Dog Grooming - FAQ

  • How much does grooming cost?

    This is a common question, and pricing depends on factors like coat condition, breed, size, trim type, and your pet's temperament. We can provide a price range, but an exact quote requires seeing your dog. Stop by with your pet for a better estimate or visit us for an assessment.

  • Can I observe my dog's grooming process?

    While we understand your curiosity, we generally advise against staying with your dog during the grooming session. When owners are present, dogs can become more anxious and fidgety, making it challenging for us to ensure their safety and deliver the best results. Our grooming process involves the use of sharp tools, and maintaining a calm and controlled environment is crucial for everyone's well-being.

  • Is it advisable to take my dog for a bathroom break before their appointment?

    Absolutely, we recommend taking your dog out for a bathroom break before you bring them to the salon. While accidents can happen, we strive to create a comfortable and clean environment for all pets. Additionally, if time allows, a leisurely walk can be beneficial. This helps your dog expend some energy, leading to a calmer and more relaxed demeanor during their time with us.

  • What is a mat?

    A mat refers to a clump of tangled hair, often accompanied by dirt. Mats tend to develop near the skin and can tug and irritate the skin, restricting its ability to breathe. This can potentially lead to skin issues like hot spots and infections that may go unnoticed or untreated.

  • My dog has mats, should I give them a bath at home?

    No, we strongly advise against bathing a matted dog at home. In fact, it's best to prevent a matted dog from swimming as well. Mats can tighten as they dry, causing increased discomfort by pulling on the skin. Severe matting can even prevent the coat from fully drying, leading to skin irritations. It's recommended to seek professional grooming assistance in such cases.

  • How can I prevent mats at home?

    Regular brushing and combing of your dog's coat are essential to prevent mats. It's important to avoid just brushing the top layer of fur, as mats can form close to the skin. Using a comb can help you detect hidden mats, enabling you to gently brush them out. This practice is particularly crucial for non-shedding breeds that enjoy swimming. We're more than happy to demonstrate the proper technique during your visit. If you find maintaining the coat challenging due to time constraints, consider our Bath & Tidy service, tailored for our valued regular customers.

  • Why don't you shave double-coated dogs?

    A variety of clipper blade lengths and comb attachments provide a diverse array of grooming possibilities. When the coat is mat-free, numerous styling options are available. Shaving a dog down to the skin is typically not advised, except in cases of severe matting where it may be necessary for the dog's comfort. In such instances, our foremost concern is the dog's well-being, prioritizing relief from any discomfort over aesthetic considerations.

    In addition, clipping/shaving the topcoat can permanently compromise the quality of the re-growth of this layer of fur affecting the dog in both apperance and health. Meanwhile clipping/shaving the undercoat actually stimulates it's growth; leading to more shedding.

  • What grooming options are available for my dog?

    Our experienced team is well-versed in a wide range of breeds. We can expertly craft your dog's appearance to meet show-quality standards set by organizations like AKC and CKC, or make subtle adjustments to align with your preferences while preserving the distinctive essence of the breed.

    For those seeking alternatives to show trims, we offer delightful pet trims tailored to both your taste and your dog's lifestyle. Among our popular choices is the Teddy Bear or Kennel Clip with a Teddy Bear head, often referred to as a "puppy cut" colloquially, even though the term is not entirely accurate. This trim maintains consistent length on the body and legs, while the head is shaped naturally in a rounded form.

  • How can I help my dog during a heatwave?

    A smart strategy to combat the summer heat is scheduling a thorough de-shedding session with a professional groomer. During this process, the outer topcoat, or guard coat, remains intact to shield your dog from heat and UV rays, while the dense and often tangled undercoat is expertly thinned out. A meticulous brush-out effectively eliminates old hairs from the guard coat, untangles any mats, and reduces excessive undercoat hairs. This is followed by a soothing cleansing bath with professional-grade shampoo, an efficient high-velocity drying session conducted by a trained technician, and the groomer's final touches. The outcome is a professional pet styling session that not only keeps your double-coat dog cool but also showcases their best appearance.

  • I prefer to avoid shaving my dog, what alternatives are there?

    There are various clipper blade lengths and comb attachments available, offering a range of grooming choices. As long as the coat is free of mats, numerous styling options are feasible. Shaving a dog down to the skin is generally not recommended. However, if the dog's coat is severely matted, shaving might become necessary. In such cases, our priority is the well-being of the dog, prioritizing relief from discomfort over appearance.

  • Why is being a certified groomer important?

    Just like in any field, there are good and not-so-good businesses. We're not implying that groomers without certification are bad, but without a required certification, it's hard to know. We're certified by IPG (International Professional Groomers Inc.). This means we've been tested and evaluated by experts to meet high-quality standards in our industry.

  • Do you offer a de-skunking treatment?

    Yes, we have a de-skunking treatment available. If your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, please don't give them a bath, as that could spread the smell. Instead, try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for the treatment. An additional fee applies.

  • How often should my dog be groomed?

    The grooming frequency depends on the breed. Generally, we recommend grooming every 6-8 weeks to prevent matting. Some dogs can go longer between haircuts. Regular brushing and combing maintenance helps extend the time between appointments. We also offer Bath & Tidy or deshedding services for those in-between situations to our regular customers.

  • Do I need an appointment for grooming?

    Yes, appointments are necessary for our grooming services. We suggest calling at least a week in advance, although there might be earlier availability. We maintain a cancellation list that you can join by request. Nail trimming is an exception, as you don't need an appointment, but calling ahead is recommended.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept cash, debit, Visa, and Mastercard.

  • Should I tip the groomer?

    Tipping is appreciated, much like with hairdressers. If tipping isn't feasible, a sincere compliment is always welcomed.

  • Can you groom my dog if they don't get along with others?

    Absolutely, we can accommodate that. Dogs that are in for grooming are kept separate and don't come into contact with each other. Just take a quick look to make sure there are no other dogs in the reception area before entering.

  • My dog is aggressive. Will you still groom them?

    We're willing to try in most cases. We prioritize the safety of everyone involved and might use a muzzle. If your dog's aggression makes grooming them safely impossible we will stop the process and contact you.

  • Do you use sedation on dogs?

    No, we do not sedate animals. We rely on gentle handling and patience to ensure your dog cooperates during grooming. If we believe medication is necessary, we'll refer you to a veterinarian.