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The Hounds & Tap

Dog day care center · Milwaukee, WI · reviewed since 2021

How 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%63+34.4Reliability 24%52+12.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%44+3.1Craft & service penalty83−1.7Momentum penalty60−4Experts Score= 59Grade C: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.59SCORE
CGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#62 of 82 pet sittersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 25%
4.7 ★★★★★ 357 Google reviews · 22 photos
85%five-star reviews
4.43★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
8.7%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
54%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

The Hounds & Tap at a glance

Google reviewers rate the facility 4.7 out of 5 based on 357 reviews, frequently praising the clean environment, friendly staff, and convenient bar services that allow owners to relax while dogs play. Recurring themes include the quality of daycare, boarding, and grooming, as well as the enjoyment of social events. However, lower-rated reviews cite concerns regarding strict vaccine requirements, limited communication about contagious illnesses, and inconsistent monitoring of dog interactions, particularly involving size differences.

  • Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 357 reviews (85% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 357 Google reviews (228 with written comments, 56 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 54% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 27, 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)Each 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 craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction63Reliability52Craft & service83Value100Momentum60Replies to reviews44Satisfaction: 63 (median 83)Reliability: 52 (median 74)Craft & service: 83 (median 97)Value: 100 (median 93)Momentum: 60 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 44 (median 60)
The Hounds & TapPet Sitters median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 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.The Hounds & Tap: 63/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.B
63
ReliabilityReliability · 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.The Hounds & Tap: 52/100 on this factor. Category median: 74.C
52
Craft & serviceCraft & 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.The Hounds & Tap: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
83
ValueValue · 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.The Hounds & Tap: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
100
MomentumMomentum · 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.The Hounds & Tap: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
60
Replies to reviewsReplies 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.The Hounds & Tap: 44/100 on this factor. Category median: 60.C
44

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

357 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars30585%
  • 4 stars257%
  • 3 stars72%
  • 2 stars21%
  • 1 star185%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 228 written reviews

  • Praise16593%
  • Complaints127%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price947%
  • Reasonable947%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure15%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude9453%
  • Would recommend2011%
  • Quality & results1810%
  • Price & value1810%
  • Speed & response116%
  • Honesty & trust95%
  • Communication74%

What customers talk about

We read 228 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “They are attentive to both animals and humans, providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere.”
    “I think there response was very rude and disrespectful.”
  • “I HIGHLY recommend for grooming, daycare and boarding!”
    “I wouldn't recommend going to this if you have a high energy dog that likes to get there energy out by running versus playing.”
  • “I had a great experience at The Hounds and Tap while attending The Collie Frolic.”
    “Terrible service Walk in everyone on their phones no one asked if I need it help finding anything when they saw me looking around for a part that I ne…”
  • “They do an amazing job for , in my opinion, a reasonable price.”
    “The drinks are a little pricey, but overall we love coming here.”
  • “We got there at opening, we were greeted immediately and asked how we heard about them.”
  • “This is the only place I trust to watch my dog while I’m gone.”
  • “I love the communication skills and their ability to field, even the most impossible anxiety situations to us as owners of pups 🐶 w/such insightful solutions.”

People customers mention

  • Caitlin 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired The Hounds & Tap for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

DoreenLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★

My husband and I came for trivia night. It was a fun experience. I don't have a dog but the people that did have a dog were having a great time with their dogs. We had a drink at the bar. They had a good selection. The trivia was fun! We will be back.

ScottLocal Guide · 154 reviewsTotal 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. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★

Best place to grab a brew with your doggo on a Sunny day. Nice selection of beer & friendly staff!.

Alli2 reviewsTotal 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★★★★★

Leah and her team are unbelievable! They are attentive to both animals and humans, providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The bar selection is great for humans, and having a food truck right outside made our time at the outdoor play space even more enjoyable.

Great priceService not listed
Nathan8 reviewsTotal 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★★★★★

Excellent experience with Dog Daycare! Very friendly staff and excited to come back for more daycare, boarding and to try out the bar / dog park.

Dog daycare
EmilyLocal Guide · 30 reviewsTotal 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. · 3 months ago★

They require vaccines and per my vet my dog can only get her rabies shot. Will never go here to their dog park because of this. Very disappointed. I haven't heard of a dog park requiring proof of vaccines

GracieLocal Guide · 47 reviewsTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★

In what can only be described as one of the more embarrassing moments of my adult life and a true blight in pet ownership, my anxious pup failed his compatibility assessment with flying colors today. Despite that, I was fully impressed with the facility and the staff. They are all very kind, knowledgeable, and it is…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.7 ★★★★★ 357 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Doreen MishlerLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Doreen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My husband and I came for trivia night. It was a fun experience. I don't have a dog but the people that did have a dog were having a great time with their dogs. We had a drink at the bar. They had a good selection. The trivia was fun! We will be back.

Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago

Thank you very much for your review! We are thrilled you enjoyed spending time with us. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Jarett PlumbLocal Guide · 78 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jarett has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Lovely pets, good drinks

Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Thank you for the review! We greatly appreciate it and hope to see you again soon!

Scott ConradLocal Guide · 154 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Best place to grab a brew with your doggo on a Sunny day. Nice selection of beer & friendly staff!.

Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago

Thank you very much for the review! We greatly appreciate it and hope to see you again soon!

Alli DiLoreto2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Alli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Leah and her team are unbelievable! They are attentive to both animals and humans, providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The bar selection is great for humans, and having a food truck right outside made our time at the outdoor play space even more enjoyable.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a month ago

Thanks for your review! It is greatly appreciated- we loved hosting your party and celebrating with you!

Chandler BlomquistLocal Guide · 194 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Chandler has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great staff

Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you for the review!

Nathan H8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Nathan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Excellent experience with Dog Daycare! Very friendly staff and excited to come back for more daycare, boarding and to try out the bar / dog park.

  • Services: Dog daycare
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you very much for the review! We are excited to see you again soon!

Scott CharlesLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great place to grab a drink with your Dog!!

  • Services: Dog grooming, Dog boarding, Dog daycare
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you for the review!

Emily MarisLocal Guide · 30 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They require vaccines and per my vet my dog can only get her rabies shot. Will never go here to their dog park because of this. Very disappointed. I haven't heard of a dog park requiring proof of vaccines

Gracie ArfstromLocal Guide · 47 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gracie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

In what can only be described as one of the more embarrassing moments of my adult life and a true blight in pet ownership, my anxious pup failed his compatibility assessment with flying colors today. Despite that, I was fully impressed with the facility and the staff. They are all very kind, knowledgeable, and it is clear their ability to keep animals safe and comfortable. I also love their outward support for diversity and inclusion in the community. If I had a dog that was better suited for a daycare experience, I would come here without hesitation. My dog may be getting a one star review, but these guys get five!

Response from the owner · 4 months ago

Thank you so much for the review! We know the daycare environment isn’t for every pup. It doesn’t mean the dog is bad, it’s just not the right fit. Each pup is unique and we strive to always meet them where they are at and provide a safe a comfortable environment. We appreciate you giving us a try and make sure to tell your dog we say hi!

Kristin BridgesLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kristin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Such an adorable place with super friendly staff, and a safe & fun space for the dogs to play!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 4 months ago

Thank you for the review! We hope to see you again soon!

The Hounds & Tap on Google Maps →

Business details