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Why We Started Barkside Bay (And What Keeps Us Going Every Day)
A story of trust, compassion, and creating the kind of care I’d want for my own dogs. Before Barkside Bay ever existed, I worked in the world of dog boarding and daycare. I saw the joy it brought to many dogs: zoomies through the yard, play bows in a sea of wagging tails, dogs who couldn’t wait to get in the door. For a certain kind of dog, those environments can be wonderful. But I also saw something else. I saw dogs who didn’t thrive in those settings, dogs who were anxious
Feb 174 min read


How to Find the Right Pet Sitter for You and Why Insurance and Bonding Matter
Choosing a pet sitter is an important decision. You are not just hiring someone to stop by your home. You are trusting them with your pet’s safety, your home, and your peace of mind. With so many options available, from neighbors and friends to professional companies, it can be hard to know what truly matters when selecting care. This guide walks through what to look for in a pet sitter and why working with an insured and bonded professional is one of the most important facto
Feb 103 min read


Understanding Time Windows vs Exact Time
When booking professional pet care, one of the most common questions we receive is about timing. Many pet parents want to know exactly when their dog will be walked or when a drop in visit will occur. At Barkside Bay, we use time windows rather than exact appointment times, and there are important reasons behind this approach. Understanding how time windows work can help set clear expectations and ensure a smooth experience for both pets and clients. One of our friends, Links
Feb 33 min read


Mental Enrichment Ideas for Snow Days
Snow days can be fun and cozy, but for many dogs they also mean fewer walks, shorter outings, and disrupted routines. When physical exercise is limited by winter weather, mental enrichment becomes especially important. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom, reduces stress, and can curb unwanted behaviors like chewing, barking, or restlessness. At Barkside Bay, we believe a tired brain can be just as effective as a tired body. Here are some easy and effective mental enrichm
Jan 303 min read


Winter Weather Safety Tips for Dog
Winter brings cozy moments and beautiful snowy days here in Erie PA, but it also comes with unique challenges for dogs and their humans. Cold temperatures, ice, road salt, and shorter daylight hours can all impact your dog’s safety and comfort. At Barkside Bay, winter care is about more than just getting outside. It is about making smart, thoughtful adjustments that keep every pet safe and happy. Here are our top winter weather safety tips to help you navigate the colder mont
Jan 253 min read


Why Barkside Bay Walkers Love Giving Back
How our Sponsor a Walk program is helping Erie’s shelter dogs get the love (and walks!) they deserve. At Barkside Bay, we believe every...
May 28, 20253 min read


How to Prepare Your Pets for Vacation Care with Barkside Bay: A Guide for Dog and Cat Owners
Your complete guide to leaving your furry loved ones in good hands—so you can relax, recharge, and enjoy your trip! Planning a vacation...
May 13, 20254 min read


What’s Included in a Barkside Bay Walk?
(Hint: It’s More Than Just a Walk) At Barkside Bay, we know how much your pets mean to you—and that’s exactly why we’ve built our dog...
May 8, 20253 min read


Make the Most of Spring: Enrichment Ideas for Walks & Backyard Time
Because a fulfilled dog is a happy dog—and spring is the perfect time to get those tails wagging! Spring is finally here, and that means...
Apr 29, 20253 min read


Does Your Dog Pull, Bark, or React on Walks? Here’s How We Handle It
How our Training Walks build calm, confidence, and better leash behavior—one step at a time. We’ve all been there: you clip on the leash,...
Apr 23, 20254 min read


How to Use Time to Pet with Barkside Bay
Your step-by-step guide to connecting with us, booking services, and staying in the loop! At Barkside Bay, we’re proud to provide the...
Apr 19, 20254 min read


Focused, Safe, and Tailored: Barkside Bay’s Approach to Dog Walking
Let’s be real: group dog walks might look cute on Instagram—six leashes tangled around a smiling walker, tails wagging in harmony—but...
Apr 13, 20253 min read


Why Pet Owners in Erie, PA Choose Barkside Bay for their Pet Care
Finding the right pet care provider can feel overwhelming. You want someone who treats your pets like their own, understands their...
Apr 1, 20252 min read


Keeping Your Dog's Paws Safe from Ice, Salt, and Snow
As winter sets in, dog owners face the challenge of balancing the need for exercise with the harsh conditions that come with snow, ice,...
Jan 31, 20254 min read


A Day in the Life of a Pet Sitter: Behind the Scenes with the Barkside Bay Team
Caring for pets while their owners are away is more than just a job—it’s a privilege we take seriously. At Barkside Bay, our team of...
Jan 18, 20255 min read


Why Winter Walks Matter: Don't Let the Weather Stop Your Dog's Adventure
When winter hits and the snow starts to fall, it's tempting to curl up on the couch with your dog, cozy and warm inside. After all, it’s...
Jan 9, 20255 min read


Barkside Bay: Reflecting on an Incredible Year of Growth in 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, we at Barkside Bay are filled with gratitude and excitement as we look back on a year that exceeded all...
Dec 30, 20243 min read


Why Dog Walkers are a Game-Changer for Teachers and School Administrators
As the school year gets underway, teachers and school administrators are diving into their busy schedules filled with lesson plans,...
Aug 21, 20242 min read
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