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

Welcome to The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat.

Jo Williams, founder and certified canine pet care specialist, has been creating a joyful, social, and friendly haven for small dogs since 2017.

Remember the warmth and comfort of sleepovers with a beloved auntie? At The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat, we recreate that same sense of family for your dog.

Family is at the heart of everything we do. Your small dog becomes a cherished family member here at The Bark Inn. They receive personalised care tailored to their unique needs, enjoying luxurious comfort, engaging activities, and a calm environment.

From playtime in the Wonderland Play Park to snuggles on the couch and individual activities in the Zen Den, your dog will feel pampered and loved.

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Luxury, Comfort and Relaxation for Small Dogs

Fun: Four specialised outdoor interactive playgrounds, including water play and sandpits, designed to stimulate your dog’s senses.
Enrichment: Social and outdoor activities.
Comfort: Guest lounge with comfortable beds, couches, heat pump and TV.
Relaxation: Plenty of room for your dog to unwind.
Personal Attention: With a limited number of guests, your dog gets all the belly rubs and personal space they crave, while happily mingling with familiar small dog friends.

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 fun
Exclusively for small dogs

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Our Environment is Lovingly Tailored for Dogs

A Calmer, Happier Place for Your Best Friend

For dogs that feel anxious in large groups, The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat offers a warm and welcoming environment. Here, your dog can enjoy the comfort of a small, friendly group, playing and relaxing with just a few other dogs. Helping them feel more comfortable.

Before we even meet your dog, we take the time to understand their unique nature and needs. We delve into their likes, dislikes, and preferences, as well as their breed or dominant traits for mixed breeds. This helps us get to know your dog’s play style, personality, and instincts. Ensuring compatibility is key because pairing dogs with different personalities and purposes might not always result in a harmonious mix. We want every dog to feel happy and comfortable with their new friends.

Above and Beyond to Create a Loving Environment for Your Dog

Where else can you find an environment crafted just for dogs? With a Zen Den for peaceful activities, a Nature Garden ideal for Sniffaris, and over two acres of Wonderland Play Park for endless fun and games?
At The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat, your dog will find a serene environment, personal care and attention, and a luxurious, secure and comfortable place to relax and have fun.

The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat is Dedicated to Helping Dogs have a Calm, Relaxed and Fun Environment

Owned and operated by Certified Fear Free Professional Jo Williams, The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat is the only facility of its kind in the Taupo region. We’re dedicated to helping your small dog enjoy a calm and relaxed visit, surrounded by familiar small dog friends.

Play.
Comfort.
Small social group.
Enrichment filled environment.
Individual activities.
Structured rest periods.

At The Bark Inn, Small Dogs Country Retreat, dogs are family members who are treated with respect and understanding. Your dog will experience a loving and caring environment where dedicated personal engagement fosters a deep bond.

About Jo

Experienced and Qualified in Dog Care

Driven by a true passion for small dogs, I’ve combined my knowledge and years of experience in the dog industry to create a fun and engaging 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.