Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQ:

How do I get started?

We ask that anyone wishing to bring their dog to The Local Bark, The Animal Den, or The Local Bark Park get started by going to our customer portal and setting up an online profile for you and your dog. Once you have completed the online profile you will need to upload current health requirements for your pet. Once your account is set up and you have sent over all of the required records please contact our front desk to schedule an Evaluation Day. We require all guests to complete a FREE Evaluation Day before scheduling overnight boarding and/or daycare visits.

For those interested in becoming a Bark Park Member, please see The Local Bark Park FAQ

If you are interested in cat boarding at The Animal Den you do not need to complete an Evaluation Day for your cat prior to boarding

What vaccinations does my pet need?

DAYCARE, BOARDING, AND TRAINING FOR DOGS:

For daycare, boarding, and training We require all dogs to be up to date on the following vaccinations and screenings: Rabies, DhPP, Bordetella, Canine Influenza, as well as a negative fecal screening that has been run within the last year. If you are only looking for grooming services only then we do not require a fecal.

While not required, we also highly recommend that your dog be up to date on the Leptospirosis Vaccine.

GROOMING FOR DOGS:

If you are only looking for groom-only appointments we require that all dogs be up to date on the following vaccines: Rabies, DhPP, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza

BOARDING FOR CATS (Animal Den Only):

For cat boarding we require they be up to date on the following vaccines: FVRCP and Rabies

What is an Evaluation Day?

The Evaluation Day is a free day of daycare that will allow your dog to try out our facility, and ensure that your pup will have a safe and enjoyable stay with us in the future. On the day of your dog's Evaluation you will need to drop them off before 11am and they will need to stay for a minimum of 5 hours. We ask that you provide a small pre-portioned bag of food during this first visit so we can make sure your pet is comfortable with our staff feeding them. During their trial visit our staff will take detailed notes on their behavior and you will be sent home with a digital report card on how they did!

Dogs that have not visited us in 2+ years will be required to complete a Re-evaluation Day. This day follows the same schedule as a regular Evaluation Day but does incur a $34 daycare charge and must be scheduled prior to any future reservations.

*The Animal Den does not require Evaluation Days for cats*

Do you administer medications?

We sure do! We will administer any oral or topical medications your dog needs during their stay at no extra charge. We ask that you please bring all the medications in their original packaging with detailed instructions on administration. We will not accept any medications pre-mixed into your dog's food.

Unfortunately we are unable to administer any injectable medications.

My dog has a sensitive stomach. Can I bring their own food?

We are happy to accept your own food. You can choose to either pre-bag each meal or bring a pre-measured amount in a sealed bag or container. We may turn away over-sized food containers. We can also accommodate meals that need to be stored in a fridge and/or freezer or that need to be reheated before feeding. For those of you with dogs who enjoy some variety in their meal times, we also have premium grain-free food options available to satisfy your pup's appetite.

My dog received their kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella), but they still came down with kennel cough?

We know how frustrating this seems! Unfortunately, the kennel cough vaccine doesn’t cover all strands of the disease. We try to compare this to the flu vaccines for people. Although you’ve been vaccinated you may still get sick. We uphold high cleaning standards, however, even the most sterile facilities are subject to kennel cough. If your dog comes down with kennel cough or any other contagious viruses, please let us know so we may make notes and keep records.

Why can’t I pick up/drop off on a holiday?

Our lobbies are closed on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Although we still have staff on site during the holidays to take care of our boarding guests, our lobby doors are closed to the public. Your pet will still receive their normal routine while in our care, however, we do not answer phones, doors, or emails. Normal front desk duties resume the next business day.

I’m going to be late picking up my pet, can you wait for me?

We adhere to strict business hours for continuity of care. Our staff works hard on keeping the dog/cats on schedule which is why we’re strict on open/closing times. Thank you for understanding.

Do you offer grooming?

Yes! We offer full service grooming at both The Local Bark and The Animal Den including baths, clean-up trims, and full body hair cuts. We also have a variety of extra add on services such as nail trims, anal gland expression, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and more!. Grooming can be added on to any daycare or boarding reservation or booked as a stand alone appointment. Appointment times are limited so please make all grooming appointments before or during the time of checking in your pup.

THE LOCAL BARK FAQ:

What should I bring?

We welcome you to bring your dog's own food, any medications they are taking, 1 small (3ft X 3ft) blanket, and up to 2 washable toys (please no rope toys). We will provide a raised cot, bowls, and lots of new human and canine friends! Please also bring a leash for your dog, and use it! Out of respect for other guests who may be checking in or out at the same time as you and your pup, we ask that you keep your dog on leash at all times until a Guest Service Representative takes them to the play yards. We do not encourage on-leash greetings between guests!

We ask that you do not bring any large blankets, dog beds, rope toys, food/water bowls, or rawhide treats.

*We will accept slow feeder bowl if needed*

What if my dog isn't feeling well during their stay?

We perform daily health checks on each of the boarding guests to make sure every dog is looking and feeling happy and healthy. If we notice something out of the ordinary, we will make every effort to establish a line of communication with you, or your emergency contact, to determine a course of action. If necessary, we have contacts with various local vets and emergency clinics and will be happy to utilize them with your permission.

What does my dog’s daily schedule look like while boarding at The Local Bark?

Our day starts bright and early at 5am when our staff arrives to let everyone out for their first potty break. After everyone has gone potty we feed breakfast and administer any morning medications. Once 7am hits, our boarding guests that participate in playgroups head out to the yards for their free all day play. Playgroups run from approximately 7am-5pm, however we do have nap options available for those guests that prefer it. Guests that have noon meals or medications are brought in around 11:30am for approximately 1 hour. During the warmer months we also have pool options available to be added on for an additional cost. Around 5pm, everyone is fed dinner and we complete any evening medications. We then do one last potty/play time break from 6:30pm-7:30pm before we get everyone settled in for the night.

What if my dog does not do well with other dogs?

We understand that not all dogs are playgroup dogs, because of this we do offer a private care service called Personal Care. Our Personal Care program is a great fit for dogs that have specific behavioral or medical needs or dogs that do not thrive in a large group setting. Instead of participating in all-day playgroups, our Personal Care guests receive up to five let outs per day in a private yard. During their let outs they will get to play with toys, socialize with staff, and roam the yard. Personal Care let outs are about 10-15 minutes each and take place at approximately 5am, 8am, 12pm, 4pm, and 7pm.

ANIMAL DEN FAQ:

What should I bring?

We encourage you to bring your dog's own food so they do not have a change in diet and any medications they are taking in their original packaging, separate from all food. You are also welcome to bring your dogs personal belongings such as a bed or blanket and a limit of 3 toys. We ask that you do not bring any rawhide or rope toys as they are a potential hazard when left unsupervised in their kennel. We do also have in-house raised feeders and slow feeders to offer and ask that you do not bring your own bowls. We will provide a raised cot, bowls, and lots of new human and canine friends! Please also bring a leash for your dog, and use it! Out of respect for other guests who may be checking in or out at the same time as you and your pup, we ask that you keep your dog on leash at all times until a staff member is able to bring them back to their room. takes them to the play yards. We do not encourage on-leash greetings between guests!

What if my dog isn't feeling well during their stay?

What does my dog’s daily schedule look like while boarding at The Animal Den?

Our day starts bright and early at 5am when our staff arrives to let everyone out for their first potty break. Between 6:30-7:30am and after everyone has gone potty we prep and feedbreakfast and administer any morning medications. At approximately 8am is when our day goes into full swing. Your dog will be rotated to the play yard every couple of hours for play, potty, staff interaction and fun anywhere between 30-60 minutes each time. Our playgroup letouts are on rotation along with our Personal Care (one-on-one) guests. Around 12:30pm, Guests will be given any lunchtime meals or medications needed. Around 5pm, we begin prepping dinner and everyone is fed any evening medications are given. We then do one last potty/play time break from 6:30pm-7:30pm before we get everyone settled in for the night.

What does my cat’s daily schedule look like while boarding at The Animal Den?

Our multi-level cat condos are located in a dedicated cat room, completely isolated from our canine guests with their own ventilation system. Cats enjoy playtime outside of their private condos in the common area on a rotational basis. They have access to toys, tunnels/trees, and perches with windows for sunbathing. Our boarding cats have unlimited access to a routinely freshened litter box, water, and bedding. You are also welcome to bring a few of your cat’s personal belongings for us to keep in their condo with them.

For safety and comfort, we do not allow cat guests to interact with cats outside of their household. Our cat room is serviced and attended on a frequent schedule throughout the day in order to rotate guests out into the main room and for feeding and/or medicating, human interaction & playtime, and general upkeep of condos.

What if my dog does not do well with other dogs?

We understand that not all dogs are playgroup dogs, because of this we do offer Personal Care Boarding. Our Personal Care program is a great fit for dogs that do not get along with other dogs, does not thrive in a group setting, or have any specific behavioral needs and/or health concerns.. Instead of participating in all-day playgroups, our Personal Care guests receive the same amount of letouts per day and get to utilize the yard with a staff member only. During their let outs they will get to play with toys, socialize with staff, and explore the yard.

THE LOCAL BARK PARK FAQ:

What is the difference between your dog park and a regular dog park?

Our members-only dog park has many benefits you won’t find at a public dog park. Our team of “Barktenders” are there to ensure all dog interactions are supervised. We also have strict health and behavior requirements so you can have peace of mind knowing your dog is socializing with friendly, healthy pups. Not to mention, we have snacks, drinks and a beer bar with local craft brews!

Is the park open everyday?

Check out our park hours here or call us at 916-456-4720.

How much does it cost?

We offer memberships and a limited number of single trial visit passes.

Memberships start at $70 per month for the first dog and an additional $15 a month for each additional dog. Trial visit passes are $15 per visit with a maximum of two trial visits per dog.

Why don’t you offer day passes?

Each dog guest is allowed up to two trial passes as a way to determine if The Local Bark Park is a good fit for them. We have designed this to be a members-only park so as to create an environment in which the dogs become very familiar and comfortable.

Is there a behavior assessment needed for my dog?

That depends. If your dog has been a boarding or daycare guest in our playgroups at either The Local Bark or The Animal Den, you can skip this step. *Please note The Local Bark Park will be mixing all sizes and breeds of dogs, as well as allowing play with toys. If you are uncertain how your dog might react to a dog of a different size or a specific breed, or with toys around other dogs, we suggest you schedule an additional behavior assessment.*

If your dog hasn’t played in our playgroups, please call to schedule a behavior assessment. Plan to leave your dog for at least 5 hours for this evaluation at either The Local Bark or The Animal Den.

What is the orientation for owners?

If your dog passes the behavior assessment, your last step toward attending our park is your orientation. This orientation may be scheduled by calling 916-456-4720. Although not all family members are required to attend the orientation, it is strongly suggested, and required for children. All dogs visiting The Local Bark Park must be accompanied by someone who has attended an orientation.

Is there a separate area for small dogs?

We unfortunately do not have a separate area for small dogs but we do require that all dogs that attend The Local Bark Park be friendly towards both large and small dogs. We have seen some pretty unlikely friendships form over the years because of our sizing inclusivity.

Is it closed when it's raining? How will I know for sure? Are there other times it may be closed?

The park may be closed during periods of rain or if there are any issues related to safety we may be dealing with. We will send out text alerts in these rare circumstances. Please call 916-456-4720 if you are unsure whether the park will be open.

Can I bring a friend?

Yes! You are welcome to bring human friends, as long as they sign our waiver and follow our rules. We want to create a fun atmosphere, and we know it’s possible you may want to bring a friend who doesn’t have a dog.

Are children allowed?

Children 10 and over are welcome at our park. Kids are required to follow the rules to ensure safety and fun for all. All kids must attend an orientation as well. Anyone that is 16 years of age or younger MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.

How is inappropriate dog behavior handled?

Our trained team of Barktenders are ready to assist in intervening inappropriate dog behavior before it leads to anything serious. At your orientation, you will learn critical skills as well to help avoid doggy conflict. You take a big role in attending to the needs of your dog to help ensure everyone is having a good time. Examples of interventions include “leash breaks” and redirecting a dog to different play partners when necessary. We may also need to resort to use of a squirt bottle with water, and in extreme circumstances, may need to interrupt a fight using citronella spray or other deterrent. Our goal is to ensure a good time is being had by all, and we are there to prevent these problems from arising in the first place.

What if my dog engages in a fight?

We will do our best to ensure this doesn’t happen. Depending on the severity of the confrontation, we may ask you to remove your dog for the remainder of the day. It is likely we will need to reassess whether your dog is an appropriate candidate for this type of play environment. Any dog who causes injury to another dog will be excluded from future use of the park.

Do you allow electronic collars?

We support the proper use of e-collars, as we understand they can be a wonderful training tool. If we see inappropriate use, or we believe it is causing stress in your dog, you may be asked to leave the park.

What is the cancellation policy?

We require 30 days notice of cancellation of memberships.

What else should we know?

We work hard to create a fun place for both you and your dog. Please assist us in keeping it this way! Please be respectful of our trained Barktenders assisting in managing dog play and feel free to chat with them for tips and tricks on dog management. Please keep your alcohol consumption to a respectful level. We reserve the right to ask you to leave or cancel your membership if either you or your dog’s behavior is inappropriate.