I have been taking my dog there for years. The runs are indoor and outdoor. and much bigger than normal. The indoor part is air-conditioned. The dog quarters are always clean. It is the only place that I have taken my extremely sensitive Havenese where he has not come back acing traumatized. It is a much more natural environment for a dog than the sterile small quarters of normal kennels. I have used many kennels and while this one does not look sleek and upscale inside it is much more conducive to the emotional health of dogs. And yes dogs bark when new people come to pick up or drop off their dogs. The owner lives on the property. And yes sometimes you might have to wait a minute or two for her to come to the barn. Since the dogs are in the same space as the check in it is not conducive to chatting inside. I have had many a long conversation with Lisa outside the barn. And the dogs are walked as requested. I have been happy with the kennel and go out of my way to take him there which is about 25 minutes away read more

I would give 0 stars if I could! My first time using Faraway Kennel was years ago, when we had our first dog. While there our dog escaped, but thankfully they found him. I decided to never have my dogs there. My husband decided to reserve again with them because we were in a time constriction. I didn't want too, but I decided to do it because there was no other option. I paid half of the money ($440). Two days ago we had an accident happening and unfortunately our vacation will not happen anymore. We called them and requested a cancelation. We did it a week before, which is plenty of time. Over the phone they never said they won't return the money, but when I requested the amount returned they refused. they use venmo/cash for a reason. Have your pets somewhere else. I'm even thinking to take them to court, that's how upset they got me when we already have a lot going on. Post review, response to owner: you did loose our dog, look in your documents for Spike. This was more than 8 years ago. Never wanted to go with you but husband did thinking you all change. Your policy says you can cancel 7 days in advance which we did. Last year we cancelled a month in advance. We have the right to cancel, you have no right (per your policy also) to take our money. But I will take you to court and believe me I will find the bills when you had our dog a few years ago. read more

I love Faraway Kennel. They updated the runs and it's beautiful! Our dog always comes home happy.

I agree with the first reviewer. I boarded my young energetic dog for a week back in 2009 for a last minute vacation as my regular place was fully booked and I was desperate. The kennels are underneath a barn area. It seemed ok not the best when I dropped him off that morning but I did have to wait some time for the owner to come out of her home to check me in. There was a heat wave that hit right after I left. I didnt notice that the under the barn environment had no AC when I left because like I said it was cool out and in the morning. When I returned however there was a fan blowing hot air and I questioned whether this one woman operation actually took my dog out for "playtime" or "walks" as I had payed extra. I would never take my dog there again and felt like a bad mommy for doing so in the first place. read more

Based on what I read on the other two postings I had to respond. We have been taking our dogs to Faraway Kennels for over twenty years. We felt that it was as good of a situation as you can get. It is at the owners property and she oversees everything that goes on there. We would not take our dogs any other place. It is a long drive from Towson. It is not air conditioned but the kennel is in the country in a shady area. The kennels are old but clean. The dogs do bark but at what kennels don't they? Lisa Barrett, the owner used to work for our old vet. She has been around animals all of her life. I don't know what more you can expect. Don't worry about taking your dogs here. PS. They now have air conditioning! read more

We had a very good experience with Faraway Kennels recently. The poor reviews turned me off until a close friend highly recommended the kennel to me. She uses FK whenever she travels and her dog is finicky about his caregivers, but he likes the owner and her family. So, I tried the kennel on her recommendation for my year-old puppy. We were allowed to bring her bed and a few toys and her own food (encouraged), so I felt good about that. And I called to find out how she was doing and got a thorough update. She came back safe and sound and happy to see me. I'll be bringing back my dog again in the future. read more

When I arrived at this truly "faraway" kennel, I noticed the grounds were beautiful-for humans. The dogs were off in a barn with ugly "inside" quarters. (The website is deceiving. I think only their dogs get to use the pool). The owner, Lisa, was curt and not friendly at all. She rushed me in, put my dog into one of the prison-like stalls and rushed me out. My dog who loves to be with everyone (dog or human), yelped "get me out of here." The dogs in the other stalls were barking uncontrollably. It was such a bad experience for me and my dog that I will never bring my dog there again. read more

DON'T USE THIS KENNEL! The owner, Lisa is unfriendly and acts like she is doing you a favor that is a huge inconvenience on her part. There was nothing loving for our pet at all! Then when we returned there was an extra charge of $80 because our dog supposedly wouldn't be in the kennel. Never Never Never Again will I be back! read more

I had to board a dog long term until we found a new home. I was very happy with the arrangement. No, it was a kennel and not a home. If you go to a suburban kennel you see the reception area and not where the pets stay. It is a kennel. However, it is run by a knowledgeable dog person/lover, Lisa. When we were there, she excused herself to change the video she plays for the dogs. She rescues cats/kittens from a nearby farm, treats them (if needed), spays or neuters them at her expense and searches for homes for them. I found this out inadvertently, just by spending time there. Lisa gave of her time and knowledge to help us find a good home for a dog that we loved. You don't find a lot of genuine people who would do that. read more

Wow. I disagree completely with those dated reviews. Yes, the kennel is at the back of a barn. Yes. They have the same kennel runs for dogs that are usual for boarding kennels. Our yellow lab has been taken care of there dozens of times. He got plenty of time outside and loved it there. No, it's not posh. ITS A KENNEL! But boy did Lisa and her daughter take good care of my dog. Absolutely no complaints from us. Oh, BTW, Ive not been asked or persuaded to write this. I only decided to do so after I saw these overly critical reviews when I looked up the number to call them on the Internet. We've been using Faraway for years and appreciate them greatly. read more

I know Lisa personally and have used her to board my dogs for years. She takes great care of all of her boarders and truly cares about each one. The kennels are heat and air conditioned and cleaned extremely well everyday. Unlike some bigger kennels in the area, she takes each dog out individually and spends time with them per the owner's request. She has always been very thorough and caring with my dogs. I definitely recommend Faraway to anyone who wants a kennel that focuses on one-on-one attention and excellent care. read more