About Central Bark

The Central Bark dream came from a life time of owning and loving dogs. Doggy day care was the most amazing concept imaginable to me, and I truly embraced it from the start. When I dropped my dogs off, it made me so happy to see them excited about the day playing with their human and doggy friends, and come home exhausted after a wonderful day. I really wished I could be a part of this amazing positive environment, that helped so many dogs and their owners, and felt Parnell would be the perfect location for myself and others.

Our search for the perfect doggy day care building started in 2013, and took 4 years to become a reality. During our research it became clear that there was also a need for a high-end pet hotel for dogs and cattery that was close to the city. And we believed we could take pet care (dog boarding kennels, doggy day care, and cattery facilities) to the next level, and look after pets the way we would want our own precious four-legged family members to be looked after.

After visiting top pet care facilities in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, we came up with an amazing design including every creature-comfort, safety, health and hygiene aspect, to build this world class facility.

This dream has come from a genuine passion and love for animals, and a desire to look after them to the absolute best of our ability. The animals and their welfare and happiness will always be our number one priority at Central Bark.

Maggie Butler – Co-owner & General Manager

Central Bark believes that pet care and training should ALWAYS be free of fear, force or pain. Animal Welfare comes above all else at Central Bark, which provides a safe and fun environment for your pet. Our Animal Care Co-ordinators are trained in science-based positive reinforcement methods to reward your pet with treats, love and/or affection to encourage appropriate and positive socialisation.

Our Animal Carer’s are all trained in low-stress handling in the event medications were ever needed to be given while your pet is in our care. Central Bark proactively monitors all pets within their care and provides honesty, compassion and knowledge for you, your pet and their on-going care. We can assure that your pet will ALWAYS be treated as if they were our own at our fantastic doggy day care and dog kennels at Central Bark in Auckland.

• Behaviour

  Central Bark believe that all Pet care and Training should ALWAYS be free of fear, force or pain. Our Animal Care Co-Ordinators are all well versed in reading behaviour in both dogs and cats and so are able to pin point if an animal is enjoying itself or is feeling stressed. We ensure that we will always be honest with our clients about their pets behaviour during their stay or play with us and give advice or help if we are able to! Dogs socializing at Central Bark are only allowed to engage in mutual physical or mouth play with other dogs. Rough or aggressive behaviour cannot exist in our day care environment.

• Bookings & Cancellations

  Please give 24 hours notice for any Day care or Grooming booking cancellations. For Boarding bookings please give at least 3 days notice. Failure to cancel bookings may result in a cancellation fee. All peak period bookings in the pet hotel incur a non-refundable 25% deposit. See hotel pricing for clarification of peak booking periods.

• Can I bring in my pets favourite things?

  Please do! There is nothing nicer than going to your home away from home with some of your home comforts. We love when animals come to stay and they get to have their favourite toy or blanket to help settle them in. Please make sure you clearly label any of your pet’s belongings.

• Can I bring my pets own food for them to eat?

  Yes, we provide high quality food (dry or raw), for the pets staying our hotel, however if they have a special diet or allergies it is important that the owner provides their own food to avoid flare ups. Other than treats, we do not feed our daycare dogs, but you are welcome to bring along their lunch or a snack if you like!

• Can I check on my pet while they are at Central Bark?

  Of course! We welcome people to get in touch with us if they ever need to check in or ask another question. Daily reports are available on request and we ensure you we will fill you in on any cute moments they have had during their day or stay with us, and often you will find gorgeous photos of your precious friend on our Facebook and Instagram when they come to play.
  

• Can I view Central Bark in its entirety before I bring my pet?

  You are more than welcome to come have a tour of our beautiful purpose-built facility. We may not be able to take you through on a weekday during busy day care days as that can be far too stimulating for our canine friends but please call to book an appointment at a time that suits you. We will be open on Saturday mornings for additional viewings also.
  

• Do you have a pet taxi service?

  Not yet, but please do let us know if you would be interested in this service, as we are looking at offering it in the future.

• Toilet Talk

  This building was designed for your animal’s comfort. This means they may toilet in here. All eliminations will be cleaned and sanitised straight away. Do not be embarrassed if your dog has an accident inside our reception or if your cat has had an accident in its cat cage on the way to the hotel... we will get them cleaned up straight away and they can go off and enjoy their time with us.
  

  If you have a puppy that you are in the process of toilet training and you start coming to Central Bark where they can toilet indoors, we recommend making sure you step the training back up at home so that they are still clear on the house rules you are setting.

• What are the health requirements my pet must meet so they can come to Central Bark?

  All dogs and cats wanting to come to Central Bark must be up to date with their vaccinations. If they are over 6 months of age, they will need to be de-sexed - unless mum or dad has spoken with Central Bark Management.
  

• What experience do the staff have that will be caring for my pet?

  Our staff are experienced and trained in dog and cat care and behaviour. We pride ourselves on using positive reinforcement for all animals in our care and being able to help enrich their lives through fun training and stimulation. First Aid qualified staff are onsite for both humans and animals too!

• What if my pet becomes ill or injured while at Central Bark?

  If your pet becomes ill or injured while in our care we will always notify you as soon as possible. In the rare case of an emergency we have first aid qualified staff for animals and we are lucky to be 1 minute away from The Strand Veterinarian if a serious emergency. If your pet is boarding and becomes unwell you or your emergency contact would be contacted and vet treatment arranged either with the clients own vet or The Stand Vet at the clients cost.

• Will Central Bark be able to medicate my pet while they are in their care?

  Our staff are qualified in being able to medicate even the most difficult of pill-takers right through to being able to give injections. Please notify us if your animal is on medication and provide all medications in their original packaging with the clear written instructions attached.  There is a $2.50 charge per day to administer medications.