About Central Bark Rochester

Lenny is a native of Rochester, growing up in the community. After highschool, he left Rochester to go to college at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing. He worked for a family owned steel company in the Milwaukee area for 6 years and obtained his MBA while working during that time. Lenny met his (now) wife in Milwaukee and learned they were both from Rochester!

During their time in Milwaukee, Lenny and Emily fostered a dog, and had two cats before adopting their pit/Foxhound Mix, Baxter, in 2016. They had both been animal lovers their whole lives, and Baxter presented some unique “challenges” that quickly got them into learning about dog behavior, training methods, and overall dog care. It was at that time that they began bringing Baxter to Central Bark – Westside in Milwaukee and fell in love with the program and what Baxter was gaining from his time there.

After they were married in 2017 the time came for them to make the decision to move back home to MN. With Lenny’s passion for animals and desire to be a business owner, he set his sights on opening a doggy day care in Rochester. After learning Central Bark was a franchise and exploring the different options, he knew that Central Bark was the only fit for him and aligned with his and Emily’s passions and love for dogs whole care. They have been open since June of 2019!

“We welcome you to join our Central Bark family.”

Lenny & Emily, Central Bark Rochester Franchise Owners

Meet the Team

Abby

Store Manager

I am one of the store managers here at Central Bark Rochester, as well as one of our one-on-one enrichment and training tutor specialists. I have been Central Bark since April 2019 (before we even opened!). Although I came to Central Bark with a retail background professionally, I have always had a passion for dogs and caring for them. My favorite moments at work are when I am leading a One-on-One Enrichment Session, taking pictures of our daycare dogs, and sharing details of the day with our amazing customers when they pick their dog up. I do not have a dog of my own at the moment, but I love every dog at Central Bark like they’re my own. I especially love Dachshund’s and Mini Poodle’s and will be getting one this year! Until I get a dog to love and spend all my free time with, I enjoy fishing, camping, watching movies, and relaxing with my family.

Awards & Achievements

KTTC TV’s 2021 Fan Favorite for Pet Services

The Dog Gurus Training

Our Family Photo Album

Forrest L

Grooming A+++ I brought my older, thick-haired matted mini Aussie in recently.After multiple failed attempts to try and clean him up with those $30-60 clippers - and other local groomers that just completely botched him.. -I decided that he’s best left with the pros and CB seemed to be great. [...]

Madi M

Our pup has been going to Central Bark for daycare & grooming for over a year now, and we are so happy June can call this her home away from home. The Central Bark team is so sweet & accommodating. June always is so excited as we pull into the [...]

Billy M

Staff always has a smile and they genuinely enjoy being with our dog. We primarily use their grooming services and haven’t had an issue.

Kalan S

Central Bark is the epitome of Top Notch. From ownership to employees, their biggest focus and concern is the health and happiness of your dog. The Enrichment Day Care program helps your dog grow and improve everyday. Lola is a big fan of the treats and dog food options but [...]

Angela H

Amazing, friendly staff who go above and beyond for the dogs and their owners. Locally owned with Midwest service and hospitality

Rhonda A

Bow wow everybody. My name is Petey and I have to tell you that I have the best time at Central Bark! I get so excited when mom tells me I get to go play I nearly break the glass door trying to get in. I’ve met a lot of [...]

Becky M

Everything about Central Bark in Rochester is excellent. The staff are so welcoming and accommodating. Christine the groomer is simply fantastic and not only loves our pup, but is a skilled and careful groomer. Our pup needs special grooming to ensure she stays mat and tangle free. Christine is knowledgeable [...]

Caroline B.

My Poppy gets so excited when she knows she is going to Central Bark! Lenny and all his staff are great! I think they love her as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in Central Bark Doggy Day Care?

It’s easy! Just complete our online registration form.

To speed up the registration process, please have available: veterinarian contact information, an emergency contact (other than yourself or your partner), pet information & medical history, and credit card information (optional). We will ask you a series of questions about your dog’s training and social history. These questions help us get to know them and provide the best care possible.

What should I look for in a dog groomer?

An essential characteristic of a dog groomer is someone who makes you and your dog feel safe and comfortable.

Other things to look for:

Certifications – Groomers don’t need a license or certification to work. Still, these accreditations are often signs that the groomer has the necessary training and experience to care for your pup.
Experience with different breeds – Look for a groomer with experience with a variety of breeds and coats and the standard haircut for your dog’s breed.
Preparedness – A groomer should work with dogs of all ages and levels of experience with grooming. They should aim to help each dog feel as comfortable as possible with the grooming process. Suppose the dog or puppy becomes anxious or uncomfortable. In that case, the groomer should be able to suggest a plan for increasing their comfort over time with the use of a positive reward-based approach.

Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session

How do dogs wind down from the flurry of activity and avoid potential conflicts?

Dogs nap quietly in their crates in the Nap Room, complete with classical music and aromatherapy.

What does a dog groomer do?

Our expert groomers always aim to help your dog feel as calm and relaxed as possible during bathing and grooming, making it an experience they can enjoy and look forward to.

At Central Bark, we offer a wide array of services customized to your dog, including:

Dog baths
Dog grooming
Dog ear cleaning
Dog teeth brushing
Dog nail trims
Dog deshed treatments
Dog brush outs
Dog gland expressions
And more

Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session

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.