The Barksville Inn
Cage-free In-home Dog Boarding
Thank you for considering The Barksville Inn for your dog boarding needs.
At The Barksville Inn - we strive to provide top quality dog care at a price that is accessible to all. As dog parents ourselves – we understand how important your four-legged family member(s) are to you and the incredible responsibility we accept when you entrust their care to us.
Our story began in 2016 out of a simple act of kindness. I noticed a Craigslist post from an Ithaca senior citizen who needed help caring for his beloved dog. I soon learned our dog parent was delaying a much-needed surgery because he had no one to care for his only family member. Happily, after a few calls to a couple friends – a foster home was found and an idea sprung.
A month later a rented garage in Newfield, NY was converted into to our first cage-free living space and The Barksville Inn was established. Outfitted with dog beds, comfy chairs and a fenced in yard – our goal was to provide a pack-friendly / cage-free communal living space – a true home for dogs. In early 2019 we moved into our larger home with a fenced in and lighted back yard just 10 minutes from Ithaca/Cornell off Rt. 79 in Brooktondale, NY. Now, as we emerge from the COVID pandemic - we are working with a local builder to build a custom designed home incorporating all we have learned over the past 7 years.
After 15 months of planning, saving and learning on the fly - we have moved into our forever home in the Town of Lansing - a mile from my childhood home.
Providing a cage-free stress-free stay for both dog & parents means not worrying if running a few minutes late. We offer flexible Drop-Off and Pick-Up times – unlike traditional kennels who charge upwards of a Dollar a minute in running late. In addition, we never charge additional fees for cancellations, meals, walks, medication or holidays. Innkeepers are Pet First Aid & CPR trained and are on property 24-hours a day ensuring your dog is never left alone or crated. Quite simply – a place I could feel comfortable leaving my boys.
We welcome you to come take a tour and/or schedule a Meet-n-Greet where humans and canines can get better acquainted and see if we are right for you.
- Kevin Kirby
Founder & Proud Dog Dad
Meet the Team
Kevin Kirby, Innkeeper
Born & raised in Tompkins County, Kevin graduated from Lansing High School and Ohio University, summa cum laude.
Kevin's professional career took him to Washington, DC, San Diego and Atlanta. In 2012 Kevin left his position in IT Operations at Cox Communications. The following year he was featured in a Center for Disease Control (CDC) web profile about living with muscular dystrophy.
While in Atlanta, Kevin served on the Board of Directors of Georgia Equality, Inc. the State's LGBTQ political organization and was a registered 'citizen lobbyist' for Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption.
Kevin returned to Tompkins County in 2015 and opened The Barksville Inn the following year. He currently serves as the Congressional District Captain (NY-19) for the ASPCA’s Legislative Engagement Team and is a 2025 National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
David Eastham, Innkeeper
Born in Manhattan and raised on Staten Island, David graduated from CUNY Staten Island before continuing his studies at New York University (NYU).
David unknowingly began his career in healthcare by caring for is ailing grandmother. He would go on to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while working in senior living communities in New York and Pennsylvania. David is also part of Cornell Dining.
In his spare time, David is an accomplished chef having studied under Emmy award-winning television host, best-selling cookbook author, and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich in her NYC restaurant. David is a licensed pilot and avid drone flyer.
Scott,
Operations
Arnie,
Housekeeping
Giving Back
community
The Barksville Inn proudly donates 20% of revenue to charitable organizations who rescue, care for, support and/or advocate on behalf of companion, farm and wild animals.
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environment
The Barksville Inn GREEN pledge to reduce our carbon footprint in half. To date we have:
- installed high-efficiency LED light bulbs
- replace outdoor lighting to solar lights
- replaced gas-powered lawn equipment with - rechargeable battery equipment
- increased insulation / weather-proofing
- committed to turning off/unplugging electronics
-- planted a natural garden & live holiday tree
- switched to bamboo paper products
- utilize natural, non-toxic cleaning products.
- make homemade grain-free dog treats
- cutting waste in half by recycling, reusing
and/or re-purposing.
Word on the Street
"Kevin goes above and beyond for his clients and their dogs! I had several special requests that he accommodated with no hesitation. He has a heart of gold and truly loves caring for dogs. I really appreciate all you've done for me and Quincy, and of course, will continue to use your services."
- Julie S.
"Kevin did a great job with our 20 lb cockapoo Franklin. He was responsive, accommodating of several changes to our trip's schedule and sent us several updates throughout our dog's stay. Toby & Trooper were also excellent hosts. I would recommend booking at The Barksville Inn to anyone!"
- Matt V.
"Kevin is an exceptionally caring person, and our mini goldendoodle Daisy really loved her many visits with him! The guys accommodated our crazy, unpredictable schedule, and really went out of their way to provide Daisy with lots of love, attention, regular walks, and even field trips to the dog park. She came home every night tired and happy, and always excited to go back. Do not hesitate to book with Kevin and his team."
- Tara, Val & Daisy