By Renee Stewart
Like a growing number of working parents, Stacie Shaw brings her children to work.
Hannah, 7, and Bailey, 11, come to Shaw’s Eden Prairie business to be with her throughout the day. The conditions are ideal. There’s structured play and nap times, and where else can they run and play with the other clients?
The twist? Shaw owns and operates the newly opened Central Bark, a day care for dogs, and her children, as she referred to them, are a pair of golden retrievers.
The facility is at 6340 Industrial Drive in Eden Prairie and is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Once the dogs arrive, group play lasts until about 11:30 a.m. (Potty breaks are built in throughout the day!) Quiet time runs from noon to 2 p.m.
“In our experience, dogs need time to chill and relax,” Shaw said.
From 2 to 5 p.m., dogs are able to enjoy more playtime and receive one-on-one attention and some training if needed.
Pick up is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The site includes play equipment, agility-based and “old fashioned” toys. Three part-time associates are trained to care for and work with the dogs, including addressing any behavioral issues. Staff is trained in canine first aid, CPR, as well as animal behavior. While Central Bark can accommodate up to 60 dogs a day, Shaw said that’s her target in about three years. Currently, the staff is caring for about six pets a day.
Costs range from $20 to $28 a day, and sleepovers for day care clients average $42 per 24-hour period. There are discounted VIP packages and 10-visit punch cards.
Previously, Shaw was in the financial services industry, mostly in 401k education, and her job took her on the road. After 12 years under her belt, she decided to turn it in for … a leash, so to speak. The inspiration for her new career came from her experience as a client of Central Bark in Milwaukee. She used the facility for about eight years as she traveled around the country for work. Being “a responsible pet owner,” Shaw got to know the staff and system at Central Bark, and “really valued what it offered.”
Around 2004, Shaw said Central Bark began offering franchise options, and she started to consider a career move that would capitalize on her love for dogs and offer long-term satisfaction. About a year a half ago, Shaw committed to the organization, but it meant moving away from Milwaukee, where the market was saturated with similar facilities.
Shaw, who grew up in Wisconsin, zeroed in on the Twin Cities as a possible new home for herself and the business.
“This is where I’d come for Spring Break,” she said. “I always had this secret desire to live here.”
Market research confirmed her thought that the Twin Cities would be a right choice.
“Minneapolis was just prime for me. It was a match made in heaven,” she said.
Narrowing down the focus to a community led her to Eden Prairie, where statistics on income levels, education, homeownership and the pet population cried out for her business.
She worked with city officials and the Chamber of Commerce, and “I just can’t say enough good things [about them].”
Shaw opened the doors to Central Bark on Oct. 24, and the facility includes 6,000 square feet of indoor space for the dogs, an additional 1,000 square feet for office space and other amenities, and an outdoor area of about 5,000 square feet.
On average, dogs come to Central Bark three days a week. Shaw encourages at least one visit a week, but it all depends on a dog’s activity level and the owner’s schedule.
In addition to the day care, Shaw said the facility offers “one stop shopping” for pet owners. The Doggie Boutique offers food, treats, toys and training items. A grooming parlor is available, and Shaw hopes to partner with a veterinarian to provide routine dog care.
Some other Central Bark facilities offer Canine Cab service. Shaw said current client needs don’t warrant the pick up and drop off service, but it would be considered should the needs arise. Additionally, birthday parties, new dog celebrations or “bark mitzvahs” can be arranged on an individual basis.
Shaw is committed to the benefits of engaging pets in regular exercise and interaction, and she has her own success story to tell.
Bailey was rescued from a puppy mill when she was two years old. She had lived in dire circumstances and had to learn how to be “happy go lucky,” Shaw recalled. After Bailey attended doggie day care and participated in structured play and regular socialization, Shaw began to see changes.
“It was a turning point for her,” Shaw said.
Sherie Davis of Arden Hills is also happy with her pet’s day care experience. She’s used Central Bark for Victoria, her Maltese, since it opened.
“Stacie has a special style about her, and I think animals can sense that,” she said.
Victoria attends Central Bark about twice a week. More days are added as Davis’ Eden Prairie work schedule dictates.
“I don’t want her to be alone all day long,” David explained of her four-pound pooch.
While Davis tried using dog-walking services, they didn’t seem to fit the bill.
“I like the specialized care she’s giving her,” Davis said of Stacie, who isn’t a stranger to Victoria. Stacie had watched Victoria once a week for about a year prior to Central Bark’s opening.
While the majority of pet owners love and care for their pets, difficult economic times may force many owners to make choices about how to spend their money, including for pet items and services. As Shaw begins her new business venture, she understands the issues surrounding the economy.
“Time will tell, and that’s something we’re all aware of,” she noted, adding that, regardless, pet owners still need to make sure that their pets are well cared for, a sentiment echoed by Davis.
“It’s not an option not to take care of your pet,” Davis said, noting that there are other ways to cut back. “I’d rather skip lunch and make sure my dog is being taken care of.”
Interestingly, according to the American Pet Products Association, “Total pet spending in 2007 topped $41 billion, more than double the $21 billion Americans spent in 1996. In 2008, Americans’ spending on pets is projected to be higher than ever at $43.4 billion.”
“We’re noticing more baby boomers are pet owners, and they are treating their pets like members of the family. For empty-nesters, pets are filling a void in their lives and they’re showing their appreciation to their pets,” said APPA President, Bob Vetere, on its Web site.
The organization also noted an increase in pet hotels, pet spas and doggie day cares.
“The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and the future is no exception. Pet owners and the companies providing pet products and services show no sign of letting up,” according to the APPA.
Shaw said consumers might make cut backs on “fancy collars and (pet) sweaters for every month,” but the service end of things remains stable.
“At Central Bark, it’s all about the dogs. That’s what we’re here for,” Shaw said, adding, “I’m here to offer an option for quality care.”

More information
Additional information regarding Central Bark is available at 952-224-4490 or at www.centralbarkusa.com.