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The Barking Lot is a family owned business providing boarding, grooming and training for both cats and dogs. You can rest at ease when your pet stays with us knowing that we have some of the most experienced staff in the Greater Des Moines Area, and we treat your pet as one of our family; providing care that is tailored to each pet's unique needs. Come in for a tour anytime we are open, no appointment necessary. We'd love to add you and your pet to The Barking Lot family.
Services
Loui attends daycare once a week at the Barking Lot's daycare and also stays for boarding when we are out of town. There is always a warm welcome when we arrive at the Barking Lot with special attention to Loui. The staff knows each dog's name and personality, and is always watching to make sure the dogs are getting along in daycare.
The Barking Lot offers top of the line kenneling suites and care. Our premium suites offer laminate walls and glass fronts that provide your dog with a private, quiet, calming environment. We have 22 premium suites, some with multiple occupancy. Soothing music and a night light help to calm the stresses of being away from home.
The cats stay in their own private wing at the opposite end of the kennel to avoid the dogs "chatter". Our kitty condos are spacious, have a bunk bed and a private hide-away. Each condo has a litter box that is scooped several times daily. Your cat will be let out daily for "roam time" in the sunroom, individually or socially, depending on temperament.
The Barking Lot groomers have over 40 years of combined experience and continue to further their knowledge by attending grooming seminars to learn the newest tricks of the trade. Our groomers are talented, caring and patient. We have no problem working with nervous or difficult pets. We can accommodate all breeds and hairstyles, dog or cat.
Reviews (15)
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Futbol Staley
May 29, 2022
They were able to get my dogs in with just a few days heads up!
Michelle Plotzker
May 15, 2022
I can not recommend Kayla highly enough. I am a veterinarian and my pup Daisy is my baby. She is anxious being kenneled or blow dried. When I brought her to Kayla for the first time a few months ago she hadn't been professionally groomed in 9 months (since we moved to the area) and my baths and brushing weren't cutting it. Kayla listened to my explanation of Daisy's quirks with infinite patience and did an amazing job of getting rid of the undercoat that I hadn't been able to.

She even put special earmuffs on her to block out the noise of the dryer! Daisy is just back from her second visit and looking fantastic! I love having her groomed at the start of summer to finish out the spring shedding season. Kayla took excellent care of her once again and it's obvious that Daisy feels like a million bucks. She's the only person in town I'll be bringing my sweet pup to for grooming. Thanks Kayla!
James Dekezel
Jan 09, 2022
I have a very Hairy German Shepherd. Kayla did a great job of making sure she gets brushed before bathing and removing as much fur as safely as possible. She does a great job trimming up around her sanitary areas and under belly. Definitely not the cheapest place in town, but I like the way my pup is treated at the facility.
Carol Holland
Dec 27, 2021
Trisha is always welcoming. My dog lights up when he seed her and that shows me he is in great hands for a fantastic haircut@
Dennis DeBruin
Oct 25, 2021
Best of everything for caring for your dog. Good grooming, good boarding. If you have a herding dog with lots of fur, get a grooming with Helena, she knows how to handle herding dogs, she has a lot of them.
Nicole Roth
Feb 03, 2021
We just got our dog back today from grooming and he looks awesome as always. We asked for his hair to be cut shorter this time, but not buzzed. They did a perfect job. We have tried to do this haircut on him at home, but it doesn't look even after we do it and we can't get his hair so incredibly soft like they do. Thanks so much for being the #1 dog grooming and boarding for our family!
Jill Vandenberg
Apr 09, 2020
The Barking Lot is amazing! They are so thoughtful and knowledgeable about all pets! Things I never even knew! Melissa runs her business in a very efficient manner. I have had many friends who have been recommended there and love it. I will continue to keep bringing my dog there for playtime and bathing!
Nick OHara
Jan 13, 2019
Have been taking my dog here for grooming every 10 weeks since 2013 and have always had a positive experience. Helena is an excellent groomer and always asks questions to ensure our dog looks how we want. Have also used their boarding services once in summer 2018 with another positive experience. We don't board our dog often but we'll continue to use Barking Lot in the future.
Polly M.
Sep 25, 2018
I am extremely picky about who I trust to handle/care for my dogs. The Barking Lot is the ONLY place I trust. I know that the staff are kind and compassionate in dealing with my dogs. They are fantastic groomers. And, in the process of a nightmarish move, they even helped me out with my kitties. I can't imagine why anyone would go anywhere else.
Carson L.
Mar 20, 2018
I took my doggie into The Barking Lot for a nice spa day and the woman who runs this business was extremely rude to me; which is one thing but then to add insult to injury, she was rude to my doggo. Would advise every serious dog owner not to trust this place of business.
Nathan C.
Apr 17, 2017
Second time we've gone here for grooming of our shih tzu and beagle. Initially went here because they were cheaper than our prior groomers, but I suppose you get what you pay for! Shih tzu's cut is extremely choppy, but what's worse is the blood stains left on the seat of my car from our beagle. 3 out of his 4 paws are bleeding from where they nicked him and cut his nails too short. When i picked them up, none of the staff members said a word or apologized. Safe to say they we will NEVER be back and will be referring all our friends STAY AWAY!
Cheryl Reed
Nov 14, 2016
This place is amazing. I have always had the best experience. The owner Melissa has given one on one treatment not only to my dog, but to my self as well. The new courtesy calls they are working in to their rutine is a great plus. I would have missed my last appointment had I not gotten one. (Totally my fault) The quality of grooming that my little guy has gotten has ALWAYS been the reason I spread the word about this place.

I also know that when I leave for a couple days and have to board my little guy he is in good hands. Buddy always gets so excited when I ask him if he wants to go see Melissa! Its a great feeling to know that all is well with him every time we go.
Lindsey Guerrero
Oct 25, 2016
The Barking Lot is simply AMAZING! No words can express how thankful I am to have a place I can leave my pups and know that they are in good hands. Melissa and staff are amazing and truly understand dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and personalities. One of my dogs has separation anxiety and the other is a timid rescue. The Barking Lot has done wonders for both separation anxiety and socialization.

I always had such anxiety leaving my dogs with other boarding facilities, but now I can go on vacation with absolutely no hesitation because I know my dogs are being loved and cared for as they would be at home. Both pups get excited to go to daycare at The Barking Lot! In addition to the daycare and boarding facilities, the groomers are wonderful.

They are incredibly gentle, loving, and do an awesome job at nail trimming! The Barking Lot goes above and beyond, I would never trust my dogs with anyone else! And the facilities are immaculate, always incredibly clean! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Heather T.
Dec 31, 2015
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Friendly and attentive staff, able to trim my chihuahua's nails with ease. This was a welcome and wonderful experience since this is not his favorite activity.
Kathe S.
Jul 27, 2015
We have a 5 year old Teddy Bear dog (Bischon/Shitzu) and we have gone to the Barking Lot for obediance class and grooming. The owner and staff are AMAZING! They are so nice and knowledgeble and extremely responsive. Before I had even signed up for a class I emailed asking some questions and they always responded in a timely manner and gave me loads of free good advice. We always get Helena as out dogs groomer and she is really great! She is super nice and really good with our Dog. We will never go anywhere else!