About Central Bark Rochester, MN
Lenny Hoisington is the owner and franchisee of Central Bark Rochester, MN and a proud Rochester native. After graduating high school, Lenny moved to Milwaukee to attend the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. He later completed his MBA while working for a family-owned steel company, gaining valuable leadership and operational experience.
Lenny’s lifelong love of animals deepened after adopting his pit bull/Foxhound mix, Baxter, in 2016. Baxter’s unique needs led Lenny and his wife, Emily, to become customers of Central Bark while living in Milwaukee. Seeing firsthand the positive impact of enrichment-based care, socialization, and structure on Baxter was a turning point—and ultimately what inspired Lenny to pursue opening his own Central Bark.
After marrying in 2017, Lenny and Emily returned to Minnesota to build a business rooted in trust, compassion, and community. Central Bark Rochester, MN opened in June 2019. Today, they are raising their two children alongside their dogs, Baxter and their pit bull mix, Zoey. Emily works at Mayo Clinic as a nurse and house supervisor and is Lenny’s biggest supporter. Lenny is proud to serve the Rochester community and lead Central Bark Rochester, MN with passion, compassion, respect, and integrity
“We welcome you to join our Central Bark family.”
Lenny Hoisington, Central Bark Rochester, MN Franchise Owner
Meet The Team
Abby Buck
General Manager
Abby Buck has been with Central Bark Rochester, MN since April 2019—before the doors even opened—and has helped shape the culture from day one. As General Manager, she is the driving force behind the team, leading with passion, compassion, respect, and integrity. Abby is deeply committed to whole-dog care, team excellence, and ensuring families feel confident and informed when hearing about their dog’s day.
Katie Hayward
Store Manager
Katie Hayward is the Store Manager, resident photographer, and proud pug-lover at Central Bark Rochester, MN. She joined the team in September 2020 as a Canine Care Assistant and grew into her role through a deep commitment to dogs and people. Katie is passionate about creating welcoming experiences, capturing joyful moments, and building trust with families through clear communication and thoughtful care.
Awards & Achievements
KTTC TV’s 2021 Fan Favorite for Pet Services
Central Bark® Certified
Enrichment Dog Day Care
Pet CPR Certified
Our Family Photo Album
We have also done the stay & play on days I had long hours for work, and Poppy had the best time! The staff there all love their job and the dogs so deeply.
Highly recommend for your grooming and day care needs!!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Training Tutor and Enrichment services are available as add-ons to your dog’s day care visit, and while single sessions are available, packages are also offered for your convenience. Please note that prepaid packages are nonrefundable, and all sales are final. We recommend speaking with an associate to determine the best option for your dog’s training needs.
Shop the Central Bark® Market for the best choices in healthy and nutritious food, treats, toys, training aids, and dog lifestyle products and apparel. Every item is specially selected to enhance your dog’s physical health and nutrition and provide enrichment, happiness, and comfort.
Call your local store to learn more about the products we carry.
Dog day care gives dogs a fun place to play with their friends while their owners are busy at home and work.
At Central Bark®, doggy daycare is our specialty, and nobody does it quite like us. We don’t just give dogs a place to play. We create a personalized program of activities that optimize your dog’s whole health – their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Central Bark goes beyond a traditional doggy day care with our unique Whole Dog Care philosophy. Our personalized approach helps enrich your dog’s whole health and well-being throughout their entire life so you can enjoy a healthy, happy, and loving life together.
The heart of our whole dog care approach is our Enrichment Doggy Day Care program. We combine Central Bark’s industry-leading doggy day care expertise with the latest dog behavior science. Our mission is to give dogs a balanced blend of exercise, social group play, learning, rest, and TLC. To help your dog be a healthy, happy, calm, and well-rounded member of your family.
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.
