Barks & Rec

★ 4.9 · 88 Google reviews·Dog daycare·Minneapolis, MN

DaycareBoarding

Dogs Away score9.7 /10Exceptional · 88 reviews · top 13% in Minneapolis

Sources

Behind the 9.7

Reviews read: 88 on Google
Average stars: 4.90 ★
Rank: #19 of 162 in Minneapolis
Ratings as of: July–October 2026

See the reviews on Google ↗

Published rate$60 /night

$35middle $56$70

Above the Minneapolis middle price

From their website, 2026-10-19

Sources

Behind the $60

Source: Barks & Rec’s own website
Checked on: 2026-10-19
Rate type: First dog, standard night

“Boarding, per night Starter A Great Stay! $60 / night 2 dogs $90 · 3 dogs $120 ... Studio Suite Spoiled Pups! $85 / night 2 dogs $128 · 3 dogs $170 · 4 dogs $213 ... Daycare $40 full day $30 half day”

Open their price page ↗

Barks & Rec is a dog daycare in Minneapolis, MN, offering daycare & boarding. It scores 9.7/10 (exceptional) from 88 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars — #19 of 162 in Minneapolis. Its website lists boarding from $60–$85 per night and daycare from $40 per day. Of the 27 policies we check, its website states 9.

Vaccine rules publishedRequired: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella · Recommended: canine influenza, leptospirosis
Open play with enforced restPlay model, per the facility.
Outdoor access: yard and poolPer the facility’s website.
Publishes its ratesQuoted below with a link to the source page.

Key facts

Services: DaycareDog walkingBoardingGrooming Confirmed on their own website
Type: Dedicated facility
Boarding rate: $60–$85/night
Daycare rate: $40/day
Open 24 hours: No
Rank in Minneapolis: #19 of 162
Google rating: ★4.9 (88)
From downtown: 1.1 mi
Neighborhood: North Loop
Additional dog: Starter tier: 2 dogs $90 · 3 dogs $120; Studio Suite: 2 dogs $128 · 3 dogs $170 · 4 dogs $213
Profile claimed on Google: Yes

Policies & requirements

9/27

9 of the 27 policies owners ask about are published on their website.Checked on their website, 2026-10-20. Open a policy to see their exact words.

Admission requirements2 of 6 published

Vaccinations requiredRequired: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella · Recommended: canine influenza, leptospirosis

Their words

“Rabies (1 year or 3 year), Distemper Combo, and Bordetella are required. Lepto and Dog Flu are highly recommended.”barksnrec.co/faq/

Vaccination recordsProof checked, not taken on word

Their words

“Upload proof of vaccination (preferred), or bring it at drop-off.”barksnrec.co/faq/

Operations7 of 21 published

Play modelOpen play with enforced rest

Their words

“Our daycare offers all-day play with rest breaks built in.”barksnrec.co/services/

Groups separated byPlay style, size and energy

Their words

“We group dogs by play style, size, and energy so everyone has a good time and stays safe.”barksnrec.co/faq/

HousingKennel and suite

Their words

“Every dog enjoys a private kennel at both locations. North Loop also offers spacious glass-front XL suites with Kuranda beds.”barksnrec.co/

Outdoor accessYard and pool

Their words

“North Loop has turf and pools, and Lakeville has Wiggly Field.”barksnrec.co/faq/

Photo / report-card updatesYes

Their words

“We capture the fun and post pictures”barksnrec.co/services/

Administers medicationIncluded

Their words

“Yes. Medication administration is included in every package.”barksnrec.co/faq/

Online bookingYes

Their words

“Returning? Log In to Book Book Now on Gingr”barksnrec.co/services/

Show 18 policies not published on their website

Bordetella lead timeNot published on their website

Fecal / parasite testNot published on their website

Spay / neuterNot published on their website

Temperament evaluationNot published on their website

Staff on site overnightNot published on their website

Staff-to-dog ratioNot published on their website

Maximum playgroup sizeNot published on their website

Staff certificationNot published on their website

Time out of their roomNot published on their website

Solo care for dogs who skip group playNot published on their website

CapacityNot published on their website

Climate controlNot published on their website

Live cameras for ownersNot published on their website

ToursNot published on their website

Injury / fight policyNot published on their website

Veterinary accessNot published on their website

FeedingNot published on their website

AvailabilityNot published on their website

Policies change, so confirm anything that matters when you book. Items marked “described by reviewers” come from customers, not from the facility.

Score & reviews

9.7ExceptionalDogs Away score

5 ★86

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★2

1 ★0

★ 4.90Google average

88reviews behind the score

★ 4.67Minneapolis average

Higher is better. A score backed by more reviews is more reliable. Read the reviews on Google Maps. Data as of July–October 2026.

What reviewers mention most

accommodating staff 19photo updates 8new location 6pools 6tired dogs 5indoor play time 3clean facility 3not overcrowded 2

Topics extracted from public review text, with the number of reviews that mention each.

Who they take & how they care

Updates during a stay: Daily pool-day and group-play posts on Instagram, with pictures of your own pupStated on their website

In the facility’s own words, summarized. Confirm when you book.

Hours

Mon: 7 AM–6:30 PM
Tue: 7 AM–6:30 PM
Wed: 7 AM–6:30 PM
Thu: 7 AM–6:30 PM
Fri: 7 AM–6:30 PM
Sat: 9 AM–5 PM
Sun: 9 AM–5 PM

From the public profile, July–October 2026. Drop-off and pick-up windows can be narrower; holiday hours vary.

Location

Next to MPLS Farmers Market NO LONGER IN, THE VARIANT BUILDING, 400 Lakeside Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405

1.1 miles from downtown Minneapolis · North Loop · Get directions

Amenities & details

Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible parking lot

Self-reported on the business’s public profile.

Questions about Barks & Rec

What services does Barks & Rec offer?

Barks & Rec is listed as a dog day care center in Minneapolis, MN, offering daycare, boarding.

How much does Barks & Rec charge?

Its website lists overnight boarding at $60–$85 per night and daycare at $40 per day (first-dog standard rate, checked 2026-10-19). Holiday surcharges and add-ons vary; confirm when booking. The Minneapolis median published boarding rate is $56/night.

What vaccines does Barks & Rec require?

According to its website: Required: rabies, DHPP, Bordetella · Recommended: canine influenza, leptospirosis.

Is someone on site overnight at Barks & Rec?

Barks & Rec's website does not say whether a person is on site overnight (checked 2026-10-20). That is common — ask the facility directly before booking an overnight stay.

How does Barks & Rec compare with other Minneapolis facilities?

It ranks #19 of 162 in the Minneapolis index by Dogs Away score (9.7/10, exceptional), based on 88 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars.