The Story BehindThe Barker House
We didn't set out to just provide dog care. We set out to do it the best.
Meet Amber
The Barker House didn't start as a business idea. It started with a standard I couldn't find anywhere else.
As a dog owner myself, I knew what I wanted for them. Not just a place to stay or pass the time, but an environment that felt intentional, structured, and genuinely thoughtful.
Not rushed. Not overcrowded. Not transactional.
And it didn't exist. So I built it.
What began as a personal expectation quickly grew into something more. Families were looking for the same thing...a place where their dogs are known, where care is consistent, and where nothing feels like just another appointment on the schedule.
The Barker House was created to meet that need.
Today, it has grown into a trusted space for day programs, overnight boarding, and grooming on the South Shore, and the standard hasn't changed. Every detail, every structure, and every experience is designed with the same mindset it started with:
If it's not good enough for my dogs, it's not good enough for yours.
Barker House Staff
Our incredible team of dog lovers who make every day special.
Sam
Customer Experience Manager
From prospective clients to existing clients, Sam's positive attitude and historical knowledge ensures that everyone's experience is equally amazing!
MacKenzie
General Manager
Full of positive energy, knowledgeable about safety & processes, and always available to our parents!
Jill
Enrichment Coordinator
Makes sure every dog in our care is engaged and celebrated, and that every person on our team feels recognized, appreciated, and part of something special.
Brittany
Dog Handler
Unofficially takes the best daily photos of the dogs! Fast & strong bonds with our pups.
Shannon
Dog Handler
The dogs love her leadership style, and she never minds the pool soaked hugs or drooly kisses :)
Ava
Vet Tech & Dog Handler
Works with our weekend boarders making sure they're safe & happy during their sleepovers!
Nickey
Morning Lead
Has the privilege of waking up our sleepover guests, greeting all of our day program pups & ensuring that the first half of the day is productive and safe!
Mariah
Dog Handler
Patient, kind and 'zen' — an amazing person and a valued member of the team!
Kayla
Dog Handler
Always brings a positive vibe into the play groups! And she never minds kisses!
Nicole
Dog Handler
Loves spending time with our 1:1 dogs! Her favorite accomplishment is getting them to do zoomies :)
Hailey
Evening Lead
Oversees all dogs heading home and makes sure everything is safe & secure at closing time.
Amber's Babies
The dogs (and kitty) who inspire it all.
Ziggy
Lived in a shelter for over 3 years, being returned twice. We met him while volunteering & right away he rubbed up against us instead of biting. 10 years later, he's sweet, happy & spoiled!
Porter
Came home at 8 weeks as a little fur ball. Now 9 years old and literally the sweetest, most kind hearted, laid back 100 pounds of floof. He wins over hearts immediately!
Rigby
7 years old and totally spoiled! Got her from the shelter at 10 weeks old, the last of a litter of 9 from Georgia. Smart as a whip, expert frisbee catcher!
Cooper
Baby of the family. Ball of energy, has amazing ears, and is the best snuggler. Also called Spazz & Pest
Bailey
Newest addition to the family in 2022. 150-pound lovebug who wants all of the attention and has been known to knock people over with her hugs. Her snoring is epic.
Douglas
We call him our cat-dog because he runs, plays, drinks, and sleeps with all of the dogs! He also gets zoomies and comes to the door to greet me every time I come home