About Central Bark Mequon

Hi, my name is Ray Djokic and I am the new owner of the Grayslake, IL (2021), Milwaukee Downtown (2022), Wauwatosa (2023), Milwaukee Eastside (2023), and Mequon (2024) Central Bark Stores.

I have such a passion for both business and dogs that I always knew one day I would combine both these passions and start this type of business. My background is in franchising with two other concepts (Jimmy John’s and College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving) so naturally it’s the route I wanted to go with when finding a doggy day care.

Upon learning about Central Bark, I knew on day one I wanted to be a part of this system. They exceeded my expectations, and in my opinion separated themselves from any other concept in this industry. After meeting the team and the brains behind this system it only solidified my decision.

My goal is to combine everything I have learned in my past 16 years in franchising from all the great brands I have been a part of to make this place the best place to bring your dogs. I am so excited and can’t wait to meet all of the parents and pets that walk through our doors!

I know if both pets and parents are leaving our location with a smile, our team has done their job.

Cheers!

Ray Djokic, Central Bark Downtown Milwaukee Franchise Owners

Awards & Achievements

Our Family Photo Album

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dog boarding?

Dog boarding gives your dog a safe and comfortable place to spend the night when they can’t be home overnight. It can last for just one night or for a week or more at a time.

At Central Bark®, we offer Sleepovers to dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care Program. Sleepovers at Central Bark® provide 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.

Our Stay-n-Play program (available at participating locations) offers boarding for dogs that have not enrolled in our day care program. Each overnight guest gets a restful night’s sleep, followed by a day of play, exercise, and plenty of TLC from our staff. Stay-n-Play guests sleep and play in their own designated areas. 

Learn more about sleepovers at Central Bark.

What kinds of behaviors and commands can my dog learn with a Training Tutor?

Our trainers can help your dog learn a variety of essential life skills and behaviors during their one-on-one sessions. These include fundamental commands like sit, stay, down, wait, and leave-it, as well as more specific skills such as calm door and gate etiquette and relaxed loose-leash walking. The training is tailored to help your dog become a well-behaved and confident member of the family.

What are One-on-One Enrichment sessions?

Our One-on-One Enrichment sessions give your dog the freedom to safely explore their senses with an Enrichment Specialist. They’ll get the personal attention they love, supplemented with interactive toys, puzzles, and games that exercise their bodies and minds. They can also level up their skills with fitness training and agility exercises if they’re ready for more. 

Did you know? 15 minutes of mental activity is equal to 30 minutes of physical exercise!

Learn more about Enrichment Doggy Day Care.

What do you do in the event of a scuffle between dogs?

Even with such a proactive approach to safety as described above, scuffles between dogs can and do happen from time to time. Although this is a rare occurrence, dogs are animals and don’t always talk about whose tennis ball it is. If a scuffle does occur, staff are trained to intervene immediately by making a loud noise and separating the dogs involved as quickly as possible. For most dogs enrolled in our program, this is enough to stop the situation. If needed, we are also equipped with squirt bottles and a hose. Any dog involved in a scuffle will receive a cursory body check and play break to calm down.

Read all FAQs

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.