This is the second time I've taken my 3.5-year-old Golden to Highmark for grooming since they are supposedly experienced with Goldens. Well, I'm sorry to say we will not be going back. When Clifford was returned, he had been shaven. Golden Retrievers are a double-coated breed which means that they should not be shaved for any reason as the undercoat functions to naturally regulate temperature and protect them from the sun. This has exposed my dog to harmful UV rays which could put him at a higher risk for cancer. Extremely unprofessional choice that was marketed as a cut which would "cool him off" for the summer. Please educate your groomers. read more

Highmark Kennel - "Groomed" Golden - Pet Sitting Near Me - Austin, Texas

*DISCLAIMER* I am not a client of theirs but was seeking doggy daycare services. I entered the facility excited about finding a new place for my dog as I was looking for a new daycare closer to me. Despite my enthusiasm, the receptionist seemed disinterested, along with the 5 other workers at the front desk. I was asked about my dog's breed and they informed me they don't accept "bully breeds" though they reluctantly offered to meet him. It seemed they were doing me a favor rather than genuinely welcoming my pet. As we talked further, it became evident that their focus was primarily on boarding, with daycare almost an afterthought. They even mentioned the possibility of closing daycare on random days if they were too full, leaving me uncertain about their reliability. Throughout the interaction, I couldn't shake the feeling that they really could care less about having my dog there. It was disheartening to think that my dog was being judged primarily on his breed. In the end, I left feeling disappointed and frustrated. I'm a first-time dog mom, who really wants the best for her pup, and it definitely wasn't here. We'll go somewhere that would appreciate our services and big smiles! read more

Highmark Kennel - Pluto the "bully" breed! He's an American Bulldog, Pitbull, Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, and Rhodesian Ridgeback mix - Pet Sitting Near Me - Austin, Texas

My wife and I have over a decade and a half experience with this particular kennel starting with an elderly Chow Mix and a Dachshund who both lived to be 18 years old. The level of care during their stays were exceptional and the grooming "World Class" ! During Covid - I purchased a Bouvier Des Flanders (Quincy) who is a frequent lodger as I begin to resume corporate travel. When I drop him off, Quincy seems so excited and when I return he equally is excited to see daddy. It doesn't get any better than that. Leaving Quincy at Highmark is the equivalent to leaving one of my kids at a quality day care. There are Kennels and then there is Highmark! Brittany and Elan...... we think you guys Rock! read more

Highmark Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Austin, Texas

Best place!! I have brought my Collie/ Shepherd mix and Mini Aussie for their Grooming's and they do not want to leave! Especially my Collie I used to take her to PetSmart and last time she was trying to escape that place broke my heart :( Highmark is so amazing with my girls so thankful!! read more

Highmark Kennel - Always happy girl - Pet Sitting Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Our pups are signed up for monthly grooming and occasional boarding when unable to travel with us. Pups recognize staff and drop off is easy. They look great! On our trip back from Canada last month, the sweet ladies sent a video text of my fellas barking/whining "Happy Birthday" to me. You want these people caring for your pets! So pleased to write this review. read more

Highmark Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Austin, Texas

We brought our two dogs to highmark for a nail grind. They were recommended by a friend of ours who raves about their services. We were SO pleased with our experience. Both of our dogs have nail trim anxiety, and going for a simple grind is usually a process. The staff was so friendly and efficient with our dogs, it felt like their anxiety was barely triggered. We were finished in under 10 minutes! Even though we did not use them for boarding or daycare services, I couldn't help but notice that the grounds and building were beautiful and clean (there's a pool!) and every staff member we saw (even the ones not assisting us) had their full attention on the dog they were handling. I cannot recommend enough read more

On July 11, 2023, my husband and I dropped off our mix-breed, Sadie, to be boarded for nine nights. Sadie has stayed at Highmark a couple of times before, but this was, by far, the longest stay for her. When we arrived at 7:43 a.m. on July 20 to get our girl, the gate was open. We pulled into the parking lot to wait until Highmark opened at 8:00 a.m. As we sat in the car, we saw a couple of employees arrive and enter Highmark through a side fence. But we continued to wait in our car. A lady arrived in a Bentley with a Portuguese water dog. At 7:52 a.m., she walked the dog to the front door of Highmark, but the front door was locked. She stood on the porch for a minute before an employee unlocked the door and let her and her dog inside. At that point, we decided to go get our girl. As we entered through the door, the Bentley lady was exiting without her dog. Her dog wasn't in the reception area when we walked inside; I assume an employee had already take the dog to wherever it needed to be. Jana, the owner, was standing at a table behind the counter. I walked to the lady at the cash register and said we were here to get our dog, Sadie. She looked up our record on the computer and added up the charges. I asked how Sadie did, and she replied, "fine." I asked if they boarded Sadie with any other dog, and she looked at the computer and said "no." (They have previously boarded Sadie with another dog without talking to me about it first.) I asked if Sadie ate okay, and she said "yes." She offered no further information about Sadie's stay. I got the impression she didn't know who Sadie was. The employee grabbed a leash and said she would go get Sadie. As she went out the back door towards the kennels, Jana followed her. I watched through the glass back door as Jana stopped the employee and proceeded to have a conversation with her. The employee was facing my direction, and we could see each other through the glass door. The employee appeared nervous as Jana continued to talk to her for a minute or two. Then the employee changed course and exited towards the side gate, not towards the kennels to get Sadie. Jana came back into the reception area and went behind the counter. She proceeded to look at something on the table behind the counter. She never said a word to my husband or me. I begin to worry that something is wrong with Sadie. After a couple of minutes, the employee returns to the reception area with Sadie's bag of dog food. She handed it to my husband, who then leaves the reception area and takes the food to the car. At exactly 8:00 a.m., an older gentleman walks into the office. "Are you here to get Bentley?" the employee asks, to which the man replies affirmatively. The employee told the man that she would go get Bentley and headed out to the kennels with a leash. Jana turns to the man and says, "We're just now letting the dogs out for a potty break." As I continue waiting and worrying while being ignored, the employee returns with Bentley, not with Sadie. The older gentleman leaves with his dog in his arms. The employee tells us, "We're getting Sadie now." Then a different employee brings Sadie to the reception area. Sadie appears to be fine, so we get the leash on her and proceed to leave. As we're exiting, a woman walks in with a dog in her arms, and yells, "Hi, Jana!" Jana turns and greets the woman with enthusiasm. It's 8:14 a.m. when we leave with Sadie. Why did we have to wait 18 minutes to get Sadie while Bentley lady and Bentley man came and went with their dogs? Was it because Sadie is a mixed-breed, and Jana only likes pure-bred champions? Was Jana passive-aggressively trying to prove a point about Highmark's hours of operation by making us wait 18 minutes to get Sadie? If so, why were we being targeted while the Bentley people were serviced? We'll never know because we're not going back. read more

Gilbert and Tucker (my two dogs) have asked me to submit some reviews for them. They really wanted to do it themselves, but I refused to give them my password. Highmark Kennels is GRRRReat! I don't take the boys to daycare or overnight kenneling trips often, but when I have to, its a welcome relief to have Highmark so close by. It is a small family-run facility actually at the owners home, just about 3 miles W of the Oakhill Y. There is a beautiful green lawn covering at least 3 acress, and a small indoor/outdoor kennel for the canine guests. There is a POOL!! and you can arrange for special individual swimming sessions, as well as extra grooming, playtime, or whatever you need. The place is clean as a whistle. The kennels are odor-free and there is no poop in sight. My dogs are spoiled brats. They truly think that my life revolves around them. ok, well it does a little. Nevertheless, we have been to other places where they have refused to get out of the car once they realize where they are, where they have slipped their collars and leaped back into my car, where i have had to drag them into the front door. Not Highmark. They are all smiling and happy to be at Highmark. They get really high qualtity food and walks and clearly, lots of love. Great place. Four paws up!! read more

Many times I have put my GSD here. He loves staying there. They also do a superb bath and nails on him. I highly recommend!!! read more

We bring our dog Mogli there whenever we go out of town for boarding and even some days during the week just for fun. He gets super excited as we pull up the street as he knows he is in for a great time, every time he goes. Friendly staff, great location, you can really tell the dogs enjoy themselves and as an owner I always have peace of mind leaving the pup there for a couple days. read more

UPDATE: time and time again, super pleased with HMK. The gal at the front knows exactly who I am when I call for a grooming appointment. She is so wonderful to deal with. The groomer - spot on and consistent, time and time again. I'm super appreciative they go out of their way to text me with updates/pick up due to my work schedule and inability to readily answer my phone. My fur baby is super excited to see these ladies time and time again, I have no apprehensions leaving him in their care. And he looks, smells, and feels fantastic when he comes home!! And just a side note, the people who left "less than" reviews about grooming services or the owner, visit once a year for grooming(as stated in their review)... need I say more?! My fur baby and I LOVE Highmark Kennel! He is a rather large Great Pyrenees puppy, and HMK welcomes him every time. we have only used grooming services, and every time my pup comes home looking so handsome! Just this last time when I walked in, a staff member was snuggling and loving on him just because he could. Seeing that made me feel so comfortable leaving him there for hours. The groomers are superb, the front desk/customer service gal has great energy, and the team is top notch. Thank you read more

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Highmark deserves its name! They have wonderful facilities and a terrific staff! They love my dog and take great care of her. I couldn't ask for any more! Bill Lee Bee Cave, Tx read more

We've been going to Highmark for many years with 3 of our pups. They seem overwhelmed with the amount of business they are accepting for grooming. We booked several weeks in advance and our pup was there all day(8-4:30) He came home stressed and extremely thirsty. When I called to inquire how it went I was told they are "way busier now and it was a big grooming day for them. " Just FYI - if you have a pet who is anxious at groomer may not be the best place to take them. Service is not what it once was. read more

I purchased the 6 Course Obedience Training with Jennifer and am sad to say that I did not get much out of the training. As far as "flexible time goes" she was not available on weekends because of her dog shows (the obedient kind- not prancy prancy kind). Jennifer was professional but I often felt like she did not want to be there and was rehearsing lines that she had said a million times before. She did not have very much empathy and was terrified of my chihuahua/daschund mix (he is 17 lbs) and did not want to come near him unless he had a muzzle. Although, I came to her not for obedience training but to help me overcome his aggression problems as a chihuahua (and she did indicate from the beginning that she was not really interested). Having that said, she did took on the task and in our first meeting, I learned some insightful tips. However, at the 2nd meeting she busted out a CHOKE COLLAR for my dog. He came home with scratches all over his next that night and I was truly heartbroken. We went to a few more meetings after that, but I was really not interested in learning anything from her after that. CONCLUSION: the facility is cleaned and well maintained, but stay away from any obedience classes unless have an affinity to choke collars and ruling with an iron fist sorta thing. Sadly, my dog's aggressive behavior is still the same and I am looking for a new trainer because the $210.00 spent here went nowhere. read more

We have boarded our 2 yr old Black Lab twice here this summer. The facility is very clean, professionally run AND has. A great pool for the dogs to play in. We were able to check on her status via email /phone and Lynn was very helpful. Definitely recommend them for boarding. Our dog was very happy both times and almost was sad to go back home with us!! read more

Review for grooming. We have not had a boarding stay yet. Betty is so lovely and does a great doodle cut! The doodle population has certainly increased, I feel for their groomers. Tip your groomers people!! read more

We were moving from the Los Angeles area to Austin; my dad had driven our Labrador retriever out to San Antonio and was watching him, but needed to leave town about a month before we moved. Contacted Highmark, they gave me a tour and was able to take great care of our dog for that month we were still in LA......kept in constant contact via telephone and he looked like he stayed at a dog spa when I picked him up!! I think he's the only one to have lost weight during this move.....he looked fantastic......would use them again for boarding, playdates, grooming, etc. Thank you so much!! read more

My babies LOOOOVE it here! We request their "Suite" to overlook the pool area and they are always very happy and well tended. They are super happy when we drop them off and pick them up which is a far cry from Hillcountry Animal hospital which killed one of my pugs several years ago... read more

We have been boarding our dogs at Highmark for the last 7 years or so. We have never had any problems and the dogs always seemed happy. Recently due to some remodeling we had need to board them for an extended period. We ended up boarding all 3 of our dogs for a little over 2 months. We picked them up a couple of days ago and they were fine, happy, healthy just great. The staff are easy to work with and you can tell that they care about your pets. Hopefully i will never have to board them again for this long, but if i do i would not hesitate to use highmark. read more

Our move to Austin didn't go exactly as planned and we needed to board our 2 small dogs last minute overnight. Lynn was very helpful in getting us situated. The facilities were nice and clean and most importantly, our dogs were happy! Prices are very reasonable and they have huge windows of availability for drop off/pick up unlike some other places. read more

On a whim, my husband and I needed a place to board our Airdale. I cannot explain the excellent treatment the my 18 month old was given. I will continue to board my dog here,even though it's out of our way, because the staff was over the top! I suggest this place for many reasons: my dog was groomed before I picked him up, he got to play with dogs that were his size, and there was a pool that he could dip his paws in. I rate this location as a top 5 because the staff is knowledgeable, kind and over the top. THanks. read more

We have gone to Highmark Kennel for years and have had only the most positive of experiences. We took our two elder greyhounds there many times and they loved it. One of the few places they walked right in without having to be 'dragged'. I know it's changed hands a time or two since we've been going, but it always seems like everyone understands special needs of greyhounds or elderly or whatever. They are by no means the cheapest, but I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for! Brandye P. - I'm not sure where you usually go, but I have never ever had a kennel open on a Sunday and not charge for the entire day. Ask a hotel for a late check out (more than an hour) and you'll be charged-I guarantee it! read more

We have had 3 pups board at Highmark Kennel. Our two Golden Retrievers (Callie and Blaze) always got excited when we got their things ready to go there. As soon as they got out of the car, they'd race to get inside. When we got our current pup, Cerys, I knew that I would be taking her there. We started with a visit without boarding so that Cerys would be familiar, and ever since, she also races to the door to get inside. Once inside, she automatically zips over to the door to go outside. Cerys is happy and healthy when we come to pick her up. Everyone there knows her and calls her by name and she (and my previous dogs) loves it there. We do, too. Years of wonderful service and care! read more

Highmark Kennel is my go to kennel. I can drop my dog there and know that he is always being well taken care of! The staff is always so welcoming. They are professional and kind. and it is obvious that they enjoy their work! The facility is always clean. i can also say that the grooming there is first rate! The best recommendation for Highmark is that if I drive by the kennel with my dog in the car, he starts barking to show me that he is ready to go and have some fun there! read more

Boarded our now departed dogs there over ten years ago and found it excellent. Now ten month old puppy has already stayed several times, once for three weeks, and he is so happy to go there and very happy and healthy when we pick him up. He loves the swimming and outside play. (Note they are extra.) . Excellent in every regard. read more

Could not have had a better experience. My Golden Retriever drags me in the door when we go for daycare. He has regular play buddies and gets to swim in the pool. All the staff know him by name. When he stays overnight he comes home worn out from fun and happy. The groomer gets him beautiful every time and he smells clean for a really long time. Love this place! read more

I called on Thursday to see if they had an availability for my dog for 2 nights, Friday & Saturday. They did so I asked the price per night for my 1 dog in a non-shared kennel & I was told $30 per night. Great, same price as my favorite place which was full that weekend. I drop Willi off on Friday morning & then return to pick him up on Sunday during their normal pick up time between 4-5:30pm. The girl at the front then proceeds to tell me the total for 2 nights with a $10 nail trim & a $5 extra play time was $105. I said that can't be right, he only spent 2 night-NOT 3. I asked her what time on Sunday can I pick up without being charged an extra day & she said their Sunday pick is just a "courtesy" pick up time. WTF, how are you doing me a "courtesy" by charging me for an entire night my dog didn't use? I never got a straight answer fron the girl at the front..... She just kept saying I was being charged for Friday, Saturday & Sunday. That's a bunch of BS if you ask me, If I stay at a hotel I don't get charged an extra day of check out day, why should my dog? Once I got home I checked their website to see if their sneaky little price gouging tactic is listed anywhere, it's not. I won't be taking my dog back to Highmark anytime in the future & I don't give them high marks. read more

We needed a last minute kennel for Saturday night, and were happy to get our dog booked in here based on the look of the website and their friendly demeanor on the phone. Unfortunately when we went to pick him up on Sunday, they gave me a bill for two nights. I corrected them, saying that he had only stayed there one night, and they explained their policy of charging for both Saturday and Sunday nights when you're booked in Saturday. This was *not* explained to me when I called to make the reservation and it's clearly just a ploy to double charge for what is presumably their most in-demand night. Based on that alone, we will not be back. read more

I have been taking my high energy boxer here for almost 2 years, as I travel a lot for work. They have always been so wonderful to him and he loves it there so much. Last month, I was out of town for work for a week and my dog got very ill. They knew my dog so well, that they could tell something was wrong and they took every precaution necessary to make sure my pup would get the best treatment. They worked with the ER and with my vet and called me constantly with updates. It was such a horrible feeling and they made me feel so much better and took such amazing care of my dog. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire staff! read more

Our previous arrangement for dog boarding fell through at the last minute right before our trip and I was really freaking out. Highmark Kennel was a total lifesaver. They got us in at the last minute, were super nice, and their facilities were great. They were able to groom our dogs right before we came and picked them up (it was really reasonably priced, and they did a fabulous job). Our dogs weren't crazy full of energy when we picked them up, so I'm sure they must have gotten lots of exercise there. And did I mention they have a pool? We'll definitely be using them again in the future. read more

Good, solid place for my high energy and high maintenance webbed-foot wonder. She loves it here and comes home tired after a day of play. Like that the owners live close to the kennel when we board her - extra peace of mind for us. Overall, the staff is super-friendly as well. read more

My dog Tippie loves this place. They always take great care of her and they are nice folks as well. Nice facility with plenty of room for the dogs to play. read more

I took my golden-doodle Hudson to Highmark today for grooming. He is 3 1/2 years old and we have been to many places over the years. This is without a doubt the best grooming job & best haircut that Hudson has ever had. We will be returning for sure. Plus all the staff was very friendly and told you everything that they were going to do in advance. Loved this place and will recommend to everyone. read more

I had been taking my dogs here for grooming for 10+ years. My current dog has been going here for 2 years. I recently had to switch to a Saturday grooming schedule. Service deteriorated. The first time my dog had several razor burns. This time he had a cut on his head and blood matted on his side. The matted blood had a visible fingerprint where someone applied pressure. I did not notice this until I got home. I called to discuss and was told that the head of grooming had handled him and did not notice anything. I was then called by someone who identified themselves as the owner. She had said that she personally groomed my dog and did not notice anything, Perhaps something had happened after the dog had left their care. It was not their fault and it could not be that serious, since I had not noticed any dripping blood when I picked him up. When I dropped him off, I was a little disturbed by the attitude and behavior of the groomer. It did not improve when I picked him up. I should have left that morning. Needless to say, we will not be going back. Kim H. read more

I LOVE Highmark Kennel! My dog hates being boarded and I've tried more places than I can even count trying to find a good fit for him. He literally jumps out of my car when we get here and runs inside, normally I have to pick him up out of the backseat and drag him into places. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. The facility is clean, has lots of space and has a pool for the dogs.. I love that the runs are big and are indoor/outdoor. I also get my dog groomed every time I board him and they do a wonderful job. It's a 30 minute drive from my house(without traffic) but I wouldn't take him anywhere else! read more

Love these guys! Great care in a family environment. The pups love it - my older girl with separation anxiety is ready at the door to go every morning! Has also been a miracle for an 8 month old Rhodesian who was driving me nuts but is tired out and behaving great now! read more

I unfortunately won't get a chance to write a review for Highmark Kennel as I was not given the chance to board my dog there. We were provided this kennel's based on a friend referral that uses them to board their dogs and she couldn't say enough about her experience there. But I wanted to make people aware of my experience. I have a pit terrier/boxer mixed breed and the owner will not allow any type of pit mix to stay at their kennel. There was no discussion or even an evaluation of my dogs temperament or his ability to get along with other dogs. He is simply not allowed based on his breed. If you own a bully breed then I would look elsewhere to board your dog as they won't even give them a chance. On another note: They also do charge to pick up your dog on a Sunday so make sure you ask about the total cost for a weekend so you are not surprised in the end if you pick up on Sunday. It is called a courtesy fee but it's the same price as if the dog was going to stay another night. I was able to find another kennel in the area that does not discriminate against pit mixed breeds and they don't charge for Sunday pick up! read more