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Bark Bark Club
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting Pets Pet Services Dog Walkers Pet Boarding/Pet Sitting, Dog Walkers [Edit]
5943 N Broadway Ave(between Thorndale Ave & Elmdale Ave)
Chicago, IL 60660
Neighborhood: Edgewater
(773) 989-8807
- Nearest Transit:
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Thorndale (Red Line)
Granville (Red Line)
Bryn Mawr (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 5 pm
michele b. said: "Toby just got back from his day at the camp...poor guy was soooo tired that he actually walked by my side and was the model dog with little effort on my part. YAY!!!" read more »
101 reviews for Bark Bark Club
101 reviews in English
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Review from Sean C.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2012
I used to use another pet care provider. Never had a problem with said provider and would absolutely recommend that provider, but we switched to Bark Bark Club because they're practically in our back yard.
We've used Bark Bark for over a year now, and so far we've had nothing but excellent service. Prices are reasonable and the staff is quite friendly.
It's been said, though, that you can't truly judge performance unless something goes wrong and you see how the problem is handled. That happened to our dog last year. Apparently, two large dogs were wrestling around, and our dog was just lounging, watching these two dogs play-fight. (No surprise there -- our dog is very lazy.) And as our dog was sitting back and enjoying the show, one of the big dogs fell over, landing on our dog's leg. So we got a call from BBC, saying that our dog's leg might have been broken, but otherwise she was fine. They took care of EVERYTHING for us - they brought our dog over to Uptown Animal Hospital, we weren't charged for the veterinary care, and we weren't even charged for the regular stay - and the owner followed up with us SEVERAL TIMES over the next few weeks just to check in and make sure that our dog was okay. (She was -- it was just a sprain, and she recovered pretty quickly...she ESPECIALLY seemed to be okay during feeding time!) We were very impressed.
We've boarded our dog there several times since and have been very pleased. -
Review from kendrah r.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
I have been using Bark Bark Club for dog walks since they began (maybe 8 years ago?) when Brian, one of the co-owners was just walking dogs on his own and I am so glad to have watched their business grow and flourish while still staying personable and reliable.
I don't have my dog walked on a regular basis but there are many times a month when I need a pinch hit because I am working from home an on deadline and just need an extra dog walk. They are great with last minute walks. They have sent a number of walkers out and they are all quality - friendly to me, and great with my dog. They really give a good paced walk and get him a ton of exercise.
Jack, the guy in the office is beyond accommodating and so super friendly. Every time I call, he is the one who answers the phone or calls back promptly. I love that it isn't just a random somebody when I call.
Our lives are chaotic and I get called out of town unexpectedly and it is great peace of mind to know that Bark Bark is down the street, they have a key to my apartment, and will be there in any kind of bind to take care of my dog. I can't say enough good things about them. -
Review from Matt M.
9/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
The people were friendly.
The prices about average.
The cut was slightly above average.
It was not that I don't think that Ms. Gizmo will ever be back, but I think in the cut-throat dog grooming industry you may be able to do 1 star better. Maybe its because I think if I can get a cut for 6.99, a dog doesnt have to be 39.99 plus tip - I'm just saying we need to prioritize in this world.
No displeasure in the cut except they left her hair on her head longer than was requested. In a bind this place is great, but the search for a the best groomer is far from called off! -
Review from Kerbear E.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
Talented groomers. My dog hates getting his nails trimmed & it has actually taken several workers to get the job done at other grooming locations & even a vet office while my dog is howling like he is being attacked. At Bark Bark Club I took my dog in to get his nails clipped and when the groomer, April, took him into the next room I braced myself for his reaction. A few minutes later she came out with my dog & nail clipping done!
I was amazed as I had never seen one person do it alone & on top of that, not even a peep out of him! April also took the time to discuss dog behavioral issues & was so helpful! My dog has also gotten a full grooming there before & I was very pleased with it as well! He would always get into a panic upon driving into the Petsmart parking lot but at Bark Bark Club he loves it!:) -
Review from Annie V.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2012
BEST PET SERVICES in CHICAGO!
Bark Bark Club has been the best experience of any Pet Services company we have used in Chicago!
We got a golden retriever pup 1.5 years ago and needed dog walking services. When inquired about Bark Bark they came out to our apartment to meet our little guy! They created a dog walking schedule (and price) for our little Russell and we have been using them ever since! Harley walks Russell and its nice to know that you aren't getting a different person every day/week.
On top of being a great resource of dog walking, we frequetly use them for day care and grooming. Russell has a blast when he is at Bark Bark and ALWAYS comes home exhausted! Its great that they have a pick up/drop off service so we don't have to worry about our work schedules.
Overall Bark Bark is competitively priced and VERY strict with there vaccination and temperament policy. which is great to know that your pup is in good hands with the people AND dogs!
EXTREMELY HAPPY CUSTOMER! -
Review from Regina R.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012
The Bark Bark Club staff seem great and I'm looking forward to training classes there, but I had to rule them out for daycare because their outdoor area has a four-foot fence. Our dog is a jumper and it doesn't seem safe for him. But if your dog doesn't jump, it would be fine. I was sad to make this decision because I really like the facility.
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Review from Colleen J.
Chicago, IL
12/2/2011
Recommended! My dog has only been here once for grooming but I'm very impressed and will be back. I like the attention to detail - I can tell they took their time with her paws/nails and trimming up around her ears and tail. Plus, she got to play with all the other doggies while she waited for her turn. I can tell she had fun so that's a huge bonus. Yay!
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Review from Erika G.
Updated - 4/23/2011 1 photo
Holding steady at FIVE stars. I've now expanded my BarkBark club portfolio of services to include dog walks. I'm finally working on site enough to feel guilty about leaving my lonely dog alone so much.
Got an initial visit from Jack, the Pet Services Manager. Great guy, who KNOWS how to handle my still bully marshmallow dog - ignore him immediately upon entering my hut! I liked him right away, and so did Egon, after a few well placed treats.
Have the weekly walk on Thursday, the day I'm gone all day, and then do radio. Dog walker left a sweet note with all the *ahem*. . . details of Egon's exploits, and I came home quite late to a happy dog. 30 minute walks! That's more than my sometimes-lazy-ass walks my pup.
So, Egon and I love Bark Bark club even MORE now, if that is possible. So glad they're in my 'hood. I'd reco these guys to any dog owner, without reservations. BBC has become sort of the official dog service company for my condo, as a neighbor uses them too.Listed in: My precious German Shepherd
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/1/2010
How many five star reviews can I give this place before Yelp tells me to chill? I'll take my… Read more »
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Review from Scott C.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
Patty and the staff have been grooming my dog for years, they are very nice people and do a great job!
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Review from Robert R.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2011
The crew in both the front (grooming) and the back (daycare) are
fabulous!
Simon and I were warmly greeted (@ 6:50am no less!) when we arrived for an early drop-off. The grooming staff did a bang-up job and the attention to detail was obvious. Simon loved his spa day and can't wait to go back! -
Review from Richard H.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2011
I bring my Miniature Schnauzer here for grooming. They always do such a wonderful job! I never even consider going anywhere else.
I have also used their daycare services, which were also good. Note: there is some disconnect between the salon and daycare. If you need to make appointments with both, you'll need to make 2 phone calls. (Maybe they've fixed this in recent history.)
A couple more notes on the daycare: (1) The daycare drop off is in the alley, which seems mildly unsavory to me -- particularly since the area seems to have somewhat of an issue with crime. Regardless, I've never experienced any problems. (2) The square footage of the facility is perhaps a bit underwhelming. If you have a large dog or one with lots of energy, I wonder if it might be less than ideal. -
Review from Evan Thoreau H.
2/5/2011
If you're looking for a great all-in-one pup place, you're definitely barking up the right tree.
Upon moving to Edgewater, we were on the look out for a new place for our pup, Addie, to spend some quality time with other canines... aka get out of our hair and burn off some energy for a few hours. We tried out the Bark Bark Club (great name) on a recommendation and have been ever so happy. A very friendly staff, huge areas for dogs to play and the fact that they take the dogs outside to do their bid'ness every couple hours (believe me, some places let the dogs go all day without a potty break) made it the perfect place for us.
Add to the fold a great little pet supply shop up front, professional groomers and group obedience classes and BBC has everything you and your pupper needs to have a great and healthy time.
You'd have a 'ruff' time finding a better locale for everything doggy. I know, I'm sorry.Listed in: Doggy Style
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Review from Grace K.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2011
I'm slightly mortified that I have yet to write a review of such a wonderful establishment. The Bark Bark Club is an incredible business run by truly wonderful people who I trust more than anyone - and I don't trust too many people with my pets. I've personally been in touch with Elizabeth and Carly and they are so nice and go above and beyond whenever I am in need of something. This past Sunday i needed to drop off a crate for a foster dog they invited to stay for the weekend and although they aren't open to the public on Sundays, their sunday staff (her name was Kelly) was so accomodating it was ridiculous - she let me stop by at my convenience and didn't even act bothered that she had to stop whatever she was doing to let me in. That is the best customer service I've ever experienced.
I love the bark bark club and I recommend it to everyone I know - even people who don't live anywhere near there. They are so friggin nice and it's apparent that everyone on staff truly loves animals and are looking out for their well-being, as well as their owners. -
Review from Jess P.
Santa Cruz, CA
11/4/2010
So I'd only had my little girl for about a month when I found myself in need of a boarder for a week. And you know, like a parent, I found myself feeling a little overprotective. I'm a recent Windy City transplant so I asked a bunch of people where they would suggest I take my Ruby Tuesday Weld.
We'd stopped in here to purchase a few items before a woman I met at the beach with her dog suggested I try BBC as a kennel. Considering that she works with a vet and seemed very into dogs, I went with her recommendation.
I really like that this is a cage-free boarder. In order to maintain this, they require you to bring your dog in for a "temperament test" before their stay. Ruby passed with flying colors and the staff asked a lot of questions, which made me feel pretty comfortable. She seemed very happy when I picked her up and the staff told me that everyone there had just loved her. I even got a nice little note from the manager and she'd had Ruby's nails cut for me, on the house.
Ruby must have liked it because every time we walk past, she seems to get all excited. And when we went to their howl-o-ween party last week, she seemed very relaxed and comfortable there. It also gave me a chance to see the rest of their facilities, which are clean and pleasant. It was nice to see that the staff remembered my dog after just one visit and seemed genuinely happy to see her.
A few things: it's not exactly cheap at 45 dollars a night. Also, although I provided my own dog food, I'm guessing the staff must have given her some sort of treat while they had her because man, did she have the worst flatulence when I brought her home. Gross!
Update: The lovely owner of BBC tells me they don't give the dogs treats. Apparently sometimes dogs can get a little gassy when they're away from home - don't we all?
I'm also biased because BBC is about a block and a half from me. I'm hoping I don't have to board Ruby again any time soon, but it's good to know I can count on BBC if I need to. -
Review from Fida C.
Champaign, IL
7/18/2011
Ohmigosh these people are wonderful. I had several days of in-home dog care for my two small dogs who are used to living in the suburbs but were summering in the city. The person who came to meet the dogs and do "intake" clearly loves dogs and understands them. While I was out of town, the staff did a great job of taking them for long walks, cleaning up their messes (e.g., when they chewed up a package of thank you notes), and making them feel loved and attended to. For each walk, the walker leaves a note that describes what they did together and anything s/he did at your house (e.g., refilled their food bowl). Way, WAY better than something like crappy old PetSmart, for about the same price.
I wish the Bark Bark club were in my new town. Sniffle. Sigh. -
Review from Lynne B.
Chicago, IL
11/28/2010
I've had long hair dogs for over 20 years. In that time I've gone to a number of different groomers in MI, FL and IL. This groomer is consistently excellent. They are very personable and always take good care of me and my dog.
One service they offer that is different than others, they can brush my pup's teeth during her bath, If your dog isn't shy they'll let her roam freely in a fenced-in area until you come to pick her up.
They'll also do the scarf thing if you want it. -
Review from Ellen K.
Chicago, IL
9/12/2011
Love Love Bark Bark! This place is fabulous! I've been bringing in my Goldendoodle Bailey for grooming for several years now, and they consistently transform a wild and wolly doodle mess into a sleek and fragrant little lamb. I don't know how they do it, but Bailey always looks happy and fantastic after her groomings here. The Bark Bark employees are always sweet and friendly and leave me feeling totally confident that they'll take great care of my doggie. And their prices are very, very fair! I couldn't be happier with my experience here.
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Review from Moni K.
8/14/2010
My experience with the Bark Bark Club has left me wondering...
Woman who helped me with my dog had huge long fake nails on:
What is going on in my mind:
She works with animals all day long how can she handle them if she has these long nails
I asked for a dog harness:
The woman sold me a dog harness that was not a sensation harness and ended up pulling the dog from the top of her body which later at the vet I find out is not natural for dogs and not recommended.
Asked the woman how to control bad breath in my 6 month old dog she recommends COOKIES
wtf
Of all the bones she could recommend, toothpaste, she recommends cookies like my dog really needs cookies.
I should have known better then and I just walked home but I purchased the stupid harness and opted out from her COOKIES
I don't know this place left me wondering but you can make up your own mind this is my experience. -
Review from iddells E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/23/2011
My heart melts every time I visit my newly-groomed dachshund. He is too adorable! Bark Bark Club always does an amazing job, they never let us down. I took my Prince in for a full grooming on a Saturday morning. There were already some furry clients being serviced, then as I left, about 3-4 more dogs came in. I was thinking that because of the Saturday rush, my dog might not get as much attention. But shame on me for thinking that, I've come here long enough to know that Bark Bark Club does nothing but quality work! Prince turned out perfect (as usual).
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/13/2010
It's no wonder why Chicago Magazine voted Bark Bark Club the "Best Dog Groomer in Chicago." They… Read more »
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Review from love s.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2008
I've been taking my 8 year old dog, Scout, to Bark Bark Club pretty much the entire time I've had her. In 2001, I was living on Wrightwood in Lincoln Park when I ventured to Granville to visit my chiropractor (before Bark Bark moved to expand). I walked into Bark Bark and figured I'd give them a go after other groomers failed to clip her nails without causing them to bleed.
Although Bark Bark Bark Club is totally out of my way (after living in Lincoln Park I moved to the South Loop and now Logan Square), I still take Scout to be groomed all the way to Bark Bark! Why?? Because they are extremely good to Scout and I trust them with my best friend!
The owner, Patti, is a wonderful person and groomer and she has taught her staff well. She has worked hard to create an excellent place where you can feel good about taking your pet to be cleaned or cared for. Their rates are also very good, which is a huge plus. I am loyal to Bark Bark after all these years and although far from me, the travel is certainly worth it!! -
Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 12/14/2009 1 Check-in Here
AROO!!! * jump* jump* ARHFFF!!
My dog approves- 100%.
These guys have been taking care of my wonderful, awesome, and totally sweet pound dog since I got her- Five years ago!
She has been to the doggy day care- and it has her stamp of approval. She plays, has fun, and gets over her awkwardness with other dogs. She loves the people who work it. You see, she is shy, has been attacked, and abused, but the staff makes it a comfortable place for her to play safely. This is a HUGE accomplishment!
The walkers are AMAZING!! They love her, and it is fully reciprocated. She goes into fits of ecstasy when she sees them on the street- a sure sign that they are in her top 10. They take her for HALF HOUR- MINIMUM walks. No skimping on the time- and I love that this works so well! I have no- NO - reservations about them coming in my house.
The grooming is also darn fabulous! Pupster comes out clean, sparkly, and ready to roll in stinky fish without a problem. She hates having her nails cut- but the staff handles this with grace and talent. Never a problem.
How lucky we are to have this fantastic place- I could not ask for more!!Listed in: My Edgy Edgewater, ANIMALS!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2007
My picky pooch loves the staff here. They walk and bathe her. She goes in for baths every month… Read more »
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Review from David M.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2008
Every morning our puppy (not quite a puppy anymore, but oh well) wakes up, takes a walk, eats breakfast and then sits patiently by the back door staring out the window.
Why?
Because he knows he is going to the Bark Bark club. And in his mind it is the best darn place on earth. I mean they have a kiddie pool out back in the summer he can splash around in. How awesome is that? -
Review from Meghan B.
Bloomington, IL
Updated - 12/19/2008
Still never been anything but pleased with them and their cat sitting services.
And has anyone mentioned how easy they are to book? If they've come to your place before, they safely keep your keys (coded by pet name, I believe) and ya just call, tell them your pets need a visit on whatever days, and they're seriously like "OK, we'll add them to the schedule!" It's the friendliest, easiest, fastest phone call of your life. I swear, it even seems like they remember our cats, even though we only use them a few times a year. (I'm pretending it's NOT because our cats are so odd.)
I don't think twice about letting these awesome strangers into our home. Bark Bark is the best!Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/7/2008
We feel so lucky to have this place nearby. We have two cats, and we use Bark Bark about twice a… Read more »
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Review from Farrin A.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2008
This place has a terrific thing "going"...but it's not going to stay...
I had TWO instances--yes TWO--where they just "forgot" to come in and look after my two cats while I was away. I know, stupid that I even gave them another chance, but if you live in Edgewater you might not feel like you have an option. However, my advice would be to take a chance on the MANY small operations running in the area. You can get several cards and referrals from Parkview Pet Supplies on Broad.
Forgetting to look in on an animal is not a good practice for an animal sitter...period. Too bad. But they're always so quick to "request" payment...funny. -
Review from Van D.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2007 2 photos
Bark Bark Club is the finest grooming salon in the city. Patti and her staff are really nice. Our two dogs come out looking so pretty it almost hurts! Toney usually grooms Buck (our problem child) for us and she is so kind to him. And he 's crazy about her! In fact all the groomers are fabulous... Kim, Toney, April, Sasha... all artistes extraordinaire! I've even thought I should get groomed here myself! Your pets will love this place!
BBC UPDATE! Bark Bark Club now has daycare AND boarding! It's like a FULL SERVICE RETREAT! WOW! -
Review from Laura B.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2009
I was at a complete loss when I was searching for a place to bring my pup, Sigo, to be groomed for the first time. Petco and Petsmart both seemed expensive and too commercial for my taste. My dog is still adjusting to his new life with me, and I wanted his first grooming experience to be a positive one. I found the Bark Bark Club on Yelp and decided to try it out.
I can't believe how great Sigo looks. He transformed from a ratty rescue dog (plus a few feeble grooming attempts on my part) into a studly pooch. They treated him like a prince right from the start and he felt comfortable from the moment he was introduced to the grooming team. I didn't feel hesitation at leaving him with them for a few hours because I knew he'd be in good hands.
Bark Bark Club performed a miracle on my dog. They asked me my grooming preferences, but I really had no idea what to say. I trusted them completely, and they did a fantastic job with a full groom. No more matted fur! His fur has even taken on a gorgeous light gray coat now that his long dark coat has been trimmed back. I've already made another appointment for his next grooming! -
Review from trina b.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2008
My pup and I took a walk over to the BB Club because he was in desperate need of a nail clipping and my husband and I have a hard time doing it because our dog has dark nails and the quick is always our worry.
The people who work there are very friendly and it's obvious they love dogs. They cuddle up with my little guy and talked to him so he would be more at ease. The nail clipping was fast and efficient and, because it was my first time there, FREE! You can't beat that!
I felt like I should support the local business, so I bought some treats that I thought my dog would like. They are prepacked fruit juices that you can freeze for a nice cold treat on a hot day. All natural and nothing but different kinds of juices in the ingredients. My dog is tiny so we have only gone through one little serving of the frozen goodie but he seems to really like it.
I will say that the selection of treats, toys etc is small and pricier than Petsmart and other more main stream places, but it's a good place to get something in a pinch.
We will surely be back again when it's time for another nail clipping. I'm not sure about the other offerings of the BB Club but we think it's worth the walk for the nails.
So if you live near by, try a walk to the club and check it out! -
Review from Toni D.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2008
Back in May, I'd decided to take my horribly shedding sweetheart to be groomed. I 'd been looking for a place that groomed felines for quite a while and the reviews for cat groomers were overwhelming for this place so I decided on Bark Bark.
I took the suggestion of another yelper and requested Kim to give him his 1st lion cut. I think it was around the range of $55-$65. Not bad, considering cat hair is no longer EVERYWHERE!
The staff was nice......really seemed to love animals and enjoy what they do. One of the girls even called to inform me my cat had a a little scab just below his neck 20 minutes after I picked him up. Luckily, I had known about it before I took him in. Either way, that's pretty honest and I appreciated them telling me and being upfront about it. Perhaps, they didn't want to be blamed for it either.
I only give it for 4 stars because I found out both dogs & cats are groomed in the same area (although large). My problem is that my cat is very timid and I worried how nervous he'd be the whole time.
When I asked upon my arrival, they did tell me my cat wouldn't be groomed at the same time as another dog, at least not in the same rooom since I was the only appointment at that time.
According to another yelper, they were able to stay with their pet until the grooming was complete. No such thing offered was to me and I'm sure they could tell I was just as nervous.
Overall, Kim did a great job as my cat was only pissed for maybe a couple hours. He was completely himself after that. Not the normal few days silent treatment he gives when I've attempted to give him a bath in the past. I'll probably go back again when it's that time.... -
Review from Ren Y.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2007
Best groomer in town.
The staff is very friendly and you can really tell that they love what they do. It shows in their work. =) -
Review from W.I.N. A.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2008
I love the good people of Bark Bark!
I have a cat. He is my first cat as an adult, the only indoor-only cat I have ever had. He is my first real responsibility to anyone or anything other than myself.
I had to leave him home alone for the first time a few months ago. He was just 5 months old and had already proven his mettle as an absolute menace to anything that could be knocked from a high surface, opened, chewed up, or shredded, and I was going to be out of town for 10 days. Panic!
Fortunately, Danielle C. had recommended the pet-sitting services at Bark Bark. Friends visited my little hellion on weekends, and Bark Bark came in every weekday I was gone for playing, feeding, litter cleaning, and even retrieving my mail! What's more, they didn't seem to mind me calling them for updates like the nervous Nelly I am, and they left daily progress notes on how my monster fared while I was gone.
I have to travel for another week at Christmas and I will *definitely* use them again! -
Review from bonnie p.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2009
I've been using Bark Bark Club's dog walking services for about 5 years now and they are simply the BEST. There is a sincere love and attention to my pets and I know they are well cared for when I'm away.
I have also used the Grooming Services and Quincy comes out looking like a king each time. Quincy is my 10 yr old golden retriever and he has hip dysplasia - when he gets groomed they make adjustments so that he isn't standing for too long and it makes a huge difference.
Bark Bark also has a great selection of natural pet food (Solid Gold is the brand I buy) and the prices are comparable to the 'big box' pet supply stores. -
Review from Ella M.
Gahanna, OH
11/28/2007
I haven't taken my older cat, Bazi in yet, but rest assured, once I can cram him into his carrier, he will be paying a visit for a nail trim and capping with SoftClaws.
My husband and I recently adopted an 8 week old kitten, "Yuffie" and shortly after releasing her into our large, leather-furnished apartment on Granville & Kenmore, we discovered she's a climber. He took her over to the Bark Bark Club to have SoftClaws put on so she wouldn't damage our furniture or bed, and though it turns out her claws are still too small for the caps, they trimmed her claws for free and sent her on her merry way in her daddy's coat.
In a city as big as Chicago, finding something that's free is almost unheard of. Not only did they do this service free of charge (though we will be back in a few weeks when the lil furball gets big enough for the caps), but they did an excellent job, and didn't hit the quick. She's a pretty chill kitten and doesn't mind people handling her paws, and doesn't really mind baths, either (both of my cats -love- warm baths, oddly enough), but my husband said she was very calm and let the lady trim her claws without so much as a squirm.
Great employees! Great services! -
Review from Carrie W.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2008
A review by Duncan, a chocolate lab.
Being a new dog in a new neighborhood can be ruff, if you'll pardon the pun. New smells, new noises, new things to chew and pee on. And of course new dog friends.
My parents took me to Bark Bark Club for day care to make some new friends and I had a blast. Not only are the dogs who frequent this place friendly and energetic, but so are the 'pen pals' who hang out with us all day. I love to play with balls, and Bark Bark Club knows this and they always have plenty on hand to play with.
They also have cage free boarding, which means that after 9 pm on any given night, this place turns into a Lambda Chi frat party. They roll out twin beds and doggie beds, play movies for us and hand out treats galore.
If you are here for daycare, and have any film career aspirations, you will be featured in a daily movie by esteemed filmmaker "Caleb". I was featured in "Showdown at the Discotheque" and "As the House Turns", two films that will be going to Sundance next year.
The BBC is the place to be, if you're a dog like me. -
Review from nina c.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2009
This is a cat sitting and dog boarding review only. We have not utilized their grooming services, so I will save that for another time. However, we have had the lovely people from Bark Bark take care of our zoo while we're out of town and they have been amazing. Summary for those of you not interested in my pet sitting novel - we came home to pets who were better than the ones we left behind.
First the cats. We've got some personalities there - yin and yang really. Yin - aka Maui - is a quiet, scaredy cat that will not show her face to a stranger. Yang - aka Caesar - is a pain in the patootie social greeter of the universe attention whore. Without much effort the BB people manage to keep both of them happy and entertained, while keeping litterbox clean, food and water bowls filled, mail and plants taken care of. Sounds simple enough, but when you're not home and you have to make sure someone else does this, it means the world. I do wish BB did more to confirm that our reservation is still on via a call or email so that I don't have to remember to do that before I leave.
Now on to the monster puppy!! Tubs is a rescue pup we've had for less than a year. He's an awesome dog - loving, playful, smart, trained. However because we rescued him when he was about a year and a half, he definitely has a lot of insecurities towards people and other dogs. One 5 day stint at the Bark Bark club resulted in a dog who went from discomfort and fear, towards excitement and playfulness with strange dogs and much more patience towards strangers. Nuff said people!! -
Review from Andrea O.
Chicago, IL
10/5/2007
Six stars if I could. I brought in my long haired (part Maine Coon) cat who had, despite my best efforts, started to develop a couple of tight knots on his hindside. Originally we were just going to do a spot shaving but the staff was so great with him he let them do a full lion cut, and my furry little friend is a biter. I stayed in case they needed me to hold him, but they were firm yet gentle and did a fantastic job. Kitty fussed a bit about halfway through but never looked panicky or stressed out.
The shop is very clean and they were very sensitive to my concerns, and very patient with me hanging around waiting. We have in the past had to have him groomed under sedation when we had his teeth done at the vet because we had gotten reports from the last groomer that kitty was badly behaved, but I saw that these folks were able to handle him without too much trouble. -
Review from tina h.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 4/30/2010 1 photo
Awesome, Amazing Bark Bark Club! Its hard to find a good cat groomer & this shop has GREAT cat groomers! My Bob has horribly long hair that tangles overnight no matter how much its brushed- at a certain point, to the shavers he must go!
They are reasonably priced, easy to get too, do a wonderful job, but most importantly, they love animals and it shows!
Long live Bark Bark!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2008
Just tried Bark Bark, based on the reviews I read here and they were great! Friendly, informed, and… Read more »
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Review from Colleen A.
Chicago, IL
2/22/2010
It's always tough to know with this place because Buddy can't talk! But I've gathered that I'm not incredibly pleased with Bark Bark Club.
I've used them for vacation packages and daycare, both of which I felt were not done very well.
The vacation package started the night before I left town so that I could come home and see how it went before leaving the next morning. The dogs were fed WAY too much, (about 3 cups for a Pug), didn't appear to have been walked or exercised at all, etc etc.
I called the next morning to go over those tidbits and it seemed better, but I wonder if it would've gone that way the whole time I was gone without me checking in first.
As for doggie daycare, Buddy just seems overly tired when he's done. I know they say they'll institute a "down time" as needed, but I don't get the sense it's really enforced. It's one of the only places that he doesn't seem especially excited about going to. We haven't gone back since.
I'm bummed about our experience because I know some people love it and it's so close to our apartment that it would be great. Unfortunately, I don't think it's for us. -
Review from Tim B.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/17/2010
After a few months of Maya (our GSD) in doggie daycare at the BBC I have to revisit my initial Yelp.
Bottom line: This place makes my pup happier than a fresh rawhide and leaves me worry-free while she is in their care. I'm not sure what else one can ask for.
Maya stays there almost every weekday and we occasionally use them for weekend boarding. And though she is thrilled to see us when we pick her up, she is almost as happy to be dropped off in the mornings to play with her friends (both canine and human) all day long. Add in the renovations currently underway to the daycare center and this place literally keeps getting better. We are very happy to have found the BBC and so is our pooch.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2010
Our little girl Maya (a 75lb. German shepherd) loves the Bark Bark Club
We started just using the… Read more »
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Review from Heather N.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2010
Far-and-away the best dog groomers I've ever been to, and I've been to quite a few since that day many years ago when I tried using my own clippers on little Wicket's hair, and they broke instantly.
In brief:
-Dogs come out of grooming happy and looking gorgeous
-Everyone there is very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.
-They take meticulous notes about your dog--issues, sensitivities, whatever.
-You can actually see the groomers doing their thing.
-The groomers do exactly what you ask for (instead of pretending to listen to your requests and then giving your dog the standard cut).
-Unlike my experiences with other grooming places in the area, I have never:
-had a dog come out with raw patches on his chest from being clipped
-had a dog come out with lots of crust still on his face
-had to explain and re-explain why I wanted a very short cut on Wicket (he has bad skin. i need to be able to see hot spots right away.)
-been fussed at for not having cash when their credit card machine was broken
-been fussed at because I asked for a last-minute appointment (just say "no," it's fine)
-I can stock up on healthy food/treats.
-Picked up a leash there that says "Born to Raise Hell" on it. Perfect for my fluffy shih tzu's, who are, like all shih tzu's, always getting wasted and kicking asses.
Today I took my newly adopted dog, Bowser to Bark Bark Club for the first time. Unlike mellow old Wicket, Bowser does not take kindly to having his face poked at. I warned them that his old groomer had to use a muzzle while working on his paws and face. Not these guys. When I picked him up, they were all, "Nah, he was great, I don't know why you were told us there's any problem."
Love it. -
Review from John A.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2011
Even though I'm normally at home, there are some days when I need to have my dog in day care. The Bark Bark Club is one of the two day cares that I entrust with my pet. They do not cage the dogs and he comes home "dog-tired", as they say. I recently had Max groomed and he was returned to me in fine shape and without any of the awful perfume some places insist on spraying on their animal clients. Bark Bark is a great place and I've recommended them to a number of friends.
