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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
Can you give my dog their medication?
Yes. Medication administration is an add-on service. Please let our team know at the time
of booking if you require this service.
How does Central Bark keep its facilities clean and safe?
Central Bark takes a proactive approach to maintaining clean, safe environments for the dogs in our care. Our locations are cleaned and disinfected daily using veterinary-grade disinfectants, and dogs attending our services must meet applicable vaccination and health requirements. Our teams also follow established safety practices throughout the day, including supervised play and structured play and rest periods. We encourage pet parents to contact their local Central Bark to ask questions or schedule a tour and see the facility firsthand.
What is a Behavior Assessment and why is it important?
Central Bark’s Behavior Assessment process helps our team get to know your dog and evaluate factors such as comfort with people, social skills and play style with other dogs, response to different environments, and other behaviors relevant to their day care experience. This helps us make thoughtful decisions about how to support your dog’s comfort, safety, and success in the program.
What should I look for in a dog groomer?
Look for a dog groomer who helps you and your dog feel safe and comfortable, has experience with different breeds and coat types, communicates clearly about your dog’s needs, and uses a patient approach to the grooming process. A good groomer should also be prepared to work with dogs at different ages and comfort levels and discuss a plan when a dog is anxious or uncomfortable.
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.