Our Journey
Bark of the Town was created to give pets a place where grooming feels safe, boarding feels stress-free, and every dog is treated like family. Offering thoughtful, compassionate care supported by decades of grooming, dog-handling, and training experience, we proudly serve pet parents in Smithville, McMinnville, Sparta, Rock Island, Dowelltown, Murfreesboro, and Nashville. With expert grooming, dog boarding in 24/7-monitored condos, and activity-packed daycare options, we’re here to give your pup exceptional care from professionals they trust—all in a clean, home-like environment designed to help pets relax.
Our Team
Neta Jones
Owner & Head Groomer
Neta Jones brings more than three decades of professional grooming, training, and boarding experience to Bark of the Town. Before moving to Tennessee, she owned and operated a highly successful grooming, boarding, and training salon in Palm Beach County for 30 years. After selling that business, she opened Bark of the Town as a home-based grooming and dog boarding salon built on her belief that quality care should remain affordable and accessible for every pet parent.
Neta is a Certified Master Groomer with the National Dog Groomers Association and is skilled in grooming all breeds. Her lifelong involvement in the dog world includes showing multiple breeds in AKC obedience and earning national recognition with her poodles—two of which appeared in GQ and Vogue, while others were featured on ESPN for Purina, the Jay Leno Show, and even modeled for Ralph Lauren in South Beach.
Deeply involved in dog rescue, Neta believes every animal deserves a loving home and compassionate treatment. When she’s not grooming, she enjoys spending time with her two horses, practicing Dressage, hiking with her dogs, staying active, and training in her home gym. Dogs are her life, and her passion for their well-being shines through in every service she provides.
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about our grooming services right here.
What does a full groom include?
A full groom includes a bath, blow-dry, full-body haircut, nail clipping or filing, and ear cleaning.
What is included in a mini groom?
A mini groom includes a bath, blow-dry, brush-out, and light trimming around the eyes, feet, and sanitary areas.
What are your drop-off and pick-up policies for boarding?
We offer flexible drop-off and pick-up times and can accommodate early arrivals as early as 6 am with advance notice. Please note that pets picked up after 11 am will be charged for an additional day.
Are dogs boarded outside?
No. All dogs stay indoors in our custom doggy condos. During the day, they enjoy supervised play in our large, fenced astroturf areas. Dogs are never left outside at night.
What should I bring for my dog's stay?
Please bring your dog’s food, any medications they are currently taking, and a bed or blanket if you’d like. If your dog tends to chew their bedding, please let us know.
Do you offer long-term boarding?
Yes, we offer both short-term and long-term boarding options.
Will my dog be supervised?
Yes. Dogs are supervised at all times, and we also use security cameras to ensure we always know what our guests are doing.
Do you administer medications?
Yes. We have extensive experience administering medications safely and correctly.
How often do dogs go outside?
Dogs go outside throughout the day, weather permitting, based on their activity level and comfort. They may go out individually or in small groups. We believe regular activity helps keep dogs relaxed and content, and they come inside for lunch or snacks.
What is a Creek Walk?
A Creek Walk is a guided three-mile hike on a quiet country trail leading to a beautiful creek where dogs can explore and play. It’s perfect for dogs who enjoy extra enrichment and exercise. For dogs who cannot make the full hike, we offer a side-by-side ride to the creek so they can still enjoy the outing.