When Ila Leger opened Bark Avenue South in April 2024, it was more than just an expansion. It was a passion project years in the making.

Nestled right in River Ranch, Bark Avenue South is a high-end boutique grooming salon designed for dogs, especially those who need a little extra care, such as older dogs, rescue dogs, puppies, and those who thrive in a quieter, one-on-one environment.

We sat down with Ila to learn how it all began and why this space feels so personal to her.

I’m originally from Pineville, a small town, but I moved to Lafayette when I was 18 to attend UL. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, and while I was in college, I met my husband. We got married in 2014… and six months later, we opened our first business together.

We always joke that if you really want to test a new marriage, open a business together.

Before grooming full-time, I worked in veterinary medicine and eventually became a lead tech at a local clinic. That is actually where this whole journey began.

Honestly, it started with my own dogs.

I had two little dogs in college who required grooming. When I brought them to different salons around Lafayette, the haircuts were fine, but I never felt the level of communication I wanted. I wanted feedback. I wanted to know how their day went. I wanted to know how I could help them at home. They were my babies at the time.

I remember thinking, “Why can’t it feel more like daycare, where you get a report at the end of the day?”

I realized I did not just want quality grooming. I wanted communication, partnership, and a relationship with the person caring for my dogs.

Around that same time, while working at the vet clinic, the doctor asked if I would be interested in learning basic grooming services for their clients. I went to a few classes and quickly realized this was something I was not only passionate about, but good at.

Looking back, I can see how each step led here.

We opened the original Bark Avenue in 2014, now located on South College. And in April 2024, I opened Bark Avenue South here in River Ranch. This one was my passion project, a space specifically designed for dogs who need a quieter, more intimate experience.

This location is intentionally different.

It is smaller, more intimate, and designed for dogs who may be overwhelmed in larger salon settings. We work with older dogs, rescue dogs, puppies, and dogs that need one-on-one attention. Many of our clients have been turned away from other salons, and they truly thrive here.

We have rescued dogs whose adoptive families were told they might require sedation for grooming. In our environment, with experienced hands and a calm setting, we are often able to complete their grooms without issue.

All of my most senior groomers work at this location. These are professionals with nearly 20 years of experience, competition backgrounds, certifications, and advanced training. The level of professionalism here is something I am incredibly proud of.

And then there is the convenience. Being located in River Ranch means clients can walk or even hop on their golf carts to come to appointments. It has created such a sweet neighborhood feel.

If you find a groomer who works well with your dog, stick with them.

Open communication and relationship-building are everything in this industry. Dogs have bad days just like people do. Some days, they may not cooperate perfectly. Grooming involves sharp tools and moving pets. It is a skilled profession that requires patience and trust.

When you establish a relationship with your groomer and maintain open dialogue, you can work through tendencies together. There are often things that can be done at home to make the experience smoother.

Trust your pet professional. We truly want what is best for your dog.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that we simply play with puppies all day.

The reality is that grooming requires skill, technical training, and continuing education. At Bark Avenue, we take that seriously. We host an annual continuing education seminar for groomers across Acadiana and even neighboring states. We bring in nationally recognized professionals, judges from grooming competitions, and industry leaders to elevate standards locally.

This is not a casual profession. It is one that requires experience, precision, and constant growth.

If you live in River Ranch, take advantage of the convenience. But more importantly, if you have a dog that needs a little extra TLC—an older dog, a rescue, a puppy, or one who benefits from a calmer environment—this is exactly what we created this space for.

We are here for the dogs who need a little more patience and a little more understanding.

We work closely with local rescues, support grassroots events like Bark in the Parc, and remain committed to strengthening relationships within the local pet community.

Bark Avenue South feels less like a salon and more like a neighborhood extension of home. With experienced hands, open communication, and a heart for special-case dogs, Ila and her team have redefined what dog grooming can look like in Acadiana.

(337) 806-9001

201 Settlers Trace Blvd., Suite 2016

FB: Bark Avenue South

IG: barkavenuesouth