Barking Springs Dog Ranch

I use Unilocal all the time to look up reviews, but this is the first time that I’ve really felt the need to write one. Barking Springs was definitely five stars for me. My husband and I had a Labor Day vacation planned and we were nervous wrecks over leaving our almost 5 month old lab/​pitt mix behind.
I got in touch and toured the facility, and I was able to bring our pup with me so that he could see where he’d be staying. Alisha was super sweet and so helpful in answering all of my questions and putting me at ease. The drop off and pick up process was beyond easy and I think Alisha could tell we were a mess having to leave Jackson. She was so patient and kind dealing with two crazy puppy parents.
We received a text a few hours later with a few pictures of him and an update about how well he was fitting in and how much fun he was having, which made it possible for us to relax and enjoy our vacation. We checked in a few other times and were always met with more updates and pictures of our pup having the time of his life.
We picked him up yesterday right before closing. They had him bathed and ready for us with all of his stuff packed up. When we went to pay, our credit card kept declining because we’d been out of state and fraud protection kicked in. They were so understanding and easy-​going and just emailed us an invoice so that we could get it sorted out once we got settled. We were in such a hurry to visit with our pup and get him home that we didn’t notice a few things we’d brought with him were missing from his bag. I sent a quick email when we got home and Jessica got in touch first thing this morning and arranged to drop off his things on her way into town.
We had a wonderful experience with Barking Springs from beginning to end. Every person we dealt with was friendly and helpful and they all knew our pup by name. Jackson is very active and we wanted a place where he’d be able to run off his energy and play with other dogs instead of being locked in a kennel most of the day. Barking Springs was perfect for that. He came home a very happy and well taken care of puppy!
I’ve heard and seen in some other reviews that the prices are a bit high. I don’t have anything to compare to since this was our first time boarding, but to us it was well worth it to be able to go out of town and enjoy our trip knowing our pup was so well taken care of! :) We will definitely be using them again!

This review is 100% accurate.
I started out really liking this place a few years ago. Jessica is well acquainted with running a kennel and was trained at dog boys. I picked my dog up today and accidentally arrived early and was told I would have to wait via text by Jessica (who was not there). She informed me the staff was likely at church and should return at 11:45 — 11:50.
The staff is a young couple that I guess lives on the facilities. They drove up in a golf cart at 11:45 obviously upset that they had been woken up by me. I got a glare. I went in and the young blonde haired woman said «$ 38 a night». I was surprised since last time it was $ 25 a night. So I said this and she said Jessica can’t do that. So since I was texting with Jessica I went outside and texted her. She didn’t reply but the young woman sternly told me to come back inside, Jessica is on vacation! I was laughing because the only person I know here at this kennel is Jessica and I have a high opinion of her. Further we were just texting while the young lovebirds were getting their beauty rest.
She lowered the price to. $ 35 and I was told very tersely «if you don’t like the price you don’t have to come here again.» Whoa, go nuclear!
Anyway the bottom line is this, Jessica knows her stuff, but her facilities are 3^rd rate (trailers/​manufactured housing), the location is very far away from Austin which is clearly stated on their site, but it’s really too far and based on her not being involved in the business anymore, $ 38 a night and rude treatment, we will be hard pressed to return.
For what it’s worth, if they were to upgrade your facilities from trailer quality and I think they might have sometching here. Also there is basic etiquette to running a business that Jessica understands, I hope she can find people that model her ethos.

Kobe loves Barking a Springs so much, and I love their daily updates and pictures! It’s so great that the dogs get to run around the ranch during the day, and get their own bedrooms (no kennels!) to sleep in at night! This place is amazing, and he owners and employees are awesome! We will never take our fur children anywhere else!

I can’t say enough about the amazing team here at Barking Springs! We left our 6 Month old Great Dane pup Skates there for over a week and we received so many updates on her progress. It was as if I left her with a close family member! The Owner Jessica and her wonderful staff treated Skates as if she was one of their very own! Skates was truly sad to leave her beloved home away from home. We will continue to use this wonderful facility time and time again! Beautiful grounds, convenient location, and true animal lovers is what Barking Springs offers. What else could one want for their pet?

Update: I see the company left a response, which is a nice touch, but I called and left two messages with them and they never returned my call. I also heard they have automatic feeders, so be wary. Like I said, I know weird things can happen to dogs but mine came back 10 pounds overweight in one week and with a fear of wood surfaces.
Left my dog there during SXSW this year (long time ago, I know).
Drop-​off went smooth. Fairly informal, you kind of just hand your dog over. No real big issue there.
When I came to pick her up, she was about TEN POUNDS overweight, and then she started throwing up all over my car. She threw up 4 separate times in my car. She also developed a fear of wooden decks or any floor surface change (ie: wouldn’t walk over wooden foot bridges). I was able to undo her fear of the bridges though, and she did lose the gained weight pretty quickly.
I’m usually not an overprotective dog owner. I get that dogs can be dogs and weird things happen, but apparently they had temp workers during spring break (college kids out of town) and my dog was overfed. I never got a straight story out of them and they never offered a refund.
Not cool.

I’ve had my German short-​haired pointer for about 6 years. In that time I have taken him to four different facilities. This is the only one that gets him excited. You can tell a lot by the way your dog acts when you arrive to a over-​night facility. He loves all the running room, the friendly staff, and seeing all the farm animals. About a month ago he hurt his elbow. Jess got him to the vet and was excellent about keeping me posted. Great to know they are caring for him the way I would myself.

We brought our miniature schnauzer here based on the recommendation of friends who also use Barking Springs. Since then, he’s stayed at the ranch four times and we can tell he has a blast each time. We love knowing he gets ample play time and lots of love and good care at the ranch. We haven’t always gotten a photo from them each time, but when we do it’s always a lovely surprise (and a picture of a super happy pup!). It’s so nice to know that our dog is in good hands while we’re away!

Prices keep going up… expensive now. I want to give a neutral review based on my experience. I would go back again if it is convenient but the location is very far away and the rates are a bit high considering their location. It takes about 30mins each way from central Austin to get there.
When we dropped off our dogs I asked to see the kennels as this was my first time and was told they are only open for viewing on Saturday, this is a red flag in my book as I should be able to see what the facility looks like at anytime not just after clean up on Saturday. Is it dirty the rest of the time? Being I had no other option I used them anyways.
Also when I dropped off my dogs I was told I would receive photos of my dogs during their stay. I received a few photos only on the day they thought I was picking them up. Though they did not deliver all of the stated services I was still charged all of the stated fees. How convenient for them.
When we picked up the dogs they were happy, well exercised, and dirty from playing… all good things!
Overall an okay experience but we will be looking for a more convenient kennel with the same level of service for a similar price or even less as they seemed to be higher priced than other places. If you want to see the facilities make sure you plan a trip on your Saturday to get out there and check it out. they definitely cater to their own schedule versus their customers.
Limited pick up/​drop off hours.

We bring our 7 month old puppy, Henry, to Barking Springs 3 days a week. He absolutely loves it. I should mention that we tried 5 other doggy day cares that were much closer to our house before choosing Barking Springs (Barking Springs is a 25 minute drive each way for us). But we absolutely love it there. Everytime I pick up my dog, he begs to stay. He loves Kaitlin and Alisha and has many doggy friends there. One of our main reasons for choosing this daycare is because Henry is a boxer with a ton of energy. At Barking Springs he can run around for hours outside. He even has a bucket like pool he loves to jump in. Thank you Barking Springs for making our little guy so happy!

I never write reviews, although I feel especially compelled to write one about Barking Springs. I was looking for a boarding facility on short notice when some coworkers recommended this place. When I called, they were so incredibly nice on the phone and walked me through exactly what they would need. I showed up 2 hours before my flight and dogs were running around having a blast. My dog was ready to jump in. After a quick check of my dogs vaccinations, I was on my way to the airport and didn’t have any doubt I chose a great place.
While out of town, I received multiple text message updates that included pictures of my dog. I love my dog to death, so seeing these meant the world to me.
Picking her up went smoothly. They gave her a bath and everything! My dog slept for a long time when we got home. This assured me she got plenty of time outside.
One last thing to add. I am in the market for a rent home and I asked if they would mind writing a letter of recommendation for my dog’s behavior so I could provide it to future home owners. Jessica (the owner) was happy to do this and got it to me quickly. How about that customer service?!

This place is amazing! We just moved into town and we had to drive our dog Duke to Austin before our final arrival. We wanted to make sure he would have enough fun and attention to get his mind off of the transition. This place was the absolute best! They sent us text updates with pictures and Duke actually appeared to be smiling. He had plenty of space to run around and appeared to make lots of friends. At one point, we joked that he may not want to come home. They were also incredibly understanding of the inevitable issues that accompany moving with a toddler and a newborn, and they were flexible with us which really helped during this hectic time. I highly recommend Barking Springs Dog Ranch and greatly appreciate how wonderful they were with Duke and our whole family.

Let me start by saying I would rank Barking Springs well above 5 stars if it were possible! Barking Springs is much more than a business to me. A business is where you drop off your dry cleaning, Barking Springs is where you drop off your four-​legged family members. The dream is to leave your pups with people that will love and care for them as if they were their own. That dream comes true at Barking Springs.
I moved to Austin a little more than a year ago and had a job that required me to travel about 4 days every week. I had 2 dogs, a 13 year old Siberian Husky, Bailey, and a Dachshund, named Little. Despite all the special needs and geriatric medications for Bailey, Barking Springs welcomed them both with open arms. I knew we had found something special.
Over the last year, my dogs spent more time at Barking Springs than they did at home with me. They were thrilled anytime we started to walk towards the car, knowing they were heading to their favorite place. With her age & ailments, Bailey was only supposed to have a few months left when we moved to Austin, but spending time at Barking Springs gave her new life and got her running & playing again. It was a miracle, I think I took about 100 videos of this to share with my friends & family that were in disbelief, ha.
Over a year later, Bailey passed away at the age of 14 ½. Barking Springs is the reason we were able to enjoy a whole extra YEAR with my baby girl. I can honestly say it was one of Bailey’s best years. She loved being outside every minute & loved her Barking Springs family. And they loved her too, as if she were their own! The whole Garwood Family, Alisha, Ricky, and Katelyn were always checking on us when they weren’t there, praying for us as Bailey began to digress again, and crying with us when she moved onto a better place.
Barking Springs continues to do so much for us, helping my Dachshund, Little, adjust to life without his best friend. He was very sad at first, wanting to stay close to his Barking Springs family when he was there and sleeping a lot. But he is already progressing and out playing with other dogs, even found some new cuddle buddies (still favoring the other huskies there)!
Barking Springs has gone above and beyond for my family since day one and I could never thank them enough. There is no other place like Barking Springs and I would never take my pup anywhere else! If you are looking for something more than just a place to board your dog, the search is over… you just found it!
We Love You Barking Springs!!!
M & L

They were great! I’m in town for work and needed somewhere last minute that had «day care» while boarding and they were great and more than willing to help me out. Oliver my dog is very social and the place I had arranged for him to go to didn’t have a way for him to burn off some energy.
I accidentally showed up early to pick him up after boarding and she went out of her way to get him ready. They were nice enough to bathe and try to dry him when I picked him up, even though I was the one that showed up early. I think Oliver had a better vacation than myself. Maybe I’ll check both of us in next time.

I left my 6-​month old schnauzer Wimbly at Barking Springs for a week and when I picked her up I could tell she had a great time! We toured the ranch before I left her and she was the smallest dog there– however, within a couple of minutes she was already at home, running with the other dogs who clearly were very happy to be there as well. After a week at the ranch, Wimbly came home a braver pooch, with an air of zen. It was like therapy! Dan and Jessica are kind and very friendly– you can tell that they love all dogs and want the best for all of them. It’s a friendly, mom-​and-​pop business and I’m happy with my experience!

Jessica & Dan treat my dogs like they are their own! I «interviewed» many kennels over a year or 2 period and just never found a place that I trusted w/​my «kids». A friend (who is a vet) recommended Barking Springs & I called to ask some questions. Jessica was so patient and wanted to make sure I felt comfortable. She invited me to come and visit AND bring my dogs. Many other places won’t allow that, you can only come by appointment on a certain day, and/​or they would allow you to see the kennel/​cages. That in an of itself made me nervous.
By the time I actually visited their ranch, I already knew I was going to have Barton & Kennedy (100# black rescue labs) come here to «camp» as I left town for 10 days. Her attitude, love for animals of all kinds and sweet spirit put me at ease.
When I entered onto the property and saw the land, goats, horses and shaded play area for the dogs I knew this was the place. I wanted my dogs to be able to play with others, run outside and socialize, not just get «play time» twice a day. They have multiple yards for dogs that aren’t as social, or for smaller dogs. She showed me their bedrooms… not cages. Real doors, walls and large enough for my 2 big dogs to share a room. Because of this set up, you don’t hear dogs Unilocaling and barking all the time, which makes one of my rescue dogs nervous.
The first time I brought a car-​full of beds, toys, a page of instructions & a lot of nervousness… there were tears, yet I knew they were OK. Jessica sent me photos every few days and it allowed me to enjoy a vacation w/​my family w/​o wondering how they are doing or what bad habits I would have to unteach them.
Barton & Kennedy love it so much and have stayed there so many times that I just open the door and they run into the office. No dramatic instructions now b/​c I know that no matter what, they will take care of my dogs. Dan always says how good they are when I pick them up… and really — who cares if that’s true or not??? Doesn’t everyone want to be told their kids are cute & well-​behaved?! (It’s also nice that they are clean and exhausted when I pick them up!)

I am so happy I found Barking Springs. We use them for daycare once a week and boarding when we travel. My great dane is always super excited to be dropped off, and falls asleep from exhaustion on the way home. Jessica is wonderful to work with and is so loving, caring, and respectful of each dog’s personality and needs. The property is gorgeous, with plenty of space for the dogs to run around and an air-​conditioned indoor space for when it gets too hot. The location is also really convenient to the airport and for trips to Houston. I feel completely at ease leaving my dog here.

Just picked Jinks up from his first stay at Barking Springs and he is pooped! :-)
I love that your dog is free to be outdoors and do things dogs like to do. I will be recommending Braking Springs to friends & board jinks there again in the near future!

I recently boarded my dog with Barking Springs for back to back weeks. I was really nervous as it was my first time to board my dog. I can’t say enough great things about my experiences with Barking Springs and Jessica!
Before I boarded my dog for the first time I was able to bring him and have a tour. My dog felt at home right away. He ran the entire time I was talking with Jessica and getting a tour. That gave me huge piece of mind! Jessica was VERY accommodating with drop off and pick up times as well, which was so appreciated! When I picked my dog up after the first stay, he was pooped! A tired pup is a happy pup! My husband dropped him off the for the second stay and said he was sooo excited to see Jessica and couldn’t wait to get out of the car.
The location of Barking Springs is GREAT if you are traveling from ABIA. It is about 10 minutes from the airport, very, very convenient. Jessica has her ranch set up where the big dogs can play in one area and small dogs in another (if need be). There is PLENTY of running room for the pups. Weather permitting, she allows the dogs to play outside the majority of the day. Another thing I really appreciated was Jessica’s responsiveness during my dog’s stay. She is very quick to respond via email to answer in any questions or provide any updates.
If you are looking for a GREAT place to board your pup, you will not be disappointed with Barking Springs! Your dog will have a wonderful time and you can have piece of mind your dog is in great hands!

I would not board my dog Wrigley elsewhere! The staff are super FRIENDLY and very accommodating.
Reasons why I gave them 5 stars (more than that if I could!):
1) Wrigley is not quite the friendliest dog. My husband and I avoid other dogs in our apartment complex when we take him out for a walk because we’re skeptical about his behavior, and he might get into it with the other dogs. But the staff at Barking Springs did their best to group Wrigley with other dogs that he can get along with. He may not have doggie friends here at home but he’s got some at Barking Springs, and I’m so glad they try to socialize Wrigley with other dogs.
2) My husband and I went out of town for a wedding one Saturday and we needed to pick our dog up Sunday morning before we go to work. The thing is, Barking Springs do not open until noon or 1 and we both have to be at work by that time. Jessica was very nice enough to work around our busy schedule even when she also had some place to be that morning. We worked something out despite some schedule conflict! I don’t always write reviews on Unilocal but Barking Springs’s flexibility deserves an awesome one!
We live on the opposite side of Austin from Barking Springs but it is definitely worth the drive if I need a place for Wrigley to stay while we’re out of town.
…and oh, I love the fact that the dogs have individual rooms to stay, not crates!

I boarded my 3 year old english mastiff & 2.5 year old rottweiler with Barking Springs Dog Ranch November 2010 while we were on a week long vacation in Mexico. Jessica, one of the owners and operators, met with us prior to our vacation so we could get to know her and she could meet my boys. After the previsit, I was confident she would treat my dogs like her own, and given the pictures she sent to me via email while we were gone, she really did.
During their stay, Jessica boarded my boys in her Austin home, and took them on field trips to the Ranch outside of Austin. We discussed this prior to my leaving, and since the boys are used to being off leash in the woods, I had no problem allowing them to roam freely. Had one of them wandered off I’m sure, given Jessica’s obvious love of animals, she would have searched for them like they were her own. I don’t know the circumstances surrounding the previous posters complaints, but I do not doubt Jessica spent hours looking for the dog in question.
I would highly recommend Barking Springs Dog Ranch if you are looking for a place that will give your dogs individual attention. I’d also recommend this place if you have XL dogs. The owners have big dogs themselves, so they’re familiar with them. The price to board my 2 dogs was extremely reasonable and they were really prompt responding to my emails and phone calls. We’re planning another vacation in May and I don’t have to worry about who will be taking care of my boys, I’m free to concentrate on which swimsuits to pack and if 3 pairs of flip flops are REALLY enough!