About TBM
The Barking Meter, Inc. is a boutique dog walking service that prides itself on bringing complete satisfaction to its human clients and their k9 companions. Our philosophy at TBM is simple: your dog is our No. 1 priority. We believe that combining affection, exercise, discipline, and socialization not only makes a healthier more well-behaved dog, but one that is happier and friendlier. Furthermore, we believe in the importance of including you -- the ultimate care giver of your furball -- in the process. At TBM, your dog is a part of a team and a part of our family.
TBM does not take the easy road when it comes to walking dogs but happily welcomes all dogs regardless of their behavior. Rehabilitating a dog is just as important as having an easy walk with a well-behaved pooch. We have numerous clients who, prior to joining TeamTBM, could not use a dog walker, usually because they would quit due to the dog's behavior. Once TBM begins working with a dog, we will exhaust all resources to provide your k9 with proper care.
The priority of TBM resides in the personal needs and concerns of each owner. We value each client and how TeamTBM works collectively. All parties involved should be more at ease as a part of TeamTBM: happier and healthier dogs, and clients that are comfortable and confident in TBM.
The Barking Meter, Inc. is a licensed business in New York. We are bonded and insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC., and a proud member of Pet Sitters Association, Best Friends Animal Society, and Humane Society of New York.
Please read our FAQ to learn more.
Services
Standard Services
- Dog walking
- Provide food and water
- Walk specific routes, as indicated by owner
- Arrange visits to dog parks
- Pack walks
- Basic training
Additional Services
- Overnight boarding (short-term & long-term stays) at CampTBM
- Specialized training, as discussed with owner
- Schedule and attend appointments requested by owner (i.e. veterinarian, groomer, photo shoots)
- Provide up-to-date consulting on the healthiest food, toys, and supplies for your dog
- Make trips to the pet store/order specified items requested by owner
- Administer Frontline & Heartguard (and other medications) once or routinely
At CampTBM, we believe that your dog should not feel displaced when in a new place. While you are off on an adventure outside the City, your dog can stay in the home of one of our staffers. Rather than being stuck in a kennel, the dog curls up on the couch, strolls the streets numerous times each day, wrestles with their k9 friends, and receives human affection. During their stay at CampTBM, you will receive updates and pictures, assuring you that your furry friend is both happy and healthy as they anxiously await your return home.
All clients may request various services at any point during the business relationship. Clients will receive an invoice semi-monthly; receipt of payment due on the following business day (the first and fifteenth of each month). Acceptable payment of cash or check, checks made payable to The Barking Meter, Inc..
The Barking Meter is not responsible for injury incurred upon or by a client's dog while under TBM care. Please advise TBM if your dog is inclined to rough behavior and/or should refrain from interacting with other dogs and/or humans.
Rates
30 minutes
(can include the following)
- Change food and water
- Drop-off at grooming appointments
60 minutes
(can include the following)
- Everything in the 30 minute plan
- Pick-up items at pet store
90 minutes
(can include the following)
- Everything in the 60 minute plan
- Attend appointments that require human presence (i.e. vet, photo shoot)
- Trip to the dog park
- Additional focused training
Rates vary by neighborhood and borough. Please inquire for rates in your area.
Rates are provided during standard hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM. A rate of time & a half is incurred for walks provided on nights and weekends; rates double for holiday walks*. Please speak with a TBM representative for special offers and discounts.
Any of our plans can contain the above services though we do our best to customize the experience for each pup that we walk. These are suggested services, but all do not happen on each walk. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest in doggy news and to become acquainted with the pooches comprising TeamTBM – your dog’s mug shot is our Tweeting pleasure.
*Holiday walks and boarding are based on availability. Book a slot today at CampTBM.
References
"Kara began working with my French Bulldog when he was 18-months old. Oliver went from acting like a misbehaved puppy to well-trained ‘Mr. Oliver’ in a matter of weeks. She is reliable, trustworthy, timely and caring. Oliver loves her and his two buddies, Lucca and Jaxie. He spends numerous days and nights with his TBM family. I highly recommend Kara and The Barking Meter."
Phillip Lim, parent of 031
Fashion Designer, 3.1 Phillip Lim
--with TBM since February 2007
"New York City can be a scary place especially when you are just a puppy. When our pup Oliver arrived from his birth home in Indiana, we wanted him to have a smooth transition. Finding a reliable dog walker was our top priority. After asking around for weeks, a neighbor in our building recommended The Barking Meter. His praise went way beyond a recommendation: he said Kara was smart, sweet, reliable and committed. He stressed how comfortable he was giving her the keys to his apartment. Knowing that our Oliver expects the very best, we decided to give her a shot. Four months later we now consider Kara and her team extended members of our family. When we leave town Oliver knows he will be in great hands and get the love he has come to expect at CampTBM. Kara continues Oliver's training and provides us constant consultation on behavior, grooming, training and safety. We wanted a dog walker but feel we've picked up a Canine Life Coach. We cannot recommend TBM enough but I do caution prospective clients not to get too close to Lucca & Jaxie and their parents because our Oliver will still expect them to be showing up at our house on Thanksgiving."
Rob Liano & Debra Firestone, parents of Doodley
Saul Goode Producer & The Eye Center MD
--with TBM since August 2010
"I have been a dog owner in New York City for well over 10 years. In fact, I have owned three Rottweilers during that time and have always made it a point to be very alert while walking them. As a result, I have observed hundreds of dog walkers on the street and in the various dog parks around the city. From my experience, I wouldn't trust the overwhelming majority of them. I consider myself very lucky to have met Kara while I was at the dog park with my Rottie, Sky. After talking with her, and observing her with one of her dogs, Oliver, I decided to have her walk Sky a few times just to see how it would go. Long story short, I have been an extremely happy client and would absolutely recommend, without hesitation, The Barking Meter."
Joe Dowdell, parent of Mama
Owner of Peak Performance Gym (ranked top 10 gyms in US by Men’s Fitness )
--with TBM since November 2007
“TeamTBM has been taking care of our eccentric dog, Sophie, since the winter of ‘08. Kara has been consistently amazing at adjusting to our ever-changing schedules and in the level of care and consideration she gives to both the two-legged and four-legged mammals in her charge. Our dog Sophie is always delighted to see her and comes home and sleeps soundly after her adventures with TeamTBM! Not an easy task. And now we have added a second English Setter to our home, Jack, who will join Sophie on her TBM adventures.
I couldn't more highly recommend Kara and her team to anyone looking for excellent care for their canine pal. She is simply the best!”
Blair Brown, parent of Arctic Fox & One-Eyed Bandit
Actress
--with TBM since April 2008
"I travel a great deal, often last minute, and I always board my Mini Schnauzer, Parker, with The Barking Meter. In 2007, I was referred to TBM as a dog walking service, but quickly learned it was so much more. While Parker does receive daily walks, it is the second home she has found that has made all the difference. Parker loves her time at Aunt Kara's and with her buddies, Lucca & Jaxie. Parker's brother, Guy, entered the scene in the fall of '11 and has quickly fallen in love with TBM crew and its k9s. I trust TBM implicitly: The Barking Meter is definitely the dog house your pooch wants to be sent to, where love, treats, and doggy fun abound."
Claire Bernard de Rham, Parent of Monkey & Geezy
Philanthropist and Writer
--with TBM since December 2007
“When I decided to get a puppy in the Fall of '09, TBM was my first call as I had never had a dog before. I had met Kara as she had many clients in my building and I saw them daily in the elevator. Before I picked up Theo, she gave me advice as to what I needed and how to train a puppy, as well as coming to my apartment the day after I brought him home to help us all get acquainted.
Kara and the TBM staff soon brought Theo into the pack walks and trips to the dog parks. Everyday he looks forward to his trips out with his dog friends. Kara and her team treat Theo as if he were their own. Besides daily walks, they take him to the groomer and the vet and board him when I have to be out of town.
TBM is truly a full service dog care provider and they do it with care and compassion.”
Kerri Halpern, parent of Monster
Madstone Design Studio
--with TBM since October 2009
“TBM has become a valued part of our family whom we trust with the well being and care of our affectionate and rambunctious Puggle, Oliver. When we first realized we could no longer get to Ollie for his daytime walks, it was with trepidation that we opened our apartment up to virtual strangers (albeit seemingly lovely people) to take care of him so we interviewed a number of recommended companies. With all due respect to TBM's competition, the difference was clear from the outset and we've never looked back. TBM has come through on a moment's notice on more than one occasion and will always go the extra mile!”
Aaron Lustbader & DJ Martin, parents of Prince Oli
General Manager, Alan Wasser Associates and Director of Touring, Type A Marketing
--with TBM since October 2008
“In the winter of ‘08, I was a dog-lover who had never owned a dog, hesitant to commit to the responsibility of dog ownership. I met Kara in my hallway, where she discussed with me (for over an hour) how to take care of, discipline, train, and exercise puppies. Furthermore, she offered her full support in terms of flexible scheduling, frequent potty trips, extra supply pick-ups, weekend boarding, and obedience training. It was only then that I felt confident enough to get my first puppy, my precious Wesley. Since then, Kara and I have become great friends and our pups Lucca and Wesleyhave become favorite playmates. Kara is not only an excellent, hard-working, and dependable dog aunt to my beloved Wesley, but also an honest, loyal, and caring friend. I could not have done this without The Barking Meter and I will always be thankful for helping me bring my pooch into my life – Wesley has grown into a spunky yet calm, happy, and well-mannered young adult. Without a doubt, I recommend The Barking Meter to any new or experienced dog owner!”
Joanna Zurada, parent of Wezanator
Dermatologist
--with TBM since March 2008
Team
President
Kara Kleindienst (aka "Kiz")
Kara moved to NYC in the Fall of 2006, after spending 18 months in Washington D.C. working for her California congresswoman. In February '07, she met French Bulldog, Oliver Lim, whose adorable personality inspired her. That June Lucca entered the scene and, instantly, the two Frenchies became buddies. While juggling the responsibilities of raising a puppy, walking Oliver part-time, and working for a non-profit organization serving at-risk youth, her father encouraged her to explore her potential as an entrepreneur. In September 2007, The Barking Meter hit the streets of New York City.
Growing up with dogs, specifically Labradors and Great Pyrenees, Kara understands the need for discipline, exercise, and care: three key components of TBM. Over the last few years, various types of dogs have become a part of TeamTBM -- big and small, fat and skinny, obedient and rambunctious, sweet and aggressive -- and all of them hold equal importance within the TBM family. She implements training and discipline on the walks and works one-on-one with owners to help mold their ideal pup.
As the owner of the company, Kara still spends time on the field as often as her schedule permits in order to provide up-to-date information on how the dogs are doing and what the owners can work on (usually with puppies), offer new techniques to the walkers, and to spend some time loving on the little rascals.
On a personal note, Kara comes from a tight-knit, Southern California family of five. Her parents, Will & Kathy, live in her hometown of Palm Springs with their goofy Golden Labrador, Kawijo (kuh-wee-yo). Her younger brother, Willy, attends NY Law and occasionally walks TBM dogs. The youngest, Joey, moved to NYC in Fall '11 to join TBM as Director of Business Development. She and Lucca live in the Flatiron neighborhood and enjoy their morning ritual to the corner Starbucks.
Team Advisor
Team Staffers
- Lane Emmons
- KJ Jackson
- Willy Kleindienst
- Jenna Mackey
- McKenzie Mahoney
Director of Business Development
Joey Kleindienst (aka "J")
Joey Kleindienst, brother of owner Kara Kleindienst, moved to New York City in October of 2011. A mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Joey decided he would not pursue a career in engineering for the time being, and chose to join The Barking Meter as the Director of Business Development. He tends to all the business needs of The Barking Meter, primarily focusing on our gradual expansion throughout Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. His technical and analytical background adds an additional dimension to The Barking Meter team, allowing us to continue providing top-notch, personal pooch care.
Neighborhood Manager
Alfredo Wong-Den (aka "Fre")
Alfredo joined TeamTBM in the summer of 2011. His love for dogs blossomed when he was four, the year he had his first pet. Since then, he has cared for multiple dogs in a variety of breeds and sizes. Currently he and his wife reside in Brooklyn with their two Boston Terriers, Pappone and Mucca. Alfredo believes that his dogs are an extension of himself and he strongly agrees that all TBM dogs should be treated personally -- just as he treats his own. Holding the same philosophy as The Barking Meter, he is honored to be part of the family, which includes your little (or not so little) ones, too.
