Dog Grooming FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Grooming:

  • Do I need an appointment or do you accept walk-ins?

    • We do accept walk in nail trims on days the salon is open, but do not accept walk in grooms to prevent overbooking. All appointments are pre-scheduled. We can only groom a certain numbers of dogs a day so don’t let your dog get behind the pack!
  • Does my dog need to be fully vaccinated?

    • Yes! Please bring a copy, that we may keep, of your pets’ vaccination records with you on your first visit. It is in the best interest for your dog, as well as all the other dogs that come to the shop.
  • Why do I need to have my dog groomed every 4 – 6 weeks? 

    •  In order to maintain a proper and manageable coat, it is recommended that you have your dog groomed every 4 – 6 weeks. This is true for non-shedding breeds such as Poodles, Bichons, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Terriers, etc. The coat on these breeds can easily become painfully matted if not properly maintained. Breeds that have short, shedding coats can usually wait 8 -12 weeks between grooming appointments, as long as they are brushed thoroughly at home.
  • How long does the grooming take? 

    • The typical stay at the shop is 2 to 3 hours. it may be a little longer for long haired or larger breeds with heavier under coats, and for pet’s receiving hand scissoring. We do our best to get your dog groomed and back home to you in a timely manner. Let’s face it….the least amount of time they are away from you and their home the happier they are!
  • What is your cancellation policy?

    • If you must cancel an appointment, please try to give us at least 24 hours notice. In some cases pets arriving more than 45 minutes late may need to be rescheduled. No Shows will be noted. After 3 “No Shows” you will be required to pay for your grooming appointment in full prior to your next appointment. If this seems a bit extreme, please understand that we work on an appointment basis. If you miss your appointment, we not only have lost business for the day but also have lost a spot for a customer who may have needed it.
  • Can I stay with my pet during the grooming?

    • No. Pets are calmer and better behaved for grooming when the owner is not present. When the owner is present the dog is so focused on the owner that it disrupts the grooming process. It simply is harder on the dog and the groomer. We need the dogs’ full attention. We are using very sharp equipment around your pet’s eyes and other “private parts” of the body. With the owner present the dog will not remain still enough for us to groom him safely.
  • When is it best to have my puppy groomed for the first time?

    • We like to see new puppies in our shop as early as 8 weeks of age. It’s never too early to get your dog accustomed to grooming. Your puppy’s first visit will be short and simple. Probably just a bath, blow-dry, nail clipping, and perhaps a little trimming around the face. We need to start very slow and sweet as to not stress the little pup out and to avoid “turning him off” to the grooming process.
  • Is my pet too old to be groomed?

    • Probably not, but older pets are one of the more challenging groups to work with. Luckily, we are pros. We may recommend that the cut remain simple and short so that the grooming process is as short as possible. Doing this will also insure that your older dog will not need grooming as often, which will surely make your pet happier!
  • My dog is matted but I don’t want him shaved. Why won’t you brush him out?


    • Because it hurts A LOT! We will try our best to save as much of the coat as possible, and use a deep conditioner that works to detangle the hair. If the dogs’ hair is matted, the hair is already damaged and will not brush out to healthy looking or feeling hair. If the dog has a mat or two that is a different story – We will do our best to remove the mat and continue on with the haircut.