Bark Place

I have being bringing my two Shih-​Tzus to Bark Place for almost two years now. Not even once we had a bad cut. Their staff are always super sweet and attentive. My dogs used to shake a lot in fear with other groomers. They still don’t want to go to do their grooming but at least they don’t fear the place. Also George is the only one that tells me what a good boy one of my dogie is. No one else liked him before because of his constant moving. They give you 50% off for grooming on birthdays and presents on Christmas. Their food variety is awesome. Lots of healthy yummy things you will not find anywhere else.
Would recommend to everyone!

My dog and I love Bark Place. While he’s not always crazy about getting his hair cut (runs in the other direction of the door…) he always comes out looking cute and smelling great! I also love that he can get the stimulation playing with the other dogs in the daycare instead of being put in a cage after his grooming like in other places. I’ve always felt that the staff (particularly George the groomer!) are super friendly and thoughtful, and I never worry about leaving my dog there. The added bonus is its proximity to the Metra, as I’ve often parked my car in the neighborhood, dropped off the dog, and headed to work with ease.

Surprised to see such great reviews from a newly expanded facility, but unfortunately that isn’t the case when it comes to the situation I’m finding myself in last night. I had just arrived home after a weekend of relaxation, and just picked up our dog a little after 6; just to find that our dog was abused, physically. She had some torn skin off from her paw-​pads along with a deep red color between all of her toes, which looked as though she was standing perhaps in some chemicals of some kind. Also, several teeth marks throughout her body, legs, tail, neck where blood was drawn.
Now I’m no professional when it comes to how to I run a facility like this, but if the dogs that are kept there aren’t getting along, then they need to be separated. It’s just that simple. Not to mention what actually goes on when the keepers aren’t paying attention to the dogs… Are they free roaming and abusing one another?
I am sorry to say that I will never be bringing my dog back to this kennel, and fearful of the owners not caring, it gives me anxiety to even think about asking for my money back.
This just is an unacceptable situation I’ve found myself in.

So I just dropped off my 5 month old Shar Pei and we both could not be happier! I feel good about leaving him at a trusted, popular, clean, and safe place and he feels good about playing with a bunch of dogs! I am going out of town in a couple of days just for one night and needed a place to board him at a reasonable price. They not only went above and beyond to accommodate us, but they made me feel welcome and not like I was asking for too much, too soon. I am so excited that I found a place to trust in and rely on. We will definitely be back!

What a great place!
Maggie is very anxious around strange people and dogs and I’m a first-​time dog owner, so we were both nervous. The appointment was easily scheduled over the phone (lots of availability), although I would suggest checking the website for more details. The staff were SO nice and accommodating, and George did a fantastic job even though I had no idea how I wanted Maggie groomed. We’ll definitely be back!

George is the BEST groomer you will find! I’ve been a loyal customer since my first visit in November 2013 and will never take Charlie, my Pomeranian, to another groomer. The staff at Bark Place are so friendly and helpful. George is always excited to see Charlie and is amazing at his craft. Today I wanted to experiment with a new spring Mohawk and George was thrilled… and he delivered! Charlie’s Mohawk is here to stay, Thank You George!

So thankful for finding this place! George and the manager were extremely wonderful! They were great with my dogs! Both of my dogs were extremely matted, but they definitely helped them look and feel amazing :) Definitely going back to this place for maintenance and friendly visit!
I highly recommend this place

Great service

Bark Place is the only place for my priceless bundle of joy!

This place is great! George did an amazing job — our dog Cupcake never looked better!
Will definitely be coming back here for all our dog grooming and boarding needs. The staff were all really great and friendly too. The prices are also super competitive in comparison to other boutique-​y salons and chain stores.

We are so thankful for Bark Place and can’t say enough good things about it! We brought our 4 month old Havavese here for her first grooming, knots and all, and we got back a beautiful and clean pup. I almost didn’t recognize her sans fur but we were so happy! And she smelled so good! The staff were very friendly and professional. They explained exactly what they were going to do to our little baby and said she’ll be ready in 2 hours. I got a call exactly 2 hours later that Bella was ready to be picked up.
We have also signed up for doggie day care at Bark Place. Bella had her first day yesterday and again the staff were great. Bella was pooped from all the playtime she had. And again she came home smelling so good. The only thing that I would add if I could would be a live feed camera, where I’d be able to watch Bella during playtime online. Otherwise everything else so far has been great.
Thank you Bark Place! Bella’s new home away from home!

EUREKA & HALLELUJAH! We have our new groomer!!! George did a fabulous job on my wiggly pup. In fact, George said he did good although I did douse him with the Young Living Essential Oils of Stress Away, Peace & Calming as well as valerian. (Last groomer suggested since she had a hard time with him)
When I called to inquire about grooming, the manager put George on the line to ensure I had all my questions answered. They were. When we came in, the owner was so cordial & answered my additional questions which were more about product.
They were just fine with using the shampoo I’ve been using on him for the last 5 years. They’re just so easy! They also let me work our training so I could put him in a down/​stay even with him being über excited. I appreciated their patience. That meant a lot to me!
Also, book in advanced & receive 10% off. I was ready to book even before of this nice perk!
One thing I liked were the stimulation toys. Brickie worked hard at getting the kibble out & now he’s ready for a nap.
This place has a new loyal client. Happy mommy, happy doggie!

I’ve taken my dog Juneau to Bark Place several times on recommendation of a friend. While she still hates being away from me, I believe she is safe and is having a good time. She is a friendly, outgoing husky, and Bark Place has taken away guilt i associate with leaving her at the kennel. The only time I had an issue, Anthony, the owner, called me personally and made me feel like a valued client.
Thank you.

I can’t say enough good things about the folks at Bark Place. They’re a mere 5 block walk from my house and are always at the ready when I need last-​minute dog walking when I travel for business or just want to give my pups vacation day. My dogs love it here! They also have fantastic prices on everything I need, from poop bags to treats and booties and a little winter coat for my precious 12-​lb princess. Yeah, I’m THAT dog person.
Much love from Hippo and Penelope’s mom.

I can’t emphasize how thankful I am for finding this place.
My perfect sweet 3lb dog turns into a wild banshee at the mere sight of nail clippers. She runs away, struggles, and even tries to nip at me. It was getting so bad I even bought a DREMEL (pet nail file) but to no avail.
In order to avoid being cited for animal cruelty I had to do something about her nails. My gut told me to consult a professional and I checked Unilocal and found Bark Place. I booked an appointment with Kaitlyn (spelling?) and was ready to go.
Due to the polar vortex I had to reschedule, and Anthony (the owner) made the process so simple and was nice about it!
I went in today and met George (Kaitlyn and Danny). George is one of those people who you feel like you can instantly trust with your dog right away. He’s calm and knowledgeable. My dog was calm when I handed her to him and I said my good-​byes. She went through the blue door where there were several large dogs barking and truthfully it made me a little nervous (I don’t get nervous easily).
Within five minutes George walked out with my dog and all four of her paws were cut down and filed (so I would not get scratched). George «gave her a ten on being the perfect Chihuahua» and from now on I will only go to him! Her nails look fantastic and she is happy that she can now run without the «clickity» noise!
Highly recommended for skittish dogs!
Thank you!
–Vikki
PS: there is street parking right outside and they also sell treats, toys, and clothes. 25% off treats with Unilocal check in!

I’ve been to many places like Petco and other independent groomers in the area. This place has the experience and care that is often lacking at many places. My dog is calm and happy after his grooming. Thank you Bark Place for being amazing. We will see you soon. Love Hobbes

It’s been a while since I reviewed Bark Place. Meanwhile my doggie has been attending full-​day care there 5 days weekly for nearly 4 years. I am so appreciative of the services provided by Anthony and his staff that I make choices about where I live based in part on proximity to Bark Place. As long as I have a dog living with me (forever), I will use Bark Place. I wouldn’t take my best buddy anywhere else, and neither should you!

Best haircuts ever. The dog was received back relaxed, not jittery, smelling like — and looking like a million dollars in a 5lb bag.
We travel all the way from Oak Park to go back to this place in our old neighborhood. That is saying something in a city with roughly 5,000 dog groomers. They keep a file on your dog so they should know the cut they want so it helps. No hassle, good staff, great haircuts.

So I am not really sure what to think.
I brought my pup here several times. She is a very hyper pup — but not abnormally so for her age and breed. And she does follow commands. She just LOVES everyone and can’t help herself.
On one occasion she had an injury which no one said anything to me about — I didn’t notice until I got her home that her ear was covered in blood and that she had a big hole in it. Accidents happen when you have a bunch of dogs rough housing — but given the size of the hole in her ear, someone should have heard her Unilocal something fierce when it happened but no one said anything to me. I did call them and they apologized that they didn’t notice it. Ok…
On another occasion, I picked her up and she had a couple of torn nails that were bleeding on her front paws. Apparently, she was crated and was digging at the bottom of the crate. Ok…
I said I didn’t want her crated anymore since she freaks out over it. She was only going for half days anyway and never should have been crated to begin with.
The last few times I intentionally went to pick her up a bit earlier than I was expected and she was in a crate again. Again, she was digging. I was given different reasons — they had a new dog that needed to go to the dog run to use the bath room, or they were getting ready to clean up the room. Ok…
Half day goes until 1 — at which time the full day dogs are crated while the staff clean and whatever else. I was showing up well before 1.
Every time I picked her up, I always asked if she had any problems and I would get a good report on her. I do wonder if they just couldn’t handle her level of hyper. But then maybe they should have told me instead of just putting her in a crate?
On the days she was in the crate, my pup was velcroed to me the rest of the day. It kind of defeats the purpose of sending her to day care if she has security issues from it and doesn’t actually socialize with the other dogs.
Aside from these things — she seemed to have a good time when she was playing with the other dogs. I never saw anything horrible. I just can’t see bringing my pup for a few hours of play time only to have her crated while there.
In all fairness — I never mentioned it to the owner. It just never seemed worth it to me since she wasn’t abused or anything. And this is more of a luxury for her since I am home full time with her. So we just decided not go back. Just not worth it.

I just moved to Rogers Park, and my owners have been looking for a great daycare for me. I’m so glad they found Bark Place… it rocks my doggie world! At just $ 23 /​day (10-​day pack) this place is a steal, compared to my $ 30 – 35 daily tuition in both Evanston and Minneapolis. Not only is Bark Place affordable, it’s also a top notch daycare. It’s not a huge place, but I make the most of it… when I come home, I am drop-​dead exhausted! The staff is super nice to me and my parents, and they even fit me in for a quick & cheap nail trim (2 minutes while my owners waited). I appreciated that it was NOT a hack job that my mom has to frustratingly file down afterward, like others I’ve had. This was my best mani/​pedi so far!
This place would get 2 thumbs up if mine were opposable. I am a loyal patron after just a few weeks! :)
Langston