Pet groomer · Washington, DC · reviewed since 2025
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%65+35.5Reliability 24%48+11.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Momentum penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 68Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.68SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#114 of 136 pet groomingiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 16%
4.7★★★★★97 Google reviews · 24 photos
92%five-star reviews
4.67★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
8.2%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
BarkSuds holds a 4.7-star rating from 97 reviews, with the owner responding to 54% of comments. Customers frequently praise the staff’s gentle handling of anxious or elderly dogs, the facility’s cleanliness, and the value of their flat-rate monthly membership for regular grooming. Recurring themes include flexible scheduling and accurate results matching client requests. However, several one-star reviews criticize the business for perceived hidden costs, a strict no-walk-in policy, and the owner’s aggressive responses to negative feedback.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 97 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 97 Google reviews (83 with written comments, 21 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 54% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
Service: Pet Groomer serving Washington, District of Columbia.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet grooming
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
BarkSudsPet Grooming median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.BarkSuds: 65/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.B
65
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.BarkSuds: 48/100 on this factor. Category median: 82.C
48
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 97.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.BarkSuds: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.BarkSuds: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
99
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.BarkSuds: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 50.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
97 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars8992%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star88%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 83 written reviews
91%praise
Praise12591%
Complaints129%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
94%fair
Great price3571%
Reasonable1020%
Overpriced36%
Not sure12%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3928%
Quality & results2820%
Would recommend2418%
Price & value1712%
Honesty & trust1712%
Speed & response64%
Communication64%
What customers talk about
We read 83 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The Bark Suds team is always so gentle and sweet with her.”
“I called him and he beat around the bush about how I was mean during our first interaction and hung up on him.”
“They do a great job and my dog always comes back looking great and definitely having enjoyed his time there!”
“I highly recommend their grooming service for the great economic and quality value it offers.”
“If you’re looking for an amazing groomer in DC, I cannot recommend Bark Suds enough.”
“We will definitely be coming back with the membership, which is a great deal!”
“I also really like that there are no hidden charges or extra add-ons — everything included in the membership is actually included.”
“I’m extremely particular about who I trust with my dogs, Coco and Lucky, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the care they receive here.”
“Read every negative review - the owner accuses the customer or it being a scam review.”
“Their service is clean and efficient, and the staff is caring and professional.”
“Really great experience, super communicative and took Greg care of my pup!”
People customers mention
Sandra5 reviews
Coco3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired BarkSuds for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JJessica12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 days ago★★★★★
My Aussie Hannah loves her visits to Bark Suds, and the team makes the whole experience easy for us. She’s an elderly tripod and is now dealing with a terminal illness, so we can’t always provide the level of grooming care she needs at home. The Bark Suds team is always so gentle and sweet with her. It’s a real…
LLauren3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
Rehan and Sandra are a caring and skilled duo who take excellent care of my fussy Havanese! I highly recommend their grooming service for the great economic and quality value it offers.
MMarlene3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I recently moved in the area and saw great reviews about BarkSuds and they didn’t disappoint at all. Very professional, friendly and cost efficient. I am extremely happy with my miniature poodle service. The haircut I received was identical to the inspo photo I showed the groomer. My furbaby Bentley has officially…
Great priceDog full service grooming
LLuke1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We’ve been going to BarkSuds and honestly love it!
Rehan is super nice, and you can tell he genuinely cares about the dogs. Our pup always comes out looking and smelling great.
The Bath Spaw membership is such a great idea because dogs should be getting regular baths, and this makes it so easy to stay on top of…
Great priceDog ear cleaningDog anal gland expressionDog grooming
TTiffani5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
They are their best. They treat my dog and I like family. They took the time to get to know my dog so when he was having some problems they were the first to notice and suggested I get him looked at. I trust them immensely. thank you for taking such good care of my dog.
Ccarissa1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Every staff member here shows such a high level of care and consideration with my anxious dog. I wholeheartedly trust the team at Bark and Suds with my pup! So happy I found them and the monthly membership in DC!
Great priceDog groomingDog teeth brushingDog nail trimming
My Aussie Hannah loves her visits to Bark Suds, and the team makes the whole experience easy for us. She’s an elderly tripod and is now dealing with a terminal illness, so we can’t always provide the level of grooming care she needs at home. The Bark Suds team is always so gentle and sweet with her. It’s a real pleasure to know we have them to support us, and I’m grateful for the care they give Hannah.
S
Sarah7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We absolutely LOVE Bark Suds! I’m extremely particular about who I trust with my dogs, Coco and Lucky, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the care they receive here.
Our groomer is AMAZING. She is incredibly patient, gentle, attentive, and clearly has a genuine love for dogs. Coco and Lucky both come home looking absolutely adorable, smelling incredible, and perfectly groomed every single time. 🐾❤️
What really stands out is the attention to detail. She takes the time to understand exactly how we want them groomed and somehow manages to make them look even cuter than I imagined. More importantly, I feel completely comfortable leaving them in her care, which means everything to me.
Coco and Lucky are family, and finding someone you genuinely trust with your babies is priceless. Bark Suds has absolutely earned that trust.
If you’re looking for an amazing groomer in DC, I cannot recommend Bark Suds enough. Coco & Lucky officially give it FOUR PAWS UP! 🐶🐶🫧✨
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you for trusting us with your fur baby
B
BrandonLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brandon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Read every negative review - the owner accuses the customer or it being a scam review. This guy will never take accountability.
Update: the owner now accuses me of using profanity in his shop, which is not true. What is true is that he called me back yelling at me after I told him I would find another service and hung up. This owner is highly sensitive and doesn’t take rejection well.
The owner of this place is highly emotional and is honestly a joke. I’m sure he will respond with a lengthy reply like he does everyone else. He accused me hanging up on him when I clearly had ended the call during our first interaction. I scheduled another appointment and when I arrived I realized my dogs vaccine records had expired and I was frustrated, but not at him. When leaving he asked if I would like to reschedule and I said I would call back after she was vaccinated.
I then booked another appointment this week and he called me three times the morning of my appointment. I didn’t answer because I didn’t think anything of it. I then received a text message that my appt was cancelled.
I called him and he beat around the bush about how I was mean during our first interaction and hung up on him. I explained no, our call was over and he even texted me after saying it was rude to hang up - I replied I did not hang up.
He then said okay you can email in your vaccination records and we can see your dog. I explained at this point I wasn’t comfortable using him and hung up. He called back yelling how dare I hang up on him. Lol. This man is crazy.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for sharing your experience. As the two owners of BarkSuds, we want to clarify the events described in this review.
When you first scheduled your appointment, we requested your dog’s vaccination records, as required for every dog in our facility. When you arrived and we again asked for the required records, you became upset, used profanity, and left our shop.
You later scheduled another appointment, and we made multiple attempts to contact you that morning regarding your appointment. When we could not reach you, the appointment was cancelled because current vaccination records are required before we can provide services.
We are happy to acknowledge that we may remember the phone conversations differently, but calling one of the owners “crazy,” “a joke,” and “highly emotional” is a personal attack rather than a reflection of how we conduct our business. We are a small business that cares deeply about our customers and their dogs, and we expect respectful communication in return.
Our vaccination policy exists for the safety of every dog in our care, and we stand by it.
L
Lauren Caroline Tadros Potter3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lauren has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Rehan and Sandra are a caring and skilled duo who take excellent care of my fussy Havanese! I highly recommend their grooming service for the great economic and quality value it offers.
M
Marlene Thomas3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marlene has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I recently moved in the area and saw great reviews about BarkSuds and they didn’t disappoint at all. Very professional, friendly and cost efficient. I am extremely happy with my miniature poodle service. The haircut I received was identical to the inspo photo I showed the groomer. My furbaby Bentley has officially found his new grooming salon 💙 ..will update with photos soon
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog full service grooming
L
Luke Green1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Luke has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’ve been going to BarkSuds and honestly love it!
Rehan is super nice, and you can tell he genuinely cares about the dogs. Our pup always comes out looking and smelling great.
The Bath Spaw membership is such a great idea because dogs should be getting regular baths, and this makes it so easy to stay on top of it. I also really like that there are no hidden charges or extra add-ons — everything included in the membership is actually included. When we need a haircut, we just pay for it when we need one, and members get a discount on the haircut too.
The shop is clean, our dog actually enjoys going, and the whole experience has been great. Definitely recommend BarkSuds!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog ear cleaning, Dog anal gland expression, Dog grooming, Dog flea and tick treatment, Dog bathing and blow dry, Dog teeth brushing, Dog full service grooming, Dog grooming and styling, Dog nail trimming, Service not listed
M
Molly7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Molly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My partner and I first came here in April to have our dog bathed and trimmed. At the appointment, we were asked to sign what was presented to us as a liability waiver, which didn’t seem unusual since many grooming businesses require one. We told the staff we wanted the “All Over Rover” service, and we were told, “Okay, that will be $65 for today.” At no point during that visit were we verbally told that we were enrolling in a recurring membership or agreeing to a $45 monthly charge.
A few months later, we returned for another All Over Rover haircut and bath. Again, we were told the service would be $65. They asked if they could charge the card they had on file, and we agreed. Once again, no one mentioned a membership, monthly fee, or recurring subscription.
We later discovered that, in addition to the $65 we paid for each of our two actual visits, our card had also been charged $45 every month. We had no idea these recurring charges were happening or that the business considered us members.
When I called to address the issue, the owner answered and told me that they only operate through memberships and do not offer individual visits. When I explained that neither my partner nor I had ever been told we were signing up for a membership, he insisted that I was wrong and said I had signed a “liability and membership form.”
He then sent me the document we had signed. The document itself was titled “Liability Form.” Within that document, there was a section containing membership language, but that does not change the fact that the form was presented to us as a liability waiver and that no one verbally explained that we were enrolling in a recurring paid membership. This was especially frustrating considering that on both visits we were simply quoted $65 for the service we requested.
What made the situation worse was the way the conversation was handled. Rather than acknowledging why this could have been unclear or trying to resolve the issue professionally, the owner was rude and spoke to me in a way that I felt implied I was foolish for not realizing I had supposedly enrolled in a membership.
To be clear, we did not ask for refunds for the two $65 grooming services we actually received. We paid for those services and have no issue paying for services that were provided. We only asked to be refunded for the $45 monthly charges during the months when we did not receive services because we did not knowingly agree to sign up for a recurring membership.
If a business requires a membership, that should be clearly and explicitly communicated to customers before they enroll—not simply included within a section of a document presented as a “Liability Form.” Had either of us been told, “This is a membership and you will be charged $45 every month,” we would not have agreed to it.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Services: Dog grooming and styling
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for sharing your experience. We do want to clarify several important points for anyone reading this review.
BarkSuds is a **membership-only business**. We do not offer individual, non-member services or non-member pricing. Our website clearly communicates that BarkSuds operates through memberships, our in-store pricing clearly identifies services as **“Member” pricing** and references membership, and our team explains the membership requirement when customers enroll.
The $65 All Over Rover price referenced in this review is a **member price** and is one of the benefits of membership. It is not an individual-service price available to non-members because we do not offer non-member services. We are not aware of another grooming business in the DMV offering the same type of haircut-and-bath service at $65.
We also want to address the statement that you did not knowingly sign up for a membership. There are several points we believe are important to consider: **our website clearly explains our membership model, the pricing displayed in our store identifies the services as member pricing and references membership, our team communicates that BarkSuds is membership-only, and the Liability Form you signed includes the membership terms and recurring monthly charge.** We understand that you may have understood the enrollment differently, but the membership information was not hidden or separate from the enrollment process.
You also described the owner as rude. While we are sorry that you felt the conversation that way, we respectfully disagree with that characterization. The owner took the time to discuss your concerns, explain the membership structure, and provide you with the signed documentation when requested. We believe it is important to distinguish between a conversation in which a customer may not agree with the answer and one in which someone is being disrespectful.
BarkSuds is also part of a system with **52 other locations operating under the same membership model**. This is the established BarkSuds business model, not something created or applied only at our location.
As a small, locally operated business, we have invested significant time, resources, and effort into bringing this membership-based grooming concept to Washington, DC. We ask that our business and policies be represented fairly. We work hard to provide our members with quality grooming services at an affordable member price.
We also received another phone call regarding this matter in which legal action was threatened. Customers are absolutely entitled to raise concerns and seek clarification, but we do not support or encourage harassment, intimidation, or disrespectful communication toward our staff or business.
We value our customers and stand behind our membership model. Our goal is to provide members with consistent, discounted grooming services while being transparent about how the program works.
Sandy Frances
Owner & Managing Member
I
Isabella Zarate10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Isabella has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They are their best. They treat my dog and I like family. They took the time to get to know my dog so when he was having some problems they were the first to notice and suggested I get him looked at. I trust them immensely. thank you for taking such good care of my dog.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Tiffani and Leo are truly special to us! Thank you both for being such wonderful customers and even greater friends. We’re so grateful for your continued support and for always being so kind to us. We truly appreciate you both! ❤️🐾
— Sandra & Rehan
C
carissa best1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews carissa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Every staff member here shows such a high level of care and consideration with my anxious dog. I wholeheartedly trust the team at Bark and Suds with my pup! So happy I found them and the monthly membership in DC!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog teeth brushing, Dog nail trimming
