Creating The Best Experience For Your Dog
Our Care & Playgroup Assessment helps us understand your dog’s unique needs so we can recommend the right accommodations, activities, and care experience for a comfortable and successful stay.
Understanding Your DOG
We take the time to learn about your dog's personality, comfort level, activity preferences, and individual needs.
PERSONALIZED Recommendations
Every dog is different. Our assessment helps us recommend the services, accommodations, and experiences that may be the best fit.
COMFORT & SAFETY ALWAYS FIRST
Thoughtful introductions and careful observation help us create positive experiences while minimizing stress.
DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS
Our goal is to help every dog feel comfortable, confident, and successful during every visit to BARK U.
WHY WE DO IT
Why Dogs Complete an Assessment
Every dog is different. Some dogs love active playgroups, while others prefer a quieter pace, individualized enrichment, or private care. Our Care & Playgroup Assessment allows us to learn about your dog’s personality, comfort level, activity preferences, and social style so we can recommend the experience that best fits their needs.
The assessment helps us determine:
Daycare Recommendations
Lodging Accommodations and Suite Types
Playgroup Compatibility When Appropriate
Enrichment Opportunities
Private Care Options
Individualized Care Recommendations
Every dog is different. Our goal is to help each dog feel comfortable, confident, and successful while in our care.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
Our goal is simple: help your dog feel safe, comfortable, and successful from day one.
Step 1
Meet & Greet
You’ll meet with one of our trained team members so we can begin getting to know your dog’s personality, comfort level, activity preferences, and individual needs.
Step 2
Guided Introductions
We will gradually introduce your dog to the environment and observe their comfort level, confidence, and responses to new experiences.
Step 3
Explore & Observe
Care & Playgroup Assessments typically take about 30 minutes. If you’ve scheduled a tour, we’ll be happy to show you around the facility while your dog becomes familiar with their new surroundings.
Step 4
Review Next Steps
After the assessment, we’ll review our observations with you and discuss recommendations designed to help your dog feel comfortable, confident, and successful at BARK U.
ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
Every new dog over 5 months interested in daycare or lodging begins with an assessment designed to help us understand their personality, play style, and unique needs.
Standard Care & Playgroup Assessment
$35
Designed to help us get to know your dog’s personality, comfort level, and individual needs. This 30-minute assessment allows our team to recommend the services, accommodations, and experiences best suited for your dog.
Schedule in advance through our customer portal
Priority Care & Playgroup Assessment
$55
Our Priority Assessment is designed for dogs who need expedited scheduling. These assessments are often accommodated during off-hours or based on availability, allowing your dog to complete their assessment as quickly as possible.
Perfect for last-minute travel plans, unexpected boarding needs, or families needing daycare immediately.
Discounted Rates for Multi-Dog Households. Details available at booking
For Young Puppies
Puppies Learn Differently
Because young puppies are still developing socially, emotionally, and physically, we’ve designed our puppy services around their unique needs. Our Puppy Daycare, Puppy Lodging, and Puppy Start Right programs are specifically designed to support young dogs during this critical stage of development.
With experienced handlers, age-appropriate interactions, and a focus on positive experiences, we’re able to help puppies build confidence, develop important social skills, and thrive without requiring a formal assessment process.
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.
