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A Stay Worth Barking About

At Bark's Bed and Biscuit, pets are treated like family.

Article by Ellen S. Wilkowe

Photography by Julian Garcia, Barks Bed & Biscuit

Originally published in Denville City Lifestyle

Meg Latham's guests enjoy many of the comforts of a luxury getaway. There’s room service, outdoor recreation, overnight supervision, and even a salon for a little pampering before heading home.

The only difference? Every guest arrives with four legs and a wagging tail.

Welcome to Bark's Bed and Biscuit, a Denville staple providing boarding, daycare, and grooming services for local pets since 2010. The business built its reputation long before the rise of today’s “pet humanization” movement, which has owners treating their furry companions more like family members than ever before.

Latham took over ownership of the business in 2018 and has continued to build on that reputation, providing a trusted home away from home for pets throughout the area.

“I have loved animals since childhood,” Meg explained. “I have three dogs of my own.”

For pet owners, leaving a beloved companion behind can be stressful. But Latham’s lifelong love of animals—and firsthand experience as a dog owner—helps provide peace of mind to clients entrusting their pets to her care.

No two guests are exactly alike. Some arrive bursting with energy and eager to play, while others prefer a slower pace and extra attention from staff. Getting to know each pet’s personality is part of the job, and helping them feel comfortable away from home is a priority from the moment they walk through the door.

The itinerary is pulled straight from the “every dog has its day” playbook. In addition to food, water, and comfortable accommodations, dogs enjoy walks every three hours and playtime with companions of similar size to burn off energy and stay engaged.

“What sets us apart is that we are a family-run business,” she explained. 

That hands-on approach extends to the staff, an all-paws-on-deck team of intuitive pet lovers certified in dog and cat CPR.

While food, toys, and bedding are provided with each stay, many owners choose to send familiar comforts from home. Some pack favorite toys, while others bring food to accommodate specific dietary preferences, including raw diets.

Although dogs make up the majority of Bark’s clientele, cats and even rabbits receive the same level of care and attention. Feline guests enjoy playtime, affection, and plenty of opportunities to nap in a quiet environment.

Over the years, Bark’s has built a loyal customer base, with many pets returning throughout every stage of life.

“We’ve had repeat customers,” she said. “I’ve seen puppies grow well into senior dogs.”

Meg has come to know many of her regulars by name, personality, and routine. Some race through the door eager to see their friends, while others head straight for their favorite spot to settle in. For many guests, Bark’s has become a familiar part of their routine—and a second home.

Families travel from across Morris County and beyond for Bark’s services, often returning year after year. Those relationships extend beyond convenience and are built on trust, consistency, and the comfort of knowing their companions are cared for by people who genuinely love animals.

Bark's has also seen its fair share of four-legged fashion pass through the facility.

“I’ve had a Yorkie in daycare dropped off in a sweater and a pitbull in a dress,” she said. “Especially in the winter, the dogs come in all kinds of sweaters.”

Daycare services are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and prospective clients are welcome to tour the facility. Daycare and boarding guests also have access to a pet camera, allowing owners to check in on their companions throughout the day.

For additional peace of mind, a staff member remains on-site overnight to supervise boarding guests.

Bark’s Bed and Biscuit is located at 267 Route 46 East in Denville.

Businesses featured in this article