Dog Day Care

Dog day care offers a highly effective solution for providing a safe, supervised environment where your dog can receive vital exercise, socialisation, and mental stimulation.

First let me tell you about Central Bark's Day Care & what makes us different from the others.

Since our establishment in February 2012, Central Bark has been dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We are proud to hold a 5-Star Higher Welfare Rating from Northumberland County Council, the maximum rating achievable.

• Highly Trained Staff: All team members are fully trained, certified in canine first aid, and insured, ensuring professional and attentive supervision at all times.

• Premium Facilities: We have large, secure outdoor and indoor play areas, supplemented by acres of private land for structured walking.

• Purpose-Designed Rest Areas: Our indoor spaces include designated rest areas, allowing dogs to take breaks and decompress before scheduled activities or meal times.

• On-Site Grooming Services: An integrated grooming parlor allows us to ensure every dog goes home clean. We also offer the convenience of bath and blow-dry services during day care sessions, saving our clients valuable time.

• Puppy Program: We maintain a separate, quiet area for puppies to ensure they are introduced gradually and safely to the main group environment, minimizing stress and maximizing positive early socialisation.

What do we do differently?

Our policies are designed with canine safety and well-being as the primary focus, distinguishing Central Bark from standard day care facilities:

Collar Policy	The Naked Dog Project: Dogs play exclusively without collars or harnesses inside the main facility.	Eliminates the significant risk of entanglement, choking, or serious neck injury during rigorous group play.
Play Equipment	We utilize specialized, dog-safe enrichment items. We do not use plastic slides, ball pits, or children's play equipment.	Prevents accidents caused by slipping and eliminates resource-guarding issues or unsanitary conditions associated with inappropriate play structures.
Flooring	Main play areas feature astro-turfed flooring.	Provides excellent traction, preventing slips and falls, and reducing strain on joints during high-energy activity.
Containment	Dogs remain together in the main group unless a specific rest period is required. We avoid placing dogs in small, segregated kennel areas.	Promotes a faster, more stable group dynamic, allowing dogs to settle and relax with the pack instead of experiencing constant stress from re-introduction.
Transportation	We do not offer pick-up or drop-off services.	Ensures dogs do not spend extended, stressful periods crated or confined in a transport vehicle.

Is Day Care suitable for your dog?

To maintain a balanced and safe environment, all prospective attendees must be friendly, well-socialised, and comfortable in a group setting.

• Assessment Process: Suitability is determined through an initial induction session and constant, behavioural monitoring throughout their attendance.

• Managing Suitability: We recognise that day care can be overwhelming for some dogs (anxious or excessively excitable). In these cases, we prioritise your dog's welfare by suggesting shorter, transitional sessions or advising on alternative options, such as a dog walker, if the group setting proves unsuitable.

• Exclusions: Any dog exhibiting signs of aggression toward other dogs or staff, or bitches in season (a minimum 3–4 weeks off is required), are strictly prohibited from attendance.

• Health Requirements: All dogs must be current on vaccinations or provide evidence of a clear titre test.

Important Note: While day care provides invaluable supervised socialisation and exercise, it is not a substitute for professional obedience training. It will not resolve core behavioural issues such as separation anxiety, recall problems, or excessive excitement.

If you are considering professional, high-welfare day care for your dog, we invite you to book a free consultation call to discuss your specific requirements and confirm your dog's suitability.