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 multiple calls to friends & family and cashing in a few IOUs – 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 5 years. Stay tuned!
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
Innkeepers Kevin Kirby and Gary Lewis
Dog Boarding Kennel Pet Sitter Dog Sitting Doggie Daycare Dog Walking
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Meet the Team
cage-free cage free kennel board boarding dog pet near me
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. The story is available HERE.
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 Georgia Equality and Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption. Since 2020, Kevin has served as the District Captain for NY-23 Congressional District for the ASPCA Legislative Team.
Toby (tan/white) was rescued from an abusive home in Southern Georgia and spent 10 months at the Atlanta Pet Rescue before finding his forever home. Although timid and quiet at first, Toby's true personality emerged and has been the boss for 8 years (with the biggest brown eyes that he knows melts his Daddy's heart.
Lonely at home alone when Daddy worked full time in IT, Toby picked out Trooper to be his younger brother from APR. Abandoned along a Georgia highway at 10 months old (believed to be a Christmas puppy that was to much work) Trooper has limitless energy and and a loving personality with all he meets.
2016
Year Established
82
Guests Served
4.9
Google Rating
0
hours kenneled
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 lights bulbs
- replace outdoor lighting to solar lights
- replaced gas-powered lawn equipment with - rechargeable battery equipment
- increased insulation / weather-proofing
- maximize solar credits via Solarfarms NY
- committed to turning off/unplugging electronics
- utilized TCAT instead of driving
- 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