To say that we take daycare and boarding for CJ, our golden retriever mix, seriously is a major understatement! We arrived in Louisville just over three years ago and we tried MANY other places around town. Some were ok, some I would never take her back to, but NONE of them compare to Barks on Bauer! The first time we met the owners, Lynda and Bill, we felt immediately at ease. It's just so obvious how much they love animals! Moreover, they actually live on the second floor of the building, meaning that there's always someone on site when we leave our girl there overnight. Their space is clean, modern, and the dogs clearly love it! CJ knows the route from our house to Barks and once it's clear that's where we're heading she actually starts squeaking with anticipation and can't wait to get in the door. If there's any question that she loves it, when we come to pick her up, she runs to greet us, but then runs back to say "goodbye" to Bill before we can leave! The location itself is very convenient and the on-site parking makes drop off and pick up a breeze. There's also a peace of mind that comes with knowing that there's an animal hospital adjacent to Barks and that the two businesses have a great relationship. When it comes to cost and convenience, we've never found a better place! We've had family emergencies arise and they have been able to take CJ for a few nights with very little notice, something we still deeply appreciate. Finally, I'd be remiss not to mention how much CJ loves daycare there! After being so excited to get there, she spends a day playing and then comes home absolutely exhausted. If it's true that a tired dog is a happy dog, then we have one happy girl on Barks days! Not only that, but it really takes her a couple days to recover completely from a day of daycare. Of course, I think she gets extra excited when someone has a birthday and they have a party. Yep, that's right, dog birthday parties at dog day care. And the pictures they post online are even better than you'd imagine! We have have only had wonderful experiences with Barks on Bauer and, if it isn't obvious, we take caring for CJ pretty seriously! I absolutely recommend Barks to any dog owner who's looking for socialization, a caring team, and a wonderful experience for their dog! read more

See all

My puppy Winnie has been going to Barks in Bauer for a couple of years. She mainly goes to daycare but she's stayed the night several times for long weekends. I appreciate that Bill and Lynda are crazy-dog friendly. Winnie is an 85 pound lab and mastiff mix. She is every stereotypical thing you've heard about young labs. She's very sweet and friendly - but she's also a high energy vocal spazz. She's stayed at other facilities that were clearly annoyed by her rambunctious nature - so I always appreciate that Bill and Lynda seem happy when she visits. Bill and Lynda are also neurotic-owner friendly. They reply to my check-ins quickly. As time has went on I typically only check on her once a day (which is a significant decrease) - but that just goes hand in hand with trusting that they are caring for her. Anyone who has ever loved an animal knows that it can be difficult to leave them places - but that burden is eased when you feel like they are in capable and loving hands. Barks on Bauer also provides other services such as in-home pet sitting, dog walking, baths, nail trims, and birthday parties. If your dog needs medications, they're able to give them what they need. I love that they post pictures and videos of the dogs on Facebook so you can see them playing. They're literally right behind Chenoweth Animal Hospital - which is comforting to me to know they're so close in case anything happened. From one crazy dog mama to all the others reading this - try them out! read more

I cannot say enough great things about how they cared for my child who happens to be a very large golden retriever. His name is Cooper and I was called out of town unexpectedly and my Veterinarian could not bored him on short notice. I had reviewed websites regarding Loving dog care and Having spoken to the loving care tenders decided to take a chance. I received update with pictures and texts Regarding my sweet golden retriever Cooper. When I returned home Cooper was excited to see me but the sadness in his face after previous returns was not there. Barks on Bauer Is now my Safe and loving go to when in need of 4 legged child care. I cannot thank them enough read more

Best place to leave your dog in Louisville period. Our high maintenance rescue dog, Remy, has been coming here for a few years. I can't say enough about Bill and the rest of the Barks on Bauer staff. read more

Barks took wonderful care of my dog. The owner cares about the animals and was very kind to Bella who was a little afraid when she first came to Barks. read more

We have a nine year old Brussels Griffon who is diabetic and blind. I have been reluctant to board her anywhere she previously stayed. The owners live upstairs and are affiliated with the animal hospital next door. And they have a blind diabetic dog of their own. I feel totally confident leaving ours there. They even offered a test run for a few hours to see how she would do. She took a nap!! We can vacation now with easy minds. She stayed there for 8 days when my husband went into the hospital. I really appreciate the good care and love she received while there. It was a big load off my mind. read more

We love Barks on Bauer! Sometimes all of our dog sitters are out, so we need a place to board our two very particular rescue Shih Tzus for a few days. Barks on Bauer is a daycare and boarding place on the first floor of a house where the owners live upstairs. That way our dogs are never alone. One of the owners works for a vet and the house is right behind our vet (Chenoweth Animal Hospital). There is a living room area, an open space with dog beds, and a yard for pups to play. Our dogs love it so much. The owners are very calm and sweet (and are responsive to messages and questions) and post photos on the business Facebook page of the pups. It is also quite reasonably priced. read more

We love Barks on Bauer! It truly is the best place to take your pet. I take my dog Booker there for daycare 4-5 days a week, to socialize with other dogs and to get all of his energy out while I'm at work. I know he is a lot to handle, but Bill and Lynda are amazing with him and all the other pups. I've had a fantastic experience there and Booker is always excited to go back! After heavy research and some not so good experiences with other dog daycares in the area, I'm thrilled that I found this one! I would recommend Barks on Bauer to everyone! read more

Every time I bring my dog here she comes home with massive diarrhea. The first two times I thought it was just a coincidence but it only happens after boarding here. I also referred a friend here (mistake) but he will not allow anyone in the building to see what it's like which is a HUGE red flag. I understand that COVID is a big deal but we can wear masks. It is strange to me that no one is allowed inside to see where the pets are being taken care of. What is he trying to hide? Facebook photos show only what you want to be seen. The hours here also constantly change with little to no warning and it's become increasingly difficult to schedule. The owner is generally unwilling to work with you and communication is terrible. He doesn't answer the phone because he gets too many calls? How does that make sense? This combined with the diarrhea and odd behavior from the owner has led to us finding new accommodations for our dog. read more

We love this place! They take good care of our dogs. They get separation anxiety but never mind going to Barks! Bill and Linda are great.

I started taking my dog to Barks on Bauer about two weeks ago... Rutledge has never been to doggie day care before this (he's almost two). I was a nervous pup mom but was comforted in watching how they introduced him to the other dogs. One morning, I was struggling to be okay with dropping him off (because he is like a child) and about half an hour later received a video of him playing with another dog outside. It was just what I needed to ease my mind. I can't even begin to explain how happy I am to find Barks on Bauer. I am only here temporarily for work and I am already worried about him having to eventually leave this day care. We went from Day 1 where he barely made it through the front door staying stuck between my legs like glue shaking to now he immediately runs up to the door, I'll open it and he runs in to the gate to be let in to play. HE LOVES IT HERE! read more

They took very good care of our Charlie boy. They followed his feeding schedule and even sent us some pictures of him while we were away. Very recommended. Price is reasonable too since they can go outside any time they need and are socialized with other dogs all day. They are not placed in a run by themselves. Other places will charge you for play time or extra potty breaks. They sleep and are feed in their own crate. We will go back. read more

I can not say enough kind words about Lynda and Bill! They are amazing caring people who I trust with my Charlie. Only my parents have kept him. He has anxiety when home alone, so now he goes to daycare and plays with his friends and can be at home if needed and is relaxed. Thank you guys for everything!!! read more

I have been taking my dog here for 3 weeks now. I absolutely love this place. Our dog has separation anxiety so putting him in daycare seemed to be a resolve to our issues. He did have a little difficulty in the beginning getting used to all the dogs but the owners were very welcoming and made sure he adjusted at his own pace. They also are very good at posting updates and pics via FB and always answer or respond to any questions or concerns quickly! I would highly recommend this place for dig sitting! read more

Great people and great place! My pup truly loves going here! They care for the dogs like their own. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone! read more

The owners are super friendly and helpful. I take my puppy a couple of times per week for daycare, and have taken her there a couple of times for boarding. She gets excited when we arrive and can't wait to go in. I trust that she is treated well there and have no reservations about leaving her there. Plus the location is great. It's the only doggie daycare I know of in St. Matthews. read more