Bark n' Purr originally opened its doors to the public on December 22, 1976 by Joel Oestmann. Joel worked under a veterinarian throughout high school, and discovered a love for animals that compelled him to attend veterinarian school. Only a year after college, he was given the chance to become the manager of the kennel. Only three years after becoming manager, he independently purchased the business.
 

Joel married Jana, his wife and business partner, in the year of 1979. They later on discussed the idea of Jana attending grooming school so that she could take the place of the many groomers that had, over time, come and gone at Bark n' Purr. She possessed a natural ability for grooming and became the head groomer at Bark n' Purr. Ultimately, Joel and Jana both worked together to unify both the boarding and the grooming sections of the kennel.

Each member of Bark n' Purr's staff has gone under both trial and training to ensure that the highest standards of quality and customer service remain as an important aspect of the business.  We strive to maintain a teamwork ethic so that every client and their pet receives the individual attention and detail that they deserve.