About Us
Meet The Owner
Elizabeth Costentino
Elizabeth’s love for animals started with her first kitty, Bubbles, who she trained to open doors, “speak” and to stop attacking her feet under the covers! After attending an agricultural high school and grooming dogs for 6 years, she spent 15 years in corporate America, where she gained the business, leadership and team management skills that now guide Barks & Recreation. She later found her dream job as the executive director of a non-profit animal rescue, immersing herself in animal behavior, training, enrichment, and health. When she founded Barks & Recreation in 2018, creating a dedicated pet care team was a natural next step. Today, Elizabeth blends her lifelong love of animals with her professional expertise to give pets, and their parents, the care, structure and confidence they deserve.
Meet Your Support Squad
Meet the Support Squad — the backbone of Barks & Recreation! While our pet care pros are out in the field wagging tails and scooping litter, this crew is working behind the scenes to keep everything seamless. From scheduling and client communication to daily logistics, they make sure our field team has what they need to give every pet visit the love and attention it deserves.
Meet Our Team
With the Barks and Rec crew of Pet Care Specialists at your fingertips, your fur babies are always in good hands. If one member can’t make it, another seamlessly steps in, ensuring your pet’s care never misses a wag. Detailed step-by-step instructions in your account guarantee a consistently paw-some experience for your pets with every team member! 🐾✨
Ashlee
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Bozrah, CT
Pets:
Izzy the Great Pyrenees mix and Kitty the calico
Interesting Fact:
I have an identical twin
Biography:
I grew up in Connecticut and have loved animals my entire life. I had hamsters as a kid and got my first dog at age 10—and I’ve always had a pet since. I enjoy reading, writing fiction, and being outside as much as possible. Working with animals has always been a dream of mine. I’m excited to spend time with your pets and give them the care they deserve.
Barbara C
Pet Care Specialist & Daily Coordinator
Hometown:
Niantic, CT
Pets:
Dogs: Wyatt & Mackenzie (Labrador Retrievers)
Interesting Fact:
Worked my way through College and Grad School as an EMT
Biography:
I’ve always loved the outdoors, and animals make it even better. I grew up with dogs—including one I rescued during college—and even interned with beluga whales, dolphins, and sea lions, where I learned positive training techniques. Years of consulting kept me from having pets, but I happily spent time with friends’ animals. Now, my dogs are a big part of my life, from trained search partners to therapy companions. I love long walks with them, as well as cooking, gardening, and trying new things.
Halley
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Groton CT
Pets:
Sammy (dog), Reese and Balboa (domestic shorthair cats), Poppy and Peppa (guinea pigs), and Domino (hamster)
Interesting Fact:
I’ve lived in 7 states and the territory of Guam
Biography:
I was born in Maryland but moved around most of my life due to the military. Growing up we always had at least one pet in our house. This mostly included dogs of all shapes and sizes with the occasional small animal like hamsters or guinea pigs. My love and want to be around animals took me into horseback riding lessons for about a year as a kid. Unfortunately I had to stop due to moving to an area without any horses close by. As an adult, I decided to utilize my passion for helping animals by going to school to become a veterinary technician and by joining the Barks and Recreation team. I am so excited to meet all of your fur baby’s and get to know them!
Tom
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Waterford, CT
Pets:
Xia (Basset Hound/Corgi), Charlie (Chihuahua/French Bulldog)
Interesting Fact:
I write songs and can play five instruments, one of those being my violin that was made in 1887!
Biography:
I was born in Harrisburg, PA and have loved animals—especially dogs—for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I cared for fish, turtles, and hamsters before my family adopted our first puppy, a Shih Tzu named Lily. I moved to Connecticut in high school, attended UConn for psychology, and now work as a business strategy consultant. When I learned about Barks and Recreation through local networking, I was inspired by their passion and care for animals. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, walking the beaches near my home, writing music, reading, and cooking. Spending time with animals is something that always brings me joy, and I’m excited to care for your pets as if they were my own.
Karen
Pet Care Specialist & Community Coordinator
Hometown:
Noank, CT
Pets:
Currently thinking about adding a dog to our family but always on the list to pet-sit for our friends’ furry companions!
Interesting Fact:
I once sang back up at a Barry Manilow concert
Biography:
I am a pet lover and always grew up with a family dog. While I love all breeds, most of my experience is with miniature schnauzers. Our family returned to Connecticut recently and we are waiting for the right time to add a furry friend to our lively household. For now, I scratch the itch with spending time with our friends’ pets and taking care of them when they travel. My background is in elementary education and I have spent over thirteen years being in a classroom setting, as a teacher, paraprofessional, and/or substitute. Our family has moved all over the world; some of our favorite spots are Italy, Guam, and Hawaii. We are glad to be back in Connecticut reconnecting with old friends and our east coast family.
Kathryn
Pet Care Specialist & Daily Coordinator
Hometown:
Waterford, CT
Pets:
Xia (Basset Hound/Corgi), Charlie (Chihuahua/French Bulldog)
Interesting Fact:
I write songs and can play five instruments, one of those being my violin that was made in 1887!
Biography:
I was born in Harrisburg, PA and have loved animals—especially dogs—for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I had pets from fish and turtles to my first puppy, a Shih Tzu named Lily. I moved to Connecticut in high school, attended UConn for psychology, and now work as a business strategy consultant. After meeting Elizabeth and Karen, I was inspired by the passion they bring to Barks and Recreation and was excited to join the team. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, beach walks near my home, cooking, reading, writing music, and spending time with dogs. My goal is to make a positive impact and give pets the care they deserve.
Cynthia
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Uncasville, CT
Pets:
I have 2 dogs, Chinese crested and Xolo, 3 sphynx cats
Biography:
I live in Uncasville,originally from PA. I have 2 dogs, Chinese crested and Xolo, 3 sphynx cats. I have had animals all my life. Had 2 horses too. I’m a retired hairdresser and a scuba diver for fun. I volunteer at Mystic Aquarium on Saturdays in the fish and invertebrate dept. I live with me daughter who also has 2 dogs and 3 cats. And 2 parrots. So I’m used to taking care of lots of animals!! And love it!
Caitlin
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Pawcatuck, CT
Pets:
Yoshi and Louise (french bulldogs), Hambone (guinea pig), and an assortment of fish
Interesting Fact:
I have never broken a bone
Biography:
I grew up in Pawcatuck, CT where a love for animals runs in the family. As a child, I lived on my grandmother’s little farm with horses, dogs, a goat, and any cats that decided to show up. After going to an agricultural high school, I furthered my education at UCONN and received a degree in Animal Science. Since graduating, I worked for years as a veterinary technician, then as a server, and even a couple years driving a school bus! I’m excited to be working with animals again because I believe they are the best medicine. In my spare time I like to cook, spend time with my two children, and laugh at my dogs that act like clowns.
Emma
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Uncasville, CT
Pets:
2 dogs: Tess and Luna, 4 cats: Salem, Zelda, Link, and Ollie
Interesting Fact:
I studied abroad in Italy when I was in college.
Biography:
Mia
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Lisbon, CT
Pets:
Oakley (golden retriever) and Goose (cat)
Interesting Fact:
I love traveling and want to visit as many countries as I can. In the past two years, I have traveled to Italy, Croatia, Switzerland and Portugal.
Biography:
Emily
Pet Care Specialist
Pronouns:
She/Her
Pets:
Bailey & Tuxido Mask
Biography:
Hi, I’m Emily! I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, and spending my days with them is truly rewarding. My background in child development taught me patience, consistency, and how to read nonverbal cues—all valuable when caring for pets. Making animals feel safe, happy, and loved is always my priority. When I’m not walking or snuggling a dog, I’m with my family, reading, or relaxing with a good show and my pets nearby.
Melissa
Pet Care Specialist
Hometown:
Mystic, CT
Pets:
Interesting Fact:
Biography: