Austin’s Original Dog Ranch, Est. 2010
Barking Springs Dog Ranch opened in 2010 with one straightforward idea as its guiding light: dogs do better when they have room to move.
Here, pets are family. We understand that when pet parents can’t take them along, they want to know they’re getting more than just a clean kennel and a short walk.
So, we built the ultimate place for your pup: seven acres of cross-fenced Texas countryside in Del Valle with multiple play yards, open off-leash play, and climate-controlled buildings where every dog gets their own private space to rest. Dogs here spend their days outdoors rather than confined to a run.
We’re located eight miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport — roughly ten minutes — which makes us a natural stop on the way out of town. We also offer after-hours drop-off and pickup for travelers whose flights don’t cooperate with normal business hours.
Meet the Team
The ranch runs on a small, long-tenured crew who know the dogs by name and the clients by face. Several have been here for the better part of a decade.
Alisha Bryden — General Manager
Alisha was born and raised right here in Del Valle and has been with Barking Springs for 13 years. She started part-time while still in high school, fell for the work, and has grown with the business ever since. Her favorite part of the job is the relationships — knowing the dogs, watching them come back year after year, and giving clients the confidence that their pups are in the best possible hands.
Rick Bryden — Kennel Manager
Rick came to Texas from California more than a decade ago and is in his element at the ranch. He’d rather be outside with the dogs than anywhere else. He’s especially fond of getting to know each pup’s particular personality and watching them grow up across repeat visits.
Crystal Arzola — Assistant Manager
A Texas native, long-time Austinite, proud cat parent to Aussie and Alita, and Del Valle resident since 2007, Crystal found her calling in the pet industry after trying a few other paths. Four years in, she’s worked her way up from Kennel Technician to Assistant Manager, with one simple goal: give every dog the best day of their life when they arrive at the ranch.
Visit the Ranch
We’d love to show you around. Tours are offered on your dog’s complimentary evaluation day, by appointment. To keep play groups calm and undisturbed, we view the yards from a respectful distance.
Getting Here
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, take Highway 71 east roughly six miles, then turn left (north) onto Caldwell Lane. Drive two miles and you’ll find us on the right — just look for the Barking Springs signs.
Barking Springs Dog Ranch is owned and operated by Austin Dog Kennels.