Question 1

How can I get started?

Accepted Answer

We ask that anyone wishing to bring their dog to The Local Bark, 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 Animal Den, you do not need to complete an Evaluation Day for your cat prior to boarding.

Question 2

What vaccinations does my pet need?

Accepted Answer

DAYCARE, BOARDING, GROOMING, AND TRAINING FOR DOGS:
For daycare, boarding, and training We require all dogs to be up to date on the following vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. If you are only looking for grooming services, 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, Canine Influenza, Fecal Screening, and Flea and Tick Preventatives.
 
BOARDING FOR CATS (Animal Den Only):
For cat boarding, we require them to be up to date on the following vaccines: FVRCP and Rabies

Question 3

What is an Evaluation Day?

Accepted Answer

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 11 am, 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 daycare charge and must be scheduled prior to any future reservations.
 
*Animal Den does not require Evaluation Days for cats*

Question 4

Do you administer medications?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Can I bring my dog's own food?

Accepted Answer

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 oversized 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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

We know how frustrating this seems! Unfortunately, the kennel cough vaccine doesn’t cover all strains 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 virus, please let us know so we may make notes and keep records.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Our lobbies are closed on the following holidays: New Year's 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.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.​

Question 9

Do you offer grooming?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer full-service grooming at both The Local Bark and 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 to any daycare or boarding reservation or booked as a standalone appointment. Appointment times are limited, so please make all grooming appointments before or during the time of checking in your pup.

Frequently Asked Questions