Frequently Asked Questions

For the safety of your dog and the other dogs in our care, we require a day of temperament testing for new clients.  This tells us more about your dog and helps us understand how to socialize them better. 

We require current Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo vaccinations and a negative fecal test once every 6 months.  Our proactive approach helps us spot and take care of any health concerns early on, stopping diseases from spreading and making sure your dogs get prompt attention. Plus, our frequent testing isn't just about following rules; it's about giving you peace of mind. You can trust that we're dedicated to keeping a safe and happy space for your furry friends.

We require all dogs over six months old to be spayed or neutered before attending daycare or boarding.

We do accept puppies once they have received their first round of shots.  Puppies over six months must also be spayed/neutered.

Use the SIGN UP button on our website.  After registering your dog and uploading vaccination records, our attentive staff will promptly verify the information and activate your account for booking. A First Day Evaluation is mandatory to ensure the safety and compatibility of your dog with our environment. Once this evaluation is completed, our system will grant you access to conveniently schedule daycare, boarding, and other services at your convenience.

BOOK HERE

(https://barksvillechicago.portal.gingrapp.com/#/secure/home) or by calling 872.804.BARK

Our playgroups are separated by size, temperament and energy levels.

Yes!  You are welcome to bring lunch for your dog during daycare.  We feed dogs outside of the group to avoid food aggression. If you prefer we use our house kibble, a $5 per meal will apply.

The safety and well-being of our dogs is our biggest priority. If any handler notices a dog exhibiting signs of an injury, the dog is immediately removed from the group and carefully examined for potential issues. Our next step is to notify the owner of the injured dog so we may together determine the best course of action. In extreme emergency situations where an owner cannot be immediately reached, a dog may be taken to the nearest veterinarian by a member of our team. Any dog that is exhibiting signs of common canine ailments, such as kennel cough, influenza, or intestinal parasites will be promptly separated from all other dogs and the owners notified. If an infectious illness is confirmed, the dog will be excluded from daycare until they are given clearance from their veterinarian.

Yes!  All dogs have continuous access to water bowls during their stay.

Never!  Our loving staff spend the night so your pups are never alone.

Please bring your pup's food with each meal portioned into separate ziplock bags. This helps us feed many dogs efficiently and ensures we comply with Illinois Animal Control regulations, which prohibit open or unsealed food in the facility.

If your dog requires medication, bring only the amount needed for their stay—this minimizes risk and keeps things organized.

We provide stainless steel bowls, Kuranda Dog Beds, and plenty of fluffy beds and blankets for your pup’s comfort. We also have slow feeders available—just let us know at drop-off if your dog needs one.

To avoid lost or damaged items, please leave all personal belongings—including bowls, toys, beds, blankets, and clothing—at home. Because we are a crate-free, communal environment, we cannot guarantee these items will stay intact or with your dog.

We are proud to be a crate-free environment for both daycare and boarding at Barksville. This approach fosters a sense of freedom and socialization for our furry guests, allowing them to roam and interact freely throughout their play groups. However, we understand that every dog is unique, and there are situations where crates can provide a sense of security or meet specific needs. For this reason, we maintain a limited number of crates for instances such as managing aggression, facilitating feeding times, or accommodating dogs who's parents want to continue night time crating for sleeping like they do at home.  It's important to note that our dedicated staff members are present with all pups, including those boarding, at all times. Dogs are never left unsupervised, ensuring their well-being and providing peace of mind to their owners.

WHours & Drop-Off/Pick-Up Info
We’re open for daycare and boarding:
Monday–Friday: 7am – 7pm
Saturday: 9pm – 5pm

We ask that daycare dogs arrive by 12pm. By this time, our groups are fully settled, and later arrivals can disrupt the tone and energy of the pack. Arriving by noon helps keep things calm and consistent for all dogs.

Boarding Drop-Off & Pick-Up:
Boarding drop-off is available during business hours, and daycare is included on the arrival day. Checkout is by 12pm on the last day of boarding. Pickups after 12:00 PM will incur a $25 daycare fee to cover care for the rest of the day.

Sunday Lobby Hours (by appointment only):
10am – 11am or 6pm – 7pm for boarding drop-off or pick-up.