FAQs
How do I get started?
Simply create a profile for you and your pets on our home page. Once your account is all setup you can book a ‘Meet & Greet’ for your prefered service. Not all dogs are daycare dogs so we require the initial meet & greet before you can begin utilizing our daycare services. You will receive a confirmation email when your request has been accepted or an email inquiring about rescheduling.
What does my dog do all day?
We start each day with free-play until all dogs have arrived at the facility. Around 9am we engage each dog in “pack training” where we reinforce skills encouraging patience, attentiveness, and general obedience. We work heavily on name recall, follow cues, and eye contact. Around 11am we begin lunches and enrichment activities, the rest of the day we play, take decompression breaks, and get ready for pickup time!
How do I know what my dogs day was like?
All of our pups go home with a daily report card and photos. We fully believe in transparency so nothing will ever be a surprise. We’ll be honest about your dogs play style and behaviors throughout the day as well as give you a run down on how they did in pack training and who their best buds are.
I just adopted my dog. Can they start daycare right away?
We generally recommend giving newly adopted dogs around three months to settle into their new homes before introducing them to a busy daycare environment.
Even the most outgoing dogs need time to decompress, establish routines, and build trust with their new families. We want daycare to be a positive experience, not another overwhelming transition.
Puppies are an exception and aren't required to wait three months before joining us. Early, thoughtful socialization can be incredibly beneficial!
That said, we'll carefully assess how your puppy adjusts during their first day. If they're overwhelmed, struggling to settle, or would benefit from more time at home, we may recommend taking a break before returning.
Our goal is always to set every dog up for success, even if that means slowing things down a bit.
What does my dog do all day?
A little bit of everything!
We typically start our mornings with supervised social time as everyone arrives. Around 9 AM, we begin pack training, practicing skills like recall, eye contact, patience, and engagement.
Around lunchtime, we transition into meals, enrichment activities, and rest breaks. The rest of the day includes social time, structured activities, training opportunities, and plenty of chances to decompress.
Every day looks a little different because every group of dogs is different!
Do dogs ever get into disagreements at daycare?
Of course! Dogs communicate with their bodies, and just like people, they don't always agree.
Growling, moving away, setting boundaries, and appropriate social corrections can all be part of normal canine communication.
Our staff monitors body language and intervenes when interactions become inappropriate, overwhelming, or unsafe. We don't expect dogs to be perfect, but we do expect them to be able to communicate and coexist safely.
Group daycare carries inherent risks, including accidental injuries, and we work hard to minimize those risks through supervision, thoughtful group management, and ongoing staff education.
How do monthly memberships work?
Our monthly memberships allow you to purchase a set number of daycare visits at a discounted rate.
Memberships are valid for their designated month and expire at the end of that month. They renew automatically unless you contact us to make a change.
Visits can be used at either BarkPark location, but the total number of visits cannot exceed your membership's allowance.
How is your boarding different?
At BarkPark we’re all about fun. We want every dog to enjoy every minute of their stay with us. We require all boarding clients to attend daycare at least twice prior to their stay. Each pup gets their very own cot and blanket and lots of love and attention from our staff. No paying extra for your dog to attend daycare its all built into the price! We also offer awesome add ons like extra walks and fun enrichment puzzles!
How far in advance should I book?
We highly recommend getting your appointment requests in no later than Sunday evening for each upcoming week. You can book as far in advance as you’d like and we strongly suggest you book any holidays as soon as you know your plans since space is extremely limited during popular travel holidays. Grooming appointments can be booked to repeat every 4-6 weeks to guarantee your appointment.
What happens if my dog gets hurt?
Dog Daycare is not a riskless activity. Although a dog may play well with others things happen and there is a risk of injury. If your dog is injured during a day of play we will call you first. If you are unavailable we will call your primary vet to see if we can get an appointment. If your vet is unavailable we will take your dog to Washington Avenue Vet Hospital along Washington Avenue. We will front the medical costs and invoice you the total in addition to the receipt. We are not responsible for injury as you are subjecting your dog to a potentially risky activity.
What vaccinations does my dog need?
All dogs attending daycare or boarding must be current on Rabies, DHPP/DA2PP, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis. We also strongly recommend canine influenza vaccination.
For Rabies, we require the actual rabies certificate showing the vaccine information, lot number, and expiration date. A general vaccination summary isn't sufficient.
If your dog has a medical reason for not receiving a particular vaccine, please contact us about documentation and possible exemptions.
We also offer oral Bordetella vaccination on-site for $30 for eligible dogs!
Why doesn't BarkPark just let dogs play all day?
Because more play doesn't always mean more fun!
Dogs need opportunities to rest, decompress, and regulate their emotions just like we do. Constant stimulation can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and inappropriate social behaviors.
We want dogs to learn how to play and how to relax. Our approach balances physical activity with mental enrichment, structured learning, and downtime.
The goal isn't to send home the most exhausted dog possible. It's to send home a dog who had a genuinely fulfilling day.
What happens if my dog is struggling with their behavior?
We believe behavior is communication, so our first step is figuring out what your dog is trying to tell us.
Sometimes a dog needs more rest, a different group, additional guidance, or more individualized attention.
For dogs requiring additional support, we may recommend our Behavioral Management service for $10 per day, which provides closer supervision and individualized handling.
If daycare is becoming more stressful than beneficial, we'll have an honest conversation about what comes next.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand plans change, but last-minute cancellations make staffing and scheduling difficult.
Our standard cancellation fees include:
Daycare: $25 for cancellations within 24 hours.
Boarding: $25 within 48 hours or $50 within 24 hours.
Holiday boarding: $90 cancellation fee after booking.
Cat visits: $10 for cancellations within 24 hours.
Additional booking fees and holiday surcharges may apply. Please review our full service agreement for complete details.
When is drop-off and pick-up?
Our morning drop-off time is between 7am-9am Monday-Saturday. Sunday boarding drop-off is between 9am-10am.
Our evening pickup window is 1pm-3pm for a half-day and between 3pm-7pm for a full day of daycare!
There is a late pick-up fee of $15 for any pickup after 7pm We will board the pup if not picked up by 7:30pm!
How & when do I pay?
If you’re not a monthly member with us we send you an invoice at the end of the week for services tendered. All invoices are due upon reciept. If you are a monthly member your membership will automatically charge your card on file on the last day of the month and send you a weekly invoice for any added services.
What happens if my dog is sick?
We ask that all dogs be thoroughly checked for any discharge, coughing, sneezing, and open wounds prior to coming for a day of play. Dogs experiencing non-diet related diarrhea or vomiting are prohibited from playing without vet approval. We thoroughly disinfect and clean each day but much like a children’s daycare, illness can be spread quickly! Preventative measures must be made by the dog’s owner to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy!
Does my dog need to be spayed or neutered?
Dogs over six months old are generally required to be spayed or neutered to participate in group daycare unless an exception has been approved.
If your dog is intact, please reach out so we can discuss their individual circumstances.
Does my dog have to love other dogs?
Nope! Not every dog is a social butterfly.
Some dogs love a big group of friends, while others prefer smaller groups, familiar companions, or simply observing the action.
We work to accommodate different personalities, but dogs must still be comfortable enough in our environment to participate safely. If daycare isn't the right fit, we'll be honest about that and help you explore alternatives.
Can you administer medications?
We can accommodate many routine medication schedules with advance notice and clear written instructions.
Please make sure medications are properly labeled and included in your pet's profile. Some medical conditions or medication requirements may need additional discussion before we can confirm care.
Do you offer cat sitting?
Yes! We provide in-home cat visits, including feeding, litter box maintenance, enrichment, medication assistance when appropriate, and lots of love.
You'll receive photos and updates so you know how your kitty is doing while you're away.