Feature Focus: Building Stronger Community Connections

At BarkPass, we believe pet licensing and dog park access are more than just transactions, they’re touchpoints that bring communities closer together. Every renewal, every park visit, and every reminder is an opportunity for agencies to strengthen trust, encourage positive pet care, and create a stronger sense of connection between residents and their local government.

Two recent updates take this mission to the next level:

1.  Smarter, More Targeted Messaging

The Message Center has been upgraded with powerful tools to help agencies deliver the right message to the right audience:

• Target customers across multiple products and price levels

• Filter by status, purchase date, or certification expiration date

• Add or remove individuals with ease

• Schedule messages in advance for specific dates and times

  
  

These enhancements give agencies more control and flexibility in keeping pet owners informed and engaged, whether it’s a renewal reminder, a policy update, or an invitation to join a community event.

But the real impact goes deeper: clear, consistent communication builds trust. When residents feel their local agency keeps them in the loop, they’re more likely to renew on time, attend events, and see licensing as part of something bigger than a fee. Messaging becomes not just a service reminder, but a way to foster community pride and accountability.

2.  SMS Notifications Coming in September

This weekend, BarkPass deployed the first step toward SMS notifications. Users can now opt in to receive text updates when creating or updating their profiles. While full SMS functionality will launch after the certification process in the coming weeks, this opt-in lays the foundation for faster, more accessible communication.

Adding SMS is about more than convenience, it’s about meeting people where they already are: on their phones. With open rates exceeding 90%, text messages cut through clutter and ensure that important information, like license renewals, vaccination reminders, or park closures, actually gets seen.

For residents, this means fewer missed deadlines, less frustration, and a smoother overall experience. For agencies, it translates into higher compliance, fewer service calls, and stronger relationships with the communities they serve. SMS also opens the door to new ways of engaging pet owners: quick surveys, event announcements, or safety alerts can all strengthen the connection between agency and resident.

Why It Matters for Community Engagement

Whether it’s scheduling a renewal reminder, sending a park closure alert, or announcing a community event, operational teams need the tools to act quickly without technical skills or outside support. Because these tools are embedded directly into the BarkPass platform, they can make it happen in just a few clicks, keeping communication simple, effective, and consistent.

Together, these updates reflect BarkPass’ commitment to helping agencies not just manage licensing and park access, but also build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.