Bark + Boarding is passionate about creating a thriving environment for pets and developing long-term relationships with our clients. We welcome pets and their owners as our own family, and we strive to cultivate a vibrant community that supports local businesses.
OUR STORY
When Ryan Fochler took his first job out of college as an IT developer, it became clear that he was not an enthusiast of solving code problems. He decided to pick up a temporary side job as a dog sitter and unlike his dull IT job, time went fast. He loved observing, learning and playing with dogs. He couldn’t get enough of it. So when the opportunity to purchase the in-home pet sitting business he was working for came about in 2004, Ryan happily made a career change and devoted himself to growing the business he loved.
Originally known as Dog Paws n Cat Claws, the business grew as Ryan brought his observation and experience to expand to what is now Bark + Boarding. He applied his IT training and skills to set up systems to expedite work flow for employees and customers. Ryan also recognized that he needed a stellar team to support the growing needs of the business so he prioritized hiring great talent and empowering them to thrive in the workplace. In recognition of such commitment, Bark + Boarding was honored by being named as one of The Washington Post’s 2015, 2017 + 2020 Top Workplaces.
Bark + Boarding is continually evolving as we strive to accommodate the ever-changing needs of our clients and furry friends.
MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission at Bark + Boarding is to provide a safe and supportive environment for pets and their owners. We take pride in developing long-term relationships with our clients and strongly believe that your pet is not just our priority—but a part of our family!
OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Ryan Fochler
Founder and Owner
Erin Driscoll
General Manager
Amy Duff
Marketing + Events; Retail Purchasing
Miranda Namrow
Daycare + Boarding Manager
Jess Nohr
Training Manager, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
Don Hogans
Facility Manager
Asunta Hall-Johnson
Front Desk Manager + Customer Care
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
Washington Post Top Work Places 2015, 2017, 2020
Smart CEO Corporate Culture Award
Smart CEO Executive Management Award
Angie's List Super Service Award
Washingtonian Places to Make Your Life Easier
Washingtonian DC's Very Best Pet Care Providers
Washingtonian Best of: Full Service Pet Care
Washingtonian Best of: Hall of Fame
Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Groomer 2019
Arlington Magazine: Best Daycare/Boarding Top Vote Getter 2020, 2024
Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Daycare + Boarding 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Pet Supply Store 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Northern Virginia Magazine: Best Pet Sitters + Dog Walkers 2022, 2023
Best of Bailey’s Crossroads: Dog Daycare Center 2022
TIMELINE
1999: Dog Paws n Cat Claws founded
2004: Ryan Fochler purchases the business
2008: First doggie daycare location opens
2011: Retail sales begin
2012: Moved to new Falls Church, VA location
2017: Business rebranded to Bark + Boarding
2019: 20th anniversary and site expansion
2024: Grand Opening of our second location in Manassas VA!
“Outstanding service!! My Duncan loves this place so much, we have stopped calling it daycare, and started calling it “Yay-Care”!! ”