Coming to be owners of kennels and catteries was initially, somewhat of a surprise to both of us. However, having made the decision to tackle this new challenge, it has proven to be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

Our background is Farming and Hospitality. We both love animals and we care about animal welfare. When we first saw the business we saw a lot of things we did not like, but what we did see was potential. Essentially BARK is a form of hospitality. Like people, the same high level of expectation, service, and delivery is required! Surprisingly similar!

Over the last year, we have built a great team who share the same values and vision for BARK. We get excited by what we have all achieved in such a short time. We encourage you to join us, as a BARK customer. Your furry friends will love you for it!

I took over as manager at BARK in October 2025. I am originally from the UK, where up until I moved to New Zealand in March 2017 with my husband and three cats, was an RSPCA Inspector in Essex. I have always had a passion for animals and their welfare and ensuring they are looked after to the highest of welfare standards. I currently reside onsite with my husband and all my rescue fur-babies; our cats Hamlet, who is completely blind and Banks who is just a grumpy old man. Our three-legged Pitbull Jasper, our Italian Greyhound Bellatrix and our ever regal, ex-racing Greyhound Lady Penelope.

A recent addition to our team, Bernadine has years of experience working with animals during her time as an SPCA Inspector in South Africa.

Hi, I’m Zoë! I started working at BARK in 2024 after completing some of my vet nursing placement here, I am now full time in the kennels making friends with everyones’ doggies! I have always been passionate about animals and I absolutely love my job. It brings me so much joy to come into work everyday and hang out with all the pups! 

I am currently studying to become a Rural Animal Veterinary Technician and in my spare time I am generally riding my horse or going on some kind of adventure! 

Hiya!! I’m Olivia and I work here at BARK in reception/kennels and the cattery! I’ve worked at BARK for almost 5 years. From being the daycare supervisor for a couple years plus doing my times in kennels to now reception/cattery.. I’ve done it all!

I took a year off to have my not so furry baby but I’m back and in love as ever with my job. I have grown up with a range of animals in all sizes! I also have a Cat Louie and a dog Rocco who I truly adore!

I have a certificate in animal behaviour and I genuinely love forming relationships and trust with not just the furry animals here but also the owners!

Hi, I’m Harriet! ☺️

I joined the Bark team in March 2025 as one of the receptionists, and I’ve absolutely loved getting to meet and welcome all of the gorgeous animals that stay with us.

Alongside reception, I also help care for our cats here at Bark. One of my favourite parts of the job is spending time with them in our outdoor catio, making sure they get lots of cuddles, attention, and love while they’re with us.

 I’ve always had a huge passion for animals, so being able to work with them every day is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to meeting you and all of your sweet fur babies! 🐾

Hi, I’m Amber. I’m one third of our dynamic daycare trio. We have such an awesome team that I am honoured to be a part of, and I certainly can’t complain about getting to spend my work week surrounded by furry friends. Since starting here I have even managed to snag myself a boyfriend, known as Bismarck, a very handsome bulldog. For the first time in my life, I don’t have any pets of my own so working here and getting to hang out with your precious babies all day is quenching that thirst.

After many years of being a nanny, I wanted a change of occupation to my other passion of working with animals.

I have been working here at BARK since 2020 and really enjoy it. My training is on the job and I have learned a lot about dog behaviour. It is very rewarding when we work with the owners to improve behaviours especially in dogs who experience anxiety.

You will often hear me talking to the dogs, referring to myself as Aunty as I treat all the dogs that come here like my family.

Hi, I’m George. I am a year 13 student at Rolleston College. I have always loved animals, especially dogs, and working at Bark has made me like them more. I have a 5 year old dog myself who I couldn’t imagine living without. Every week I look forward to seeing the dogs here at bark, and spending time with them.

Hi, I’m Sarah and I work part time in the Kennels. I’ve grown up on the farm where my love and passion for sheep and other animals (including my huntaway dogs) has continued to grow over the years. I studied hotel and hospitality after finishing school which led to me working in a hotel in Sydney. After returning home I decided I wanted to work with animals again which led me to working here at Bark, and you could say I’m still working at a hotel it’s just for dogs instead of humans! I look forward to meeting and bonding with all the dogs that come through the kennels!