FAQ’s

What are the requirements for Barkefellers’ Day Care?

We would like our guests to be at least 4 months old, Spayed or Neutered (if over 12 months) and be current on vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, and Bordatella (canine cough). We will keep a copy of our guest's vaccinations on record. Our guests must be in good health, flea/tick free, friendly to all dogs, and generally love to play.

How does Barkefellers decide the temperament of guests?

We will interview guests’ owners before accepting them into Barkefellers’ Day Care. The guest will be introduced to other Day Care dogs (whose temperament we know) to see how well they interact. If the introductions go well, we recommend that new Day Care guests stay at least 4 hours so we can continue to monitor their play patterns.

What do the guests do at Day Care?

Our guests play all day with other guests with similar size, temperament and activity levels in our large indoor & outdoor play areas. Be sure to check out the extra Day Care activities under the Day Care tab to upgrade their visit!

Should our guests eat prior to coming to Day Care?

It is best to eat 1 hour prior to coming to Day Care to prevent Bloat which can be caused by playing too quickly after eating. Just to be safe, if our guests have eaten in less than 1 hour, they will be placed in a suite until the proper amount of time has passed.

Can guests rest or take a nap at Day Care?

Of course! We at Barkefellers realize how worn out our guests can get from all the fun they will be having, so we have nap areas available for a mid-day break and any time the dogs get tired.

Can I bring my dog’s bed from home?

While we know your pup may have his or her own bed, Barkefellers provides bedding in order to ensure all our guests are comfortable. Tending to many owners’ beds from home, laundering and tracking, is time consuming for our staff who would rather spend that time caring for your pup. However, if you have a dog with special needs such as ‘mature’ age, a delicate build, physical or emotional challenges, or if you just can’t bear the thought of your pup not sleeping in his or her own bed for overnight stays, we understand and will be very happy to accommodate bedding from home.

Can I bring my dog’s own food for overnight stays?

Yes. Even though dog food is included, we welcome your food if you prefer. Please be sure to label it with your dog’s full name.

Can I bring a snack for my dog for day care?

Yes. There is a minimal charge for handling/feeding your dog during a mid-day break at Day Care. You may bring a snack from home or select a snack from our menu. If bringing a snack from home, please be sure to label it with your dog's full name.

Can I bring toys or treats for my dog’s overnight stay?

Yes. Your pup will be happier with something from home. Please try to limit toys to 2 or 3 items and we recommend you not bring plush toys for safety’s sake, as the filling can be ingested. And yes, you can bring treats for your pooch! Also keep in mind that if you forget treats or toys, Barkefellers sells them in the front entry area. Please see the Pet Boutique for examples of the toys, treats, and food Barkefellers offers!

How often does my pup go outside?

In the morning, mid-day, and evening (3 times) for up to 1 hour or more, weather permitting. Additional potty times can be purchased (See Playtime Activities). Our guests go to their personal private outdoor suite (10’ x 15’) where they can exercise and potty on our exclusive Astro-Turf surface. These surfaces are sanitized daily with hospital grade disinfectants for your pet’s protection.

Can our dogs share a suite?

Yes. Dogs from the same home may share a suite. Please let us know at check in if your dogs should be separated for meal time, due to food aggression or if one dog tends to eat the other dog’s food if not monitored. Special discounts are available for multiple dogs in a suite, please check with the front desk. Also, please inquire about our “Family Suites” which can board up to 5 dogs in one family suite.

Can you give my dog medication needed from home?

Yes. We will log your pets’ medications and dispensing instructions upon arrival.

What if one of our guests gets sick or injured?

Members of the Barkefellers staff are certified in Pet First Aid & Pet CPR. We will take excellent care of them if an accident occurs. Our guest’s owner will be contacted. If it is an emergency, we will take them to a vet immediately.

What is Bordetella or Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough is a syndrome affecting canines, characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system, and can be caused by viral infections or bacterial infections. Both virus and bacterial causes of kennel cough are spread through the air by infected dogs sneezing and coughing. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and through direct contact. It is highly contagious, even days or weeks after symptoms disappear. Symptoms can include a harsh, dry, hacking cough, retching, sneezing, snorting, gagging or vomiting in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement or exercise.

Antibiotics are given to treat any bacterial infection present. Cough suppressants are used if the cough is not productive. Prevention is by vaccinating for canine adenovirus, distemper, parainfluenza, and Bordetella. In kennels, the best prevention is to keep all the cages disinfected. In some cases, such as Doggie Daycares or Non-Traditional Playcare type boarding environments, it is usually not a cleaning or disinfecting issue, but rather an airborne issue, as the dogs are in contact with each other's saliva and breath. Although most kennels require proof of vaccination, the vaccination is not a fail-safe preventative. Just like human influenza, even after receiving the vaccination, a dog can still contract mutated strains or less severe cases. Source: Wikipedia.

Barkefellers sounds like my pet will really enjoy themselves. How do I make reservations for your services?

You can contact Barkefellers during business hours at 317-881-1888 to make your reservation or reservation requests are accepted 24 hours a day at Barkefellers.com under the reservations button on left conveniently located on each page. It is just that easy!

How far in advance should I make reservations?

It is best to make reservations well in advance. Barkefellers fills up quickly around holidays, summer vacations, and local events. Early booking is highly recommended!