Faces Of JAX: BARK
December 22, 2020 | amandasearlerealtor
This month for my Faces Of JAX Series, I chose to highlight one of my favorite local businesses + one we frequent often: BARK – a local pet boutique with grooming + boarding. They have several locations now too which makes their services even easier to take advantage of.
What is BARK/how would you describe it to people? BARK is an upscale dog boutique and facility offering Boarding, Daycare, Grooming and Training! Voted Best of Jax and dedicated to the spoiled dogs of Jacksonville.
What inspired you to open BARK + how long have you been in business? Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. In High School and College I worked at a dog boutique and spent many years at a veterinarian office owned by a close family friend. Not only did my four Yorkies inspire me to open a store but also the need of this type facility in Jacksonville, 11 years ago.
What services do you provide at the Riverside location and Springfield locations? The Riverside location offers a large retail boutique, Dog and cat grooming, Dog Daycare, Overnight Boarding and Training. Our Springfield location offers Dog Grooming with a retail storefront dedicated to cats and dogs!
How do you keep the daycare dogs entertained? Most of the dogs that come to daycare are already quite active! Since we focus on group play the dogs entertain themselves by playing with each other! We have mini pools, puppy play ground equipment, water misters, hoses, and large toys called Jolly Balls that make for a fun filled day! For the dogs that are less active or shy, we have beds and decks that they curl up on or stretch out to sunbathe, snooze or just watch the activity happen! We allow each dog to choose what they feel comfortable doing.
Dealing with dogs can be complicated. How do you handle all the personalities/difficult dogs like Kaeli (my Australian Shepard):) We take pride in knowing our facility is most dogs second home. All staff is trained to watch and understand dog body language. We would never force a dog to do something they don’t like or enjoy. That goes for boarding, daycare and grooming. If we feel the dog is under severe stress we will stop the service and call owner right away. Our number one goal is for every dog to have an amazing experience.
How has COViD-19 affected your business? COVID was and still is a pretty scary subject. First off, Grooming and Daycare was considered non essential. We were forced to stop those services on March 25th. Boarding was non existent since everyone was staying home. BARK is defiantly a serviced based business, so without it, the result isn’t good! Staff was furloughed. My husband, nieces and I were working daily at both locations to help answer clients phone calls and emails, fulfilling and delivering retail purchases and helping out emergency service clients dogs. On a higher note, we ramp-ed up our online business and were able to give the facility a little refresh. I also took part of the downtime to focus on my treat line which is now available at both locations!
Do you have pets? If so, what kind/names… Of course! Great Dane – Zeus, Chiweenie- Greg, Yorkie- Jameson and four hens- Alice, Mesquite, Honey M and Nugget.
What do you do when you aren’t at BARK? I’m call myself an introverted/extrovert. I love being at home, hanging with my pets and husband, painting, gardening, eating, drinking and traveling with friends.
Anything else that you want folks to know about you and or BARK? We are starting Bark Cookie Club for $20 a month! We are also starting a subscription box! Each month the box will be filled with new items ranging from coat care, treats, toys, etc.
Be sure to check it out! They have cat items too in the boutique!!
