This kennel was recommended to me by my vet, who takes his own dog there. How much more of a recommendation did I need? I've now become a regular customer myself, boarding both my two dogs and my two cats at Miranda Ranch. While this review will largely be about the dog boarding, I'll talk about the situation for cats at the end.
Miranda Ranch is located halfway between Sonoma and Napa, and it's pure country. You enter down a dirt drive, with horses in the field and chickens crossing the road. (Why do they do that?) This is not a fancy spa like space for people; it's simply heaven on earth for the canine set.
The owners know dogs. Both worked as trainers (and may still, for all I know) at Guide Dogs for the Blind, and they understand and appreciate that dogs are their own unique creatures and not people in fur suits. They provide what dogs want -- space, security, lots of time for interaction with people and other dogs -- and skip the stuff they could care less about (artwork on the walls, fancy furniture, etc.).
Dogs are provided with spacious individual runs shaded by huge old live oaks and spend lots of time in supervised play with other dogs in the shared common space. (If you have a small dog, no worries; the little guys have their own housing, yard and play groups.)
The staff is strict about ensuring all animals are up to date on their shots and they carefully screen dogs for temperament before deciding with whom they can safely play. The staff will administer needed meds, feed special diets, etc., but above all, they will love, respect and care for you dog as if it were their own.
In the end, I love Miranda Ranch because my dogs do. They surge out of the car when we arrive, happy to be back and eager for the adventure. They come home exhausted, happy and healthy, which is exactly what I want. It's a great, great place for dogs.
As for cats, it's great for them too, as long as they aren't freaked out by dogs. My guys are practically dogs themselves, highly social and unflappable. They were housed in a very spacious run of their own in the small dog section, and could not see the dogs or be seen by them. They had a front room and a back room, far larger than the kennels offered by the other cat boarding facilities I'd visited, and again, the staff spent tons of time with them. We were very, very happy with the cat accommodations, but it's best for cats who like a little adventure and are curious about what's going around them. As with dogs, the kennel provides what cats (rather than their owners) need -- absolute security, lots of space and tons of attention. It doesn't have bling-encrusted beds, daily massages or special music for high-strung Precious. Then again, perhaps Precious would love a chance to go to the country and just be a cat again!
So take your friends to Miranda Ranch and know they'll be given the very best of care. It's a great place. read more