Maintaining high standards of customer service, quality products and exceptional pet care is what makes Barks and Recreation Pet Care a leader in their industry. And more importantly, it’s what keeps their customers coming back for more.

Originally started as a dog training business with Owner, Sarah Fulcher leading the pack, the business quickly grew to add a pet-sitting service, which was very popular with West Kootenay locals. In 2010, Sarah and co-owner Cameron Dixon decided to further expand by applying for a Business start-up subsidy through Community Futures. Once approved for the funding, Barks and Recreation was officially opened in December 2010, offering “everything you need to make your best friend better,” including dog daycare, training and grooming, premium pet food and supplies, and pet photography and pet portrait paintings.

The decision to open their business in the Kootenay’s was an easy one for Sarah, who was born and raised here, and her partner Cameron, originally from Fort St. John, but who fell in love with the area when he first visited. Leaving their home in Lethbridge, AB, the pair happily moved back to Trail in 2009, deciding it was a great community to start their business in because of its desirable cost-of-living and affordability. Plus, there was the added bonus of being closer to their family.

In addition, the pair found the community was very receptive to their dog training and pet sitting services, and realized Barks & Recreation would be the answer to the city’s animal needs. Based on their market research, Trail was also on the top of their list because they wanted to locate their business in a place where it would have the greatest positive impact on the community.

Fulcher and Dixon agree that their favourite aspects of doing business in the region is their friendly customers, support they get for shopping locally, and the fact that they feel really involved in the community and are happy and proud to be part of improving the city.

In continuing with their success Barks & Rec have already outgrown their current facility and are moving to a new location, 1208 Pine; with the purchased of this new building they can expand all of their current services and have the potential to add new ones in the future.

Attributing their continued success to their family and friends, wonderful clients, volunteers, staff and fellow local business owners, Fulcher and Dixon thank the following for their support: Community Futures: Tamara Rotach and especially Kristi Loughlin who continues to support our business in many ways; Trail Regional BC SPCA, Tails Pet Supplies (Rossland), Barb Billingsley & The Doorway, Tonnie Stewart (Century 21), Jeanne Shaw (Love 2 Play Dog Training, Slocan Park) and the Trail Times.