Meet Brian Kneier of Paradise Ranch

Paradise Ranch Co-Founder
Brian Kneier.

Brian Kneier came to manage Paradise Ranch by virtue of his marriage to its owner and founder, Kristyn Goddard, in 2009. For the 15 years prior to that, Brian had been in upper management in the Casino business, and had a wealth of experience in “management” and “customer service”, but all of that had been in relation to people. Now he had to turn his attention to the care of dogs, and yes, to the people that owned them.

 The first thing that struck Brian was that the “cage-free” and “true home environment” and “Pet Resort” concepts that already existed at Paradise Ranch were wonderful concepts, but he longed to explore ways to improve upon them. He knew that the dogs were being boarded in a beautiful environment, free from the stresses of being locked up or left alone, that they were kept safe from harm, and that they were fed and cared for and loved by the attendants during their stay. But wasn’t it possible to take it even further? Couldn’t the dogs have more fun during their stay? Couldn’t the environment be even more interesting, more stimulating, and more exciting for the dogs to play in?


So with the help of his wife Kristyn and their multi-talented handyman Jesse, work began on the first-ever “doggie water park” at Paradise Ranch. The Grand Opening on August 17, 2010 was covered by eight Los Angeles news stations, two newspapers, a news radio show, and even a reality show episode was filmed shortly thereafter, and other reality shows have expressed interest as well.


Brian has also turned his attention to improving every facet of the dog care business and to delivering better service to the clients that frequent Paradise Ranch. During his relatively short tenure as manager of Paradise Ranch, he has worked (with Kristyn) to expand hours (including service on Sundays), to improve oversight of the dogs in the yards, to improve employee accountability in every area, to hire caretakers with vet-tech experience, and to make improvements in the grooming and training areas.


He and Kristyn have upgraded the website and the Ranch’s “presence” on the web, including Google search results, Facebook, and even this blog. And their commitment to improving the Paradise Ranch facility is ongoing, with many future enhancements still in the works, including a doggie exercise gym, improved feeding and food-prepping facilities, and many more water features and doggie amusement park attractions.


Brian shares Kristyn’s commitment to excellence and his management style at Paradise Ranch is a reflection of his personal motto: “The secret to success is doing what you have to do better than you have to do it!” Their dream is to make Paradise Ranch the best dog boarding facility on the planet and as it comes closer to fruition with each passing day, the future of Paradise Ranch looks bright, which is great news for the lucky canine clients who get to spend their days enjoying the fruits of Brian’s and Kristyn’s efforts.

Meet the founder of Paradise Ranch

Kristyn Goddard

Kristyn Goddard grew up rescuing animals, both domestic and wild. Not only did she bring home stray dogs and cats, she fostered baby squirrels, an injured hawk, and even a coyote who was hit by a car. After nursing the wild animals back to health she would always set them free. 

Horses were a big part of Kris's life as well. For years Kris owned, trained, and rode Thoroughbred Race Horses. She founded The Women's Jockey Association in 1979 to help promote women in the male dominated sport of horse racing, and later opened the Paradise Ranch Racing School to train young professionals. Under Kris's tutelage, The Racing School was also an adoption center for injured and unwanted race horses. After a serious riding injury sidelined her, Kris left the racing industry to pursue a new career with animals.

In 1997 Kris Goddard opened Paradise Ranch Country Club for Dogs. The free spirited Kris couldn't bear keeping the dogs penned up, and soon broke all the "Kennel Industry" rules. She lobbied City Government to set a new precedent for the Boarding Industry by allowing dogs to play together, and to sleep inside the homes on her ranch, instead of kennels. Anyone visiting Paradise Ranch knows it was a battle worth fighting as they watch the happy dogs enjoying the Country Club life.

Have a good idea or feedback on how to make Paradise Ranch shine even more? Interested in partnership opportunities with Paradise Ranch? Kris would like to hear from you! Please email Kris at: info@paradiseranch.net.