The Barking Lot — Local services in Hamden

I absolutely adore The Barking Lot. The staff is super nice and they keep the facilities super clean. I have loved picking them up and hearing how much the staff loved my dogs. The last time I picked them up, two staff members made sure to give them all the hugs and kisses goodbye. It melted my heart!

I’ve boarded my two dogs there twice now and I could tell they were well taken care of. Both of my dogs are rescues, but my littlest one has a lot of trust issues and has an extended process for meeting new people in the home. I was very worried when I did a trial run prior to boarding (which they require) that they weren’t going to pass the test. If it didn’t work out, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I truly believe the staff is so well trained and understanding that they passed because the staff made my dogs feel safe and welcomed. Once my dogs feel comfortable with you, they are complete love bugs and all they want is to love on you, cuddle you, and play.

I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that they offer individual rooms for dogs that can’t handle being around all the other dogs and noises. And since my bigger dog is considered in a big dog group, and she’s not okay being away from my small dog, they wouldn’t be able to handle the separation plus new dogs. Like I said, my dogs are rescues and they can have a very hard time being sniffed and having other dogs in their personal bubble, especially if I’m not there with them. So not only did they get to stay together in their own private room, but they got to play with the staff in a secluded area away from the dog crowd. It’s extra touches and individual care that made their stay so comfortable and not stressful.

The Barking Lot has a facebook page where they regularly put photos of your dogs up throughout the day. I could see the joy on their faces and some even with staff cuddling them. It calmed my nerves a lot while I was away. This is the first place I’ve ever boarded my dogs because I had never needed to before recently, and I’m so glad I picked them. I chose them because of the good reviews, and I can tell they are all well deserved. They will be my first choice any time I may need to travel for an extended period.

Thank you so much, The Barking Lot and staff! You are so appreciated ❤️

Photos from the staff posted on Facebook from their...

I would never send my dogs here, merely because the owner does not care about other people. I suggest if anyone is reading this review you read until the end to see this ex employee’s story. My fiance got fired after calling out at 5am for her shift at 8am. She tried to find coverage, but couldn’t get any. My grandmother was in the hospital dying. My fiancé did nothing, but take care of my grandmother in her free time so wanted to be there when she went. She explained that to the owner Meg, who didn’t care and actually tried to one up her by essentially saying who cares my problems are bigger than yours.. her real response was “ My best friend is on-life support in the hospital and I am here working YOUR shift. You made the choice to not show to work, unfortunately, you will no longer be an employee here.” Needless to say my grandmother did pass and my fiancé was there instead of work, but apparently to this woman her final goodbyes to her grandmother in law weren’t important and honestly that’s just the most cold hearted thing I’ve ever heard. I wouldn’t ever trust my animals with that type of person, and I’d never want to work for that...

Above and Beyond - Knowledgeable Caring Staff - Top Notch Facilities

This is by far the best place I have ever trusted to watch my dog. The Barking Lot was my dogs introduction to doggy daycare when she was around 2 years old. She’s now 5 1/2 and we still use the Barking Lot - even though we moved away from the Hamden area. I tried 5 daycares/boarding facilities closer to our new home, but none have made my dog as relaxed and happy and tuckered out as the Barking Lot. If I ever need to board my dog we go here.

Taylor and Lexi have always been so accommodating, communicative, and confident whenever I’ve flooded them with whatever new ailment/owner anxiety Ivy has been dealing with.

Ivy even had her first ever seizure while boarding at the Barking Lot this past January and even though I was unable to come get her immediately - Taylor provided the most above and beyond care, monitoring her condition, giving her one on one time and keeping me updated throughout the rest of her stay.

I trust the staff at the Barking Lot more than anyone to watch my dog. Worth every penny, and every minute of extra driving to know Ivy is having a...