Join us to Help Find a Cure for Cancer
Central Bark is proud to support the Animal Cancer Foundation (acfoundation.org) to spread public awareness and raise funding for life-saving cancer research for both pets and people!
Our Story
Our story began in the mid-1990s when Jackie Jordan and I (Chris Gaba) sought to provide a healthy and happy life for our dogs while balancing family and work demands. We loved our dogs and wanted to enrich their lives as much as they enriched ours. We needed a safe environment for our dogs to play, exercise, and socialize. But at that time, these resources just weren’t available.
So together, we created Central Bark®. It was based on one simple idea: Our best friends deserve the best care. We created a place where dogs can get all the love, attention and activity they need to be healthy, happy, and well-rounded members of the family. Our dogs were happier and healthier, our families felt more peaceful and loving, and our communities had a hub for like-minded dog lovers.
Today, Central Bark is one of the nation’s largest networks of day care for dogs and provides one of the most holistic pet care options available. We go beyond a traditional doggy day care with our unique Whole Dog Care philosophy and enrichment focus that combines decades of dog experience with the latest dog behavior science. We offer everything from Enrichment Dog Day Care and boarding to grooming, market, training and more. All with the mission to help you and your best friend enjoy a whole, healthy, and happy life together.
After more than 20 years, many things have evolved, but our mission remains the same: To forever nurture, enrich, and inspire whole health, happiness, and unconditional love for each dog, family, and community we serve.
We welcome you and your dog to join our Central Bark family.
– Jackie Jordan and Chris Gaba
Awards & Achievements
Our Family Photo Album
Kristy M
Super friendly and professional. Highly recommended. Our pup had a fabulous first day!
Lynn. A
Ellie's recent stayover was the longest thus far, and I felt such a peace knowing that Ellie was in the best of hands!! I was comfortable mostly because I know how much she enjoys her daycare days. She loves it!! I'm so happy that Central Bark West Columbia is in [...]
Katie M.
Our sweet Leo absolutely loves his daycare days. The staff is always friendly and have been helpful with any questions I’ve had. We are so happy we found a place that’s safe for our pup when we can’t be with him.
Megan J.
Rosie had her first ever Spa Day! She smelled so good and she felt so soft after her bath! I can’t wait for her to go again. Elizabeth did a wonderful job!
Rachel I.
Central Bark is by far the best place to take your fur baby. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and love all the pets as their own. Thank you Central Bark!!!!
Alicia L
This is the only place we will leave our furbaby when traveling. It is very clean and our furbaby gets so excited when we pull up!
Sheila T. The staff is amazing, and Otto has a good time...he's always smiling in the pictures!
Lynn R. Central Bark staff work with your dog's personality to acclimate them to the environment. Our Maggie is very timid, and they worked with her so that now she plays with the other dogs. She is worn out for the evening and the next day. Thank you, Central Bark!
Jennifer F. This is an amazing place to send your furry friends! Our pup Mahogany (Huggy) gets so excited every time we pull in to the parking lot. He always comes home happy & pooped out! The staff is friendly and just as excited to see Huggy as he is to see [...]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
When potty training your pup, consistency is key. It’s crucial to establish a routine, practice positive reinforcement, supervise your puppy (especially when potty training), and avoid punishing your puppy when mistakes happen.
Potty training a puppy to eliminate outside can take just a few weeks or several months. But it will go more quickly if your training routine is consistent, and you’re consistent about taking your puppy outside every few hours.
Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you train your puppy. We offer expert training and classes so you and your puppy can learn and bond together.
Learn more about our training classes.
Visit our Dog Blog for more helpful tips.
Do groomers sedate dogs?
No. At Central Bark®, we never sedate dogs in our salon. Our expert groomers always aim to help your dog feel as calm and relaxed as possible during their bathing and grooming experience.
Suppose your dog has shown extreme stress or anxiety toward grooming in the past. In that case, we suggest speaking with a trusted veterinarian and one of our reward-based trainers about how we can best support your dog.
Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session
Is it ok to board your dog?
Yes! When your dog spends the night with us, we do everything we can to ensure your dog has a safe place where they can feel well-rested.
Sleepovers at Central Bark® offer your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in a familiar place, they can feel less stressed about being away from home (and so will you). A full day of Doggy Day Care is included with your sleepover stay.
What is dog training?
Dog training teaches a dog to perform certain behaviors, often in a variety of contexts. At Central Bark®, our training classes are based on the latest research and scientific understanding of dog behavior to enhance the bond between you and your dog.
We use positive reward-based techniques to help puppies and dogs of all ages develop essential life skills and behaviors that will enrich their lives at home and day care. These methods set dogs up to succeed and reward them for performing desired behaviors. Rewards are tailored to the dog’s preferences and can include food treats, time to play with a favorite toy, or verbal praise.
Learn more about our training classes.
Visit our Dog Blog for more helpful tips.
Central Bark Whole Dog Care
Our Whole Dog Care approach offers a full range of fun and personalized products and services to promote your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness throughout their entire life.