Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamee Yocum – Pittman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I opened Bark on Park in 2009 after moving from South Florida to Jacksonville. At the time, I had four Yorkies and absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was an art school dropout, working as an aesthetician by day and bartending by night.
When I moved here with my then-partner, I met my neighbor who happened to be a property manager. One day she said, “You’ve worked with animals before, right? You should open a dog boutique.” I had worked at a pet store back in high school and college, so the idea stuck. I thought, Maybe just a small boutique. Little did I know it would grow into what it is today.
I had saved a little bit of money but not enough to open a store, so I applied for a small business loan through Regions Bank. It was during the recession, so I was only approved for a few thousand dollars—but I made it work. My neighbor showed me a small vacant storefront in Five Points that needed a lot of work. I convinced my family to come up from South Florida, and together we transformed it into my dream boutique.
Over time, I was able to expand beyond retail and add grooming, daycare, and boarding. Sixteen years later, Bark on Park is a full-service pet care facility that’s become a staple of the community. I met my husband six years into owning the business—he now works alongside me—and we’re proud to have a team of about 20 compassionate, dedicated people who care deeply for every dog that comes through our doors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business is never easy, but having great people and a true passion for what we do has made all the difference. In the beginning, the challenges were constant — limited funds, building everything from scratch, and learning the business side as I went. I opened during a recession, so every dollar mattered, and I had to get creative to make things work.
Over the years, I’ve faced everything from staffing shortages to unexpected building repairs to navigating growth while keeping our standards high. One of the biggest lessons has been learning to adapt — the pet care industry changes quickly, and client expectations evolve just as fast.
But even with all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade it. Every challenge has shaped BARK into what it is today — a place that truly focuses on the dogs, their wellbeing, and the trust our community has in us.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bark on Park is a full-service dog care facility located in Jacksonville’s historic Five Points district. We opened in 2009 and have grown from a small neighborhood boutique into a trusted destination for grooming, daycare, boarding, and retail. What truly sets us apart is the level of care and connection we have with each dog who walks through our doors. Our team doesn’t just “watch dogs” — they genuinely understand them, their personalities, and what makes each one feel safe and happy.
We’re known for being proactive, hands-on, and heart-driven. From our groomers’ attention to detail to the way our daycare staff builds confidence and friendships among dogs, everything we do comes from a place of love and experience. We’ve worked hard to create a space that feels joyful and personal — where dogs thrive and owners know their pets are being treated like family.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how Bark on Park has stayed true to its roots while continuing to evolve. We’ve built a recognizable, trusted brand that represents quality, compassion, and community — and that’s something I never take for granted.
We also own Paws to Laugh, our wholesale brand that creates gifts for dog lovers. We design and produce unique, dog-themed products — from stickers and mugs to apparel and accessories — and sell them to stores worldwide. It’s been an amazing way to share our love for dogs beyond Jacksonville and connect with other small businesses that celebrate that same joy.
At the heart of both brands is the same mission: to make dogs’ lives better and their humans’ lives happier.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m endlessly thankful for our Jacksonville community. Our clients have supported us from day one, and their trust is what’s allowed Bark on Park to grow and thrive. We don’t take that lightly. We’re proud to be part of the Five Points neighborhood, and we’ll always stay focused on providing the best care possible for local dogs and their people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Barkjax.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkonpark/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Bark5points/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@barkjax
