Love this place! My dogs have the best time ever and Thomas and family take great care of them. They hike with the dogs every morning and evening on their 5 acre property. read more

Alpine Dog Ranch - Here's my sweet shepherd Daisy having a blast! - Pet Sitting Near Me

Very communicative with families and even sends texts. Even when you have a discrepancy, it is handled with professionalism We were very pleased with the service and will continue to bring our dog. Bailey was clearly well taken care of. Overall we were very happy with the service this ranch provides and our dog seemed to be happy when home... and tired. Hard to do for a lab. Great business. Great communication. Great service. Great price. read more

Would give them 10 stars if I could! We have been bringing our dogs here for 20 years: different dogs, always the same fantastic experience! This time we're out of our house due to an emergency bathroom renovation, & what started as a 1-2 week stay has turned into 5 weeks for our 2 rather large Shepherd mixes! Thomas & his team have been most accommodating & the dogs are having a blast! They get two 1.5 hour hikes a day, then they eat & are free to just hang out on the property & just be dogs: playing, climbing, getting wet in the natural rock waterfall pool, or lying in the sun. At night, they sleep in a communal bunkhouse with baby monitors to alert the staff if any dogs need attention. The family lives on the property & somebody's always around to interact with the dogs, 24/7. They've sent us many photos & videos of our two (just ask!), & they're enjoying themselves immensely! The dogs always come home worn out; ones of ours who needed to lose weight always dropped a few pounds, too. It is just such a relief that we don't have to worry, knowing that our fur babies are at the best "summer camp" ever! Thomas is a master "dog whisperer,'' & ours are always better behaved when they come back, too! Cannot recommend this place highly enough & will NEVER take our dogs anywhere else! read more

3 night first time stay and our boy is pooped! We'll definitely sign up for a bath next time, what a peace of mind it is to know everyone's having so much fun. read more

DONT BOARD YOUR DOGS HERE. Boarders left the gates open on their property and my dog got out. They then proceeded to lie about what happened in an attempt to avoid a lawsuit. They called my emergency contact, who searched for 5 hours while they did not attempt to help at all. read more

The #1 and only place I trust my dog at. I found myself needing to board my Australian shepherd after only adopting him about 10 months before hand. Understandably, he was unsure of many things and slightly anxious. I was gone for 8 months and when I came back, not only had he been so well cared for and very happy, he was a completely different dog! He was very confident, playful, and no longer anxious. I got photos regularly of the activities they participate in everyday which is awesome because he is a working dog and loves to run/walk endlessly. I was never uneasy about his care and when he did have a bad hot spot, it was communicated, he was taken to the vet, and cared for until it healed properly. The property is spacious and well gated (3 closed gates before you get to the actual area where they are) with lots of room for dogs to do whatever it is they do and they get multiple hikes a day. I also love that it is what I like to call a "free range" daycare, dogs are only on leads when they seem absolutely necessary. It is about 30 minutes from San Diego and worth it if you want to leave your dogs with people who can be trusted and know they will be out and about living good while you're gone :). PS. They also have an Instagram! read more

My energetic 8 month old husky puppy was returned to me as a different dog, after 3 weeks at Alpine Dog Ranch. While originally a needy, puppy with severe separation anxiety, I reunited with a calm, confident, mature dog. It must have been the great exercise, the predictable schedule, and, possibly, sleeping in the dog run with other dogs--a bit of separation from being with people all of the time--that made the difference. Also, he clearly had the time of his life! In the pictures Thomas sent me, he looks muddy and insanely happy, running and playing with other dogs. Pick up and drop off we seamless--I met Thomas at the Costco in La Mesa for both, and, as an additional service, they bathed my pup before returning him. I'll definitely send him here again when I next go on vacation! He's probably counting the days! read more

If I could give them zero stars I would. The negligence and care free way this place acted when they left gates open and my dog got out. They didn't even inform us that he was out until 40 mins later. We had to call our emergency contact to go look for our dog. The owner of the property was not in site except for his helper Michael, who also wasn't much help. Stories were changing and they said our 130 pound dog jumped an 8 foot fence. We didn't find our dog till 5-6 hours later, then once we found him the owner finally came out. He didn't even help look for our dog. Other neighbors helped and he wasn't on-site. Do not leave your dog with them. They aren't accountable for their actions. No remorse at all. Do not leave your dogs here. read more

We decided to take the kids on the last minute out of town trip for two nights. I have looked and looked trying to find a place to take my beautiful dog. My puppy is less than a year old but a Belgian melon wall so he does require a lot of attention and time. He loves the outdoors. I found this place based on neighborhood reviews from the next-door app. Let me start by saying that my dog loved and I repeat love to stay in there. Throughout my two night trip MichaelWould text me pictures of my dog and what he was doing several times a day. There was such a structured schedule and my dog was able to play in water and make a ton of friends. The socialization in itself was great for him and he was definitely very well taken care of. I plan on only using this place from now on and I highly recommend this is a great spa retreat or vacation for your special furry friend. read more

I was told a few dogs attacked my dog while he was here, after I got him home and found gashes all over my dog ... after I had washed the mud off him, there were gashes all over him....... Well well, that's nice to know........what really bummed me out is that Alpine Dog Ranch tried to hide this from me. 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 understand dogs will be dogs.... and dogs get into fights... but, the thing that just didn't settle well with me is the fact that the staff at Alpine Dog Ranch hid the fact that my dog was attacked, A FEW TIMES.... and I found out only until after I got home and washed the mud off him and found all the wounds.... I had confronted them and it was only until then, they coughed up the truth.... with my fur babies... honesty is the best policy, looks like this place is barking up the wrong tree... and it sure ain't the HONESTY TREE..... read more

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I'm finally writing a review of Alpine Dog Ranch. I haven't ever seen another place like this for my dog to stay. There just isn't any place like it... My big ol', high energy, 60 lb., Baja trash dog has never been excited to leave my side since the day I brought her home EXCEPT when she realizes we're making the trek out to the ranch. The dogs get to just be dogs there. They run around, get dirty, play hard, and have supervised run of the place. The staff is phenomenal... Thomas is so easy going and creates an ideal pack environment for the dogs. Jacob was fantastic with the dogs and always quick to let us know how things went and if there was anything we needed to know about. If you think your dog is happier being waited on hand-and-foot and you let them rule the roost, they may not be a perfect fit out there. THAT SAID, go see for yourself... after the solid leadership and time in a pack, my dog always came back more even-keeled, responsive to me and my wife and just plain happy. So nice not having to worry about my pup while I'm out of town... read more

I have been bringing our Golden Retriever Tosca to the Dog Ranch for over 10 years, especially when we go on longer trips. Every time we drive to the ranch, it seems that our dog knows that she is in for a treat - a dog vacation. Nestled high in the local San Diego Mountains, Alpine Dog Ranch provides the perfect retreat for your pooch. They are free to roam around from dusk until dawn - no cages or tiny green patches. That is the reason why we take her to the ranch. read more

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. read more

Alpine Dog Ranch - Dog tired after so much playing! - Pet Sitting Near Me

We took our new dog Molly there when we had a family emergency and had to leave town at the last minute. They were very accommodating and even had time to do some training which was effective. Molly will go back the next time we leave town. Their communication with us while we were away was very good. read more

Picked my dogs up from the ranch this morning! They were dirty as hell, but just as happy!!! They've been sleeping literally all day, so pooped from all the fun!!! They clearly had been taken care of very well. Although it is expensive, it is worth the price to know that my dogs are happy and safe when we're gone. You can pay by credit card, but it requires a 3% service charge which I didn't like, but they were happy to allow me to send them a check. The dogs go on 3 hikes a day and if you have multiple dogs they bunk them together. You can bring your dogs beds from home to make them feel more at home, but mind you they will be dirty read more

Took our husky(fang) there and he loved it, the facility is huge tons of room for fun! I ever got pictures and updates! Thank you next time I leave town I know where I'm taking fang! read more

Alpine Dog Ranch - Pet Sitting Near Me

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. read more

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! read more

Just updating my post, had my dogs out to the ranch again for another 2 weeks stay and they were great and perfect when picked up. I have used Alpine Dog Ranch since 2012, for multiple stays and have recommended them to several friends. My dogs are always happy and healthy when I pick them up and Im delighted that ADR shares pictures with me throughout their stay. It clear the dogs are happy and well cared for on the ranch and apart from missing my dogs, I have no hesitation when they are with them. Wonderful facility. read more

I originally got recommended this ranch from a fellow yelper 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 read more

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! read more

Alpine Dog Ranch - A happy puppy after being picked up from her vacation at Alpine dog ranch! - Pet Sitting Near Me

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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. read more

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! read more

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 yelpers, 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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

Alpine Dog Ranch - Morning swim - Pet Sitting Near Me

Just need to respond in light of the 1 negative review here. We have been taking all of our dogs here over the past 10 years, one time for a whole month while we were in Europe. Neither us or our dogs has ever had anything but a fantastic experience! Thomas & his dedicated, dog-loving family & staff are as honest & transparent as the day is long. Thomas is like a "dog whisperer,'' & gets a feel for each dog's temperament before he will even accept them. He takes them on 2 LONG hikes, morning & evening, with nothing bur play time (or rest if they want it) in between. We would leave our human children there if we had any! Sorry that one person had a negative experience, but it in NO way accurately reflects on Alpine Dog Ranch! read more

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!! read more

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. read more

This is so much more than 'boarding.' Every time I drive up with my dog he gets excited, because he knows he's going to have fun and be well taken care of. He's also excited when I come to pick him up, but he's also dirty, exhausted and happy. Alpine Dog Ranch helps him be a better dog. It keeps him sane. read more

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. read more

Been taking our dog out to the ranch for years - he loves it, and they take great care of him. Plus, the people who run it are wonderful and easy to schedule with. It takes me almost an hour to get out there, which might be a con for some, but I like the drive. It's pretty and peaceful. The cost of boarding at the ranch is comparable, or even cheaper in some instances, to a more traditional type of boarding situation. Also, I'd just like to add that while it gets hot out there during summer, we've never had any issues with heat stroke, and we have a French Bulldog. I remind them during the summer months to please watch my dog and make sure he doesn't go too hard, and he's always come home in great shape. I've taken him out there 10 times in the last 5 years, probably more. Never had any issues of any kind. We love it out there and I won't take my guy anywhere else. read more

Our Dog is a rescue dog and it was not until we found Thomas and Karen that she became less fearful of adults. She would not let anyone in our home and with their dog training skills as well as their love she now welcomes visitors, She loves the ranch and comes home after playing wiht her new dog friends. The ranch is beautiful and the no leash policy makes it a pleasure to leave her when we travel. She loves Thomas and dances for joy when we leave her at the ranch. She has spent alot of time in 2011 at the ranch and we look forward to many more visits in 2012. Pat M. read more

Koa, our very shy, giant ridgeback puppy has stayed here with Thomas twice now. It is dog PARADISE : dirt and running space and waterfalls and happy dogs and Thomas who is like a Shepard watching over the flock (of dogs) . I found this place when i over-heard a dog owner raving about it at a dog park. Shocking, but true: The price is fair! .. and my dog is happy and tired when I pick her up - like a child after sleep-away camp( both stays were 8 + nights). I always feel confident when I leave Koa here and since I travel, Koa will visit Alpine Dog Ranch again and again - thank you Thomas for running a top-notch business ! -missy Simms read more

We've been going to Alpine Dog Ranch for several years. We have a high energy dog (weimaraner) and a regular kennel will not work. We really liked it when Thomas was on site, he was great with the dogs and I felt like she came back better behaved than when she got there. I wasn't completely happy with the individual that ran it after Thomas. It was hard get a tour and our dog didn't love going (it was still the best option given her need for exercise). Thomas now has Dave and Cam running the place an they are great. I liked them the moment I met them. My sister picked up our dogs and was given an on the spot tour. The place was was clean, no poop piles, trail maintenance was evident, and the dogs were happy, tired, and filthy as they should have been with two weeks in Alpine. Thanks Dave and Cam. read more

I write this review of Jacob and the Alpine Dog Ranch with great reluctance. We all love our dogs. It's why you are reading this. As responsible and loving dog owners, we spend time and energy (and money!) researching the very best for our animals. We do it because we are leaving something so incredibly important in the hands of strangers. We do it because when we leave our dogs with someone else, we want to know they will be safe, happy, and cared for. I felt a moral obligation to share my negative experience with those of you looking for boarding options for your dogs. My fiancé and I have left our two young Hovawart dogs at the ranch on at least three prior occasions. Hovawarts are super energetic, playful, and friendly. So we thought this would be a great fit. It wasn't. But I didn't know it at first. And after each pick up (our boys stayed for varying periods of time between a handful of days to several weeks), Jacob reported that they did great, they had no problems, they liked to play rough with each other (not news to us) and dig holes. No issues with other dogs or their behavior. We even said that we'd be looking to send them back in May as we'd be traveling internationally. No issues. Looking back, I should have known better. My dog has a rare pancreas disorder that affects his ability to digest food properly without enzyme powder being added to his food. If not properly administered, dogs with this problem will become emaciated and sickly. They can literally waste away and die. I told Jacob in great deal both in person and in writing, how to administer his medicine. When I picked up my guy after just two weeks, he had LOST over 10 POUNDS. It was noticeable. And terrifying. Of course I was told that it was likely due to over exertion and play, because Jacob allegedly gave the powder correctly. This couldn't be further from the truth. I got my dog's weight back on right away once I started him back on his medicine properly. But I had to spend hundreds of dollars back at the vet on this to make sure he was ok. No apologies from the Ranch. My dog also came home with deep scratches on his nose and mouth. Jacob said he only "just noticed it" that same day I picked him up. He also said it was "probably from digging or a fence." Common sense suggests a scuffle with another dog. Again, no apologies from the Ranch. On both of these issues, I didn't give them any gruff. I try be agreeable and give people the benefit of the doubt. Especially because our dogs appeared to enjoy the freedom of playing in such a big area. The final straw was when we called to schedule boarding in May. We called over a month ago. And for the very first time, we were told (note that this was over two months after we picked up our dogs from their last stay) that "our dogs were not a good fit for the ranch" and were unwelcomed to return. We were shocked, surprised, angry, and floored. How could that be? We had received only positive feedback at each pickup. We even signaled another boarding in the future. We were never told of any problems. Until we were. Thank goodness we tried to schedule boarding well in advance. Had we waited until the last minute, we could have had major scheduling / availability problems. This was a terribly rude, inconsiderate, and unprofessional way of handling their business. I told Jacob so and we both spent a considerable amount of time on the phone trying to understand this apparent 180. And again, no apologies from the Ranch. I'm bummed to be writing such a negative review here. But the way we were treated, and the way my dog was returned to me, is just simply unacceptable. I cannot and would not recommend these guys to care for you dog. It's a huge space and largely unsupervised. By their own admission, they cannot supervise all the dogs all the time. Please don't take my word for it. Ask them yourself. I can't help but feel they lack an ability to be transparent and open with dog owners. Prior negative reviews seem to support my sense and experience in this regard as well. I hope this helps those of you who are looking for a safe space for your pets. Ultimately, I'm glad our dogs won't be going back there. As they say, everything happens for a reason. read more

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 3rd 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. read more

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 read more

There are a million wonderful things I could say about Thomas and Keren, the proprietors of Alpine Dog Ranch, but it basically all comes down to this: there is simply nowhere else I would even consider leaving my two dogs when I have to be away. My dogs are really high-energy, and at Alpine Dog Ranch I know they will get a ton of exercise, plenty of play time with Thomas & Keren's family, access to a waterfall (!) and all the lizards they could ever want to chase, all for the same price or cheaper than a cramped boarding kennel in town. My doggies are always crazy happy when we turn up the road to Alpine Dog Ranch, and they are always perfectly tired out and content when I pick them up. It's an amazing value and I feel so lucky to have found Alpine Dog Ranch. read more

Thomas took excellent care of my puppy pitbull. I checked in with him daily and he gave me full reports. I am very careful about who I leave her with and this guy knows what he is doing. I fully recommend him. read more