The Barkley understands there are alternatives to professional boarding facilities, such as: family members, friends, or pet sitters. However, these alternatives are not always ideal for every pet.

Security
Pet sitters and family members must enter your home, unsupervised, to take care of your pet(s). So, you not only need to worry about your pets, but you also need to worry about what’s happening inside your home. This is not the type of stress you need while you are trying to enjoy your vacation. The Barkley’s state-of-the-art facility and quality level of care provides a secure, worry-free experience so you can relax and obtain peace-of-mind. Our campus utilizes special lighting, perimeter fencing, redundant exit doors, and surveillance cameras - which are viewed both by management and Orange Village patrol cars. Best of all, we don’t eat your food or rearrange your furniture!

Hours of Care
Most pet sitters and family members only visit a home once or twice during the day. For those who stay overnight, they do so conveniently between their busy lifestyle activities. In either case, these situations potentially leave your pet alone for 12-15 hours at a time. The Barkley has trained and loving animal care technicians on staff 24 hours per day, everyday, with one purpose…. superior pet care at a lower cost per hour of care.

Forgotten Qualifications
Most pet sitters are there to provide the basic necessities for your pet. They do so because they like pets, enjoy extra income, and/or want to be of help to a friend or family members. However, the reality is that most sitters are not qualified and provide very little attention to exercise, interaction, and observation - all of which pets need more of while away from their owner. At The Barkley, we get to know each pet’s individual personality and needs through extensive pet profiling and customize each stay to their liking. Each day each pet enjoys four personal potty walks, two mealtimes, continuous housekeeping, 24-hour observation, and plenty of TLC! In addition, clients have the opportunity to view their pets live from the Internet via our exclusive web cam technology (luxury suites only).

Unacceptable Behavior
Pets can experience severe stress, separation anxiety, and boredom when left alone. As a result, stress-related behavior such as destroying the house, yard, and belongings can occur. In such an instance, many pet sitters are not trained to recognize such symptoms and, even worse, are not around to provide emergency medical assistance. The Barkley helps alleviate stress by providing hands-on interaction and a variety of activities to keep pets busy and happy throughout the day. Additionally, our staff is trained and certified by the PCSA (Pet Care Services Association) to handle emergencies and we are located across the street from Cleveland’s premiere 24-hour emergency animal hospital.

Multiple Pet Challenges
Pet sitters can experience more difficulty in a multiple pet household and may not be able to give more than one pet the proper amount of care or attention. The Barkley’s staff is properly trained and provides each pet with the individual attention that they deserve. It all starts at check-in where each pet receives a customized name collar for proper identification and care. Feeding and medication charts are then double-checked to ensure accuracy and to see if multiple pets should be separated while feeding. Playtimes and activities are scheduled for the stay – with multiple family members sharing playtimes at no additional cost! And, best of all, multiple pets from the same family (who board together) receive family rate discounts – making The Barkley a comparable price alternative.

Additional Services
Pet sitters provide one-on-one attention, but their resources are limited to your surroundings and capabilities. Most dogs are social in nature and prefer to be around other animals. The Barkley allows “friendly” dogs to spend their vacation in Day Camp – making friends, socializing, exercising and having fun! In addition, The Barkley’s grooming salon can ensure a clean and great-looking pet upon your return. We can even deliver in our stretch limousine!

Availability
Owners should be aware that in emergencies, inclement weather, or unforeseen events, family members or pet sitters may need to cancel (overbooked, become ill), be unavailable (they take vacations too), or be unable to get to your home. The Barkley’s 24-hour rotation ensures a staff that is there to take care of your pets all year round, regardless of weather.

Protected Territory Behavior
Pets are territorial and may act abnormally or unpredictably while their owner is not home. In an owner's absence the dog may not welcome the pet sitter, even if introduced previously, into the house as they are protecting their environment or may feel threatened by their presence. Studies also show pets are more likely to run away from home when the owner is not present (maybe to look for the owner). The Barkley offers a complimentary day visit for all new guests in order to get acquainted with the staff and facility. Since pets consider The Barkley a neutral territory, they can relax and enjoy their vacation instead of being on alert to protect their home.

Cost Considerations
Many pet owners choose pet sitters or other alternatives to a boarding facility because of cost. Owners should keep in mind that quality care is sometimes higher priced as it is not easily found and maintained. You can feel confident that The Barkley strives to offer the highest premium care for guests through the quality of our state-of-the-art facility and our highly trained and committed staff's care.

Please consider all of these factors in your decision regarding quality pet care for your dog or cat. We understand the concern you may feel about leaving such a beloved member of the family in our hands. We want to assure you, we take our responsibility to heart and care for your pet as if he or she were our own.

NEWS
			New Smart Phone Apps Are Here! Stay close while you are away with our new smartphone Apps for Webcam viewing - both the iPhone and Android!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
			The Barkley Downloadable Brochure
			BOARDING: Overnight Guest Profile (for first time clients)
			BOARDING: Check-in Menu (to be completed prior to each stay)
			GENERAL INFO: (House Rules - a client's guide to The Barkley's policies and procedures)

"I don't think many people have seen anything like The Barkley!"more » - Dick Goddard – FOX Meteorologist "We love the Barkley!"more » - The Zucker Family "We have been coming to the Barkley since 2007 and have always had outstanding service. Your staff is always exceptional. We love The Barkley!"more » - Robin Sullivan "We just want to thank you and the rest of the staff for taking good care of Jasmine. When she got home she was her usual self like she has been all the other times we have boarded her in the past. "more » - Shelly Feiwell "My pooch Cooper loves to come to the Barkley! "more » - Lauren B. Wolf "We are very happy and comfortable with the Barkley and we know that Pooh is too. The staff is so very accommodating and understanding of what our pet needs during her stay and what we as pet owners and lovers expect for her."more » - Reggie and Darlene Rucker - Former Cleveland Brown "Its nice to know you take such great pride in your business as far as customer service is concerned."more » - Charlotte Marie "Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa has gained a reputation as the Four Seasons for pets. "more » - InTouch Weekly Magazine "This is for people who love their pets more than people!"more » - Dawn Kendricks - CBS News Correspondent "Wish I could stay in as nice of a place on my vacations!!!!! This place is literally for the dogs. Maybe in my next life I can come back as a Barkley pet regular!!"more » - Z. Queen "Just one rule: No Humans Allowed!"more » - TMZ! "Every inch of this place is outstanding. I would feel very comfortable leaving my animals here."more » - Herman Fontenot - Former Cleveland Brown "The first luxury pet resort of its Caliber!"more » - The Cleveland Plain Dealer "Can I stay at The Barkley...Pleassse?"more » - Jenni Pulos - from TV's "Flippin' Out" "We just arrived home from Europe. Tara was very excited to see us. Thank you for all the updates on her along the way. I wouldn't hesitate to have her vacation there again in the future. "more » - Debbie Movens "Amazing place for pets!"more » - J.J. Hickson - Cleveland Cavaliers Forward "Hopscotch was well cared for when we had to bring her to you for a whole week!! We were very pleased with your care for her and we have told many people about you hoping it would increase your business!"more » - Sister Mary Anne Flannery "Clearly a 5-star resort for your pets"more » - Wendy Diamond – Editor of Animal Fair Magazine