My two dogs have attended for a couple months since their previous day care closed. Already things are not going well. Both come home and immediately sprint to their water bowl, which they immediately finish. This has never happened in years of attending other day cares. Our male also has injured nails on his paws from the daycare placing them in unsuitable kennels so the humans get time off. After speaking with the manager, I learned the dogs spend at least 4 hours each day in a crate. Would not recommend if you have any other option. read more

They take great care of my dog, with patience and love. We trust them with one of our beloved family members.

I've had my sweet girl Chelsea coming here since October. She is a loving 12 years old, 18lb. Chihuahua/Terrier Mix. Three months ago, she was attacked by a big dog at Central Bark, and part of her ear was bitten off!!!! WARNING: Small dogs and big dogs are mixed together on Saturdays. Something I vehemently oppose and you should too! I see the damage to my dogs ear every day and am sad. I think perhaps they should have been wiser about their decisions. They claim they are, but I disagree. The owner didn't think it was wrong to mix small dogs and large dogs together. My dog paid the price. The owner did not. They got paid to take care of her. The attack dog owner did not have to help pay for Chelsea's medical bills, and Central Bark did not offer either. I never felt any "true" concern for my dogs well being. Through the entire conversation I had over this ordeal with the Central Bark owner, he did not ask once how my dog was doing. I had to call him out on it. Then last month, my dog was attacked again and bitten deeply in the stomach area. I waited and prayed my dog would be ok. She was in surgery for 2 hours. And I was gutted. All I can think about to keep my composure was to write this and warn you. NOTE: I never received a phone call from the Central Bark owner for this attack...no checking to see how Chelsea was doing, no concern for her welfare or mine, no caring whatsoever. It is all business there...money and no concern or taking responsibility. What a horrible way to run a business. The 2nd attack dog owner did not have to help pay for Chelsea's medical bills, and Central Bark did not offer either. These are all the reasons I will never bring my loving dog, my best friend, my companion to this daycare or any other owned by this man. I am writing to share my thoughts and make sure you think twice about Central Bark, your small dog and dog daycare there. For 7 years prior, my dog went to dog daycare with about 25 other small dogs in California. Not once was she attacked, not once was she injured. I moved to Wisconsin last year and I thought I had chosen a good dog daycare, but I made a mistake. A mistake that cost me dearly. I honestly think my dog Chelsea is not the same since the surgery. My one star is to give some nice remarks to several of the staff who love Chelsea and treated her with love (they get 5 stars). I thank you. What bothers me the most is that these two different dogs are still allowed to go to this daycare. When it comes to it, Central Bark's policies are flawed. Offering aggressive dogs second chances only means YOUR DOG COULD BE NEXT... Think wisely. read more

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My 7 month old dalmatian has been attending the Central Bark (Oak Creek) location since she was 3 months. She is now 7 months old and we had to transfer her to the Downtown CB. She attended day care for 1.5 weeks at the downtown location before getting kennel cough. When I called to notify daycare, they told me that kennel cough has been going around. They also had no concern for our dogs well being. What is not professional is that they did not notify any of the owners that kennel cough was going around. Not only is my dog isolated for the next two weeks- we had a vet bill to pay! If we were communicated that it was going around- we would have not sent her to daycare for the time being. I suggest central bark downtown start better communication to prevent this from being passed around even more. As for daycare- we will be returning back to Central Bark Oak Creek! read more

My dog, Phoebe, and I love Central Bark! We love daycare, Julia's group training classes, Julia's individual training sessions, grooming, everything... read more

1. Poor Facility Conditions Do you think you could personally control 25 large dogs playing in a confined indoor space? Then why would you trust someone else to do the same with your pet in that environment? Located across the street from a bar, under a loud screeching train bridge, and 2 blocks from Texas Jay's strip club, Central Bark downtown is the dog equivalent to affordable childcare. This place is overbooked and understaffed, with a small play area in a dirty warehouse. The play groups consist of 25 dogs each, in a confined area, monitored loosely by hourly employees that are "specially trained" to watch all interactions at all times. They must have 100 eyes. 2. Dog Attacks During Group Play My dog has been attacked on more than one occasion, and every time it is the same exhausting story of "we don't know how it started or who said what blah blah blah." If there is an injury they fill out a report, and if not, they waste your time blabbering while you're trying to get home from work during rush hour. 3. Communication The last 3 attempts I have made at contacting them during the day, I called 4-5 times each day and it went to voicemail every time. This further proves their lack of staffing and ability to tend to your dog's individual needs. What if you had an emergency? It took them 2 days to respond to my voicemail and my dog was in boarding for 10 days. 4. Client Bias Regardless of me spending thousands of dollars here, they prioritize daily drop offs because it obviously brings in more money. Daily attendance is what they want, and if you are not a daily client, they will find a way to get rid of you to take on a more frequent stream of money. Since they don't have the capacity to take on new clients, they will instantly put your pet at fault for any incident that occurs, even if they are unsure. They seek opportunity to label less frequent visitors as "problematic" with vaguely described "incidents," in order to free up room for daily clients that spend more. 5. There Are Better Options If You Care About Your Pet's Happiness and Safety If you plan on sending your dog to daycare three times a week or less, I would strongly advise that you look elsewhere. Your dog deserves a better environment with trained professionals and an acceptable group size to play area ratio. I will never use this franchise again. read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!! They currently have a lawsuit against them for animal abuse. I also sent my dog here back in 2021 and he turned into the most anxious, scared dog, and had never been like that before. They were awful at communication, and seemed like all they cared about was money. You could tell that they had no idea how to handle dogs and since hearing about the abuse story, I'm not surprised in the slightest. Do not send your dog here!!! read more

Sophie has been going to Central Bark Downtown since she was only 4 months old (almost 2 years now). She has always loved it and is still so excited when she realizes where the car is headed. The staff has been accommodating in understanding and learning what works best for Sophie, spotting early that she prefers to play with larger dogs and being patient when she has some stranger danger. Not only does she attend daycare there, but I also use the grooming services and training sessions. I recommend them all! For me and my dog, it's been 100% worth every penny. read more

I don't know about these past reviews, but the facility is filled with wonderful people who really care about your dogs.

We have brought two dogs to Central Bark Downtown now and never had any issues until one random day they told us that our dog had been humping other dogs. This was something new and the two other doggy daycares that she's been to had never mentioned it. They admit that she is quick to stop when corrected, we were conveniently asked to not return after we used our last punch. They also informed us it had been in her file from years ago, but never mentioned it in the past. Staff is friendly, but cautious. One day your dog may just get randomly asked to not come back with no warning or even as much as video or documentation about what happened. Sadly we know other dogs who have also gotten kicked out of Central Bark Downtown for random reasons, also with no proof or history of misbehavior and none since moving to other facilities. read more

I do have to say, I am a bit perturbed to find out that Central Bark does not notify you when Kennel Cough is going around. My dog has been out for two weeks because he's been sick. Not only do I not want him to spread it to other dogs, I don't want him re-contracting it from others. I don't have the time and/or money to deal with more vet visits and bills for antibiotics and cough suppressants if that can be avoided. When I called to tell them he will need to miss his typical Monday because of Kennel Cough, they said no one else had mentioned their dog being sick. Then, when I had to call to cancel for the second week (because he was still sick), I was told "Oh yeah, some other dogs have been out sick with it." This really bothered me that nothing was communicated to parents. A daycare for humans notifies parents when there's a sickness (we're not just talking a few sniffles here) going around. I have a friend who takes her dog to Central Bark as well, and when she called (because her dog came down with Kennel Cough, too, last week), Central Bark said no other dogs were sick - which is clearly untrue because I had called the previous week to say Irv had Kennel Cough. So, either there isn't thorough communication between employees, or they aren't telling the truth when people call to inquire about sicknesses. Either way, that doesn't sit well with me. I suggest Central Bark notify parents when sicknesses are going around. I understand dogs, like humans, get sick every once in a while. But, I would like my dog to avoid that sickness if possible. A mass email, perhaps, or a sign at checkout? I'm not saying you have to call every owner, one-by-one, but some form of communication would be professional. read more

This place is excellent for people with wildly energetic puppies. My dog Lloyd used to just hang around the apartment all day, and be totally insane when I'd return home. After a day at Central Bark, he is absolutely exhausted and sleeps most of the evening. The staff here is very friendly and they do really seem to enjoy what they do. Costs about 20 to 25 a day depending on if you pay for day to day or buy a 10 day pass. There is an initial screening to make sure that your dog is compatible, which I can appreciate them keeping the dogs safe. The only thing I don't like is that they recommend you take your dog once a week at least, or they will have to reactivate your account at a later point in time. I get that they're trying to plan out how many dogs will be there, but charging for reactivation is a little ridiculous in my opinion. I do like the day care though, and the service they provide is top notch. I'd recommend it to dog owners that want to come home to a happy and extremely tired canine. read more

This is the best Doggy Daycare around. I have been taking my dog here for a month now, and he/we couldn't be happier. He gets a full day of playing in with supervision AND nap time, and he comes home absolutely exhausted. A tired dog is a good dog! They post pictures and update on their facebook page, and they call you if anything comes up. The staff here really cares about the dogs and are great at what they do. You can truly tell that they care about the animals which is VERY important to me. The manager, Elise, is so sweet and accommodating to the needs of the pets and owners. She takes the time to make sure you fully understand what is going on before you leave your dog with them for the day. This sounds silly, but this place knows me and my dog by name, and it feels good to know this is the group of people that are taking care of my dog! 5 stars - this place is worth the price! read more

I have been taking my dog to Central Bark since she was five months old, and we both couldn't be happier! We've been faithful members for almost a year, and I don't know what I would do without this place. The staff is friendly, know my dog, and are excited to see her. What's more, when I pull up to the building, my dog cannot wait to jump out of the car and come inside. At the end of the day, she is exhausted, which means a quiet evening at home for me. If I know I am going to have an busy evening, I always make sure to drop my dog off. While there have been few incidents with other pups, every time my dog has gotten into a tussle, I was notified immediately, and I could tell the problem had been addressed on the spot. What I really love about this place, is that despite being a play area for many dogs, I can always ask the manager how my girl did that day, and she can always tell me. This shows an extra level of caring that matters to me when I choose a place to send my dog to for the whole day. I have recommended Central Bark Downtown to all my friends with dogs, and have no plans on taking my dog anywhere else while in Milwaukee. read more

I have been taking my dog to Central Bark for almost two years, and we could not be happier! My dog adores it and never fails to pull me from the car to the door when I drop her off. The staff are fantastic -- they know the dogs well, are professional, and clearly love what they're doing. The manager, Elise, is wonderful and enthusiastic and is brimming with dog-knowledge! I disagree with some of the reviews below -- one day when my dog was sick, Elise called me right away so I could pick her up and take her to the vet. She knew my dog well enough to know that she "just wasn't herself" even though she'd had no obvious symptoms of illness. Our experience at CBDDC has been nothing but positive and I've recommended it to countless dog-parents! The fact that my dog is tired at the end of the day is a bonus, but the love, care, and attention she receives all day long is the reason we keep coming back. read more

I've been with CBD for about 5 or so months and you have the most wonderful staff that I've come across in a LONG time. I go to a lot of service industry based business and the level of customer service from your staff is amazing. The staff is there bright eyed and smiling at 7am to eagerly greet Charlie as she comes tearing through the door. Then, to watch how they handle 85 people picking up their dog at the same time is amazing - the staff NEVER seems flustered or overwhelmed when I've been in there. The training, spa services and weekend stays are just a bonus!!!! Wonderful group of people read more

So, I need to write a revision. After a week of fun, puppy Grigsby came down with Kennel Cough. I went in and discussed this with them and they said "it has been going around". Going around??? If a dog is hacking, don't let them come, send them home! I don't want my puppy sick, nor anyone else's. You pay enough money to take your dog there, not to get sick, but to get associated with other dogs and be pooped out at the end of the day. I see that LeaAnne has had a similar issue, and I already notified my neighbors, who also take their pooch there. NO ONE AT CENTRAL BARK NOTIFIED ANYONE!!!! Little things like this just should not be happening! We have yet to decide if we will be taking Grigsby back or not. read more

Central Bark is great! My pup is excited to go there every day and all of the workers know him by name. They are very organized, and they give my dog plenty of play time. I would highly recommend! read more

Love Central Bark-- but more importantly, it is my dogs favorite place to go. We take Cosmo to Menomonee Valley. They are all very nice, and love Cosmo as much as we do! read more

Review for Central Bark's grooming services: First of all I thought that the woman was kind of rude when I brought the dog over for his appointment. Not nice at all and she had quite an attitude. When I came back to pick the dog up and saw what they did I couldn't believe it. Whoever groomed the dog did not know what they were doing at all. I have a small fox terrier. The dog had been washed, but was barely groomed. And he came back looking like a poodle. I would never recommend that place to anyone if you need your dog groomed, and on top of that they are more expensive than any other place I've tried. read more

Checked this place out thoroughly a while back and was quite impressed...CLEAN and ORDERLY and the staff appeared to love what they were doing. Big play yard in and out and the big dogs and separated from the smaller. GREAT location, if you can get in, particularly if you're in the 3rd or 5th Wards or Walkers Point or anywhere on the near southside and on your way into work downtown! read more

Horrible experience! I will never go back. I picked my dog up and there's a huge cut on her face because their groomer is a moron and the staff can't handle instructions. After her first day of daycare she came home incredibly thirty, injured and super hyper/ strangely itchy. read more

Central Bark Doggy Day Care - One of many razor burns and cuts from the groomer at Central Park. - Pet Groomers Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We brought our Boxer Chloe here once a week so she could socialize and run off some extra energy. The staff here were amazing and took very good care of her. From walking in the door and receiving a nice greeting, to leaving, it was always a fun experience for me as pet parent. Fischer specifically loved and cared for Chloe and we are grateful for her extra kindness. Chloe can be skittish, but was always very trusting of Fischer. Also, Central Bark posts daily photos of the dogs in daycare on Facebook. We always enjoyed finding Chloe's photo as she was typically running around outside having fun. We moved out of state, so we don't use Central Bark any longer, but we we highly recommend them. read more

We've been taking Tug to Central Bark for 13 years now & have always been very well taken care of. Tug definitely loves the attention (and treats) he receives there- and we are so thankful that he is spending his "twilight" years with all his favorite handlers every week! Keep up the great work! read more

My Bailey has been going to Central Bark for mover 3.5 years and I have to say that I am ALWAYS impressed with the staff there and how they bend over backwards to help their customers. I love how they refer to us as parents, take pictures of them on their birthdays, send home little "report cards" and have costume costumes at Halloween. But what really made me want to praise them and scream from the mountain tops this week is the advice that their managers, Elise and Claire gave me today on our newest family addition. My husband and I have been at our wits end with a new puppy and all that goes along with it...and already having a 4 year old lab. Their advice came at a well needed time and when I started tearing up, they didn't bat an eye (no pun intended :) ). They offered great advice dealing with two dogs and encouraging words that were so needed. When the new pup is old enough for daycare, she will definitely be going here! THANK YOU!!!! read more

I really love Central Bark Downtown and so do my dogs! We have been going there for about 9 years. I have always found the staff to be friendly, well educated, and just excited to see my dogs! As a pet owner it is nerve wracking to leave your dogs with someone you don't know, but Central Bark is so kind and caring. My dogs have had kennel cough once throughout the years, but it is a risk I am willing to accept. My kids get colds at school too, but they still go to class and have probably given the cold to friends( not on purpose of course). Central Bark is very clean, it always smells and looks great! I think you just have to understand that you are putting your dogs in a social environment so the occasional cough, sneeze, and even ouchy may occur, these are terms I am willing to accept in return for a lifetime of care and fun for my dogs! Overall, it has never hindered our experience at Central Bark and the staff does a great job every day. The dogs pull me into the building and even get excited when we see the staff walking around our neighborhood! Thank you Elise and Claire for all you do every week for Lucy and Max! read more

nice people, care about your dog, but get a little too booked for last minute needs.

Dolce has been going to Central Bark downtown for a while now. Recently they initiated a training program. Dolce gets 1x1 training while she's at daycare. A little extra special time playing 1x1 with a trainer and some extra but well earned treats. I noticed a difference after only 2 sessions. She'd never stay in a sit for more than a few seconds. Now she sits until I give her the ok command. Amazing! She's getting the training she needs and I don't have to find yet another time in my busy schedule to carve out for training. I highly recommend the Training Tutor program. read more

I was a customer of Central Bark for 2 years & although I had a decent experience for the most part, what happened recently was unacceptable. I will not be going back to this Central Bark ever again. I was out of the state (not un-reachable by any means), and my friend had my dog for the week. He was at CB Mon & went back again on Fri. My friend dog dropped off my dog Fri am & when he came back to pick him up, he was informed that my dog had kennel cough & had been kenneled & isolated all day except for potty breaks. I completely understand the need to isolate a dog if the owners are un-reachable. However, CB never even TRIED to contact myself or the emergency contact that they had in his records. When I called to talk to the manager Elise, she simply stated that she was busy during the day, apologized & offered to reimburse me daycare visits I had left. It's disappointing that she never even tried to keep us as customers or offer an explanation for why this had happened. Since I started taking my dog there, I always felt that she just did not like him. However, the other manager was great & most of the handlers were also, so I stayed with them. I feel that what happened is ridiculous! You don't lock a child in a closet if they get sick at daycare without trying to contact their parents do you? Needless to say, I do not trust CB anymore & I urge potential customers to explore other options. read more