I want to warn people to make sure you are informed about their policies. I was so excited about this place. I brought my 8 month old puppy to training there and a couple play days in preparation for boarding. I then decided to board her over Easter for a last-minute trip instead of leaving her home with my grown son. I booked her boarding on April 3rd for my trip starting on April 14th. My son was very upset about not being able to keep her so on April 10th while she was at a play day, I explained the situation to the kennel and asked if I could just put my $180 boarding deposit towards future play days and cancel the boarding as keeping my son happy was more important to me than boarding my puppy. Well, it turns out that April 5 was the deadline for cancellation. I know for a fact they were not full as I was able to choose her boarding area. The deadline was literally two days after I confirmed and paid the $180 deposit for her boarding, yet I don't remember anyone telling me about the deadline to cancel being two days later. It blows me away that with my unique circumstances, they refused to put my $180 towards future play days as I would've been bringing her there 2 to 3 times a month at $30 a day not to mention the training sessions I would have been booking. I booked it two days before the supposed deadline and a week later, I had to change my mind due to family issues. I was not asking for my money back. I just wanted to be able to use it somewhere else. Lastly please be aware that you are charged for all play days and training sessions when you book the date instead of the day of service. This doesn't seem right. They already have your credit card on file so there's no need to charge you ahead of time. That should be done after the training or play days are completed. read more

I've been taking my dogs to Big Oaks to board for 5 years. My dogs always love going to Big Oaks and their prices are reasonable. Highly recommend this place. read more

Beware- I have been a customer for this establishment for over 7 years, and I have made countless recommendations both in person and online. Tragically, they lost Hardy- the co-owner. Since that time, service and the SAFETY and WELL BEING of dogs have drastically turned for the worse. Beware- read more

Great kennel! Wonderful staff! I think my dog prefers staying with them to our home now...

When I took a tour of Big Oaks Kennel and Dog Park, I didn't want to leave. There really are BIG oaks and the wind mill was a great touch. My husband and I came to Buda from Dallas to visit family. I usually don't go out of town because I do not have anyone to take care of my dogs. I was so happy and relieved to find Big Oaks. Both my dogs were able to board together and were also able to go outside in an area specifically designated for small dogs. The kennels and outside area for big dogs was also great. Shade trees and lots of room to run and play. The people there were very nice and I would definitely return. Linda Dallas read more

When hardy isn't beating your dog behind closed doors he's verbally abusing and demeaning his staff. If you've noticed the staff change constantly it's because they are treated like dirt and overworked to complete exhaustion. Your dogs are NOT being trained by Hardy most of the time, he gives his staff an hour of instruction on how to train dogs and then yells at them if they don't get results. Even worse is if your dog isn't ready for the go home he kicks them into submission right before they see you. Don't give this man your business. read more

We boarded our dog Cody there for 12 days and had a great experience. I went and took a tour beforehand. The place looked great and they answered all my questions. (I had a lot) During the trip they gave me several updates on how good Cody was doing and sent pictures. When we picked him up he looked so happy and healthy. Thanks big oak! Zach read more

WAS going to board my dog here next week while I'm on vacation. Just went there to see where he would be boarded and ask a few questions. Walked into the office at 2:55pm, nobody in there. Walked outside to see some lady walking up, she says nothing to me. I said hello and asked if I could ask a few questions. She replies "yes, you can but we don't open until 3 and shuts the door in my face. She was extremely rude and I felt very unwelcome. Keep your fucking deposit, I'm good. I'll make sure anyone who asks knows how shitty this place is! read more

My Golden Retriever has stayed there before without incident. This time my normal groomer was busy and I needed him groomed before we took off on a lengthy RV trip and I remembered Big Oaks Kennel offered grooming as well. They were able to accommodate us and I emailed them his current shot record. I dropped him off without incident and talked briefly with the person who I think is the groomer and empathized that I need him bathed and deshedded, also nails done, feathers and sanitary trim. When I picked him up, he looked OK, but still slightly moist. In the days that followed I noticed that the sanitary trim wasn't done and the deshedd also apparently wasn't done either. I paid $120 for a "full groom" and got less that 50% of that value. read more

Our pups LOVE Big Oaks! We jokingly ask if they're ready to go to "camp" or "Meemaw and Pawpaw's" when we're loading up - they know exactly where they're headed and get WAY too excited. My wife and I love the facility and the staff are always so sweet. Our knuckleheads can be a handful, so I know they're good people when the staff are excited to see them. HIGHLY recommend. read more

We are happy fans of Big Oaks Kennel for our 2 dogs when we go out of town for overnight camp. We had moved and needed to quickly find a new We brought the older one there by himself the first overnight trip and he came back happy as a clam. The second time for overnight, we brought our younger dog. When we picked them up together from our 3-day trip, they were smiling, wagging their tails, and well kept. Trysten the kennel trainer came up with our dogs in hand and she said they did great. Our Dogs love Trysten and she's great with them. Our only concern was that when we brought our younger more nervous of people dog the first time, the front desk receptionist, had nervous energy and assumed our dog wasn't going to do great. However right when a different trainer handled our dog, within 2 min he was fine and the Owner also pet him right away, which was sweet. I wish she would have demonstrated the common knowledge that dogs in a new place, by themselves with new smells and surrounding, new people - can get nervous and need a moment of patience. All-in-all: We love Trysten and we thank her for taking such good care of both our Dogs! We're really happy with Big Oaks so far and we recommend it for your dog(s). We've found our overnight & potential day-care option. read more

Big Oaks Kennel And Dog Park - Trysten and our Boys! Coming back to go home happy. - Pet Training Near Me - Buda, Texas

I've been boarding my dogs here since around 2007. I board my dogs at least four times a year. Sometimes at the last minute with no problem. They are always excited when we approach the property because they associate Big Oaks Kennel with a fun time! I've also used day care and training services. Those are great as well. I'm grateful for such a great facility with great staff located so conveniently in Buda. read more

I went in earlier in the week for a quick visit to check out the place. They do tours after 10am so I decided to come back on Friday, June 16 and also brought my pup along for the tour. Before arriving I gave some background to the folks at Big Oak about my German shorthair pointer who is skittish around new people/places/loud noises. There is a train nearby and the staff also have multiple gun dogs which made me think that my dog could benefit from extra distractions/noises while having fun at daycare. We currently use another doggie daycare facility and although we are completely pleased with them, we also want to have several options for the best socialization we can offer our dog. Maybe this place could offer my GSP a different experience. As soon as we got out, I could tell my dog was apprehensive about the place. The staff took our pup to the tiny dog park with their dog and eventually my dog settled in - even playing with the other pointer and a water bumper. Another staff member came in, and eventually we made our way to "the ranch" at the bottom of the hill. As soon as my dog was off the leash along with the other dogs, she was gone. Tail up, running, playing, and having a blast. She jumped in a water trough and put kidder water all over herself. She even came by the staff members for sniffs and pets. It takes my dog a few minutes to warm up, but once she does she is fantastic. I thought it was cool that one of the staff members even hosed her off before I put her back in my car. My first experience was excellent. I can't wait to try them out for a day of daycare soon and for the staff members to work with my dog on her noise issues. I am certain she would be in good hands. read more

Love Big Oaks! My pups are always excited to stay there. Everyone is extremely friendly and clearly animal lovers! Highly recommend.

Our three dogs really enjoy going to daycare here weekly. We added a German Shephard puppy to our family about the same time as Alex joined Big Oaks as their new trainer. Zuri was one of his first Texas students and she learned very quickly at her basic 3-week obedience board and train. We were pleased with the results and over the Christmas holiday completed the Phase 2 portion of her training. At 7 months old, Zuri has mastered all of her basic commands and does very well off leash. Alex is always available for questions and if we have any issues, he jumps right in and works through problems we encounter. We highly recommend the boarding, day care and training at Big Oaks. read more

WARNING: I took my 8 month old Great Pyranese mix puppy Indy to Big Oaks Kennel in Buda to be boarded while I visit family in DFW over 4th of July weekend. When my fiancé picked up Indy he was completely shaved! His ear and tail area had been severely nicked and were bleeding. I did NOT give my permission or ask that he be shaved. When I called to ask what happened the owner told me that there was another dog there also named Indy that was supposed to have been shaved. I am livid!!! Any vet will tell you not to EVER shave this breed! He is itchy and in pain right now and I feel so bad for him. His double coat helped him regulate his body temperature to keep from getting heat stroke on walks in this 100 degree Texas weather and protected his delicate skin from sun burn. It could take up to 6 months to fully grow back! He had such beautiful fluffy fur! I am so upset! The owner contacted me and basically said "sorry, mistakes happen. We can refund your 3 night stay." When I emailed her pictures of my bleeding dog she tried to tell me that the area by his tail was a hot spot. It's not! He wasn't biting it before his stay at Big Oaks and hasn't bitten it since we brought him home. She said she would talk to the groomer about the welt by his ear. That groomer needs to be fired!!!! All my friends think I should sue. If a groomer injures a dog it is their responsibility to take the dog to a vet to be looked at and CALL THE OWNER! I will never take him or any other dog to Big Oaks Kennel in Buda! I hope everyone reads this! read more

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Got my dog groomed here last week. I had a hiccup when scheduling my first appointment. I didn't get the voicemail the morning of saying my dog had to be rescheduled because the groomer had called in. Not their fault. I showed up and found out. They still offered some sort of compensation for the hiccup. That was nice :) Anyway, once my dog was groomed I was happy w it. The groomer did a fantastic job on my cavapoo. For Petco pricing, you're getting a groomer who has a background of working only on show dogs. That's what I was told her background was. I will be going back here. I would suggest them for grooming for sure. Elaine and Janna are both very personable. You can tell they really care for the animals. I also see they offer day care. For only $25 /day that seems pretty cheap. I'd def consider them if I need day care for my dog. read more

I failed to make plans to board Pearl (my lab) at my regular facility for July 4th weekend - which sent me on the hunt (did you see what I did there?) for a new boarding facility. I was happy that Big Oaks Kennels had space for her for 9 days and their price was right. I also liked the fact that they allow ample outdoor time for her to socialize and play - as long as she is well behaved. This helps me get over the guilt of having to board my dog in the first place. Our vacation was such fun, we decided to stay an extra day - and Big Oaks was able to accomodate her with a simple phone call. Overall, I was happy with the service and pricing, but wish they had more flexible hours for pick-up and drop-off - which would have saved me for shelling out of an extra night. I highly recommend Big Oaks Kennel - located in downtown Buda!! read more

I have been leaving my dog with the great people of Big Oaks for over 2 years now, and I can happily say that each experience with them has been more than satisfactory. The staff is competent, polite and helpful, attending to my dog's needs. I have an Australian Shepherd that doesn't play well with other dogs, so she is permitted time to run amock without other pups. The kennel is heated for winter and cooled in summer, and they have their own individual runs situated on a nice farm. The family also has seasonal garden vegetables and some great salsa they sell when available. Big Oaks offers baths and nail trims, both of which I've had done for my dog after a long stay and was happy with. The pricing is reasonable, but they get booked up pretty quickly during holidays so be sure to call ahead. Overall a good local place that I trust will take care of my dog. read more

My dogs have been there several times and each time you can tell they are happy to be there. They know exactly where they need to go and will drag anyone down the hill just to get down there for play time. They are usually in the traditional kennel with the air conditioning but this last time they were full so I decided to let them try the farm. Which is for young large dogs that can handle being outside. I was a little nervous they had never been outside for longer than two to three hours. But they have musters to help keep the dogs cool. And lots of water. In fact I thought it was interesting that when they got home one still wanted to go outside and the other just wanted to take a nap. read more

Big Oaks Kennel And Dog Park - King and hades excited about going to big oaks kennel for a mini vacation - Pet Training Near Me - Buda, Texas

We decided to kennel our Giant Schnauzer here while on a weekend trip out of town. We had a rather unpleasant experience at the Onion Creek Kennel, plus they don't offer a tour of the facility. At drop off, we were given a tour of the facility and even saw the kennel our pup was given. She had access outside as well as the a/c inside in her kennel. We got to see the running/play area for the dogs. This property is beautiful. It was nice to see the dogs having appropriate space instead of being put in a travel kennel like I suspect onion creek does. The staff is so friendly and seem to genuinely care for the animals they look after, which was very refreshing. Our pup Bear was in a great mood when I picked her up, no change in behavior, and wasn't missing her voice and wasnt dehydrated--this is what happened when we kenneled her @OCK. We will definitely be back! Thank you for taking such great care of our puppy! read more

We've taken our two dogs here twice now and I cannot say enough about the place! This is the first kennel that has let us walk down to the fenced-in area to see where our pups will be staying while we are out of town. Most kennels take your dog upon arrival to some unknown place behind the building leaving you slightly curious. Their prices are reasonable for the services provided & everyone is always very friendly. They offer grooming services as well in which they do a great job. If you're looking for a place to leave your babies and want the peace of mind they'll be taken care of I recommend Big Oaks!! read more

I had boarded my dog before at this place when I went out of town. Overall the place was not bad. She has a huge place for the dogs and they got lots of exercise. I had set my dog up to be boarded this weekend; but, we decided to cancel. I had thought my wife had cancelled it and she had thought I had cancelled it. It was a simple mistake. I had called this morning to cancel our appointment. We had already put a deposit down.The young lady basically started telling me she was "Sold Out" for this weekend and she was turning folks again. She also said that I should have called her last week to cancel. Given, it was a simple mistake. I thought we had already contacted her and we had not. She does not normally give refunds on deposits but offered to give us one this one time but told us it was a $10 charge. First of all, you run a Dog Boarding business. I am sure if you are turning away people, you are still going to have customers calling in asking for availability. You do not need to start blaming me for you "losing business". One dog being boarded for 2 days is not going to break the bank if someone calls and cancels. Secondly, I appreciate the fact that this one time she was going to give me the benefit of the doubt and refund my money; but, you are still going to charge me $10 to do so? If your payment processor charges to refund money, it sounds like you need a new payment processor. I liked having the option of having a local dog border where I can take my dog. The down side is I had to bring my own food. For $23 a day, it was more reasonable than other places. On the other hand, please do not treat your customers like they are inconveniencing you. You run a business where "life happens". So what if someone cancels? You have a slot open. You should have a waiting list of people who called in and you told them you were fully booked and start filling that slot. For a few dollars more, I will take my dog to the order Dog Border where I do not have to bring food and I get a full update of how my dog faired while being bordered. I would have easily given this place 4 or more stars. Customer Service is big in any business. Now that you have belittled a customer, you have lost that customer. read more

We have a rescued 1 yr old boxer and 8mo shepherd/pit bull mix. Yes, we have our hands wonderfully full :-) Both dogs were still rather terrified of the outside world when we had to leave Texas for 10 days over the holidays. We worried endlessly about where to take them; a scared dog can quickly turn to an aggressive dog. After speaking to Elaine, we decided to try the kennel knowing we could always have a friend pick them up if something were to go wrong. Plus, Elaine graciously agreed to give the dogs their Christmas stockings on Christmas morning :-) Well, I'm not sure how to say this, but we picked our pups up this morning and- well, they're somehow the new and improved versions of our dogs!! Annie, our puppy, is happy and sociable and more playful than when we left her. Walker, our boxer, is actually exhausted and cuddlier than ever! The pups have struts in their step they didn't have before- they're confident and happy! Not only that, but the staff was wonderful with updates when I called and had the dogs perfectly packed up to go when we came to get them. I can't say enough good things about this place and I can't say 'thank you' enough for helping make our fur-kids more comfortable with the world! read more

Big Oaks Kennel And Dog Park - Exhausted pups after their stay at 'camp' - Pet Training Near Me - Buda, Texas

This place is awesome. We have 3 dogs and they give a multi-dog discount. There are chickens and other things running around (separate from the dogs) that just make the place feel like its a doggie resort. Our one dog is a cattle dog so he loves being around animals of different kinds...even if he can't get to them. The runs are big enough for 2 dogs, if you try to put 3 in there they will be too cramped. Unlike the last place I reviewed, these guys don't charge you to let your dogs run around and play outside. My dogs love this place and get super excited when they show up, and when I picked them up after the 4th they wanted to chase the chickens! We'll continue to go to this place unless the owners do something way out of left field that would make us leave. There hasn't been anything that would suggest they do that, though. read more

Brought my 2 year old pup in for daycare for the first time last week, the staff was very accommodating and helpful. Additionally, they helped me understand the risks of boarding my other dog (an 8 week pup), and the options/precautions they could extend to us to help safeguard him. You can tell they are very dedicated to what they do, because they love their animals and it shows. What's better than leaving your 4 legged babies with someone you can trust will love them just as much? Bonus- great pricing!! read more

We take Gillis for Day Care, Boarding and Grooming. And we all love the attention he gets. He is always excited when we turn the corner, and always tired when we pick him up! Lots of exercise is just what this boy needs! We love Elaine, Hardy and Brenda love their human clients as much as their canine! Wouldn't trust anyone else with our goof-ball pup!! read more

We leave our dogs with the caring staff of Big Oaks several times a year. The girls love going and they get lots of love and play time while they are there. Elaine and Hardy are the best kind of people and they run a tight ship. They have very smart policies in place to not only protect their business but to protect OUR dogs. This, no doubt, comes after years of experience in the business. Pay attention to their policies, and make sure they work for you. Give them as much information as you can about your animal before you leave them. These people are dog lovers... that is why they are in this business! They employ kind, competent, dog-lovers to work for them. Elaine and Hardy go out of their way to make sure things are right. I have picked up happy, healthy dogs, every time! Hardy has also trained both of our dogs several years back and he worked a miracle with our Dane mix. She was an overgrown puppy at the time but we were concerned about having an unruly dog of her size and strength. She's 4 years old now and walks beautifully at my side, which is essential with a large dog if you want to have a healthy back! We've been using Big Oaks since a friend recommended them about 5 years ago and it is the ONLY place we will board our dogs. read more

Big Oaks Kennel And Dog Park - Sacked out after a visit to Big Oaks. - Pet Training Near Me - Buda, Texas

Kennel owners may be nice folks, but you had better hope your pet doesn't escape because you will be on your own to get him back! My large dog (recently adopted through the Austin Animal shelter due to previous owner who was no longer able to care for him) escaped from this kennel and they provided no substantial help. Our dog was at large for 7 weeks until we finally captured him using the assistance of a volunteer organization, Pack Team 4 - Street Dog Rescue. In the end, Big Oaks Kennel didn't even offer to compensate us for the resulting vet bill. They begrudgingly agreed to meet us half way on the bill (which was only $80 total)! We won't ever go back. read more

I have boarded my dogs several times and know they will be taken care of very well. The kennels are very clean and the staff are very knowledgeable with dogs of all breeds. They work hard to accommodate my dogs who like to stay together in the same run. I would definitely recommend this kennel. read more

My dogs love this kennel! It's always a good sign when your dogs get excited the minute you arrive. I love the location, there are longhorns across the street, I can grab some fresh farm eggs and vegetables on my way out in the summer. It's a ranch/farm feel right outside the city. I've never had any issues and they do a great job taking care of my dogs. read more

I love Big Oaks. I used to help my friend take her dog or pick her up from this place and she was always having so much fun she didn't want to leave and get in the car. Today I took my dog Oscar for the first time (he is a rescued Curly coated retriever mix) and it was so awesome. Hardy greeted Oscar at the car and started petting and loving on him immediately. Elaine came up and Hardy said "Look honey, its a curly!" then looked at me and told me what a beauty he was. Oscar was all too happy to trot with Hardy down to the play yard where I know he is sure to have lots of fun play time with the other regular day care doggies. I plan to take Oscar here every day until my house is finished in January (we are stuck in an apartment until then), and even after my house is built Oscar will be at least a once a week visitor just to keep him happy. Their prices are fantastic, and the most important thing you can just see by the way they interact that they truly love dogs and their well being comes first. read more

I was a little nervous about leaving my dog for the first time at a kennel. I have to say that the overall experience was great. He came home happy to see us and was well cared for over the weekend. We will definitely be back! read more

They had a grooming special for Valentines day. So I called, was quoted 29.95. I made an appt and my bill was 43.00...Guy told me I was cheap for caring about so little money over. Told me I was not to return. That suits me...Bye! I have found a way better kennel in Bastrop so I haven't used them for a couple of years. No problem. Will not be cheated again. read more

My dog is in great hands at Big Oaks. I've been taking my jack russell to them for over a year and have always had a great experience. Elaine, Hardy and staff even helped me jump my car one morning when my battery unexpectedly died in their parking lot. Good people. read more

Hardy and Elaine have performed a small miracle training a large dog that was feeling impossible to control. I am so grateful! And, the dog actually likes to be boarded there! This has been a wonderful find. read more

We've left our extremely shy, scared fox hound, who is typically very fearful of other people, here at least three times, and he even took a liking to the owners, so they must treat him pretty darn well. We were pleasantly surprised. The kennels are much bigger than at similar kennels, and from our price comparison, this is the cheapest place in the area when we checked. They insist on seeing all of the pets shot records (which is a very good thing) so you know you're not leaving your dog with other sick dogs. They have plenty of space and they take the dogs out of the kennels fairly often and allow them to socialize with other dogs (only with friendly, social dogs, not with aggressive ones) which is fantastic. read more

I have two very different dogs, one is a small shitzu/yorkie small dog that can be challenging due to his "small dog" syndrome of barking at strangers. And a very old ranch dog border collie who is very easy to work with. They have taken very good care of both of them and helped me greatly with grooming and care on very short term, they have a very personal attitude towards the care at their facility and the cost is VERY reasonable for the services they provide in grooming washing, boarding etc. read more

I have been a regular customer of Big Oaks Kennels for many years. My dogs have all been well cared for each time that I have taken them over to stay. I have 2 large dogs that need to stay together for their happiness. They have always been able to stay together and much happier. I bring their food because that does not cause their systems to react badly to other types of food. I was delighted to find that this is the policy of Big Oaks Kennels. I have my golden retriever clipped at Big Oaks Kennels during these HOT Texas summers. Each time that my dog's vet sees him after his clipping, she compliments the clipping job. The clipping is very smooth and conforms to his shape nicely. There are no ridges in his cut. This is his second clipping this summer and once again the vet complimented his cut. My dogs enjoy their time at Big Oaks and I can visit, vacation, and rest knowing that my dogs are being cared for by people that truly care about my babies. read more

I love this boarding facility! I have a young hound dog, Brie, who is very skittish around new people. I was nervous dropping her off anywhere, much less a facility I hadn't used before. She is an outdoors dog and doesn't like being cooped up all day, so a major factor in choosing Big Oaks was that they allow tons of outdoor time. When I took my dog in, she was very timid and didn't even want to enter the office. The lady at the desk spoke to me for several minutes before addressing my dog. When she came around to greet Brie, she was gentle and patient. As I exited the office, my baby was walking right beside this woman to the kennels, sweet as could be...didn't even look back to see where I was! :-) When I picked her up 2 weeks later, she was definitely comfortable there. Yes, you bring your dog's food, but in my mind that is a plus - I don't want my 75 pound sweety eating strange food. I would highly recommend Big Oaks, especially to those with outdoor dogs! The only downside I can see - your pooch might want to stay there! read more