Extended stays
Deployment Boarding
We're exploring extended-stay packages for multi-week and multi-month deployments, with regular updates you can check from anywhere.
Veteran-Owned & Operated
Where every dog is Top Dog.
Yuma's veteran-owned dog daycare and boarding is on the way. Built on service, loyalty and integrity, with one promise: your dog will be safe, cared for and genuinely happy while you're away.
Coming soon to Yuma, Arizona!
Now Recruiting
Our Brand Promise
Military values.
Family-level care.
The values we learned in service are the same ones your dog deserves from the people looking after them. These four are the foundation of The Bark Barracks.
01
Loyalty
Dogs give it without condition. We plan to return it with consistent caregivers who learn each dog's name, habits and quirks.
02
Integrity
Honest updates, clear policies and no surprises. If something comes up with your dog, you'll hear it from us first.
03
Service
Dependable care built around real schedules, including early drop-offs, work travel, deployments and TDY.
04
Compassion
Structure for the routine, never for the dog. Every day will include play, rest, enrichment and plenty of affection.
Proposed Services
Choose your dog's assignment
These are the services we're planning. Details and rates may change before opening, and your waitlist feedback will help shape them.
Built for Yuma Heat
Summer safety is part of the plan from day one
Yuma is one of the hottest, sunniest cities in the country, and summer days regularly climb past 100°F. Pavement and turf get hot enough to burn paws. We're designing The Bark Barracks around that reality, not as an afterthought.
100°F+Typical Yuma summer highs
- Climate-controlled indoorsAir-conditioned play areas and sleeping quarters, planned year-round
- Smart outdoor hoursOutdoor play scheduled for early morning and evening in hot months
- Shade and water playShaded yard space, splash pools and fresh water stations
- Paw-safe surfacesSurface temperatures checked before dogs go outside
- Heat-aware staffCaregivers trained to spot early signs of heat stress
- Extra care for at-risk dogsShorter outdoor time for flat-faced breeds, seniors and puppies
Veteran-Owned & Operated
We know what it means to leave someone behind.
Deployments, training cycles and PCS moves come with a long checklist. Finding someone you trust with your dog shouldn't be one of the hard parts. The Bark Barracks is being built by two veterans, Michael Wilbur and Sarah Barker, for military families, veterans and every Yuma dog owner who wants reliable, caring support.
Inside the Barracks
Happy recruits
These are representative photos for now. Real snapshots of our Yuma facility and its first recruits are coming once we open.
★ Now Recruiting ★
Good Dogs Wanted
Become a founding member. Join the pre-launch waitlist for first access to reservations and an exclusive founding-member welcome offer. It's free, with no commitment.
Report for DutyOur Story
Built on service. Driven by dogs.
Why two veterans are opening a dog daycare and boarding facility in Yuma, and what that means for the dogs in our care.
Our Mission
Care you can count on, the way a unit counts on each other
Our mission is to give Yuma's dogs a safe, clean and happy place to play and stay, and to give their people complete peace of mind while they're away. That applies whether you're heading to work, on vacation or deployed for months.
In the military you learn that people show up for each other, keep their word and take care of the details. We're bringing those same habits to dog care: consistent routines, honest communication and caregivers who treat every dog like their own.
Meet the Founders
Michael Wilbur
Co-Founder · Retired Special Forces
Sarah Barker
Co-Founder · Veteran, 16 years Military Police
Two veterans, one shared belief: the people who care for your dog should bring the same discipline, loyalty and integrity they brought to their service. The Bark Barracks is how Michael and Sarah are bringing that standard of care home to Yuma.
Our Values
What we stand for
01
Loyalty
Familiar faces, consistent caregivers and a routine your dog can rely on.
02
Integrity
Transparent pricing and policies, and honest reporting on every stay.
03
Service
Flexible care for real-life schedules, including military ones.
04
Compassion
Patience and affection for every dog, especially the nervous ones.
Our Commitment
A word about "barracks"
The name is a nod to where we come from, not how we treat dogs. You won't find drill sergeants here. You'll find structure that helps dogs feel secure: regular meals, predictable play and rest, and lots of positive attention.
Happy recruitDog Daycare
Active Duty Daycare
Supervised play, socialization, exercise and enrichment for Yuma dogs. They come home tired and happy, ready for the couch.
Proposed rate · $32 / day
Benefits
Why daycare works
01
Exercise
Dogs that get regular physical activity tend to be calmer and better rested at home.
02
Socialization
Supervised play with dogs matched by size and play style builds confidence and manners.
03
Beat the heat
Yuma summers make outdoor exercise tough. We plan climate-controlled indoor play for the hottest hours.
04
Less alone time
No more long days home alone while you work. Your dog gets company, attention and a routine.
The Daily Experience
A day on Active Duty
This is a sample of the daily rhythm we're planning. Puppies, seniors and dogs with special needs will get adjusted schedules with extra rest.
At the end of each day you'll get a Mission Briefing with photos and notes, followed by an Honorable Discharge at pickup: a report card on how your dog's day went.
- 0630Check-InDrop-off, a quick health check and a hello from the team
- 0730Morning PlayGroup play while it's still cool, sorted by size and temperament
- 1000EnrichmentPuzzle feeders, sniff games and one-on-one time
- 1200Rest & RechargeQuiet time in a calm, climate-controlled space
- 1430Indoor PlayAfternoon play indoors during the peak heat
- 1700Mission BriefingPhotos and a short update sent to you
- 1800Honorable DischargePickup and your dog's report card
Eligibility
Who can enlist
Group daycare is a good fit for most social dogs. To keep play safe for everyone, we plan to require the following.
- Temperament evaluationA short trial visit to see how your dog does with others
- Current vaccinationsRabies, DHPP and Bordetella (see Safety & Standards)
- Spayed or neuteredPlanned requirement for dogs over 7 months in group play
- Flea and tick preventionCurrent and active
- Healthy and comfortableNo signs of illness in the 48 hours before a visit
Daycare Pricing
Proposed rates
Overnight Boarding
The Barracks & R&R Quarters
Safe, comfortable overnight stays in Yuma with attentive care, regular updates and a routine that helps dogs settle in fast.
Accommodations
Standard or premium. Both are top dog.
| Planned feature | The Barracks | R&R Quarters |
|---|---|---|
| Proposed nightly rate | $50 / night | To be determined |
| Climate-controlled accommodations | Included | Included |
| Comfortable bedding | Included | Upgraded |
| Daily group play (if eligible) | Included | Included |
| Mission Briefing updates | Daily photo update | Expanded photo and video updates |
| One-on-one enrichment | Available as add-on | Included |
| Individualized attention | Standard | Extra cuddle and quiet time |
| Honorable Discharge report card | Included | Included |
All features and rates are proposed and may change before opening.
Preparation Checklist
Pack your dog's gear
Familiar food and comforts help dogs settle in. Here's what we plan to ask you to bring for an overnight stay.
- Food, pre-portionedYour dog's regular food, ideally in labeled daily bags
- MedicationsIn original labeled containers, with written instructions
- Vaccination recordsSent ahead of time, so check-in is quick
- Leash and collar with IDFlat collar or harness, no prong or choke collars
- A comfort item (optional)A t-shirt that smells like home or a favorite toy
- Emergency contactsYour contact, a local backup and your veterinarian
Boarding Inquiry
Tell us about your boarding needs
We aren't taking reservations yet. Send an inquiry and we'll add you to the waitlist and contact you as opening approaches.
Barracks suiteMilitary Families
Deployment & TDY Support
For service members at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, their families and veterans: flexible dog care that works with military life.
Flexible Care Solutions
Care that adjusts when orders change
Military schedules don't always come with much notice. We're designing options to make care easier during the moments that matter most.
Short notice
TDY & Training
Flexible boarding for temporary duty, field exercises and training cycles, with simple check-in for returning dogs.
In transition
PCS Moves
Short-term boarding while you pack, travel or settle into new housing, so your dog skips the moving-day chaos.
Stay connected
Long-Distance Briefings
Photo and video Mission Briefings designed to reach you across time zones, so you can see your dog is doing well.
Military Appreciation
Thank you for your service
We plan to offer a military and veteran appreciation rate for active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Details will be announced before opening.
If you're on the waitlist and tell us about your service connection, you'll be the first to hear about it.
Cared for while you servePlan Ahead
Pre-deployment checklist for your dog
Planning your dog's care early makes deployment day easier. These are the steps we suggest.
- Designate a local point of contactA trusted person who can make decisions if we can't reach you
- Sign a care authorizationLets your local contact or our team approve veterinary care
- Update vaccines before you leaveCheck that nothing expires during a long stay
- Stock up on food and medicationsOr arrange a plan for refills
- Share how to reach youEmail or messaging apps that work where you'll be
Pricing & Packages
Proposed rates
Clear, upfront pricing is part of our promise. The rates below are proposed for opening and may change.
Pre-launch pricing. The Bark Barracks isn't open yet and isn't accepting payments or reservations. All rates are proposed and will be confirmed before opening.
Core Services
Daycare & boarding
Membership Concepts
Packages we're considering
We're exploring these packages for regulars. Tell us on the waitlist form which ones appeal to you.
Add-Ons
Additional services
Optional extras we may offer. Pricing to be determined.
Safety & Standards
Safety is our first priority
These are the standards we're planning for The Bark Barracks. We'll publish final policies before we open.
Planned Vaccination Requirements
Every dog, every visit
All dogs will need current vaccinations, verified by a veterinarian, before their first visit.
- RabiesRequired for dogs in Arizona; must be current
- DHPPDistemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus
- Bordetella (kennel cough)Given at least 7 days before the first visit
- Canine influenzaUnder consideration; strongly recommended
Planned Standards
How we plan to keep dogs safe
Before day one
Temperament Evaluations
Every new dog will get a trial visit before joining group play, so we can place them with compatible playmates.
All day
Supervision
Trained staff will supervise group play at all times, with groups sorted by size, age and play style.
Built for Yuma
Climate Control
With summer highs well above 100°F, the facility is planned with climate-controlled indoor play and sleeping areas and limits on outdoor time in the heat.
Ready for anything
Emergency Preparedness
We plan to have pet first aid training for staff, a relationship with a local veterinary clinic, and written emergency procedures.
Every day
Sanitation
Daily cleaning and disinfecting of play areas, suites, bowls and bedding with pet-safe products.
Always
Communication
If anything seems off with your dog, we'll contact you right away. Honest updates are part of the job.
FAQ
Questions from the ranks
Answers about our planned daycare and boarding services. Final policies will be shared before opening.
Getting started
When will The Bark Barracks open?
We're in the pre-launch stage and finalizing our Yuma location. An opening date hasn't been set yet. Join the waitlist and you'll be among the first to know.
Can I book a reservation now?
Not yet. We aren't accepting reservations or payments during pre-launch. Waitlist members will get first access when booking opens.
Is the waitlist a commitment?
No. Joining is free and commits you to nothing. It tells us what Yuma dog owners need and lets us keep you updated.
Daycare
Is my dog a good fit for daycare?
Most social, healthy dogs enjoy group play. Every dog will get a temperament evaluation first. Dogs who prefer their own space can enjoy one-on-one enrichment instead.
How will you handle Yuma's heat?
We're planning climate-controlled indoor play areas, shaded outdoor space with water play, paw-safe surface checks, and outdoor time limited to cooler parts of the day during hot months. See Built for Yuma Heat on our home page.
Boarding
What's the difference between The Barracks and R&R Quarters?
The Barracks is our planned standard overnight boarding. R&R Quarters is a planned premium option with upgraded accommodations, more one-on-one time and expanded updates. See the Boarding page for a comparison.
Do you offer long-term boarding for deployments?
We're exploring extended-stay packages for deployments and TDY. Visit Military Families to learn more, and tell us your needs on the waitlist form.
Health & vaccinations
Which vaccinations will be required?
We plan to require current Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccines, with canine influenza strongly recommended. Records will need to come from your veterinarian.
What if my dog gets sick while staying with you?
We'll contact you right away. If needed, we'll work with your veterinarian or a local emergency clinic, following the care instructions you give us at check-in.
Feeding & medications
Can I bring my dog's own food?
Yes, and we encourage it. Keeping your dog's regular diet helps prevent stomach upset. Pre-portioned, labeled meals make things easiest.
Can you give my dog medication?
We plan to give oral medications as directed. Please bring them in their original labeled containers with written instructions. Ask us about other medication types.
Drop-off & pickup
What will drop-off and pickup hours be?
Hours are still being finalized. We know many military and working families need early drop-offs, and we're planning our schedule with that in mind.
What is an "Honorable Discharge"?
It's our name for pickup. Your dog leaves with a report card covering how they ate, played and rested, plus any notes from the team.
Still have questions?
Send us a note and we'll get back to you.
Join the Ranks
Report for Duty
Become a founding member. Join our pre-launch waitlist for opening updates and first access to reservations. It takes about two minutes, and your answers help us plan the services Yuma dogs need.