Bark Out Loud

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I've been a dog owner for 8 years and had the same groomer until last year when we moved to Jefferson Park. After getting an over the phone quote of $40.00 each and reading lots of online reviews while searching for new groomer for my 2 precious family members I decided to give BOL a try. I took my Siberian Husky and Maltese-Yorkie mix last summer and was told that if I wanted to have my Husky shaved for the summer it would be additional $20.00. I agreed. When it came to paying the bill somehow it came out to $105.00 - I guess they added a tip. Comparing to my previous groomer I thought they did ok, but BOL's prices were almost double. I guess it's got to be the North Side thing.

As we try to take care of our pups ourselves we had no need for the service until last weekend, when I decided to take them to BOL. No incidents upon drop-off but I was stunned when they demanded $102.00 when it came to pay with the comment" It's the same as last time". When nicely I brought it up to their attention that last time I paid extra for having my Husky shaved they stated that they had no record of it. I volunteered to show them pictures from last year taken the day after the service (have them on my phone) but they had their mind made up already. It turns out they have no price list available to their customers and they charge whatever they feel like at the moment. Even though I specifically asked when making the appointment if they accepted credit cards and they said yes without specifically excluding any, they only accept Visa and MasterCard (no signs posted anywhere). I only have Amex and Discover so I was forced to leave my ready to go pups and go to the bank. When I came back 10 minutes later and was given my dogs back they went straight to the water bowl in the waiting area. They were drinking for good 5 minutes until the ~2ft diameter bowl was just about empty. Seeing that I asked several times if they got any water during the day (they had them since 10:00 am and it was 4:30pm) but I got no answer. If all this wasn't enough my little one’s ears were horribly trimmed - all chopped up and uneven - I've never seen such a bad haircut before.

I'm not usually a complainer but this experience was painful for both my dogs and I. It was all around a nightmare. Terrible customer service and complete lack of communication. Please draw your own conclusions - WE will never be back there again.

My dog is very sensitive/nervous and has unfortunately been improperly handled at other groomers. I have tried three others in the area (including one who cut her ear because "the phone rang"! - no names, but they're on Addison). The staff at Bark Out Loud are professional, friendly, and very accomodating. I have a mini Schnauzer which requires a very precise cut. Anne Marie, the owner, does a fantastic job. With all of the horror stories about groomers who just don't care, it gives me great peace of mind to entrust my precious baby to them. I highly recommend Bark Out Loud...FIVE STARS!!!