BARK U

Kennel cough outbreaks causing serious illness

“Jalen, an otherwise healthy 2-year-old Weimaraner, almost died after being boarded at BarkU. He contracted Kennel Cough after being boarded that progressed into antibiotic resistant pneumonia with several complications. He was hospitalized in the ICU for 11 days and underwent lifesaving emergency surgery...He incurred just under $40,000 in vet bills”

Dog injured during daycare - head laceration requiring stitches

“ALL THIS HAPPENED AFTER MY DOG WAS BIT ON THE HEAD SUFFERING A LACERATION.”

No Bordetella vaccine requirement

“Unlike nearly every other dog daycare and boarding facility, they do not require the Bordetella vaccine, which is shocking given how common and contagious kennel cough is.”

Insufficient staff-to-dog ratios for supervision

“Ive walked around the outside of the property during business hours and regularly see large groups of dogs crammed into each yard with just one person watching them.”

Dogs returned sick from facility

“Multiple dogs that were boarded in this facility (within a month of this review being written) have gotten severely ill after staying here; both cases requiring hospitalization and massive vet bills to keep them alive.”

Kennel cough/illness after stays(8 mentions)

“A few days after coming home, our dog began coughing and vomiting bile. A visit to the vet confirmed it was kennel cough.”

Pricing concerns - expensive with hidden fees(4 mentions)

“A full day of day care cost me $38.12, but DOES NOT include the $56.63 I paid for a 15-minute temperament exam. Boarding starts at $70 (really $72.10 after processing fees)”

Inconsistent communication about dog issues(3 mentions)

“they told me he had not been eating her full meals the past day or so...based on our dog's history, we can only assume that the appetite issue resulted from something about the Bark U stay/environment, and Bark U should have told us much sooner.”

Assessment/temperament test issues(3 mentions)

“I was charged a $50 assessment fee...The assessment lasted only about 15 minutes, and I was told my dog did great. However, just two days later, I was informed that my younger dog needs a break and can no longer attend.”