Central Bark Doggy Day Care

07/16/2007 Posted by moefiveash

After reading the negative comment posted about Central Bark I had to speak up! My husband and I have been taking our dogs to Central bark since they opened 4 years ago, on average about 3-4x per month with the exception of a one year period between when we had lost our first dog to cancer, and when we got a new puppy. I can't tell you how wonderful our experience has been. Every time I come in the staff greets me like I'm family, and greet my dog as if she is their own. She absolutely lights up when we pull in the parking lot, and flies through the door upon arrival. I watch the webcam and see the love they give her. She has stayed as many as 4 nights for boarding as well, and my experience was perfect. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my dog with my own adult kids! But Ben and his crew at Central Bark have proven that they are up to the task. Granted, 4 nights in a kennel environment does not make for a perfect smelling dog or dog bed, this much is obvious. But a quick bath (which they provide for a nominal fee) and some fabreeze and we're good as new. The amount of love and caring attention they have shown to me and my family over the last 4 years makes it impossible for me not to speak up when reading the negative review. Don't let one person's bad experience ruin the benefits of such a wonderful business for you. I can tell you with certainty that without Central bark our dogs would not be the same. It has taught them to approach other dogs gently (if not playfully) and not to fear strangers. It provides exercise and care when they'd otherwise be stuck at home. And it provides us needed stress relief from work when we get to watch the pups play online. Try Central bark -- you WONT be disappointed!

Pros: Best staff, hands down. Safe, secure, convenient, open every day.

07/04/2007 Posted by carmodygal

I took my dog to Central Bark as a last ditch resort when Virginia Woof was full & what a mistake it was. I was overcharged, my poor puppy & all of his belongings came home absolutely REAKING of dog urine & to top it off he was dehydrated & down right sick. My initial visit should have tipped me off but I was in a rush & ignored my better judgment. Being a dog trainer in my earlier days I have seen a lot in regards to levels of smell & dirt. This place knocked me to my knees from the smell of dog unrine as I entered the front door. I blew this off@first seeing that they do not let the dogs outside during their stay.Similar indoor places do not smell like this. Next-the behavioral test a ten dollar venture or five if you fill out the form before hand. What a rip! It took all of 2min & consisted of bringing out two dogs that pummeled my dog. The day I came to pick up my pet there was no one@the front counter & I had to hoot & holler for 3 or so min into the back room that is “under constant supervision during business hours” to get someones attention. I was checked out only to find that the newbie deal that I was offered by the gal that checked me in was no longer the case. At this point I just wanted to get my dog back. They brought out his things & they were disgustingly dirty. Now I have had@one point in my life@least five dogs living w/ me & seen some pretty dirty environments, but this was disgusting. His bed that we had for months &never needed cleaning went from a blue & white to a grey & brown.The color was hard to make out & this after only 5 days in the kennel? His collar, once red, was now black & his toys were equally dirty. The only thing I can figure is they try to wash the pe out of the rooms while the beddings is still out. Totally gross. I never considered myself a dog snob but I guess I should. If this place has 4+stars my expectations are way out of wack. The only con was there were dogs to play w/. Please find another place to take your beloved!

Pros: other dogs to socialize with

Cons: every other aspect of dog boarding

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