Pays well but disorganized - Mobile Groomer Barkbus Employee Review

3.0
15 Sept 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You do get paid well because the prices are insane, but it's mainly from tips. The managers like to take out employees on quarterly "gatherings". They can be cool if you participate. They like to do meetings every so often to get input and will buy breakfast, and don't expect you to come on your day off. They try not to overwhelm you with too many dogs.

Cons

The prices are crazy and you're kind of the only buffer between the company and the customers, and they charge a 100 dollar dematting fee so you have to be the one to break the news to the client, but the concierge team will call the pet parent and try to be a buffer. You have no bathroom and sometimes have to do multiple dogs at one house for hours, so you really have to plan bathroom breaks. They are not good at fixing vans in a timely manner. They say they listen to concerns but often times nothing is done about things you may bring up. If you cut a dog, they will call the pet parent, but at the end of the day its just you in that van in front of the pet parents' house, so its something you alone have to face. If you say you need more time for a huge, long-haired haircut they don't like to give more time than what is expected. Management is not dog groomers, so they don't get it. In some locations you don't have enough dogs to fill up your day so you may not even get a full days pay and be sent home early. They are trying to expand too fast and that is causing quality concerns. Sometimes the drive times between clients are ridiculous. Parking is horrible in some cities. Finding a public bathroom on the road can be difficult. The sales team and scheduling team often conflict and you suffer because of it. They will often times give away your request clients, sometimes for no reason. I've had them tell my request i wasn't available for a whole month just to get them to go with someone else so it was easier for the scheduling team, but i was open plenty of days. I feel like they do this so than later if it conflicts they get the PP used to using different groomers, instead of just adhering to the PP request to stay with the same groomer. THEY DO NOT VET DOGS PROPERLY. We got people not sending pictures of dogs (which is supposed to be a requirement for booking) and the dog is old and they send you out there anyway to a dog that's all messed up and not suitable for grooming, in bad condition and you have to be the one to refuse service, and if you refuse service its ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE GROOM charged to the client.

Explore other reviews about Barkbus

5.0
7 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Not sitting in an office Quiet environment One on one with pet parents and pets

Cons

The only con ive ever came across was I wasn't off for Easter and no time and a half but everything else has been great tbh

4.0
12 Dec 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great spot for seasoned groomers. Low drama, loyal clients, strong benefits, and a genuinely supportive team.

Cons

They’ve overhired groomers, and the abrupt management change has everyone wondering if they’re selling out. Our previous manager was one of a kind. The new one tries, but the energy feels more corporate clone than the authentic, grounded leadership we had with “K.” Morale is definitely slipping. • OT is being tightened • Constant pressure around timing • Questioning why we’re running behind instead of acknowledging that certain pets consistently take hours and the history backs it up. The company is nosediving to profit first and we feel it.

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