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12 n e w h a v e n B I Z | S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo T R E N D I N G Canine Capers: Doggy day cares cater to furry friends ANIMAL MAGNETISM W hen Meg Montano adopted two puppies, the idea of leav- ing them home alone while she went to work was heart- breaking. She would wonder if they were bored, having "accidents" or destroying her furniture. at quandary prompted Montano to launch a business — to provide what working parents of human ba- bies have had for many years — day care, but for dogs. Her business, the Barking Lot, on Sherman Avenue in Hamden was born in 2007. Montano's predicament was shared by other dog lovers, and now area doggy day cares attract many cus- tomers who don't want to leave their canine companions home all day. Judith Kiraly of Hamden has been taking her Great Pyrenees, Max, to the Barking Lot since he was five months old. "He can hardly wait to get in the door," Kiraly says. "I think he would prefer to be there than to be at home. ey know all of the dogs' names and personalities." Kiraly notes how before doggy day cares started cropping up, dog lovers had fewer options — leaving their dogs cooped up at home all day, or sending them to a kennel if they went away. "I think doggy day care is better — it improves my dog's happiness," Kiraly says. On any given day the Barking Lot is filled with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Emma Kroesser, manager of the Barking Lot, says the business typi- cally cares for 70 to 100 dogs. "We see a lot of young couples with full-time jobs," Kroesser says. "eir dogs are like their babies." "People work long hours," she adds. "eir dogs are getting exer- cise, burning off energy, and being cared for — it is ideal for everyone." Kroesser feels the same way about her own dog: "My dog is my kid — she gets to be with her own kind, running around. At the end of the day, you are tired and so is your dog, so it is good overall." e 10,000-square-foot business is decorated with artwork featur- ing canines. Dogs can climb on playscapes, chase bubbles, and on hot days, swim in a pool or jump in a sprinkler. Little dogs and big dogs stay in separate rooms, and the business has a kennel for overnight boarding. More doggy daycare businesses have opened in recent years, with another currently in the works for New Haven. "ey are starting to pop up everywhere," Kroesser says. A Dog's Life LLC, at 75 Hamilton St., in New Haven, for example, was incorporated in 2008, and it offers day care with playtime and nap times, along with training classes. Paw Haven LLC is planning to locate its new business at 1175 State St., New Haven, where it will offer pet boarding, with indoor and out- door play areas, and grooming. n Dogs at the Barking Lot in Hamden.