About Central Bark Milwaukee Downtown

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

Ashley Adam 11 months ago

Our boys love going here for daycare and staying over for sleepovers when we are out of town. The staff are so friendly and helpful.

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Michael Harman 1 year ago

I cannot recommend a doggie daycare more highly than Central Bark Downtown. We sent our puppy Paul to CBDT practically every week from when we first adopted him at six months, till just last week, when he passed away at the age of 12.

The staff has always been caring, and thoughtful. Paul loved his time there, and barked enthusiastically with joy each time we arrived. We had complete peace of mind when he was there, as they took care of his as well as if he was their own.

Thanks to all the staff for taking such good care of our Pauly. You all were a very important part of his life!

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Stephanie Hunter 1 year ago

I appreciate the care they give by making sure your pet has all vaccinations and is healthy, but we had to explain how to read our vet’s invoice. They were unable to look at the 2nd page and I had to call to explain. The bed we took with Healy was returned with a broken zipper, that needs to be replaced, with no explanation or discount, plus we had to ask for it to be returned. When we arrived to pick her up we had to wait in line for quite some time to retrieve her. We assume Healy had lots of fun, because she slept all day and night after picking her up and seemed very happy. But the little knit-picky things annoyed me. I would probably book again though if we are back in Milwaukee.

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Patrick Nichol 3 months ago

Absolutely fantastic facility and crew. Whoever takes the photos and puts them on Facebook deserves a raise, that was half the reason we kept bringing our dog back! And the staff was so nice and on top of everything, five stars over and over again!

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Jennifer 8 months ago

My dog has been going here for training and daycare for 4+ years. She literally screams with joy when we pull into the parking lot and cannot get inside fast enough. The staff is outstanding, attentive, and caring. Cannot recommend CBDT enough!

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Lizzy Erickson 2 year ago

We brought our pup to the puppy play hour at Central Bark downtown and she absolutely loved it! The staff member that was helping was super knowledgeable and welcoming. She was able to read and explain our dogs behaviors which was really helpful. We will absolutely be coming back here!!! 10/10 experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do dogs do at doggy day care?

Central Bark® Enrichment Doggy Day Care combines our industry-leading doggy day care expertise with the latest science-based activities and techniques. We personalize your dog’s day with fun, healthy, and well-balanced activities that appeal to their instincts and enrich their bodies, minds, and senses.

Each day at Central Bark includes exclusive options like:

Flexible play groups allow us to match your dog each day with the social atmosphere and play schedule they can enjoy and benefit from most. This helps give them a healthy balance of play, rest, and learning and creates a safer social environment with a better quality of play. And our lower dog-to-staff ratios offer more individual attention, education, and love.

Group play skills help dogs practice important behaviors and life skills like name recall, group sit, and calmly going in and out of doors and gates. These activities are fun and rewarding for your dog and help improve behavior and impulse control, prevent overstimulation, and creates a safer social environment.

Rest Period Enrichments help dogs relax and recharge in their own private space with calming interactive toys and healthy food pairings tailored to their preferences and diet. It promotes physical and mental relaxation and can help them become more comfortable in crates by building positive associations.

One-on-One Enrichment add-on sessions give your dog the personal attention they love, supplemented with interactive toys, puzzles, and games. Sessions are fun and rewarding, exercise their body and mind, and engage their senses. Add complexity with fitness and agility equipment.

Training sessions during day care visits help your dog develop essential skills and behaviors like name recall, sit, stay, down, wait, leave-it, door and gate control, and loose-leash walking. Excellent for your dog and easy for you! Your dog will come home tired and well-socialized, with the training and skills they need to be a well-behaved member of your family.

Learn more about Enrichment Doggy Day Care.

Are the management and staff mature, knowledgeable, courteous, professional and patient at all times?

We have a team of very qualified individuals here at Central Bark®, including managers who are certified in Canine First Aid and CPR.

How much do dog parties cost?

The cost of your party depends on what you need to celebrate your occasion. You can rent space in our facility to celebrate, then bring in your treats and decorations. Or you can have us plan and run your entire event, complete with a special treat, party favors, hats, decorations, and more.

Call today to learn more

How do you train a dog?

No matter how long you’ve had your dog, it’s possible to teach them new skills and tricks.

Whether you’re crate training, leash walking, or potty training your dog, consistency is key. It’s crucial to establish a routine, practice positive reinforcement, supervise your dog (especially when potty training), and avoid punishing when mistakes happen.

Central Bark® offers everything you need to help you train your dog. 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.

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.