Business Details
8 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Professional Dog Walking & Pet Care Services in Southeastern CT
Founded in 2018, Barks & Recreation provides professional dog walking, pet sitting, and animal care services across southeastern Connecticut. Our team combines extensive animal care expertise with personalized service to meet each pet's unique needs. Led by founder Elizabeth Costantino, a former nonprofit animal rescue director, we prioritize pet well-being, owner peace of mind, and community-building through monthly hikes and educational initiatives.All staff are CPR/First Aid certified, and our operations include insurance, bonding, and a guaranteed service arrival system. We serve over 30,000 visits annually while maintaining five-star reviews for reliability and quality.
Services
Dog Walking
Doggy PlayDates
Pack Hikes
Small Pet Care
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Locally owned since 2018 with over 30,000 completed visits
- Free mobile app for scheduling, reporting, and real-time updates
- Fully insured and bonded with Pet CPR/First Aid certified staff
- Service Arrival Guarantee with 2-3 backup caregivers per client
- Most five-star reviews in the region for pet care services
What people say
Amazing experience
Paws up
Reliable service
Treated with care
Peace of mind
Services
Dog Walking
Professional one-on-one walks tailored to your dog's needs. Available daily between 6am-9pm, with rain-or-shine reliability and customizable durations. Includes behavioral observations and real-time updates through our client portal.
Doggy PlayDate
Structured group socialization with matched playmates and outdoor adventures. Designed for energetic dogs needing both physical exercise and mental stimulation, featuring professional supervision and safety protocols during all interactions.
Pack Hike
Guided nature excursions with small dog groups at local parks and preserves. Each hike includes trained specialists maintaining 2:1 staff-to-dog ratios, post-hike hygiene checks, and hydration monitoring throughout the activity.
Small Pet Care
Customized care for cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Services include feeding routines, habitat maintenance, medication administration, and enrichment activities tailored to each specific species' needs and behavioral patterns.
People
Elizabeth Costantino
Founder & Owner
Animal welfare professional with 15 years in corporate leadership and nonprofit rescue management. Founded Barks & Recreation in 2018 combining business expertise with hands-on pet care experience.
Ashlee
Pet Care Specialist
Connecticut native with lifelong animal care experience. Holds identical twin distinction and brings passion for creative writing and outdoor activities to daily pet interactions.
Barbara C
Daily Coordinator
Veteran EMT with marine biology internship experience. Combines search-and-rescue dog handling with culinary and gardening hobbies to provide comprehensive pet care solutions.
Halley
Pet Care Specialist
Military family background with veterinary technician training. Offers extensive small animal care expertise and experience working with horses and exotic pets.
Tom
Pet Care Specialist
Lifelong dog lover and musician with psychology background. Combines UConn education with musical talents to create engaging pet interaction experiences.
Questions
Are you available during extreme weather conditions?
We adjust activities based on weather severity, pet tolerance, and owner preferences. Indoor alternatives include trick training, puzzle toys, or quiet bonding time when outdoor activity isn't possible.
How do you handle shy or nervous animals?
Our certified specialists work at the pet's comfort level, following owner guidance to build trust gradually while maintaining safety protocols for both animals and caregivers.
Do you care for exotic pets?
Our trained staff handles all species including reptiles, birds, and small mammals. We follow specific care routines for unique animals like hedgehogs, chickens, snakes, and goats.
What safety certifications do your staff have?
All team members hold dual certifications in Pet CPR/First Aid and Professional Dog Walking. We maintain insurance, bonding, and regular safety training updates for comprehensive risk management.
How far in advance should I book services?
Ideal scheduling notice is 2+ weeks, but we often accommodate same-day requests. Holiday bookings require early reservation due to high demand and potential surcharges.
