Pet boarding service · Hutto, TX · reviewed since 2014
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%76+41.5Reliability 24%66+16Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%89+6.3Craft & service penalty96−0.4Experts Score= 78Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.78SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#64 of 100 pet groomingiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 36%
4.8★★★★★845 Google reviews · 24 photos
91%five-star reviews
4.82★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
6.3%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Shady Acres Pet Ranch 4.8 out of 5 based on 845 reviews, with the owner responding to 80% of them. Clients frequently praise the friendly staff, clean facilities, and convenient online scheduling, noting that dogs often return happy and well-exercised. Recurring themes include effective communication through midday updates and live camera access, as well as reasonable pricing for daycare and boarding services. However, some lower-rated reviews criticize inconsistent hygiene, unexpected additional fees, and instances where reservations were cancelled or dogs were not adequately supervised.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 845 reviews (91% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 844 Google reviews (497 with written comments, 26 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 80% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 27, 2026.
Service: Pet Groomer serving Hutto, Texas.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet grooming
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Shady Acres Pet RanchPet Grooming median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.B
76
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 66/100 on this factor. Category median: 82.B
66
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
96
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Shady Acres Pet Ranch: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 56.A
89
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
844 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars76691%
4 stars395%
3 stars81%
2 stars142%
1 star172%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 497 written reviews
70%praise
Praise43670%
Complaints18630%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
94%fair
Great price1337%
Reasonable1851%
Overpriced26%
Not sure26%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude19732%
Honesty & trust18630%
Would recommend8013%
Quality & results579%
Speed & response376%
Price & value376%
Communication285%
What customers talk about
We read 497 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The staff was patient and kind with her and eased this dog mom’s mind.”
“Genuinely cares about the animals and takes care of my little one.”
“We decided to try Shady Acres as it was so close to our home.”
“Highly recommend Shady Acres and will continue to have them care for Buddy.”
“I do NOT recommend this place if you need a reliable, professional boarding facility.”
“Our GSP thoroughly enjoys spending the day at Shady Acres!”
“I texted again about 30 minutes before the worst was supposed to hit.”
“They are always very responsive over text which is always great/easy to receive updates and the staff was very friendly when we went in for evaluation.”
“We pay up for the luxury boarding and think it is worth every penny.”
“Very flexible about days when they need to be extended, but VERY PRICEY”
“The staff is always friendly and communicates well.”
“No communication to me about his health condition when I picked him up.”
People customers mention
Ashleigh6 reviews
Austin5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Shady Acres Pet Ranch for 5 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
SSue2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a day ago★★★★★
I was so glad to find a kennel that would board our lab, Emma. We were traveling and could not keep pets at a house we rented. The people at Shady Acres were wonderful. You can tell they love dogs. I was able to view Emma via the outside camera when she was at play. I would recommend Shady Actes. Emma thanks you for taking such good care of her.
Reasonable priceDog boarding
AAshley1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★
They cancelled my reservation and turned my dog away hours before a planned international vacation leaving me scrambling to find boarding for my dog.
My dog has stayed here many times before, mostly because it is close to home. I do question how much time they actually let her spend outside and worry she was in a…
Other pet boarding
AArlyn7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I’m glad I found this place for my dog. He used to go to another daycare/boarding and he always came home skinny and with an upset stomach. Since he’s been going to Shady Acres he is always happy to go and he comes home healthy. Glad to have them close to me for my dog to stay.
Reasonable price
JJan4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
My pups first time boarding. The staff was patient and kind with her and eased this dog mom’s mind. Thanks so much!
Reasonable priceOther pet boarding
SSvannahLocal Guide · 34 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
My dog Squid loves Shady Acres! I’ve literally tried 4-5 different daycares and no one comes close! Everyone is so incredibly friendly here and Squid always has the best time!
Great priceDog daycare
BBrad15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
Excellent, knowledgeable, caring staff and excellent facilities. Our GSP thoroughly enjoys spending the day at Shady Acres!
I was so glad to find a kennel that would board our lab, Emma. We were traveling and could not keep pets at a house we rented. The people at Shady Acres were wonderful. You can tell they love dogs. I was able to view Emma via the outside camera when she was at play. I would recommend Shady Actes. Emma thanks you for taking such good care of her.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding
T
Terri Cooter15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Terri has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They cancelled my reservation and turned my dog away hours before a planned international vacation leaving me scrambling to find boarding for my dog.
My dog has stayed here many times before, mostly because it is close to home. I do question how much time they actually let her spend outside and worry she was in a small crate all day (they don't let you see the boarding area). They have yard cameras but I rarely saw her outside playing.
I do NOT recommend this place if you need a reliable, professional boarding facility.
Services: Other pet boarding
A
Arlyn Garcia7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Arlyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’m glad I found this place for my dog. He used to go to another daycare/boarding and he always came home skinny and with an upset stomach. Since he’s been going to Shady Acres he is always happy to go and he comes home healthy. Glad to have them close to me for my dog to stay.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
J
Jan VonBreitenbauch4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My pups first time boarding. The staff was patient and kind with her and eased this dog mom’s mind. Thanks so much!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Other pet boarding
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you, Jan! We're so glad Rio's first boarding stay was a good experience. We know leaving your pup somewhere new can be stressful, so it means a lot to hear that our team helped put your mind at ease. We loved having Rio and hope to see her again soon!
S
Svannah NguyenLocal Guide · 34 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Svannah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My dog Squid loves Shady Acres! I’ve literally tried 4-5 different daycares and no one comes close! Everyone is so incredibly friendly here and Squid always has the best time!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much, Savannah! We absolutely love having Squid at Shady Acres. He has such a great personality and always brings a little extra energy to our day. It means a lot to hear that you've had such a positive experience with our team, especially after trying other daycares. We really appreciate you trusting us with Squid!
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Brad Napp15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brad has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is the second time I used them when I had to go out of town for a bit and couldn’t be more at ease. My dog always loves going here and I always rest easy knowing he’s in good hands.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Other pet boarding
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much, Jennifer! We love having Winston at Shady Acres. One of the best things we can hear from a pet parent is that they can leave town and feel completely at ease knowing their dog is being well cared for. We appreciate you trusting us with Winston and can't wait to see him again!
Y
Yvette ORTIZ15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yvette has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My dogs first time here for daycare. She seemed to like it and the staff was really helpful in making this a good experience. I will use for future use
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Other pet daycare
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you, Yvette! We're so glad Maya had a good first daycare experience with us. Starting somewhere new can be a big adjustment, so it's great to hear that she seemed comfortable and that our team helped make the process easy for you. We loved having Maya and hope to see her back again soon!
J
John McMullin5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews John has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’m genuinely surprised this place has 4.8 stars with 800+ reviews because our experience was incredibly disappointing. It makes me call into question if the reviews are even legitimate. I’m sure the business may respond and say our understanding is incorrect, but if that’s the case, their communication with owners is seriously lacking. After several days here, I still couldn’t tell you what a normal day actually looked like for our dogs.
My biggest issue is the complete lack of transparency. You’re paying hundreds of dollars to board your dogs, yet there is very little information about how much time they actually spend outside of their crates. Based on everything we were told and what we were able to observe, my best guess is that the dogs are crated for 20+ hours per day and outside of their crates for less than three hours total. I can’t confirm that because they provide almost no visibility into the dogs’ actual schedule — and that’s exactly the problem.
We were also under the impression that staff leave around 6 PM and return around 6 AM. If that’s accurate, the dogs are potentially alone and crated for roughly 12 hours straight overnight. On Sundays, the published hours are only 3–6 PM, which raised even more questions for us about who is caring for the dogs earlier in the day. Maybe there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for all of this, but none of it was clearly explained to us.
We paid extra for the “Luxury” boarding option because this was our dogs’ first stay. It supposedly includes a larger room, comfy raised bed, enrichment activity, and pool time. The problem is we have absolutely no idea what the room looks like, how large it is, how much time they spend in it, or whether the enrichment and pool time actually happened.
We were never shown the boarding area, and much of the facility is fenced or marked to keep customers away. I completely understand that there may be legitimate safety, insurance, or operational reasons owners can’t walk through the boarding area. But then give owners some other form of visibility. Show pictures of the rooms. Have a sample room. Provide a basic daily schedule. Send a report card. Tell us how long the dogs were out that day. There are plenty of ways to give owners transparency without allowing them into restricted areas.
They also have cameras, but whenever we checked hoping to see the dogs outside playing, we never saw dogs out there. We probably check over 12+ times over 4 days at various times and never saw the dogs playing. That doesn’t prove they weren’t taken out, but again, it adds to the feeling that you’re being asked to simply trust that everything described is happening without much ability to validate it.
Pickup made the experience even worse. The person at the front desk did not seem to know our dogs or have any firsthand information about their stay. They were essentially just handed back to us. No report card. No rundown of how they did. No information about eating, behavior, playtime, enrichment, pool time, or anything else.
After leaving your dogs somewhere for several days and paying a premium to do so, I would expect someone to be able to tell me something about their experience.
To be fair, the lobby is clean and organized, the facility looks nice from what customers can see, and our dogs came home okay. They also have very nice-looking cat accommodations visible near the front. But for me, that’s a very low bar for premium boarding.
The entire experience felt like a black box: drop your dogs off, pay a significant amount of money, see very little of where they actually stay or what they actually do, and then pick them up with almost no information.
