we are a team
and this is our family
our story
the barking meter (tbm) is New York City’s premier dog walking, training, and k9 concierge service. Founded in 2007, our primary focus has always been to meet the individual needs of every dog under our care, while supporting and uplifting their families alongside them. We understand that a dog’s care extends well beyond ensuring they are walked every day. Our approach to helping an urban dog flourish is to provide them with a sense of calm, confidence and community. We respect the journey of each dog, from new puppy to rescue dog, and we are here to help every step of the way, ensuring our clients feel confident and prepared to provide the best life for their dog that they can.
Since our beginnings, tbm has partnered with local veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and rescue organizations. Through these relationships, the concept of our k9 concierge service was formed: complete care and service for our clients from walks, to vet visits, to overnight care, and more. While our tbm family continues to expand--what started in the neighborhood of Chelsea now covers over 25 neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn--our mission and values remain the same: to serve as the ultimate k9 advocate.
our history
Kara, tbm’s Founder and CEO, moved to New York City in 2006, in search of a career change. Soon thereafter, she was put in touch with fashion designer Phillip Lim who was looking for help caring for his French Bulldog, Oliver. Kara helped cover all aspects of Oliver’s care, from walks, to vet visits, to trips to the pet store. His adorable personality inspired Kara to get her own Frenchie, Lucca, who was the inspiration for tbm’s beginnings, and who remains at the core of tbm’s values to this day. During the time she spent caring for Oliver and Lucca, the gears started turning and Kara developed an interest in entrepreneurship and the dog-care industry. By the end of 2007, tbm officially hit the streets of New York City as the ultimate k9 advocate, always striving to provide the same level of care and compassion that Kara would expect her own dog, Lucca, to receive. In 2011, Kara’s brother, Joey, joined tbm and helped develop the business into the full-fledged service and community that it is today.
Kara lives in Brooklyn with her three rescue dogs: two street dogs from Aruba, Inspector Gadget and Mud, and a senior Frenchie, Moki. Her dogs join tbm pack walks daily and serve as guidance for how Kara shapes tbm’s values and service. Over the years, she has teamed up with rescues through which her family regularly fosters dogs. The company culture at tbm is founded on Kara's core belief that community is essential in making a difference in the world.
tbm's core values
Come as an individual, play as a team.
Respect each dog’s journey.
Teach your pack how to thrive.
Communicate honestly and openly.
Act ethically, always.
Protect the pack.
meet our team
kara
Founder & CEO
soul breed: doberman
"At 24, I welcomed my Lucca (a Frenchie) into my home. She inspired me to provide loving care to the k9 community of NYC. Serving as an advocate for our dogs is the greatest gift we can give them, and it's the foundation of all we do at tbm."
shauna
President
soul breed: weimaraner
"I started with tbm in 2018 as a Handler - right out of college as a tiny 22 year old! It’s hard to put into words what this community has meant to me since then. I’ve had the absolute privilege of walking, loving, and growing with so many amazing dogs (and their humans!). "
darby
Director, Logistics & Content
soul breed: mutt
"I started out as a full-time Handler with tbm in 2018 and quickly transitioned to working behind the scenes, running operations alongside Kara for years. Now, I preside over our daily scheduling to ensure every dog is seen on time, accompanied by their favorite packmates. I also do my best to keep tbm looking fresh (find us on IG!), but whenever I can sneak out for a dog walk here and there, it's a highlight of my day!"
deanna
Director, Operations
soul breed: dalmatian
"I connected with Kara through a rescue and became a tbm client in 2020 when my tiny puppy, Gigi, came into my life. About a year later, I found my place supporting all tbm operations and, most importantly, fellow pup parents. I help connect families with the training, walks, and care their dogs need to thrive—and I’m grateful every day to support the dogs we love!"
