Dog day care center · Milwaukee, WI · reviewed since 2013
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%54+29.5Reliability 24%19+4.6Value 14%53+7.5Replies to reviews 7%39+2.8Craft & service penalty77−2.3Momentum penalty18−8.2Experts Score= 34Grade D: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.34SCORE
DGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#80 of 82 pet sittersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 2%
4.6★★★★★144 Google reviews · 24 photos
84%five-star reviews
3.71★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
20%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Central Bark Wauwatosa 4.6 out of 5 based on 144 reviews. Positive feedback highlights friendly staff, clean facilities, grooming services, and daily photo updates, with many noting that dogs return home exhausted and happy. Common criticisms include difficulty reaching the facility by phone, allegations of inadequate water access, and concerns regarding illness screening or dog stress levels.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 144 reviews (84% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 144 Google reviews (92 with written comments, 19 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 33% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 6, 2026.
Service: Pet Sitter serving Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet sitters
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: craft & service and satisfaction; weakest: momentum.
Central Bark WauwatosaPet Sitters 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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 54/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.C
54
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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 19/100 on this factor. Category median: 74.F
19
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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 77/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.B
77
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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 53/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.C
53
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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 18/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.F
18
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.Central Bark Wauwatosa: 39/100 on this factor. Category median: 60.D
39
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
144 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars12184%
4 stars118%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star118%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 92 written reviews
89%praise
Praise6889%
Complaints811%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price133%
Reasonable267%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude3749%
Would recommend1418%
Quality & results1013%
Speed & response57%
Price & value45%
Honesty & trust45%
Communication23%
What customers talk about
We read 92 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Caleb, up at the front, was exceptionally helpful and was great and answering all my questions, and making sure to ease any of my concerns!”
“And I love that they share a report card & photos of the day so you can see what your pup was up to <3 definitely recommend!”
“This is an unfortunate review of a business that came highly recommended with numerous positive reviews.”
“Must be a testament to how great Josh is with dogs - did a fantastic job and Archie was very happy when picking him up.”
“The staff members are wonderful with our pup and extremely responsive to questions.”
“They have lots of options for high-intelligence dogs and are reasonably priced.”
“My dog no longer goes hete, especially after i found out that day and play/ stay and play is a rip off.”
“The staff genuinely care, the managers are so kind and understanding (and should be paid all the monies!”
“Everyone is friendly and explained everything, including the assessment at the day's end.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Central Bark Wauwatosa for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
HHonest1 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. · 8 months ago★
Hey next time you drop your dog off here ask to use the bathroom. It will pretty much give you an idea of how dirty and nasry the rest of the building is. My dog no longer goes hete, especially after i found out that day and play/ stay and play is a rip off. If someone calls in they get their time out of the box,…
PPeg4 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. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Very satisfied with our experience at Central Bark. The staff were pleasant and accommodating and our dog looks great!
Reasonable priceDog groomingDog nail trimming
RRyanLocal Guide · 63 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 year ago★
This place is the bane of my existence. All I hear from my house is barking all day. Will have to move since nothing else is being done.
BBettyLocal Guide · 34 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 year ago★★★★★
It was my first time taking my 6 month old Dachshund and leaving him. He was loved, cared for, and had a great time! The staff was wonderful.
AAdamLocal Guide · 160 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 year ago★★★★★
I self wash my dog here. The place is clean and staff is friendly. They give you a punch card that gets you a free wash which is a plus.
RRyan8 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 year ago★
Not the best CB location!!! My pitbull always comes out covered in his own slobber because he’s so stressed here. They don’t get water for a good amount of the day which is probably why he slobbers so much. He never does this at home. I also overheard the dogs that don’t go out with other dogs sit in their kennels…
Hey next time you drop your dog off here ask to use the bathroom. It will pretty much give you an idea of how dirty and nasry the rest of the building is. My dog no longer goes hete, especially after i found out that day and play/ stay and play is a rip off. If someone calls in they get their time out of the box, cut short. This is what I was told by a worker, I believe she said her nàme was kristîna.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for sharing your concerns. We take cleanliness and the care of every dog very seriously, and the experience you described does not reflect our standards or our policies.
Because we're unable to verify the details of your experience from your review, we'd appreciate the opportunity to learn more. Please contact us directly so we can better understand your concerns and address them appropriately.
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Christopher LeFeverLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Christopher has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for the kind words! We also wanted to clarify that we are open on Saturdays for all of our services, and on Sundays for boarding arrivals and departures. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you and your pup again soon!
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Peg Robertson4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Peg has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very satisfied with our experience at Central Bark. The staff were pleasant and accommodating and our dog looks great!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog grooming, Dog nail trimming
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you for sharing your positive experience at Central Bark. We're delighted to hear that our staff made your visit enjoyable and that you're pleased with how your dog looks. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friend back soon!
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ComLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Com has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We’re sorry to see this review, as we don’t have any record of your visit or experience with us. If you’d be open to reaching out directly, we’d truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more and address any concerns.
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Ryan TaborLocal Guide · 63 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ryan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It was my first time taking my 6 month old Dachshund and leaving him. He was loved, cared for, and had a great time! The staff was wonderful.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We're thrilled to hear that your Dachshund had a great time with us and felt loved and cared for. Our staff truly enjoys providing the best care for our furry guests. Thank you for your positive feedback and the 5-star rating!
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Adam S.Local Guide · 160 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I self wash my dog here. The place is clean and staff is friendly. They give you a punch card that gets you a free wash which is a plus.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We're thrilled to hear that you're enjoying our self-wash service and punch card program! It's great to know that our cleanliness and friendly staff have made a positive impression. Thank you for your 5-star review!
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Ryan B8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ryan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Not the best CB location!!! My pitbull always comes out covered in his own slobber because he’s so stressed here. They don’t get water for a good amount of the day which is probably why he slobbers so much. He never does this at home. I also overheard the dogs that don’t go out with other dogs sit in their kennels all day!! The staff also tends to be rude and ignore you/not greet you when you walk in. Don’t go to this location if you care about your pets happiness
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that your experience didn't meet your expectations. We take the well-being of all dogs in our care very seriously, and the safety and comfort of each dog is our top priority.
Please rest assured that all dogs in our care have regular access to water. We make sure they stay hydrated multiple times a day to ensure they are comfortable and healthy.
After reviewing your comments, we noticed that our records do not show any account under your name with our company. It's possible there may have been some confusion or miscommunication regarding your experience. We want to make sure we address any concerns you may have, so if you believe there's been an error, please feel free to contact us directly at 414-771-7200, and we'll glad look into the matter.
Your input is important to us, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify and improve our services.
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slancast1075 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews slancast107 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our dog has been going to daycare here weekly for over a year now, it's her A+ #1 absolute favorite place for a car ride to end, even better than the park. Staff is clearly invested in all of the dogs and they were really great about making sure she'd be a good fit for her group, both size of group and personalities of the dogs. She comes home exhausted and smiling. Also important for us, because she is really uncomfortable with strangers(to her) coming into her home, is that we have a place she L O V E S to stay when family and friends come visit for a week/end. The luxury den is a great option to have as she has some lingering aversion to crates from before we adopted her. Overall we've been extremely happy with this place, both daycare and boarding.
Response from the owner · a year ago
We're thrilled to hear that Pancake enjoys her time with us as much as we enjoy having her. It's wonderful to know that our efforts to ensure a good fit for her in terms of group size and personalities have been appreciated. Thank you for your kind words and for trusting us with her care, both for daycare and boarding. We have loved getting to see her grow and thrive within our program here at CB Tosa.
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Mary ElizabethLocal Guide · 11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our dog absolutely loves going to doggy daycare here- it’s one of his favorite places!
Response from the owner · a year ago
We're thrilled to hear that your furry friend enjoys our doggy daycare! It's our pleasure to make it a favorite place for all our canine guests. Thank you for the wonderful review and rating.
