Meet Our Team –Jacksonville
My name is Jess Rowe, and I’m proud to own and operate Central Bark Jacksonville. Being part of this community, working alongside our incredible team, and spending time with your pups is truly my passion. My goal has always been to create a safe, loving, and enriching environment where every dog feels like part of the family.
Before Central Bark, I worked in property management, but I always knew my heart belonged with dogs and the community that surrounds them. That’s why my husband, Nick, and I took the leap into small business ownership—a decision that has become one of the most rewarding chapters of our lives. While Nick continues to support the business behind the scenes, I stay closely connected with our team and families here at Central Bark.
As lifelong dog lovers, our family includes two spirited Chihuahua mixes, Ginger and Izzy, along with our Yorkipoo, Pepa. They remind me daily of the importance of compassion, respect, and integrity, values that guide everything we do at Central Bark.
I am so grateful for the trust you place in us and I look forward to continuing to grow this wonderful community together. Central Bark is more than a daycare—it’s a home away from home for your pups, and I’m honored to share it with you.
Jess, Central Bark Jacksonville Franchise Owner
Meet The Team
Sarah – Manager
Sarah moved to Jacksonville from North Dakota and joined the Central Bark team in March 2023. She has been dedicated to ensuring every pup’s happiness ever since! When she isn’t busy with her managerial duties, Sarah loves spending time snuggling with the dogs—especially all of our Golden Retrievers! Her goal is to make Central Bark a place where pups feel happy, loved, and part of the family. Sarah’s leadership, commitment, and love of dogs are what make her such an essential part…
Megan – Receptionist
After several years working in customer service and office management, Megan found her perfect match at Central Bark, where she gets to combine her organizational skills with her lifelong love of dogs. She joined the team in 2024 and has quickly become the friendly face that greets every pup and parent who walks through our doors. She loves learning each pup’s name and personality, and her goal is to make Central Bark a home away from home for all our pups and their families.
Jennelle – Groomer
After a 20 year career as a hair dresser, Jennelle moved onto the wonderful world of dogs and has been grooming since 2019, starting her career at Central Bark in 2022. She has a love for all dogs, and really enjoys doing Asian Fusion inspired clips. Jennelle currently shares her home here in Jacksonville with her rescue pup Bob. While grooming, Jennelle always goes above and beyond to make your pup look and feel their best with the goal of making sure your dog’s tail is always…
Awards & Achievements
Dog Day Care
Dog Day Care
Dog Day Care
Dog Day Care
Dog Day Care
Dog Day Care
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
There’s no bond like the one between our furry best friends and us. We love our dogs and want to give them the best life possible. But it can be challenging to fulfill all their needs to stay healthy and happy for a lifetime. Doggy day care gives pups a place to play and learn in a safe environment, with the socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise their minds and bodies need to stay healthy for a lifetime.
- Dogs get to socialize. Dogs are social creatures. Positive experiences with new humans, new dogs, and new environments are essential to a well-rounded pup.
- Dogs learn social skills. Dogs learn from other dogs – they’re always teaching each other what is (and isn’t) appropriate social behavior. Doggy day care staff can also help support safe play and practice healthy social behaviors.
- Dogs get more exercise. Exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone while improving their mood and providing a healthy outlet for their physical and mental energy, meaning they can be more relaxed at home.
- Dogs get human attention. Your dog will get the care and love they need while you’re at work or school.
- Parents get a break. Doggy day care can give you a day off from responsibilities, while your dog gets what they need to be a healthier, more well-adjusted pet.
Our top priority is the safety of every dog in our care. Our staff members are not only highly trained but also “fluent in dog speak,” which means they can read canine body language and behavior cues. Our rigorous dog day care safety protocols use a science-based positive reinforcement approach to constantly monitor and manage play. We believe in proactive and preventative care, working to de-escalate potential issues before they start, which is a key part of how dog day care handles disagreements and maintains a secure environment for all dogs.
Our staff is trained in dog body language and positive playgroup management techniques so they can respond proactively to help avoid issues between dogs. These tools include praise, treats, and work on important Group Play Skills daily like name recall, group sits, and going calmly in and out of doorways and gates. If a dog ever becomes overstimulated during play (just like kids do on the playground sometimes) we use these practiced skills to help redirect dogs into more desired behaviors (like coming to us and offering a sit for a treat) which gives the dog a chance to reset and calm down. When needed, we also utilize play breaks (a short rest in an individual crate) or in-group leash walks if a dog needs a little more help to bring their energy levels back down.
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.
Let’s get started
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