Care & Playgroup Assessment
A thoughtful introduction designed to help your dog feel comfortable, safe, and successful in our care. This process allows us to get to know your dog’s personality, play style, and comfort level.
WHY WE DO IT
Why Dogs Complete a Care & Playgroup Assessment
Our Care & Playgroup Assessment helps us get to know your dog’s personality, play style, and comfort level while gradually introducing them to our environment.
This process helps create safe, compatible playgroups and ensures dogs feel comfortable with our team and daily routines.
Our goal is to help set every dog up for a fun, safe, and stress-free experience.
What to Expect During a Care & Playgroup Assessment
A safe, structured introduction designed to help your dog feel comfortable and successful in our care.
Meet
Step 1
You’ll meet with one of our trained team members so we can begin getting to know your dog’s personality, comfort level, and play style.
Guided Introductions
Step 2
We will gradually introduce your dog to the environment and carefully observe their interactions, confidence, and comfort level in supervised group play.
Explore
Step 3
Care & Playgroup Assessments typically take about 30 minutes. If you scheduled a tour, one of our team members will be happy to show you around the facility during your dog’s assessment.
Discuss
Step 4
After the assessment, we’ll review our observations with you and discuss the best next steps for your dog’s success and comfort at BARK U.
CARE & PLAYGROUP ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
Plus, discounted rates for multi-dog households.
Care & Playgroup Assessment - $35
A thoughtful introduction designed to help us get to know your dog’s personality, play style, and comfort level in a safe, structured environment. Assessments are scheduled at your convenience through our customer portal.
Priority Care & Playgroup Assessment - $55
Designed for dogs requiring immediate daycare or lodging without a prior assessment. This option allows your dog to complete their assessment and begin participating in BARK U services on the same day.
CARE & PLAYGROUP ASSESSMENT FAQs
How long does the assessment take?
Care & Playgroup Assessments typically take about 30 minutes.
During this time, our team will get to know your dog’s personality, comfort level, and play style while helping introduce them to the BARK U environment in a safe, structured setting. Following the assessment, we will review our observations with you and discuss the best next steps and service recommendations for your dog.
If you scheduled a tour, one of our team members will be happy to show you around the facility during your dog’s assessment so you can experience the BARK U environment firsthand.
What if my dog does not do well with other dogs?
Every dog is different, and not all dogs are comfortable in a group play environment — and that’s okay.
Our Care & Playgroup Assessment helps us better understand your dog’s comfort level, social style, and individual needs so we can recommend the safest and most appropriate experience for them.
For dogs who may not enjoy group play, we offer Private Care options with individualized attention, one-on-one interaction, and dedicated care from our team members in a safe, structured environment.
During your dog’s assessment, our team will discuss any recommendations with you to help determine the best fit for your dog’s comfort and success at BARK U.
What happens if my dog "fails" the assessment?
Our Care & Playgroup Assessment is not designed to be a pass or fail test. Every dog is different, and some dogs may be more comfortable in certain environments or care styles than others.
If we feel group play may not be the best fit for your dog, our team will discuss our observations with you and help recommend the safest and most appropriate options moving forward.
In some cases, we may suggest alternative care options, such as Private Care, to help ensure your dog remains comfortable, safe, and well cared for while at BARK U.
Is the assessment deposit refundable?
Care & Playgroup Assessment fees are non-refundable and help reserve dedicated time with our team for your dog’s visit.
Refunds are not issued for same-day cancellations or missed appointments. To receive a refund, assessments must be canceled prior to the day of the scheduled appointment.
Please note that assessment fees do not apply toward daycare or lodging services. If your dog stays for daycare following their assessment, standard daycare rates and any selected add-ons will still apply.
