FAQ
Common questions about BarkCard.
Is BarkCard free?
The core app is free forever — record sessions, get report cards with stats and video clips, and track progress. All of that works without paying anything. BarkCard Pro ($29 one-time) unlocks AI training insights, remote monitoring from your phone, and unlimited session history.
Does my data go to the cloud?
No. BarkCard processes everything locally on your machine. Audio classification runs through TensorFlow.js in the app. Video clips and session data are stored in a local SQLite database on your hard drive. The only network calls are: a one-time license activation (Pro users), optional feedback submission, and the local-network remote monitoring feature.
Do I need an internet connection?
No. BarkCard works offline for all core features. The AI model and ffmpeg are bundled with the app. The only times the app connects to the internet are: activating a Pro license (once), checking for updates, and submitting feedback — all optional.
Why do I need to grant camera and microphone permission?
BarkCard uses the microphone to detect vocalizations and the camera to record video clips. Both permissions are required by the OS for any app that accesses these devices. BarkCard never transmits this data — it stays on your computer.
How accurate is the bark detection?
BarkCard uses Google's YAMNet model, which was trained on millions of audio samples. It's quite good at distinguishing barks, howls, and whimpers from background noise. You can adjust the sensitivity slider to tune detection for your environment. Each detection also stores confidence scores for all vocalization types so you can verify the classification.
Can I use BarkCard with a Wyze, Ring, or other camera recording?
Yes. If you have an existing video or audio recording of your dog, go to the Monitor tab and switch to "Import Video." BarkCard will extract the audio, analyze it with YAMNet, and create a full report card with clips and a reel.
What platforms does BarkCard support?
BarkCard is available for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows 10+, and Linux (AppImage and .deb).
Where is my data stored?
All data is stored in the app's data directory on your machine. Sessions and events are in a local SQLite database. Video clips are stored as files in the app data folder. You can manage storage and delete sessions from Settings > Storage.
Can multiple people monitor the same dog?
Yes. With BarkCard Pro, when a session is running, anyone on the same WiFi network can open the remote monitoring URL in a browser. Multiple devices can view simultaneously.
How do I update BarkCard?
BarkCard checks for updates automatically on launch. When a new version is available, you'll see a notification in the app. You can download and install the update with one click — no need to re-download from the website.
What's included in Pro?
BarkCard Pro unlocks AI training insights (personalized recommendations based on your dog's patterns), remote monitoring from your phone, and unlimited session history. It's a one-time $29 purchase — no subscription. Activate on up to 3 machines. Works offline after activation.