The Bark Shack is located in Hickory, NC and offers grooming and boarding services for both cats and dogs. We provide a fun, loving environment where pets are pampered and cared for. We are committed to making every visit a joyful and comfortable experience for your pet. Owned and operated by Shannon Smith and Laura Heavener, and backed by over 20 years of experience and a lifelong passion for animals.
Max and Emmy always enjoy their visit to The Bark Shack. Their haircuts are perfect and they smell wonderful. They prefer home to traveling, but they always seem comfortable going for their grooming. That makes me feel comfortable.
JJ
Jill
Oct 9, 2025
5.0
The Bark Shack is awesome!!! I've recently started there and have seen/experienced nothing but loving care for each furbaby that comes through the door. Shannon and Laurie are the bomb!!!
JJ
Julianne
Oct 9, 2025
5.0
I Brought Finn in and a costume they groomed him as usual perfect, and put him in his costume, took his picture he was so stinking cute, Shannon is going to post it on the FB page, as soon as she sends it to me I will add it. I love all the fun things they do, the party bag for boarding, the Christmas parade King and Queen, and they just told me about October 18th the parade for dogs, how fun!!!!! Love the extra
AM
Anthony Moore
Oct 2, 2025
5.0
I have had 2 great experiences at The Bark Shack in Hickory keeping my dog, Izzy. She is young, very scared of any new environment. Shannon & Lauren are very attentive, setting up a kennel in a separate room thus easing my dog and eliminating noise from other pups. I appreciate their care and both of them!
For the safety of all animals in our care, we require all pets to have current vaccinations for both boarding and grooming services. Please bring proof of vaccination to your appointment. For boarding services, this documentation should be presented at drop-off.
What do we need to provide for dog boarding?
When boarding your dog, please bring their food in a plastic container, bedding, and any favorite toys. Ensure the food container is labeled with your pet's name and feeding instructions, including portion sizes for each meal.
Is there a minimum amount of days for boarding?
Our boarding services require a minimum stay of one full day and night. Please note that we no longer offer doggy daycare services.
How long does it take to groom my dog?
While grooming duration varies based on dog size, we advise setting aside approximately 5 hours for a complete grooming service. This allows us to provide thorough care without rushing the process.
Do you have a climate controlled facility?
Our entire facility is equipped with air conditioning to ensure a comfortable environment for all pets in our care.
Do you have outdoor runs?
We provide outdoor runs to allow dogs the opportunity to exercise and stretch their legs during their stay with us.
Can we pickup on weekends?
Weekend drop-offs and pick-ups are available, but only at specific times: 8 AM or 5 PM on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Is there someone at the facility 24/7?
While we don't have staff on-site 24/7, our facility is equipped with surveillance cameras that are monitored frequently to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests.
Do you use hypo allergenic products?
We exclusively use hypoallergenic products for all our grooming services to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations.