Welcome to Barkadia: St Albans local looks to bring dog-centric bar and lounge to Vermont

MEET KELSEY AND KAYA, THE DUO PLANNING ON BRINGING A FIRST OF IT’S KIND, BAR, RESTAURANT, GROOMING, AND DOG DAYCARE ALL IN ONE TO VERMONT. 13;39;09;24 Kelsey Ward, Founder of Barkadia SHE HOPES TO SOON HAVE A LOCATION PICKED OUT IN HER HOMETOWN OF ST ALBANS, where she wants to build THE FACILITY. AS THE TWO BEST FRIENDS CONTINUE THEIR MISSION OF BRINGING A FACILITY like this HOME. 13;41;21;26 11;45;08;04 IF YOU’D LIKE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLV

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St Albans local looks to bring dog-centric bar and lounge to Vermont

Kelsey Ward, a veteran of the Vermont Army National Guard, is the founder of Barkadia

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Updated: 6:05 PM EDT Jun 19, 2025

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A fun space where dogs and their owners can eat, drink, socialize, and even access grooming services might soon become a reality in Vermont. A St. Albans resident is working to introduce the concept, which has gained popularity nationwide, to the Green Mountain State.Kelsey Ward, a veteran of the Vermont Army National Guard, is the founder of Barkadia, a project aimed at creating a combined bar, restaurant, lounge, grooming facility, and dog daycare. Ward, accompanied by her 12-year-old dog Kaya, envisions the space as a community hub that caters to both humans and their four-legged companions.”I wanted something for the town because we don’t have a doggie daycare,” Ward said. “I wanted a complete social hub for the community: a dog bar and lounge, indoor and outdoor areas, grooming, boarding, daycare, drive-thru drop-off and pickup, and even a shelter to help find homes for puppies.”Barkadia mirrors a successful trend in dog-centric spaces across the country and is set to include features like an open warehouse-style area for dogs to play, supervised by “rufferees” to ensure a safe environment.Ward, who has been meeting with local officials and planning events, is currently focused on fundraising and securing sponsorships. She recently began organizing a fall 5K fundraiser in St. Albans.”I’ve been meeting with a lot of people from the town and the city,” Ward said. “A lot of it right now is fundraising and hoping to get sponsorships for some events.”Ward hopes to finalize a location in St. Albans soon, making her vision of Barkadia a reality in her hometown.Learn more here.

A fun space where dogs and their owners can eat, drink, socialize, and even access grooming services might soon become a reality in Vermont. A St. Albans resident is working to introduce the concept, which has gained popularity nationwide, to the Green Mountain State.

Kelsey Ward, a veteran of the Vermont Army National Guard, is the founder of Barkadia, a project aimed at creating a combined bar, restaurant, lounge, grooming facility, and dog daycare. Ward, accompanied by her 12-year-old dog Kaya, envisions the space as a community hub that caters to both humans and their four-legged companions.

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“I wanted something for the town because we don’t have a doggie daycare,” Ward said. “I wanted a complete social hub for the community: a dog bar and lounge, indoor and outdoor areas, grooming, boarding, daycare, drive-thru drop-off and pickup, and even a shelter to help find homes for puppies.”

Barkadia mirrors a successful trend in dog-centric spaces across the country and is set to include features like an open warehouse-style area for dogs to play, supervised by “rufferees” to ensure a safe environment.

Ward, who has been meeting with local officials and planning events, is currently focused on fundraising and securing sponsorships. She recently began organizing a fall 5K fundraiser in St. Albans.

“I’ve been meeting with a lot of people from the town and the city,” Ward said. “A lot of it right now is fundraising and hoping to get sponsorships for some events.”

Ward hopes to finalize a location in St. Albans soon, making her vision of Barkadia a reality in her hometown.

Learn more here.

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