Bark + Boarding Expands to Manassas

Bark + Boarding, a dog daycare and boarding business, has officially opened in Manassas. The business partnered with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 30. Ryan Fochler, founder of Bark + Boarding, shared insights into the company's growth and services during a recent interview. The company, which began as a dog-walking service, has expanded to offer a wide range of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, training, socialization, and retail. "It's really pretty much everything now except veterinary services," Fochler explained. Fochler emphasized the company's commitment to pet owners who seek comprehensive care for their dogs. "We love to communicate. We always give a little communication cards. We want our clients to know if their dogs are having anything that we're seeing," he said. This approach ensures that both Barkin' Boarding and pet owners can collaborate effectively on the dogs' care. The onboarding process at Barkin' Boarding includes a thorough evaluation to ensure that dogs are a good fit for the facility. "We do have an eval process. So a dog will come in for doggy daycare... We really like to take the time with them. They start out in a zone by themselves and slowly work in dogs that we know are going to be a good fit before we merge the packs," Fochler explained. Located in a 9,500-square-foot facility at 10035 Dean Drive, next to the Manassas animal shelter, Bark + Boarding's newest location is set to enhance its grooming, socialization, and training services. "We're excited to really give clients the space they need for their dogs when they go on vacation or just hanging out for the day," Fochler said. Bark + Boarding has been operating in Bailey's Crossroads since 1999, but Fochler said they've been eyeing an opportunity to expand. The place had to be perfect. "There's been a lot of changes inside the Beltway, with a lot of areas no longer allowing outdoor space," Fochler said. "From experiences we've had with other jurisdictions, it's been extremely challenging, and Manassas City really seems to be much more business-friendly." Fochler said the city has been welcoming since the beginning of July and proposed a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The welcoming of small businesses in this area has been awesome," Fochler said. "It is night and day different from some other areas that we've been looking to grow." And it's been an easier transition because they will be in the same facility as Waggin' Tails Junction, which closed earlier this year.  The business has retained many of the Waggin' Tails Junction clients. The Manassas location currently offers daycare, boarding, positive reinforcement training, and grooming services. A structured daycare and boarding program will roll out in the fall.

@barkandboarding opened its newest facility next to the @CityofManassas animal shelter on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Video from the @pwchamber ribbon cutting. Welcome to the neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/9v0klYi92P

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 31, 2024