried to hide it from me.
If you do decide to take your dog here, I recommend the orientation full tour and ask to see all the sleeping facilities as well, because for some reason, they don’t show you that? This place is a bit of a trek… and in a very hot location of San Diego.
I dealt with Jacob and his family and they seemed pretty nice. Very friendly and
Professional! They were the best part of boarding here…
It’s all about Liabilities and Assets… I guess I fell under the liability category… And my poor dog suffered the consequences…

Alpine Dog Ranch is the best choice for dog boarding in San Diego.
We love that our furry family members get a vacation when they go. Cage free, the dogs spend all day romping around together on the property and then do a guided hike in the national forest. (Not in a warehouse or parking lot!) There is swimming, fetch and supervised socialization. This is important to us since we have Australian Cattle Dogs that have otherwise never actually gotten tired.
We have been loyal customers since 2008. The Ranch has helped us with short stays (days), long stays (weeks), and helping us facilitate an animal shipment to the Midwest while we were overseas.
It’s important to note that driving there takes time– about 45 min from downtown San Diego. But that’s the price of a spot next to the Cleveland National Forest.
We credit The Ranch with the great behavior our dogs exhibit with others. We send all of our friends and would never take our dogs anywhere else.

I have taken our Golden retriever to Alpine Dog Ranch for the past 7 years and whenever we come back to pick up the dog, she seems to be sad in leaving the ranch. Unlike many other dog «hotels», the dog run freely from dusk til dawn on a 45 acre property and have a blast getting dirty, swim in the cool new waterfall/​doggy pool. Highly recommend it. Great new site by the way.

Every post I’ve read so far has summed up what the Alpine Ranch offers. We took our dog Sugar to the ranch and instantly realized she’d be a great fit. Thomas was very responsive/​attentive to us which was a nice comfort given we were across the country. Any trip we take from this point forward, Sugar will be staying at Alpine. They are fantastic.

I would give Thomas and his family 10 stars if I could! We LOVE Alpine Dog Ranch. My husband and I have three pups, two jack russells and a lab, and it is hard to find a place for them to stay where we know they will get plenty of exercise and outdoor time — but the dog ranch is it! They have trails the dogs can run on and even a wading pool that they love. We have taken them there several times in the last year, and every time they come back happy, dirty, and very tired — exactly how dogs should be! Our pups are like our kids, and they don’t even care that we are leaving them for a few days when we bring them to the ranch — they are off and running as soon as we get there! Boarding rates are very comparable to other places in San Diego, but the primary difference is that the dogs are out and about — not in runs, or cages, or in a facility that’s completely inside and/​or made of concrete. Needless to say, when we travel we end up spending more for our dogs lodging than for our own (our choice to own three dogs), but it is WORTH IT bringing them to the dog ranch. Easy and completely stress-​free — for us and the dogs. We are moving from San Diego in a couple of weeks, and I am seriously bummed that we will have to find a new boarding place for our dogs. I don’t think any other can compare. If you are wondering whether you should bring your pup here, don’t — it is the best place we have found anywhere. We will miss you guys!!!
— Maresa and Scott

I found out my dog wasn’t good with little kids when my 1 year old nephew came for a week long visit. I had to find a quick solution… I called Alpine Dog Ranch. Thomas was so nice and willing to take my dog for a week’s stay without notice. Thankfully, my dog was already neutered and current on his shots (typical requirements for kennel stays), so he could be accepted to the ranch immediately. He had an absolute BLAST and my family had a calmer visit. Since the first stay at the ranch was so successful, I took my dog back when I went on a 6 week backpacking trip. When I go on vacation, why can’t my dog do the same? He just loves it there! I’m happy to know that there’s a fun place where I can board my dog whenever I go out of town (or have certain visitors) that is not a typical kennel. And, it doesn’t cost any more than a kennel, so why not choose the ranch? I LOVE that he is able to be outside and have so much playtime with other dogs at the ranch. Alpine Dog Ranch is our go to boarding place. They are amazing; both Thomas and his family, and the facility. Love them!!!
Update: Right after I wrote this review, I called the ranch to schedule a 3^rd stay for my dog (going out of town for the holidays). I’m just blown away by the friendliness and accommodation of the ranch; they remembered my dog fondly, asked how he’s been doing, and are excited to have him back. I’m so grateful there’s a place I can take my dog where I know he will be loved and taken care of while I’m away. I don’t worry about him at all when I’m traveling; I know he’s safe and having a great time! I don’t really expect anybody else to love and care for him like I do, but that’s exactly what I get at ADR.

Hands down, the BEST dog boarding facility I have ever used. My basset hound Gouda LOVES this place. He loves the owners, the kids, the other dogs, and the space! These people are so nice and they LOVE working with the dogs.
Gouda gets so excited when he realizes where we are going. Last time I dropped him off he jumped out of the car window before I got to the gate (don’t worry angry Unilocalers, I don’t just let my dog go jumping out of car windows at high speeds).
It’s a bit of a drive, but they make it so worth it… and their prices are just the same as a place where they kennel your dog all day! As long as I live in southern california I will never use another facility.
LOVE YOU GUYS

We’ve used this facility 4 times, 3 of which were longer than a week and have had nothing but good experiences so far.
Our K9 was most likely in attendance with the one who contracted kennel cough however, to date, we haven’t encountered this problem. I’m sorry your dog became ill because I hear this disease is very unpleasant. Are you sure your dog was immunized appropriately for this illness?
We have a Vizsla and anyone who is familiar with this breed knows they run endlessly. There is no other facility I know of where your dog can run 4 acres in its entirety to their hearts content. I almost hate to bring him home, where it’s back to lounging and an occasional mountain climb with my husband and I. If you’re on the fence about this place give it a try — you’re sure to like it especially if you have an active pup.

BEWARE: Our dog came back with Kennel cough.
First couple times my wife and I thought this was such a great place, huge area for your dog to roam around.
This place is not cheap, they won’t let you pick up your dog on a Sunday plus they will charge you for a full day even if you leave your dog late on the day. We are ok paying for peace of mind but getting your dog back sick and then having to pay an extra $ 140 at the vet IS NOT OK.
I am really disappointed, and I am not taking my dog to this place anymore.

Alpine Dog Ranch is the BEST! Thomas and his family truly love dogs and it shows at their wonderful ranch! I have a very busy and wild black Lab who misses me so much when I leave, so I have to bring her to a place where she is going to be busy & active and not have time to miss me… this place is it!
I brought her here about a year ago, and she had a great time here & came home exhausted and happy after a 5 day stay! I never once worried about her well-​being or if she was being cared for properly!
I opted to have Thomas pick up my girl and bring her there and home. It was great! I am going out of town again in April & I have already made Riley’s reservation for the ranch… she had her accommodations made before I did!
Thank you Thomas for being so wonderful!

I originally got recommended this ranch from a fellow Unilocaler after reviewing some reviews on some of the boarding faculties here in the city and boy am I glad I did my research! Not only did my dog (a 1 year old German Shepard) come home exhausted and sleep for a week straight, but her paws were literally raw from running around like a maniac. When I came to pick her up after my vacation she acted as if she didn’t even see me and continued playing with her camp BFF. Lol. Normally I like to clean my dog myself, but I think next time I will let them give her a bath. She just came home way too tired and wasn’t up for it for a while, so I was left with Ms. Smellypants.
Anyhow, there really isn’t much to compare here. The dog ranch is cheaper than in the city, the property is bigger than anything in the city, and due to the amount of dogs they have at one time they are able to give your dog more attention and love than anything in the city.
Alpine Dog Ranch,
Thanks for everything including giving me daily updates (yes I called every single day! it was my babies first time.). We will be back again and again.
–satisfied guests

I took my dog to Alpine Dog Ranch for several years. I recently moved out of San Diego, and I’m so bummed that I no longer have access to the ranch, I’m compelled to write the review I should have written years ago.
My dog isn’t the easiest. She’s sweet and cuddly as all get out when she loves you, but she’s wary of strangers and particularly reactive to children. I thoroughly explained that first to Keren on the phone and then to Thomas the first time I took her there for a tour. Both Thomas and Keren were calm and understanding of my dog’s «quirks.»
I was really nervous the first time my dog stayed there, but when I picked her up, Thomas said that she did fine and that she was welcome back any time. Prior to staying at the ranch, my dog had stayed with family members when I traveled, most of whom were more willing to pay to board her elsewhere than dog-​sit themselves.
I traveled a lot for work and play my last few years in San Diego, but my dog always had a place at the ranch, and Thomas and Keren always seemed happy to have her there. It was such a relief to me to know that even if I had an impromptu work trip, no matter for how long, I never had to worry about who would take care of my dog and whether she would be okay. She always came home filthy, exhausted, and utterly elated… just like a happy dog should be. She knew the route to the ranch, and she always got uncontrollably excited whenever we approached the road leading to their driveway.
Moreover, the ranch doesn’t charge any more than a boarder in the city charges. The difference is whether your dog is in a kennel or has a 4-​acre ranch to roam. Thomas also gives you incredibly helpful guidance on how to manage your dog better.
I can’t say enough good things about the Alpine Dog Ranch. Do not doubt whether your pet will enjoy their stay there. I took some wonderful vacations while my dog was at the ranch, but I’d be hard pressed to say who had a better holiday… me or my pup.

My dog has been to the ranch twice and he has had a great time! If you’re going on an extended trip and just want piece of mind and a little adventure for your dog, this is the place to go! My guy has stayed for both a 7-​day and 10-​day vacation and both times came home dirty, exhausted, and happy as can be! It’s like sleep-​away camp when we were kids…
Expect to give your dog a nice, log bath (or take him somewhere to get it done professionally, or even have the staff do it before pickup) and don’t expect too much excitement once you get home, ’cause he’ll sleep until the next day.
Thomas genuinely loves what he does and it shows. My one worry was that I’d get back a dog that suddenly had gone feral or forgotten all his training after a week in doggy paradise, but Thomas and his family, and his own dogs on the ranch, seem to maintain a great alpha-​male relationship with the dogs, and I even think my dog comes back a little more «mature» in a way. Not sure how to explain it, but it helped calm my fears of having a peeing, pooping, and hole-​digging dog when I picked him up…
Check it out and make an appointment for a tour. I plan on utilizing the ranch at least two more times in the near future!

My dog is shy with humans and but really happy with other dogs. Thomas has a quiet demeanor like most «dog whisperers». You go for a «visit» before boarding for the first time and it IS a drive on some rough road but he will pick up for a fee.
When my girl knows she is getting close to the ranch she starts walking back and forth and whining… when we stop she runs right to the fence and just whines to get in! She is so active that I had to up her food by 50%. She is happy to see me when I come home and pooped out beyond belief so I know she loves it there.
Way nicer then kennels where they stay in a box for hours and then you have to pay for «play time» with staffers who look so disinterested that you want to rescue all the poor puppies!
And they do come back dirty but Thomas will do a bath as well if you request it.

I am so glad I found the Alpine Dog Ranch — it is exactly what I want for my dogs when Im away on vacation !
I checked all of the local boarding facilities and this is by far the best for well-​socialiazed dogs — Thomas and his family are delightful and you can tell they care for the dogs.
My pooches LOVE fiesta island for the running, playing with other dogs and being out — so this is the perfect place for them. I take around 4 weeks of vacation a year and I know my girls are safe, well cared for and most importantly HAPPY to go there.
The Ranch set up is wonderful, the barn the dogs sleep in is clean, comfy and like a doggie fort –they love it. There is a waterfall for playing in, and tons of space tor run, wrestle and socialize with other camper dogs. Everytime I take them there, they jump out of the car and run inside, they are clearly not stressed about me leaving and kind of seems like they are very happy to be there.
Thomas and Karen have a wonderful way about them, and are very accomodating with the plans. The drive out to the Ranch is really quite nice and Im glad for it. I have used the offered delivery service and I was very thankful for it. The daily rate is FAR better then any of the boarding facilities I looked at in town.
I strongly recommend the Alpine Dog Ranch !!

Wow. I just picked up my 2 year old lab (a high– energy dog) from the Alpine Dog Ranch and she is wiped out! I now believe it when they say «This is not a kennel, it is vacation ranch for dogs». My dog ran around on 4 fenced-​in acres with other dogs for 2 weeks. If you have a well– socialized dog, I would HIGHLY recommend this place. She was a little dusty from all the time outside, but then, I opted out of the end– of– stay dog bath.
They also offer pick up and drop off service, since they are a bit out of town.