Healthy.
Happy.
Whole.

Welcome to Central Bark Poughkeepsie

Our dogs are our best friends, and we want to make sure they’re happy and healthy. But sometimes it’s hard to do everything they need. That’s why people trust Central Bark.

At Central Bark Poughkeepsie, dogs get lots of love and care in a safe place. We have a special way of taking care of dogs called Whole Dog Care. It’s all about making sure your dog is healthy and happy their whole life.

We have fun programs like Enrichment Dog Day Care, plus other services like boarding, grooming, and training. Our goal is to help you and your dog have the best life together.

We treat dogs like they’re part of our family because we know they are. We’re dog parents too, so we understand how important dogs are. That’s why we take care of each dog like they’re our own.

Central Bark
Poughkeepsie

15 Burnett Boulevard,
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603Get Directions

845-456-2275

Closed 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM &
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
(Drop off/Pick-up)
(Training By Appointment Only)

Book Now

August dog of the month, Gus!

Dog of the Month

August dog of the month – Gus!

Please join us in congratulating our August dog of the month; Gus! Lovingly called Gus-ifer by his family, Gus has…

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Dog of the Month

July Dog of the Month

Please put your paws together and join us in congratulating our July dog of the month; Raptor! Veloci-Raptor has been…

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Dog of The Month: SUGAR Central Bark Poughkeepsie

Dog of the Month

SUGAR! – June 2025

Well here’s The “SWEET” to “BITTER” back to “SWEET” Story on SUGAR! Central Barks Poughkeepsie’s “Doggo For The Month” for…

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Local News

Community

Trains, Planes & Automobiles, the Heartwarming Rescue Story of Brioche and Pita.

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Local News

Meet Our Team!

Meet Denise and Ron Donofrio, the dedicated owners of Central Bark in Poughkeepsie, NY, serving the Hudson Valley area. With…

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Central Bark® Whole Dog Care

Our Whole Dog Care approach offers a full range of fun and personalized products and services to promote your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional health and happiness throughout their entire life.

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Make your dog’s daily routine more exciting with activities designed just for them, adding a bit of fun to each day.

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Give your beloved pet a luxurious grooming experience to keep them happy and looking their best.

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Give your dog a peaceful and cozy retreat with our Dog Boarding service, ensuring they have a relaxing getaway.

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Explore our selection of high-quality dog products, including food and toys, to keep them healthy and entertained.

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Strengthen your bond with your furry friend through positive training sessions and fun activities.

Why do dogs LOVE
Central Bark of Poughkeepsie?

  • It’s made just for them – Every dog is unique. We plan each day according to what your dog likes and needs.
  • We care about their overall health and happiness – Your dog will get all the attention, playtime, and rest they need to be healthy, happy, and well-behaved both at home and in the community.
  • Our staff understand dogs – Our Poughkeepsie team members are experts in dog behavior and are trained to use positive methods to make sure your dog feels comfortable and happy.
  • We keep things safe and clean – Your dog’s safety and well-being are our main priorities. We have strict safety rules and cleaning routines to make sure your dog stays healthy and happy while they’re with us.
  • Families trust us – For over 20 years, Central Bark has been helping dogs live their best lives. We know just how to give your dog the right mix of attention, play, exercise, socialization, training, rest, and love.
  • Strengthening your bond with your dog – Even a day apart can bring you closer. When your dog comes home from Central Bark, they’ll be happy and healthy, and you won’t have to worry about leaving them alone.

Dog Day Care. Reimagined.

Central Bark Enrichment Dog Day Care in Poughkeepsie is a step up from regular dog day care! We use our top-notch knowledge and the newest science on dog behavior to make it special. Your dog will have a great day just for them, with lots of play, exercise, socializing, training, and rest. This mix helps them stay healthy, happy, and well-rounded.

a dog playgroup during a sunny day at Central Bark Poughkeepsie doggy day care center

Flexible Playgroups

Small and large playgroup options allow us to match better your dog’s personality, needs, and preferences with the social atmosphere and amount of play they can enjoy and benefit from most.

Central Bark trainer pointing her finger at four large dogs that are sitting down

Group Play Skills

Group Play Skills are a fun and rewarding way for dogs to practice important skills like name recall, and behaviors like group sit and calmly going in and out of doors and gates.

a white-brown dog eating out of a treat toy at Central Bark doggy day care center

Rest Period Enrichment

Rest Period Enrichment sessions help dogs achieve a healthy balance. They can relax and recharge in their own private space with calming enrichment toys and healthy foods tailored to their preferences and diet.

Central Bark trainer with a corgi beside her

Enrichment Sessions

Personalized One-on-One Enrichment sessions give the extra attention dogs love and the freedom to use their senses and safely explore their instincts through interactive toys, puzzles, and games.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a dog groomer?

An essential characteristic of a dog groomer is someone who makes you and your dog feel safe and comfortable.

Other things to look for:

  • Certifications – Groomers don’t need a license or certification to work. Still, these accreditations are often signs that the groomer has the necessary training and experience to care for your pup.
  • Experience with different breeds – Look for a groomer with experience with a variety of breeds and coats and the standard haircut for your dog’s breed.
  • Preparedness – A groomer should work with dogs of all ages and levels of experience with grooming. They should aim to help each dog feel as comfortable as possible with the grooming process. Suppose the dog or puppy becomes anxious or uncomfortable. In that case, the groomer should be able to suggest a plan for increasing their comfort over time with the use of a positive reward-based approach.

Make a reservation for your dog’s grooming session

What is the best puppy food?

Puppies have unique nutritional needs that require specially formulated food to keep them healthy and happy as they grow. The best food for your puppy will depend on their dietary needs, breed, and personal preferences.

Every item in our Central Bark® Market is specially selected to enhance your puppy’s physical health and nutrition, and provide enrichment, happiness, and comfort. We can help you choose from our selection of healthy and nutritious food to help your puppy develop so they can enjoy a long and happy life with your family.

Call or visit our Market today!

How does Central Bark mentally stimulate a dog?

At Central Bark®, our goal is to provide a balanced day of play, learning, rest, and love. Learning and mental exercise can happen in various ways, including training activities, brain games, scent work, and more. Our playgroups offer several hours of active playtime paired with learning opportunities during Group Play Skills. This way, dogs have plenty of time to socialize and get their energy out, while also exercising their minds through learning.

During one of your dog’s rest periods throughout the day, they are offered a rest period enrichment activity to stimulate their mind while encouraging healthy rest. These licking and chewing activities involve food rewards, such as frozen peanut butter KONG®. These activities engage their minds while helping foster quality rest. 

Did you know? Scientific studies have shown that licking and chewing behaviors (especially those that involve food rewards!) are self-soothing, decrease heart and respiratory rates, and even release dopamine in a dog’s brain.

Training Tutor sessions stimulate the dog’s minds and bodies and help them learn important skills, behaviors, and tricks.

One-on-One Enrichment sessions give the extra attention dogs love and the freedom to use their senses and safely explore their instincts through interactive toys, puzzles, and games.

Did you know? 15 minutes of mental activity is equal to 30 minutes of physical exercise!

Learn more about Enrichment Doggy Day Care.

Can a puppy be boarded?

Yes. We offer sleepovers to puppies and dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Day Care. Sleepovers at Central Bark® provide your dog a calm, relaxing sleepover in a place they can feel comfortable and loved. Because they’re in a familiar place, they can feel less stressed about being away from home (and so will you). A full day of Doggy Day Care is complimentary with your sleepover stay.

Learn more about Sleepovers at Central Bark.

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