A Day at Bark Social Day Camp: Hour by Hour

People don't book what they can't picture. So if you've been on the fence about daycare, this is what your dog's day actually looks like at Bark Social, from the moment you pull up at 7 AM to the last pickup at 7 PM.

The schedule below is the same across all of our locations, with small variations based on yard layout. The numbers, including group sizes, ratios, and rest windows, don't change.

7–9 AM: Drop-Off and Morning Settle

Drop-off starts at 7 AM. You can come any time between 7 and 9, but most regulars are in by 8. The early window is intentionally quiet: the lights are on, but the play yards aren't busy yet.

New dogs and shy dogs are encouraged to come in during this window so they can decompress before the room gets louder.

At check-in, we confirm any notes for the day, do a quick once-over for ears, eyes, and coat, and walk your dog back to the holding area. Within fifteen minutes, every dog has been greeted by a staff member by name.

9 AM–12 PM: Morning Play Groups

By 9, dogs are grouped by size, energy, and play style. We typically run two to three groups at once, with staff in the yard at all times. Group sizes stay small because our daily cap is 25 dogs total.

Mornings are the highest-energy part of the day. Dogs who came in wired burn through it here. Dogs who came in nervous warm up by watching first, then join when they're ready.

Around 11, we start winding down. Water bowls get refreshed, toys get put away, and we cue the room toward rest.

12–2 PM: Rest Period

Every dog gets a rest break. This is non-negotiable. Two solid hours of structured downtime in a quieter space is what separates a dog who comes home happy from a dog who comes home cranky and overstimulated.

Some dogs sleep hard. Some dogs chew on a soft toy. A few stand at the gate looking offended that the party stopped. They'll all be glad we did it by Wednesday.

2–7 PM: Afternoon Yard and Pickups

Afternoons are mellower than mornings. The same groups go back out, but the energy is calmer and the play is more individual: a game of chase here, a wrestle there, a lot of mutual sniffing and not much else.

Pickups start at 4. Most of our working pet parents arrive between 5:30 and 7. We send everyone home with a report card, which we'll write while your dog is settling at the end of the day.

Last pickup is 7 PM sharp. We close right after.

Ready to See It in Person?

If you want to see it in person rather than read about it, we welcome tours during the morning window any weekday. Bring your dog along, and if everything looks right, we'll go ahead and schedule a Meet & Greet on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off and pick up any time?

Yes, between 7 AM and 7 PM. We do ask that you avoid the 12–2 PM window if possible, since that's our rest period. Coming in then pulls dogs out of downtime and re-energizes the room.

What if my dog needs medication during the day?

We administer routine medications at no extra cost. Bring it in its original container with instructions, and our staff will dose at the right time and note it on your dog's report card.

How do you decide which group my dog goes in?

Size, age, energy, and play style. We start every new dog in a smaller, calmer group and graduate them up once we've seen them play with confidence. Group placement is reviewed every visit.