Frequently Asked Questions
About Boarding
What does a typical day look like for boarding pets?
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A typical day at Bark Central starts first thing at 6am, letting the boarding dogs outside to go potty. While they are going potty, we are cleaning and sanitizing cages, washing bedding, and prepping for breakfast. Also all throughout the day, daycare dogs are also being dropped off to play with our boarding pets. Then breakfast is served to the dogs about 8am. After breakfast, the dogs are socialized together in play groups according to size, personality, and age. All throughout the day they can go inside or outside, take naps, snuggle, and play play play! All of our pets are friendly with one another. We are not set up for dogs with difficulty getting along with one another. At 6pm, the dogs go to bed in their assigned space and are kept individual unless they are from the same family so we can keep everyone safe at night. There is someone on the property at night and at about 8pm to 10pm, the dogs get let out to go potty one last time. Then the day starts over again. This routine for the boarding dogs is done 7 days a week. Schedule to come between 10am and 3pm, Monday through Saturday, or to have a tour of our facility.
Can I bring my pet's own food?
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We highly recommend bringing your pet’s own food from home. We do not charge extra to feed your pet it's own food. Switching your dog’s diet can give them an upset tummy or diarrhea. Bring their food in its original dog food bag, zip lock baggies, or a container with your pet's first and last name. It’s not a bad idea to bring a day or two extra just in case your trip is longer than you planned. Any extra food left over will be given back. We measure out food amounts twice a day per owner’s instructions. Any free fed or picky eaters should bring special enticing food to stimulate eating while in a new environment. If you do not bring your pets food or if you run out, we have Lamb and Rice premium dry dog food for only $1.00 per day.
Can I bring my pet's bed, blanket, or toys?
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We ask that you leave all beds, blankets, toys, kennel crates, and bowls at home. Not having these items makes less of a hassle for you and us. It’s one less thing for you to remember to bring before your big trip, and we don’t have to worry about your items getting misplaced or destroyed. We supply all bedding for each pet that is washed daily. Plus, far too many dogs can be possessive over personal items or toys. We also do not need your pet’s food or water bowls. We have size appropriate feeding bowls that are sanitized after each feeding. Fresh, clean water is always available and bowls are washed daily.
What time should I drop my dog off for boarding?
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We ask that you drop your pet's off for boarding anytime before 4pm. This gives your pet the chance to adjust and we can monitor them to make sure your pet is comfortable and happy. Dropping pets off too close to when we close is stressful and doesn't give your dog enough time to go potty, say hi to friends, and get comfortable before going to bed at the end of the day.
Are the dogs caged all day/night when we are closed for holidays and after hours?
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​No, they are not. At 6pm we put the dogs in their beds but they get to go out again at about 8pm to 10pm for a 20 to 30 minute potty break. During the day they play for 12 hours straight with a few naps here and there, so when it is time for bed time they are wiped out and tired. On holiday days we are closed, pets staying with us get the same care as if we were open. They still get to play and socialize, run and swim, and have naps and snuggle time. We are closed on holidays because we have higher volume of dogs and being closed makes it easier for us to take care of them without interruptions. See our contact page for holidays we are closed.
How long can my pet stay?
​Your pet can stay as long or as little as you want or need. We have had dogs come for daycare for only an hour so their owners can go shopping and we have dogs stay for months at a time because they are deployed military. We are flexible with you and your schedule. Discounts are available for long boarding stays.
Is there someone sleeping with the dogs over night?​
Yes, There is staff member someone sleeping with the dogs at night. They are there to evacuate the building in an emergency and come down and do nightly checkups on the dogs. Sorry no after our drop offs or pick ups.
What do I need to bring for the trial?
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For your pet's trial all you need to do is fill out our application paper work, $20 (cash or credit card) and your pet's proof vaccine records from their vet. You may bring a lunch if your pet is under 6 months of age. Otherwise most adult dogs will eat in the morning at home and the evening after you pick them up . See requirements page for more information. Pets who pass the trial qualify for boarding and daycare at our facility.
What age can I bring my Puppy?
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We recommend bringing puppies in that are at least 12 weeks of age or have had their first two sets of puppy distemper/parvo shots and bordetella. Young puppies are at higher risk for getting sick if not vaccinated and being exposed to other pets. We don't require your puppy to have rabies until they are 6 months of age. We also don't require your puppy to be spayed or neutered until 7 months of age.
What vaccines does my dog need?
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We require three vaccines. Rabies for dogs over 6 months of age. Rabies is done every 1 year or every 3 years. Bordetella, also known as kennel cough or canine cough. This vaccine is done every 6 months or 1 year. And Distemper /Parvo (DHPP) which is a 5-way vaccine that is given every 1 year or 3 years. Although we don't require Leptospirosis or a fecal test, it is highly recommenced that you get them for your pet to keep them safe and healthy .