The Barkwood Inn Pet Resort

Let me preface this review by saying that I am a patient, calm, logical person. However, when it comes to my little Yorkie, calling me a ‘psycho dog mom’ is probably appropriate.
My dog is my child. She has more toys than a toddler and enjoys steak and lobster when we do; she wants for nothing and I answer her every whim… and you probably now have a good sense of how much of a mental case I am.
Crazy. Person.
So with that said.
I don’t even live close to this place. In fact, I am an hour away. However, upon careful scrutiny and research of dog care in the entire state of Massachusetts, I have decided that this place was the lone place I would even TRY to leave her overnight. With a big trip a few months away, my husband and I left her for a few 1 – 2 day trial runs (Because what if she was unhappy? I wouldn’t allow it.)
Naturally, we ordered the VIP room, equipped with a TV and a webcam. The webcam, for me, is key.
While we were gone, we watched her play and sleep; we saw the staff interacting with her. I was particularly impressed with one of younger, male staff members, who would quite literally lay on the ground of the playroom and let the puppies love him as much as they pleased. Another thing: I observed (on a webcam app that I loaded onto my phone for creeper level surveillance) staff always petting our dog before taking her out of her bed. She shouldn’t feel snatched! They seem to understand this! These are dog people we are dealing with, I can just tell.
Bottom line: if you love your dog more than most humans, and you get the ‘yeah but. what if…’ worries when you even think about boarding your dog, the Barkwood Inn is the place for you.

My schatzi is a regular at the barkwood for about a year and she absolutely loves it. She goes twice a week for day camp and we have boarded her a few times as well. This place far exceeds any other kennels or pet sitting options out there. Schatzi is treated link a princess and I know she is in good hands. I especially like that she isn’t put in a depressing kennel but rather a suite and a lot of the staff are training to be vets

This is one of my fur-baby’s favorite places on Earth! Shevek runs to the door when we visit, and has a happy smile when I pick him up. The staff is wonderfully accommodating, and they treat my baby like a King. Couldn’t ask for a better place for doggie day care!!!

If I could leave my toddler with Barkwood, I would (and I may have suggested that to them a few times). The Barkwood Inn has been taking care of our two Australian Shepherds for the last four years. The staff is TOP NOTCH — I have never had anything but a positive experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to absolutely anyone. They go above and beyond, even when I do stupid things like forget that I need to pick my dogs up. One of my dogs is special needs, and they are FANTASTIC with him. Their groomer merits special mention as well — he’s so incredibly knowledgeable about breeds and cuts, and is the only person who’s ever been able to get a blow-​dryer near my girl. I can’t say enough about this place — I feel incredibly fortunate to live so close to it! I spoke so highly of it, in fact, that my sister-​in-​law drove down from Lunenburg to board her husky here. Thank you, Barkwood!

Left my 3 small dogs here for a week and they were great! They had never been kenneled before so I was nervous, but there were no issues. I watched them every morning playing in the playroom on the webcam and they looked happy and playful. Also like the fact that someone is there ²⁴⁄₇. Well worth the money.

I think that this place is great. I won’t leave my small dog with anyone but the Barkwood. I know that when I drop her off she is going to be safe and well cared for. She is not crazy about being away from home so it is awesome for me to have the confidence in the Barkwood Inn to take good care of her. The boarding rooms are very clean and private. And the staff really loves pets. I wish they would open another closer to my home!

Much like a people hotel with a clean front desk in the lobby — but felt a little nervous leaving my 4 yr old husky there, and would have liked to see the grounds/​rooms/​etc. However my dog obviously got some great exercise — said he went out EVERY play time! He did come home with a few scratches on his paws (from the rocks) but they supplied free ointment which healed quickly.
They have a «mandatory exit bath» but was only about $ 20 for my 60lb FURRY husky. He came home BEAUTIFUL — better than he left: o)
They book QUICK so call in advance. Planning to leave him there again for our holiday travels.

Let me preface this review by saying that much like 90% of dog owners out there, I am meticulous about things for my dog: vet, dog walker, groomer, and a boarding room. I stumbled across The Barkwood Inn through a Google search and found their prices to be very competitive to others around the Worcester area. I called Barkwood Inn and told them I’d love to check it out with my dog before I leave my dog there for a weekend. I found the people there are caring, the webcams are awesome, their playtime is well supervised, and the place is spotless and smell-​free. I have read other reviews of boarding houses where the place smells like urine or where dogs aren’t taken out on a timely basis etc. Over the past year, I have had my dog, Ari, boarded at the Barkwood Inn for a few weekends and a full week. After the second weekend, when I came to pick him up, he wasn’t too thrilled because he was having such a great time. I always watch his room on webcam and have noticed on occasion the staff there come in, and just give him a 5 minute bellyrub just to say hi.
When I moved away from Western Mass, I really cringed at the idea of having to find a new place for Ari. It took this long and the people here are so good to him… sigh, my loss is your reward. Enjoy the Barkwood Inn!

Love love love this daycare/​grooming salon for my dog. The staff is super nice. They have webcams so I can watch my dog play during the day while I’m at work. The grooming is excellent; my dog looks and smells amazing. Daycare is great; I know my dog is getting plenty of exercise and socialization; he was exhausted when I got him home! He had so much fun playing with the other dogs. I can’t wait to send him back!