Welcome to Bark Life
Bark Life Dog Walking is a registered canine services business based in Halifax, NS, that caters to adventure-loving dogs and their busy humans. We offer daily group wilderness excursions, slower-paced trail walks, and in-home boarding for friendly, family-oriented dogs.
Bark Life sets the bar when it comes to dog care in the Halifax/Sackville/Bedford West area. We take the time to get to know your dog as an individual, and focus on building a trusting, nurturing relationship using force-free training techniques and skill-building exercises during each outing or stay.
With Bark Life, your dog receives mental stimulation, physical activity, social interaction and affection on days when you can’t do it all yourself. Our small groups ensure that your dog’s individual needs are being met, and that they are never overcrowded. We use quiet trails away from the general public where your dog will be able to swim, explore and play in a beautiful, serene wilderness area. Additionally, you’ll get a text update, photos and video clips after every excursion!
Boarding clients enjoy all the benefits of home – and more! Your pup will have access to playtime in our fully-fenced backyard, and will be taken on daily outings suited to their needs. We are a kennel/crate-free space (unless specifically requested), and we incorporate toys, enrichment activities and couch snuggles into our everyday routine.
Bark Life Dog Walking is Canine First Aid certified, registered, insured by Profur Insurance and has over nine years of professional experience working with dogs of all age, breed and temperament.
Our Services
We offer a range of services to meet the needs of every dog and their owner.
2-Hour Group Wilderness Hike
A half-day wilderness excursion for active, social dogs. Hikers are picked up, safely transported to a quiet, forested trail where they can explore and play for a minimum of two hours, then returned home. Six dogs max per hike; consistent off-leash recall skills are required.
In-Home Dog Boarding
Going on vacation? Let your dog stay with us! Our in-home dog boarding service provides a comfortable and safe environment for your dog while you’re away. We treat your dog like family and make sure they get plenty of love, exercise, mental stimulation and attention.
1-Hour Group Trail Walk
We understand that not all dogs have the same social and physical needs – and that a dog’s needs may change throughout their lifetime.
Why Choose Us
Experienced, reliable and passionate about dogs.
At Bark Life Dog Walking, we understand that your dog is a part of your family. That’s why we treat them as if they were our own! Experienced, trustworthy and reliable, Bark Life is passionate about providing the best care possible to each and every dog we work with. Many of our clients have been with us for 7-plus years, and we value long-term relationships where we can help you provide the very highest quality of life for your four-legged companion.
DAILY GROUP OUTINGS
Bark Life offers two different daily walk options to best serve the unique needs of our clients. Whether your dog is a high-energy, mid-sized adventure pup, a teeny-tiny super sniffer or a gentle giant entering their golden years, we have you covered. Dogs are placed in a walking group based on personality, skill set, ability and play style while also considering location and schedule preferences. We recommend dogs walking or hiking a minimum of 2-3 times weekly to facilitate a feeling of comfort, safety and familiarity within groups.
SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE
At Bark Life Dog Walking, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all dogs under our care. Our combination of hands-on experience, canine behaviour education and Emergency First Aid training ensures that we are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. We always hike with Emergency First Aid supplies, and provide clean drinking water for the dogs on every hike. We have two Tractive GPS trackers available for new clients, and have CAA coverage in case of a transportation-related emergency.
Dog Walker Herring Cove
ABOUT US
Bark Life Dog Walking is a canine services business located in Beaver Bank, NS, that caters to wilderness-loving dogs and their busy humans. We strive to provide safe, structured outdoor adventures that meet your dog's mental, physical and emotional needs through play, exploration, social interaction and exercise. We prioritize the individual needs of each dog within small group settings, and value long-term relationships with our clients based in transparency and trust.
Bark Life is owned and operated by Kailyn James. Originally from Dartmouth, NS, Kailyn received her Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2010, and started her career working in a variety of non-profit and government communications roles. However, she realized quickly that an office job was not the right career path for her, and in 2014 Kailyn started working with dogs as a volunteer with the NS SPCA and Greyhound Pets of Atlantic Canada (GPAC). She realized she had a tremendous passion for this work - ranging from animal care and administration to marketing and advocacy - and she decided to learn as much as possible about canine behaviour and small business management before launching Bark Life Dog Walking in 2016. Kailyn grew Bark Life over the next several years to become one of Halifax's premier dog walking businesses, employing multiple staff members and maintaining a 5-star rating on Google. She loved spending so much time outside, encouraging dogs to live their very best lives, and forming close relationships with clients who shared her passion - their dogs.
Bark Life was closed for a period of time between 2020-2023, during which Kailyn received a diploma in Acupuncture and TCM and then worked as an acupuncturist at a local health clinic; raised her young child (who is now five); and moved into her first home in Beaver Bank, NS. This break allowed time for personal growth and professional development - and with that, the realization that no career would ever be as good a fit as guiding dogs through woodland trails... And so, in September 2023, Bark Life re-opened to once again offer off-leash wilderness hiking and in-home boarding services.
Currently, Kailyn runs Bark Life with her 9-year-old whippet mix Frye and dog-savvy, usually-helpful son in a quiet neighbourhood in Beaver Bank. When she's not on the trail or snuggled up with a pile of puppies, Kailyn enjoys taking Pilates classes, frequenting coffee shops, spending time with family and gardening. She is an animal rescue advocate, a proud aunt of three, and someone who loves chatting with new people about their dogs.
Phone 902-292-3647
Bark Life Dog Walking is proudly DogSafe Canine First Aid Certified.
www.dogsafe.ca/canada-dog-pros.html
Bark Life Dog Walking is protected by PROfur Insurance.
www.profur.ca
