A to Z Dog Ranch

When I drop my dog, Lucy, off at A to Z Dog Ranch I know she is in the best of care. It is one less thing in my busy schedule I have to worry about. I know Lucy is playing and having fun with other dogs and the Ranch Hands. She is well cared for and tuckered out at the end of the day. I believe A to Z Dog Ranch is doggy Utopia…

Extremely disappointed in this place for being completely unaccommodating.
I’m getting married March 21 and need a place for my two amazing dogs for a couple days. Heard this place was legit, so I scheduled them to stay.
A-​Z makes you do a test run ($ 10) where you basically bring your dog (s) out to see the property, see how they interact, etc. Makes sense… long drive from Austin (45 min), but ultimately fine overall.
Today was my visit and I had a company emergency so I couldn’t make it. Emergencies happen. Not my fault.
Soooo…I let Wendee know thinking I can swing em by this weekend and she emails me back saying she can’t set up another appt for 2.5 weeks, and therefore my dogs can’t stay there while I am at my wedding in FL. So wait… you don’t have time to walk a dog around your property for 10 minutes?
Net net, had to cancel my dogs’ stay and now I’m forced to scramble around to find another place. Lost customer. Bad Unilocal review. Bad experience.
Thanks A-Z…for nothing. Your quirky references to humans and canines don’t make up for your lack of simple accommodation. Actually glad my dogs aren’t going there now as I don’t want your bad vibes to rub off on them.

Alex did an awesome job
This place is way out there, but I wouldn’t mind spending time running around, and it looks escape proof. The staff is very friendly. But I digress. Took my whippet for toenail clipping and afghan hound for the full groom. He has never looked better, and was happy. The happy part is astounding, as he is as aloof as it gets, and hates chaotic grooming places. Alex said he stood up for her, let her do his feet and ears, no problem. His coat is perfect. This is an amazing dog whisperer, folks!

This was the first time we’ve had to board our 2-​yr old golden retriever and it was for 13 days so I wanted to be sure he was in great hands. I looked around at several different dog ranches in the Austin area and felt most comfortable at A to Z. I took Sampson out there for a ‘tour’ — he got to run around and socialize with a few other dogs so that Wendee could see how he interacts with different dog personalities. He stayed in a 4×6 room with an extra tall babygate in the doorway so that he can see out and doesn’t feel closed in. The staff at A to Z communicates well and Wendee posts lots of pictures on Facebook so you can see all the fun your pup is having. Plenty of playtime outside. I highly recommend A to Z Dog Ranch!

Our Australian Shepherd Titan has been going for play days at A To Z Dog Ranch for over a year now. He turns 3 in June 2014 and it’s his home away from home. Going to the dog ranch really has helped him grow up and learn to socialize with other canines and humans. He loves it there and thinks he’s working! We started taking him twice a week for play days to get him used to it so we could board when leaving town. We boarded him last Sept when we went to Baltimore for five days and although I was nervous he had a great time since he was already used to being there! The next time we boarded him I was so relaxed when out of town knowing he was having way too much fun! We highly recommend them! They are all awesome and take care of our pets like they are family! XO!

Love It!!!
They are so sweet and my puppy just loves it there. The staff is great and there is a lot of room for the dogs to play. Thanks Wendee and Staff!

We love the ranch!
I’ve toured many «kennels» and never found a place I thought my dog would love. I’m fairly sure my usually shy dog did not want to come home from A to Z dog ranch. The staff was so nice. I was shocked when I picked her up that the staff was able to give me a detailed account of her stay. They knew and remembered the days with my dog. This really tells me that these people love dogs.
Wendee and David have really put their lives (and blood, sweat, and tears, too — I’m sure) into making The Ranch a great place for your pets. Why? Because they want to. Because they enjoy it. They aren’t just working for a paycheck, and when it comes to family pets, what more could you want?
I trust my dog to A to Z completely. You will not regret doing the same.

I love A to Z and so does our 5 year old boxer. He has stayed at the ranch many times over the past three years. He’s always excited when we get to the ranch and he’s eager to get behind the gate and see his friends. And, he always comes home happy. A neighbor and our vet recommended A to Z to us when we moved to the area. When my daughter’s french bull dog started going to the ranch, Wendee made sure the two dogs «bunked» together which was great. Wendee and her team are committed to providing a healthy, safe and fun environment. They always have the dog’s best interest in mind. I feel confident leaving our «baby» at the ranch because I know he is in very good hands.

My husband and I recently moved back to the Austin area and have never boarded our 2 most recent rescues. We have 3 dogs with very different personalities and we we were going to be gone for over a week on a vacation out of the country. I knew about the A to Z Dog Ranch but had never taken our pups there. We went out about a month before to take a test drive and see how our dogs would do and determine if this was a good place for them to stay. Wendee and her staff went above and beyond to provide us with about an hour where we could tour the property, discuss the specifics of each of our pups, and see how our dogs would do around the other dogs. As soon as we took the leashes off, our hounds were G-​O-​N-​E — playing, sniffing and just being dogs. It was clear to see they loved the environment and wonderful to see them like we’d never had the opportunity before (since they’re always on leash or in a small back yard).
Needless to say, we decided to have A to Z take on «Mission Impossible» with our 3 dogs — lol. Wendee and her staff were fantastic. They posted pics of our dogs so we could see how they were doing, and the one time I contacted them, I got updates to let us know how they were doing. I only had to check once because they were GREAT.
Anyway, we just got back from our week long vacation and for not ONE MINUTE did we ever worry or wonder how our dogs were doing at the A to Z Dog Ranch while we were gone. Our dogs were glad to see us today when we picked them up, but they weren’t all that ready to come home. It was clear that they were loved, cared for, spoiled just like they are at home, and having a GREAT time. Tonight, our pups are all OUT — sleeping hard from a full week’s worth of playing hard, having fun and BEING DOGS! It was an absolute joy to see them so happy. To top it off, they all got baths and pawdicures. They smell amazing — thanks to Derick too for making them pretty for their coming home today.
I HIGHLY recommend the A to Z Dog Ranch for your pet. I couldn’t be happier with the service, professionalism and most of all PEACE OF MIND that Wendee and her ranch hands provided us. What a true blessing to find such a wonderful retreat for our dogs. Thank you A to Z Dog Ranch — you ROCK!!!

Our dog just returned from 6 days at the ‘ranch’ and loved it! What a great facility and so wonderful to know your pet is happy and well cared for while you are away. We boarded previously at the Petshotel (Petsmart) and A to Z is 100% better. May be a little farther to drive but your dog is free to roam outside and they don’t charge extra for outside play time like other places.

It was out first time to board our almost 7 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. We tried them out a few months prior to an extended trip that didn’t allow our beloved to travel along with us, so we tried the doggie-​daycare first. It went fabulously. I got the «bye Mom» treatment when we arrived the second time. (In a previous city location we dragged him in for a play-​day. He seemed so nervous, then we said, «no thanks», and left.)
He had a fantastic time during his 16-​day stay. The door to door service was really appreciated. You don’t have to make the trip to Spicewood and it is well worth the additional fee. Occasional updates from the doggie-​dude ranch was a nice treat for us. I would highly recommend Wendee and her staff. For me, the «bye Mom» treatment is what you want.

GREAT PLACE… I was originally nervous about leaving my dog overnights who is older however after the first time I now wouldn’t even consider taking him anywhere else. I trust the owner and staff and even though it was a little farther drive for me last time it was still worth it to me for the peace of mind. FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY!

I just wanted to give a nod to the A to Z Dog Ranch. I ended up having a family emergency and not leaving my mini Schnauzer there over Thanksgiving week, which I regret because I know that he would have LOVED it. We did go to the Dog Ranch for a visit beforehand and found everything there to be in great order. Wendee was very friendly and accommodating, especially since I ended up bringing my four young children with me for the initial meeting (not my original plan). She gave us all a tour of the facilities and then had my puppy meet her live-​in dog pack. She seemed very knowledgable and caring and the dogs respected her. They are also very orderly about making sure that each dog’s records are complete before boarding, so you know your pet will be safe here. From what I saw, I would be comfortable leaving my dog there and would definitely recommend the A to Z Dog Ranch to others. The next time I need a place for boarding, even though it is a bit of a drive, I’ll be turning to this place.

I have seen many a doggie daycare and my 2 older dogs have adjusted to each new place/​new pack as needed in recent years. But A to Z is my idea of what dogs playing SHOULD BE. Room to roam, a safe and clean environment, lots of dogs to play with, humans to love (and supervise when necessary), and fresh air! I love this place so much I want to go hang out there (and have)!
I cannot say enough good things about owner Wendee, her contractor husband David, her always dirty but smiling staff (remember, dogs are playing here — humans will get dirty too), and her own pack Addie, Nala, Zeta, Echo, and lovey boy Parker. Plus, Wendee usually has a foster or two that I must meet.
My dogs, now 3 of them, look forward to their Saturday play days at A to Z. And many photos confirm it — they each get to do what they love best. Cody (age 5) patrols the perimeter, Zella (age 4) finds the nearest ball or nearest dog with a ball, and Finn (8mos) finds his playmate for the day. And when I do board them, my three stay together and Wendee and her staff easily manage their raw diet.
Did I say I think this place is GREAT?!? Check it out.

I love, Love, LOVE this place.
We took our dog, Bob, here only two weeks after we adopted him (we went on vacation). I was worried at first, since he was new to our family and wasn’t away from us. Let me just say this, the dog actually became more obedient and better socialized after we picked him up a week later. I’m not sure what Wendee did or the magic formula or aura which surrounds this great place, but I wanna go!
Bob and Chuck will be going back. My only regret is that I wish it was closer to us, but I will definitely make the drive just to make my boys happy… and happy they are! They have plenty of room to roam and play and it’s well organized, clean and accommodating for any dog of any size with most any personality.
I can go on and on, but people who live in Austin, it’s worth the trip, it’s so much better than another other dog daycare we’ve taken him to in Austin.

After moving out to Spicewood we didn’t know anyone or anyplace we could take our dogs while we are out of town. This has been a huge hindrance for us, but I finally found a place that I can trust to leave me dogs. I have two large dogs and an older yorkie. Wendee is so thorough and accommodating whether it be for drop off times or making a special space for your somewhat special needs dog. She really loves dogs and it shows. My dogs all had a blast there and slept for two days when we picked them up! Wendee has you bring your dogs for a visit to access their personalities and to show you her around. We now plan on going out of town more often thanks to A to Z Dog Ranch and we will be bring our dogs back for a visit very soon!

If you need to board your dog, I would strongly suggest that you take the drive out to Spicewood and check these digs out. Yes, it is a little bit of a drive, but it is quick and pretty — and probably worth it.
Before boarding, Wendee will have you bring your dog (s) for «pack play» to make sure they get along with other dogs. Our appointment took about 30 minutes for this. During this time, she also shows you around the ranch.
Pro’s:
— Wendee is an **excellent** communicator via email and phone, and this works well with my busy schedule.
— She is a true pet lover and also seems very knowledgeable. She seemed to pay close attention to their idiosyncrasy’s as she mentioned how she saw certain behaviors in my dogs that I know they exhibit.
— She also has staff that helps out. Your dog has personalized (not to mention supervised) attention.
— If there is time and you ask, she might send you a photo of your pet having a great time!
— The prices are in-​line with other boarding options, however I would say that they are cheaper than *comparable* boarding establishments.
— (right now at least) if you mention Unilocal you get $ 15 off the service
— The dog (s) will inevitably get dirty, so I was happy to see that the «Ranch Bath» was a deal at $ 10/​dog.
Con’s:
— (I am stretching here): but one of my dogs came back with a little gash on him — presumably from rough housing with one of the other dogs. We are totally OK with this, as we let our dogs play freely at dog parks, etc. So this can happen from time to time, and I guess it might be something you have to be prepared for. The upside of the A to Z Dog Ranch is that the dogs aren’t kept in their kennels all day and that they are given time to play with other dogs. If you want your dog to sit in a cage all day and have no interaction, this may not be the place for you.
Listen, you probably feel guilty enough having to board your dog. I’m willing to bet that after you visit the dog ranch, that guilt will mostly go away. I suspect that if dogs could talk, they would be asking when the next time you are leaving town is — so that they can go back to the ranch.

i recently moved to austin, tx and with limited access to friends/​family to watch my dog when i went out of town i luckily received a recommendation from a friend to drop my dog off at the A to Z ranch. initially, you come in for a visit and your dog is evaluated to see how they get along with other dogs (no red zone cases here!). you also get to tour the ranch itself and see all the crazy nature the dogs get to live in, as well as the sleeping quarters for overnight dogs. i met wendee, the owner, and she is SUPER nice and definitely a dog person. i have left my dog overnight for 2+ nights each time now and everything has gone completely smooth, my dog is completely happy to be there, and i can leave town without a guilty conscious. the price is very reasonable, and she also has different options like a «ranch bath» before picking the dog up, so they don’t come home in your car all muddy.