Do I need an appointment for grooming?
Yes, an appointment must be made for all grooming & bath appointments. If an appointment is not made, we may not have the appropriate staff present to provide these services and we have the right to refuse service. We do allow walk-in nail trims, teeth brushing, face trims etc. for dogs. These are on a first come first serve basis.
Can I stay with my pet and watch the grooming process?
Long answer short, No. Pets generally stay calmer and are more likely to cooperate for their groomer when their person is not present. We use sharp shears and clippers around delicate areas like the eyes, ears, and sanitary area. It is best and safest for everyone involved if we have your dog’s full, undivided attention during their groom.
My dog shakes when we go to the groomer. Does this mean they are scared and don’t like the groomer?
Dogs can shake or shiver for lots of reasons, or no reason at all in the case of some of the smaller breeds. There are many factors that can contribute to a nervous and/or shaking dog. Many dogs become over-stimulated from the car ride, smells of other dogs in the salon, and the fear of being at the vet and not the groomer. Dogs are also very intuitive and can pick up on any anxiety you may be feeling. The best thing to do is stay positive, calm, and reassuring.
How soon should I begin grooming my new puppy?
You can start bringing your puppy into the grooming salon as early as 8-10 weeks old. It is best to begin the grooming process at a younger age to familiarize your new pup with the sights, sounds, and smells of a salon. Puppy’s first few visits will be short and sweet, just to cover basics such as bathing, drying, nail trimming, and possible face/sanitary trimming. We encourage introducing your puppy to the grooming process at an early age so they grow up learning that the grooming salon is a fun, relaxing, and enjoyable place to be. It also helps for you to play with the puppy’s feet at home so he/she is less afraid of basic nail trim visits.
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Although there is a slight variation in time depending on the breed, desired coat length, and upkeep at home, it is recommended that your dog is professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks for optimal skin and coat health.
Why does my grooming appointment take so long?
The grooming process generally takes a few hours to fully prep, wash, dry and groom your dog. We also like to allow extra time during an appointment for dogs or cats who may need rest breaks, potty breaks, or may not be cooperative during certain necessary grooming aspects. When you arrive for drop-off, you will be given an approximated time for pick-up and given the option for a phone call if your dog or cat is ready before the given time frame. For animals that have a medical issue, we do offer an expedited service in which your dog or cat will be worked on without interruption to get them in and out as quickly and stress-free as possible.
Why do groomers always insist on shaving out mats, rather than brushing the dog out?
Matting is densely tangled fur in a pet’s coat. If a coat is not properly maintained and frequently brushed, hair can become tangled in large dense masses. These clumps of hair can become very tight against the dog’s skin and can start to constrict blood flow to that area. These areas not only hurt very badly to brush out, but you can also rip skin very easily. It is preferred to shave matting out because it is a lot less panfull and less dangerous than trying to demat.
My dog is horribly matted all over…is it hopeless?
That situation occurs much more frequently that most people realize. No, it is not hopeless, it is an opportunity for a fresh start. Shaving the dog all over will be an immediate relief for your dog. Then, as the hair grows back, any member of the Salon will be glad to demonstrate proper brushing techniques for you. Hint: if you part your dog’s hair and cannot see the dog’s skin, you might want a brushing demo.
It’s so hot outside…should I have my Golden Retriever shaved down for summer?
You can, but we really don’t recommend it. Golden’s are one breed classified as double-coated. Nature designed the top coat as an all-purpose protector from heat, cold, sunburn and insect bites. It naturally repels water and keeps the soft undercoat dry and cooler in the summer. When you shave a double-coated dog what grows back is the soft undercoat, which attracts dirt, moisture and offers no protection from the elements at all.
What vaccinations are required?
Although we do recommend your pet is kept up-to-date on all vaccinations, the only vaccine we required for a grooming appointment is rabies. You will also be asked to provide the name and location of your current veterinary clinic for our files.
What is your cancellation policy?
We do require a 24 hour notice for any appointments that need to be cancelled or rescheduled. If notice is given less than 24 hours in advanced there may be a rescheduling fee assessed to your account. Please be aware that we do take into consideration the reasoning behind a cancellation.
