About us
Welcome to Barktime, your trusted partner in providing top-notch dog walking and pet sitting services. We understand that your pets are beloved family members, and our mission is to ensure they receive the care, attention, and exercise they need to thrive. Whether it's a midday walk to break up a long day or personalized pet sitting while you're away, our dedicated team is here to offer reliable and loving care tailored to each pet's unique needs. At Barktime, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for all the pets we look after.
The heart of Barktime lies in the dedication and passion of our founder, Michael Sokolowski. With a lifelong love for animals and a vision to provide exceptional pet care services, Michael established Barktime to meet the growing demand for professional and compassionate pet care. Through Michaels's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Barktime wants to establish itself into a trusted name in the pet care industry. We invite you to learn more about the person behind Barktime and the values that drive our exceptional service.
Michael Sokolowski
From a young age, I've always had animals around me. My earliest memories are filled with playing with my parents' dogs, and over the years, I've cared for a variety of pets including guinea pigs, hamsters, parrots, and fish. Today, I am the proud owner and guardian of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi named Puszek. Puszek is more than just a pet; he's a significant part of my life and a constant source of joy and inspiration.
The decision to change my career path to become a dog walker was significantly influenced by Puszek. I used to be a computer programmer, but after a while, I found that job unfulfilling. It was during this period of reflection that I realized I needed a change, and my passion for animals led me to pursue a career that was more aligned with my true interests. The transition wasn't easy, but it was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed my love for animals.
To ensure I could provide the best care possible, I earned several certifications, including the IMDT - Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Professional Day Care and Boarding, IMDT Professional Dog Walking Certification, and K9 first aid training. I'm also currently working towards a Dog Trainer certification from IMDT. These qualifications, combined with my personal experience, have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to offer top-notch pet care.
I firmly believe that pets are the best thing that can happen to us, and they should always be treated with the kindness and love they deserve. This philosophy was solidified during a memorable experience when I was walking my parents' Doberman. Despite not being trained as a guardian and being relatively new to our family, the Doberman put himself in danger to protect me from a potential mugger. This act of unconditional love and loyalty profoundly impacted me and deepened my appreciation for animals.
Looking ahead, my vision for Barktime is to become the best provider of care for any pet. While we are just starting, I have ambitious plans for the future, including opening a dog daycare to offer even more fun and enrichment for our animal friends. It's an exciting journey, and I am committed to making Barktime a trusted and beloved name in pet care.
