3206 Longmire Dr, Suite C College Station, TX 77845

HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon- Fri 7am-6pm

WEEKEND BOARDING: PICK UP & DROP OFF: Sat 8am-10am & 2pm-4pm | SUN 2PM - 4PM

DIY DOG WASH now available on weekends: sat 8am-10am & 1pm-4pm | sun 1pm -4pm

our mission

At Barks and Rec, our mission is to provide a safe, loving, and engaging space for pets in College Station. We're dedicated to nurturing the bond between pets and their owners, promoting responsible pet ownership, and offering exceptional care tailored to each pet's unique needs. Our goal is to create a vibrant community of pet lovers, where every pet receives the love and attention they deserve, making their stay with us feel like home.

Our vision at Barks and Rec is to be the premier destination for pet owners seeking top-quality care and a sense of belonging for their pets. We aspire to be at the forefront of innovative pet services, creating a thriving and interconnected community of pet lovers who prioritize the well-being of their furry family members. Our vision is to continuously enhance the lives of pets and their owners by providing a loving, fun, and safe environment.

Our Story

Howdy! My name is Ellie Dalena, and I’m the proud founder of Barks and Rec, a dog boarding and daycare facility located right here in the heart of College Station, Texas.


My journey into the world of canine companionship began right here at Texas A&M University, where I not only received a top-notch education but also fell head over paws for this wonderful town and its warm, welcoming spirit. The maroon and white have always held a special place in my heart, and I am beyond excited to bring my passion for dogs and this community together in one delightful venture.
For as long as I can remember, my life has revolved around dogs. It’s not just the love I have for them; it’s the genuine joy I find in working with these incredible creatures. My fascination with our furry friends began when I adopted my first dog, Lucy, from the Aggieland Humane Society. She was not just my loyal companion; she became my biggest inspiration for starting this business.


Barks and Rec isn’t just another dog boarding and daycare facility; it’s a haven where dogs find a second home, filled with love, care, and the same sense of belonging I experienced right here in College Station. Every decision, every design, every detail is infused with the same warmth and sophistication that define this town and its people.


When your beloved canine companions step through our doors, they’re not just guests; they’re cherished members of our extended family. Our experienced and dedicated team is here to ensure they receive the best care, attention, and love while you’re away. From spacious play areas for them to frolic and make new friends to cozy, comfortable accommodations for their peaceful slumber, we’ve thought of every detail to make their stay exceptional.


So, whether you’re heading out of town for a weekend getaway or simply need a safe, stimulating environment for your furry friend during the day, Barks and Rec is here to provide the care and companionship your dog deserves. We’re more than just a pet care service; we’re a community of dog lovers, just like you.


Thank you for considering Barks and Rec for your four-legged family member’s needs. I can’t wait to welcome your precious pups into our loving pack and continue to celebrate the Aggie spirit that brought me to College Station all those years ago.


Here’s to wagging tails, joyful barks, and a lifetime of canine camaraderie!

Warmly, Ellie Dalena

WHY CHOOSE US?

I’m not sure if my dog will like daycare because they’ve never been. How do I know that it’s the right decision for them?

Choosing daycare at Barks and Rec is a decision that can bring joy and convenience to both you and your furry companion. Here’s why we believe it’s the right choice:

Socialization

Dogs are social animals, and daycare provides a fantastic opportunity for your pet to interact with other dogs in a controlled and safe environment. It's a great way for them to make new friends and learn essential social skills.

Mental Stimulation

Our facility is designed to keep dogs mentally engaged through various activities and playtime. This can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior at home.

Physical Exercise

Dogs need regular exercise to
stay healthy and happy.
Daycare at Barks and Rec
ensures your dog gets plenty of play and exercise, which can contribute to their overall well-being.

Peace of Mind

While you're busy at work or running errands, you can have peace of mind knowing your dog is in the hands of our caring and attentive staff.

However, we understand that daycare is not the right fit for every dog. Some dogs may be more comfortable in quieter settings or have unique needs that are better met elsewhere. At Barks and Rec, we take the time to assess each dog’s personality and needs. If daycare isn’t the best choice for your pet, we’ll lovingly recommend alternative solutions that cater to their specific requirements, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

Our ultimate goal is to see your dog happy, healthy, and thriving. Whether daycare at Barks and Rec is the right choice or not, rest assured that we’ll always have your pet’s best interests at heart.

Your questions answered

Common questions

Our services include dog daycare, dog boarding, and DIY dog-wash stations.

When it comes to choosing a dog facility in Texas, Barks and Rec stands out as an exceptional indoor option, and here’s why it might even be better than outdoor facilities:

  1. Climate Control: In the Lone Star State, we know the weather can be quite unpredictable, from scorching summers to chilly winters. Our indoor facility ensures a consistent and comfortable climate year-round. Your dog won’t have to endure extreme heat, cold, or rain, making their stay much more enjoyable.
  2. Safety from the Elements: Extreme weather conditions, like thunderstorms or high temperatures, can be stressful and potentially dangerous for dogs. At Barks and Rec, our indoor setup keeps your furry friend safe and secure, shielding them from harsh weather conditions and environmental hazards.
  3. Cleanliness: Outdoor facilities can sometimes be challenged with mud, dirt, and allergens that may affect your dog’s well-being. Our indoor environment is easier to maintain and keeps your pet cleaner and healthier during their stay.
  4. Privacy and Security: Our indoor setup offers a private, controlled environment. This reduces the chances of unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs or wildlife that outdoor facilities might face. Your dog can play and relax in a secure, enclosed space.
  5. Year-Round Availability: While outdoor facilities may have limitations during certain seasons, Barks and Rec is always open and ready to provide your dog with a fun and safe environment, no matter the time of year.
  6. Socialization and Play: Indoor facilities can offer just as much room for play and socialization as outdoor spaces. Our carefully designed play areas provide ample space for dogs to interact and have a blast indoors.
  7. Consistency: Dogs thrive on routine, and our indoor facility provides a consistent environment, free from distractions, and focused on the comfort and well-being of your pet.

 

In summary, Barks and Rec as an indoor dog facility in Texas offers several advantages over outdoor facilities. We prioritize your dog’s comfort, safety, and enjoyment by providing a climate-controlled, and clean environment. While outdoor facilities have their merits, our indoor setting ensures that your dog can have a fantastic and worry-free experience, regardless of the Texas weather.

-Every employee is required to go through multiple training courses which include dog behavior training, how to read a dog that is showing signs of anxiety or aggression, what to do if a dog fight were to break out and how to prevent dog fights from happening, CPR, learn the fire safety protocol which will also be listed in every room in the building as well as all of the points listed below. 

To ensure the safety of dogs in your care for boarding and daycare:

 

  1. Conduct thorough screenings and health checks, including vaccination verification.
  2. Group dogs based on size and temperament and maintain adequate supervision.
  3. Provide staff with training in dog behavior, first aid, and emergency procedures.
  4. Establish emergency protocols and maintain secure facilities.
  5. Implement stringent health and hygiene practices.
  6. Balance enrichment and rest periods.
  7. Maintain open communication with dog owners.
  8. Regularly assess and update safety procedures and documentation.
  9. Educate clients about facility rules and safety protocols.

We strongly encourage you to bring your dogs own food for boarding. It can be overwhelming on some dogs, especially the first night away, so it is best to try to keep their routine as normal as possible. If you do not bring your own food, we will offer our food to them for a charge of $2.00 a day. 

We accept their belongings at your own risk. We will provide every dog (with exceptions of known chewers/destroyers) with a bed. We can provide blankets upon request for no extra charge. If you do bring your own bed or blanket we are not responsible if any accidents happen to them. Instead of bringing their bed, we recommend bringing a familiar blanket or an old shirt that can be easily washed. Any items that are brought for boarding will be subject to get washed during their stay so keep that in mind.

Bones and other toys are not allowed. This creates too big of a risk for your dogs and our staff. We can provide kongs and certain toys during hours where employees are one on one with your dog upon request.

If your dog is boarding with us you should make sure to pack them enough food for the allotted time that they will be staying with us and any medication (if any) that they are taking. It is optional to bring their bed or blanket, but we will provide them otherwise.

Handling medical emergencies for dogs at daycare and boarding involves immediate assessment of the dog, isolation, and providing first aid. Immediately after the staff will call a veterinarian or emergency clinic to determine what steps need to be taken to ensure the well-being of the dog. If necessary, we will arrange transportation for treatment. Once that is determined, we will contact the owners to let them know the situation. The medical emergency will be documented, and we will continue to follow up with the owner for the next few days after. 

Choosing daycare at Barks and Rec is a decision that can bring joy and convenience to both you and your furry companion. Here’s why we believe it’s the right choice:

  1. Socialization: Dogs are social animals, and daycare provides a fantastic opportunity for your pet to interact with other dogs in a controlled and safe environment. It’s a great way for them to make new friends and learn essential social skills.
  2. Mental Stimulation: Our facility is designed to keep dogs mentally engaged through various activities and playtime. This can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior at home.
  3. Physical Exercise: Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daycare at Barks and Rec ensures your dog gets plenty of play and exercise, which can contribute to their overall well-being.
  4. Peace of Mind: While you’re busy at work or running errands, you can have peace of mind knowing your dog is in the hands of our caring and attentive staff.

 

However, we understand that daycare is not the right fit for every dog. Some dogs may be more comfortable in quieter settings or have unique needs that are better met elsewhere. At Barks and Rec, we take the time to assess each dog’s personality and needs. If daycare isn’t the best choice for your pet, we’ll lovingly recommend alternative solutions that cater to their specific requirements, ensuring they receive the best care possible.

Our ultimate goal is to see your dog happy, healthy, and thriving. Whether daycare at Barks and Rec is the right choice or not, rest assured that we’ll always have your pet’s best interests at heart.

Dog daycare is a service designed to provide a safe and supervised environment for dogs to socialize, exercise, and receive care while their owners are away at work, running errands, or traveling. Here’s a general overview of how our dog daycare works:

– Dog owners drop off their pets at the daycare facility, often in the morning.
– New clients will bring their dog in for a “test day” which will give our staff a better indicator as to whether or not daycare is the best choice for your dog. We require a 3 hour minimum visit, but encourage owners to leave them for the full day to get the best assessment. This will be at not cost to the owner.
– Owners provide necessary information about their dogs, including medical history, vaccination records, and emergency contact details. We will also ask if your pup has ever attended daycare or group play with other dogs.
– Upon arrival, dogs are checked for any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral issues.
– We require up to date vaccines for rabies and bordetella.
– Dogs are grouped based on size, temperament, and energy level to ensure safe and harmonious interactions.Smaller or more timid dogs may be placed in separate playgroups from larger, more active dogs.
– Throughout the day, dogs engage in supervised play and socialization with other dogs in their designated groups.
– Play areas are often equipped with agility equipment and entertaining play equipment.
– We schedule rest and/or meal breaks to ensure dogs get adequate rest and nourishment.
– Dogs are given a chance to relax and recharge in individual kennels or designated rest areas.
– Trained staff members closely monitor dog interactions to prevent conflicts or injuries.
– They intervene if play becomes too rough or if any dogs show signs of stress or discomfort.
– We offer enrichment activities to stimulate dogs mentally and reinforce good behavior.
– These activities may include obedience training, puzzle toys, and scent games.
– Staff members provide attention, affection, and care to all dogs in their care.
– They may administer medications or accommodate special needs for certain dogs.

– Dog owners can pick up their pets at a designated time, often in the evening.
– Staff members may provide feedback on their dog’s behavior and activities during the day.
-We may offer additional services such as grooming, training classes, or spa treatments upon request for an extra fee.
– We try our best to maintain open communication with the dog owners, providing updates on their pet’s well-being and behavior when possible. Our number one priority is the safety of the dogs, so the staff needs to stay attentive and may not have time to send pictures/videos.

 

-Dogs must be up to date on vaccines.

-For daycare: all dogs must complete at least a 3 hour evaluation before being accepted.

-Boarding dogs need to have a meet and greet with staff, but are not required to do a group play evaluation. If this is the case, they will not be allowed in the same groups as daycare dogs and will have one-on-one play with a staff member or a neutral dog that they are known to get along with. 

-Every employee is required to go through multiple training courses which include dog behavior training, how to read a dog that is showing signs of anxiety or aggression, what to do if a dog fight were to break out and how to prevent dog fights from happening, CPR, learn the fire safety protocol which will also be listed in every room in the building as well as all of the points listed below. 

To ensure the safety of dogs in your care for boarding and daycare:

 

  1. Conduct thorough screenings and health checks, including vaccination verification.
  2. Group dogs based on size and temperament and maintain adequate supervision.
  3. Provide staff with training in dog behavior, first aid, and emergency procedures.
  4. Establish emergency protocols and maintain secure facilities.
  5. Implement stringent health and hygiene practices.
  6. Balance enrichment and rest periods.
  7. Maintain open communication with dog owners.
  8. Regularly assess and update safety procedures and documentation.
  9. Educate clients about facility rules and safety protocols.

Handling medical emergencies for dogs at daycare and boarding involves immediate assessment of the dog, isolation, and providing first aid. Immediately after the staff will call a veterinarian or emergency clinic to determine what steps need to be taken to ensure the well-being of the dog. If necessary, we will arrange transportation for treatment. Once that is determined, we will contact the owners to let them know the situation. The medical emergency will be documented, and we will continue to follow up with the owner for the next few days after. 

Why should you choose Barks and Rec for your dog’s boarding and daycare needs? Let us break it down for you:

  1. Play All Day: We have play areas where your dog can play and socialize to their heart’s content. Whether they’re a fetch fanatic or a playtime pro, there’s something here for every type of pup.
  2. Loving Staff: Our passionate team is more than just caretakers; they’re dog enthusiasts who treat every four-legged guest like family. Your dog will get all the love, snuggles, and belly rubs they could ever want.
  3. Safety First: We take your dog’s safety seriously. Our facility is suited to provide your dog with safe play time and our staff is trained to ensure a safe environment, giving you peace of mind.
  4. Tailored Care: We understand that each dog has their own personality and needs. Whether your dog is a social butterfly or a bit more reserved, we customize their experience to make sure they feel comfortable and happy.
  5. Comfort and Luxury: Your pup deserves the best, which is why we offer cozy sleeping arrangements and extra perks like gourmet treats. We want your dog to feel like they’re on their own little vacation.
  6. Happy Goodbyes: When you pick up your pup, you’ll see a tired but content dog, ready for a relaxing evening at home. We aim for those happy howls of reunion.

So, why Barks and Rec? Because we provide more than just a service; we create a fantastic, fun-filled experience for your furry friend. Join our Barks and Rec family and let your dog enjoy a tail-wagging good time with us!

what you need to know before you come

Rules & Requirements

Temperament Evaluation

We conduct a 30-minute behavior assessment before accepting dogs into our daycare program. This assessment helps ensure the safety and compatibility of all our guests.

Vaccinations Records

All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. We require proof of vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian before boarding.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times

Please adhere to our specified pick-up and drop-off times. Additional fees may apply for late pickups.

Health Check

Dogs should be in good health. We reserve the right to refuse boarding to dogs showing signs of illness, injury, or contagious conditions. If your dog becomes ill during their stay, we will isolate and inform you immediately.

Special Dietary Needs

If your dog has specific dietary requirements or allergies, please provide detailed instructions and the necessary food for their stay.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy

We require advance reservations for boarding. Cancellation Policy is available under signed documents on your Paw Partner Account.

Medication

If your dog requires medication, please provide clear instructions and the medication in its original packaging, labeled with your dog's name and dosage.

Personal Belongings

You are welcome to bring a familiar blanket or toy for your dog to make them feel more comfortable. However, we cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Multiple Dogs

If you are boarding multiple dogs from the same household, they may be kept together or separately based on their behavior and compatibility.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us