The Local Bark - Rancho Cordova, California

Kevin Murphy

I used to be a loyal customer and highly recommended them, but I unfortunately can no longer support them after having a deeper understanding of their protocols.
Before getting into the worst of it, I'd like to point out that they have astro turf which unsurprisingly causes dogs' feet to get irritated on hot days. In their report cards, they will simply say they noticed they were getting irritated and treated them, but probably won't tell you why unless you ask.
I started as a client with my husky Freya. Unfortunately she died in their care due to unknown causes. Their story was she was outside and started having irregular breathing, so they took her inside where she collapsed and died. She was 9 and had glaucoma, so I gave them the benefit of the doubt even though she was otherwise a healthy dog who had no problems going on 3-5mile runs with me when the weather wasn't too hot. Looking back, maybe I should have been more skeptical.
When I got another husky mix, Loki, I started boarding him there and he loved it. However after a little over a year of boarding him there with no major issues other than being an overly enthusiastic husky puppy, he developed a food aggression issue while in their care. Freya had some food aggression issues when I first got her and I have taken care of multiple dogs with the problem before, so I am very well educated on prevention and training for it. When I asked about their feeding protocols, they stated that they simply drop the food in front of the dog, leave the room for an hour, and then come back in to take it away to get pressure washed whether there is food left or not. When Loki first demonstrated food aggression, their response was to attempt to remove the bowl with their foot or a fake prosthetic hand. This is textbook what not to do and will absolutely CAUSE AND INTESIFY food aggression. When I pointed this out and suggested that they should implement standard sit/stay feeding protocol, use redirection techniques, or to not try to take the food bowl away while the dog is still in the room, their response was essentially that they don't have time to do that and don't want to train their staff in standard dog handling practices. They even commented that past customers have suggested the same thing. This tells me that they are entirely aware that their protocols can cause food aggression and that they refuse to do anything about it.
Apart from this incident, Loki seemed to love all the workers I saw him interact with. They all looked on the younger side, but they were extremely friendly and positive. I just wish the owners cared enough to train them better.

Walter Ford

From my work account 3 years ago:

I have a Husky mix who’s a handful, mindful but energetic. The staff have always been patient and loving towards Luna. I feel blessed to live close enough to use Local Bark. Last year I traveled almost 70% of the time for work. If it wasn’t for them I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten by…

EDIT: I have since moved to Midtown Sacramento so I no longer go there but or Pomeranian gets groomed at their Power Inn location

"Response from the owner 2 years ago
Oh Luna! ? She keeps us on our toes and we love that crazy girl so much! Thank you for the great review Walter and thank you for sharing your girl with us!"

I am closing out reviews mistakenly completed in my work account

Jon Leger

Amazing staff. Reasonable prices. All types of services from Daycare and Boarding, to Grooming, to Day Training, Boarding School, and Puppy Prep School.
THEY EVEN HAVE A WALK-IN POOL MADE SPECIAL FOR THE DOGS!!

Large & Small Dogs are welcome, as well as PITBULL FRIENDLY!!!

You can tell the staff LOVE dogs, and genuinely care about what they do. Very trustworthy, welcoming, and easy to leave your pets with.
The girls at the front desk and attentive and polite, and make things like checking-in your dog, or providing any information needed about the business easy.

I highly recommend The Local Bark for all your Dog Care, Boarding, Grooming, Training, and occasional swimming needs!

Alex Leary

Our dog has a great time at Local Bark... always comes home happy and tired. It's awesome that they have a pool that he can enjoy, one of the reasons I picked Local Bark in the first place. The facilities appear to be very clean and the staff are always nice. Oh, and they post pictures every day on their facebook page... so it's fun to see what your dog has been up to. Definitely recommend!

Sarah Alvarez

We love the Local Bark! Our dog has been coming here since she was a puppy ( she is now 9! ). We don’t use it as often as we did in the past as their prices have gone up, but when we need care for her overnight this is our go to place. They have different sized “rooms” for the dogs to stay, all day play time out back and offer grooming services as well. Our dog is happy here!

Margaret Arballo

There is nothing that excites our yellow lab, Austin, more than going to the Local Bark. I usually take Austin to the Local Bark, but the first time my husband took him he passed the turn to go in to the Local Bark. Immediately Austin started barking and vocalizing. We are sure he was saying, "Dad, you missed it! You missed it! Turn around! Turn around now!! Austin just graduated from their 18 day in house training. Ivyonnne is a great trainer and Austin has made great strides in his obedience and self control. The Local Bark is an absolutely wonderful place for dogs. Austin gives it five paws up.

Eleonora Sanchez

My puppy is very energetic and needs to socialize more with doggy friends. This was his first day at his evaluation. It made my day when I saw his picture, he looks happy and looks like he's smiling. He was happy and very tired when I picked him up because he must have played a lot. I will definitely take him on a regular basis.

Sandy Lightner

Ella, world's most awesome BorderCollie loves the Local Bark to play and stay. The staff are amazing, caring and professional.
To the owners and staff...your the best!