We are a team and this is our family.
the barking meter (tbm) is New York City’s premier dog walking service and k9 concierge.
We are the team that supports the individualized needs of each tbm dog and their human.
Our approach to an urban dog’s life provides them with a sense of calm, confidence, and community.
In Fall of 2006, Kara moved to New York City after her post-university job on Capitol Hill. Soon thereafter, she met fashion designer Phillip Lim and began walking his dog, Oliver, whose adorable personality inspired her to get her own French bulldog, Lucca. Spending afternoons with these two Bullies sparked an interest in entrepreneurship and a career in the dog industry. In September 2007, through the encouragement of her parents, tbm officially hit the streets of New York City with a focus on providing the level of care and compassion that Kara would expect Lucca to receive.
Since the beginning, tbm has partnered with local veterinarians, groomers, trainers and rescues. Through these relationships, the idea of the k9 concierge service began to take shape. In 2011, Kara's brother, Joey, joined her to grow the business into what it is today. While our tbm family continues to expand --- what started in the neighborhood of Chelsea now hits over 15 neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn -- our mission and values remain the same: to serve as the ultimate k9 advocate.
Kara lives in Downtown Brooklyn with her two rescue Cunucus, Gadget & Mud, and her rescue Frenchie, Chewy. Her dogs join tbm pack walks daily and continue to shape Kara's motivation to care for dogs. She has teamed up with local rescues where their family fosters dogs regularly and many friends and tbm staff members volunteer at events. The company culture at tbm is founded on Kara's core belief that community is essential in making a difference in the world.
Our core values
tbm’s core values are reflected in all of our team member's daily interactions with our dogs, clients, our teammates, and the k9 community.
These values are foundational to every Handler and Boarder who joins tbm.
Come as an individual, play as a team.
Communicate honestly and openly.
Teach your pack how to thrive.
Respect each dog’s journey.
Act ethically, always.
Protect the pack.