Testimonials

I can’t overstate how grateful I am to have found Sofia and Barks & Rec, to stay with our three indoor cats when we travel. When our usual person was not available last year, we sought a trustworthy, conscientious pet sitter who could follow detailed instructions about the cats’ medication, food, and safety needs, whom we would trust in our home. Despite preferring word of mouth referrals, I reached out to Sofia and Sam after finding them on YELP. Sofia has been fantastic during three separate stays. Two of our cats need medications and she has handled pill pockets, liquid meds, powder supplements, time sensitive dosing, etc. like a pro. She is on time, professional, communicative, and predictable with her enthusiastic, loving updates and fabulous photos. She has bonded with each of our cats, tuned into their idiosyncrasies and discovered the ways each of them shows their love. My only hesitation in recommending Sofia is that she’ll get too busy when others discover her too :).

Karen C.

We specifically sought out a sitter that would work out the kitten energy of our two younger cats, and our daily photo updates did not disappoint. It’s always tough to leave your pets, but such a pleasure to come home to happy cats and clean boxes. We’ve referred multiple friends based on our experiences, and I think our cats might even look forward to our next vacation.

-Amanda D.

My schedule is very busy, very last minute with appointments and always had a hard time to find someone last minute. Sofia made the process very easy for me! She is very professional and reliable and because of her I have peace of mind that my pet is being walked and loved every day. Thank you, Sofia, Doyle adores you so much. We appreciate you. Highly recommend Barks and Recreation, best decision I made for my pet Doyle.

-Mayra U.

Sofia and company are so awesome! Her communication is impeccable. Every day she sends me an update and photos of the cats. It’s such a relief to know my kitties are in safe, caring hands. Honestly, when we returned home from our last trip, my cats looked a bit disappointed to see me. I’m going to have to step up my game to keep them satisfied to Sofia’s standards!

• Amanda s

… Sam and Sofia dealt with the craziness in a way i’ve never seen. They brought calm and professionalism and within a short time, disarmed the pack and soon everyone was getting treats. That’s when I knew this was the perfect fit. If they can handle my crazy pack they would be amazing with others. So many things I love about them but one of my favorites is they are so flexible…

• Gary C.

Sam is quite a dog whisper.not only does he show up on time , he took us as a last minute call. My son had to leave town for a week last minute notice and I being a disabled senior who lived in a Tarzana condo was losing sleep worried how I was gonna walk my mid sized Tibetan mastiff "Charlie" who is a very smart ,very loving dog, but a total alpha male, and can't ever get along with other dogs… Anyway he loves his strolls with Sam anything that has to do with the pups Sam knows , I definitely would use his service again , and recommend them to anyone who needs a nice , honest , reliable , affordable, and informative dog walker call Sam I give him 5 ***** He is a great young man .

David M.

I had pet sitters who did not take the time to interact with my cat who needs human attention while I was away. It's so very hard for me to leave my pet but I know he is in good hands with this duo team. Really grateful for them. I highly recommend these people who love pets and will be patient and kind with yours.

April S.

I can’t say enough about how wonderful Sam and Sofia are! My senior dog stays young walking and playing on his daily adventures with Sam. I’ve seen the way Rufus gets excited when he sees Sam coming. I work long hours and it’s a blessing to know Rufus is in safe and caring hands.

• Mallory W.

Where to start! Sofia is amazing! Reliable, professional, compassionate and just a lovely person all around!

To say that my dog loves her would be an understatement. She ADORES her.

We have been using Barks and Rec since before the pandemic started and we couldn’t be happier with the results. She is very diligent about arriving on time, wearing a mask, gloves and sanitizing Lollie’s leash after every walk.

Normally Lollie won’t go with anyone but us, but all I have to do is say Sofia’s name and she lights up like a Christmas tree and runs to the door. I highly recommend Barks and Rec!!

— Karen C.

Leaving my dog, Hippo, with any dog walker is not possible due to him being a special case. He has difficulty being near other animals such as cats and dogs. I need someone that has knowledge on how to react under pressure and be calm, know how to use a prong collar properly, and redirect a dog for safety reasons. 

Prior to asking Sofia to help, I had full confidence in her abilities, because I had previously seen her interact with other dogs that need special love and care like Hippo.

I would definitely recommend Barks and Recreation Los Angeles. I will definitely book another appointment in the future when I need one.

— Cosette t

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