Small dogs country retreat Boarding and daycare with a difference
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A fun retreat for your best friend

A friendly Haven Exclusively for Small Dogs

At The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat—established in 2017—you will find certified canine pet care specialist Jo Williams and a social, fun and friendly haven exclusively for small dogs.

As a child, you may remember your first sleepovers were likely with family, for example, a favourite auntie. It’s like that at The Bark Inn where we are family to your dog—family is our core value. When you leave your dog with us, it’s like leaving your child with a favourite auntie.

We understand that your small dog is your friend, a companion, a source of affection and even emotional support.

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Luxury, Comfort and Relaxation for Small Dogs

Fun: More than 2.5 acres of interactive playgrounds, toys, water play and sandpits.
Enrichment: Social and outdoor activities.
Comfort: Guest lounge with comfortable beds, couches, and TV.
Relaxation: Plenty of room for your dog to unwind.
Low numbers: Your dog gets the attention and space they need, in the company of other small dogs.

Prices

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Prices

FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about The Bark Inn, dog care & safety, and our services.

FAQs

Loved by dogs

Expert dog care
Social, interactive environment
Days of supervised play
Exclusively for small dogs

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Passionate about small dogs

Over the years I have been privileged to have many dogs in my life.

I have always held the belief that dogs are family members and they should be treated with respect and understanding. I love building a bond with every dog through love, care, and discovering the personalities they have.

I am so excited to be able to take my passion for dogs further and provide a country retreat catering exclusively for small dogs, built on love, knowledgeable care and fun filled days.

Experienced and qualified in dog care

I am the first certified Fear Free professional in the Taupo region.

I hold certification through Dog*Biz as a positive reinforcement (force free) dog walker, that built on my knowledge in group dynamics & dog body language while running my previous business as a dog walker & basic manners trainer in Auckland.

I have taken numerous on line courses and attended many in person and virtual seminars on all things dog. I enjoy expanding my knowledge with continuing my professional development.

I belong to APDTNZ (Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand) as a full member, the IBPSA (International Boarding and Pet Services Association), PPG (Pet Professional Guild) and the Taupo Business Chamber.

I have previous working experience in the boarding/daycare industry.

I have a background in obedience and have been involved with Norwest Dog Training Club (Auckland) for over ten years and WestPoint Dog Obedience Club (Auckland) prior to that, as both a trainee and a volunteer instructor, and competed in obedience with one of my dogs throughout the North Island.

Exclusive small dogs country retreat

Throughout my many years working with dogs and extensive studying, an aspect of care kept being highlighted and that was, dogs do best in an environment that identifies their individual needs, be that their play styles, energy levels, size, or stage of life.

Small dogs have always been my passion and I wanted to give them a true retreat that could cater to their love of space to explore, areas to relax, to be comfortable while away from their family and be with a small number of friends to help them not be overwhelmed by large numbers of unknown dogs.

I would love to invite you and your small dogs to become part of The Bark Inn’s family.

About Jo

Experienced and Qualified in Dog Care

With a true passion for small dogs, I have brought my knowledge and years of experience in the dog industry together, dedicated to offering a fun environment for our guests.

Working with dogs is not just a passion, it’s my life.

Reviews from previous customers

Mary C

I cannot recommend The Bark Inn and Jo too highly. I do not trust just anyone to look after my little dog. He is safe and enjoys himself so much having fun in the various areas, naps when he wants and makes lots of friends. The chauffeur service is wonderful. Jo is amazing with the dogs, and you can tell how much she loves her little charges when you talk to her.
Vicki W

I recommend the Bark Inn 100% I trust Jo with my sweet girl, it’s her second home and she love’s the retreat and is so excited to see Jo every time I drop her off. Jo is so supportive and has so much information to give when you have a hundred questions to ask when it comes to a new puppy, love taking my girl to The Bark Inn. You are doing an amazing job.
Tracey C

I highly recommend Jo and The Bark Inn. Jo takes exceptional care of my boy when he stays with her, from entertainment and runs in her paddock, to treats, cuddles and nap time. I never have to worry that he is being over aroused or put with dogs that are not suitable for him, as Jo focuses solely on small breeds. Plus, she limits her numbers, so I also know there will never be overcrowding. If you have a small breed dog, and want a home away from home, then this is definitely it.
Cheryl H

Highly recommend Jo!! Ollie thoroughly enjoyed his time with her. Incredible facilities, so well-kept and can just see what great care Jo takes of her fur boarders. Just loved seeing photos and the interactive feedback which gave us total peace of mind that Ollie was happy and having a great time. Ollie will definitely be back !!!!!!!!!! thanks again Jo, you are amazing!!
Sandra F

Highly recommend Jo to look after your dog. They will have so much fun and be very well cared for. Jo is very knowledgeable and has the best facilities I have ever seen.
P McCash

I highly recommend Jo as she is a loving and caring dog person and cares for your dogs while they are in her care. My four dogs had a fabulous time while they were there. I want to say thank you for looking after my babies so well.
Michelle A

It was good to find a place that takes a limited number of dogs and they get more individual attention. Thanks Jo, Charlie was tuckered out on the way home.
Kirsty W

There are not many places I can trust with my best friend, Koda. But I have complete trust in Jo. Her extensive knowledge and care for dogs puts my mind at ease. Booked Koda in for the weekend and got photos and updates on how he was doing, fantastic service! He had a blast! Thanks!
Kay M

I loved the retreat, so safe and secure and I loved getting regular photo updates and the activities that you had for Freddie throughout his stay. You were so caring of Freddie - he really got the deluxe treatment! Many thanks.
Jo L

Had a fabulous weekend away. Love seeing all the photos and activities Mo got up to. He not only had physical stimulation but mental as well. Thank you for looking after him so well. Definitely personal service. No hesitation recommending to others.
Catherine P

Our Cavoodle Bertie had an amazing holiday at The Bark Inn. He was very happy and well looked after. From the amazing dog playground, sandpit and paddling pool Bertie had a blast. Jo was great keeping in touch via Facebook updates and we knew Bertie was in good hands. The Bark Inn is a fabulous place to leave your small dogs. Thank you Jo for taking such great care of our very special furry friend.
TC

Jo is amazing and the dogs she looks after are cared for so well. It is so nice to be able to go away and know your dog is truly looked after. Jo spends so much one on one time with her visitors and explores all sorts of engaging techniques with them to keep them stimulated. They have so much space to play and the facilities are amazing. They are also spoilt with a heat pump on cold nights. This place is truly a retreat for dogs. Great work Jo and thank you. I doubt there is a better facility around.