ANSWERS TO YOUR FAQ GROOMING QUESTIONS

Drop off and pick up

times are almost always accommodated to meet your schedule. If you want an early pickup, we ask you call ahead so we can set aside time for your pet to be groomed at your requested pick-up time. You may also pick up as late as 5:30 pm.
Note: Dogs that are left over 4 hours can be walked to keep pet relaxed and comfortable at no extra charge upon request.

How much does dog grooming cost?

It depends on the breed, size, condition of coat and individual temperament. Most cuts start at $47 for puppy cuts of a half inch or less for small dogs and go up from there. We are very reasonably priced.  Please feel free to contact us for an estimate for your furry friend!

How long does a groom take?

We groom your dog with patience and the utmost safety. With this in mind your pet being comfortable is our #1 goal. We may have to let your pet rest during grooming. If they are afraid of the dryer, we may choose to use the baby blower, which may take longer than normal. Your pet (especially Puppies) may require a second bath if not potty trained completely, which takes additional time as well. It could take 2 to 4 hours depending on the type of cut, size and condition of the pet. Our goal is to get them home to you as quickly as possible. We want their grooming experience to be a positive one. We call as soon as they are ready.

Do you bathe the dog first?

In order to get an even cut, the hair needs to be clean and straight. We always bathe the dog as part of grooming .Very carefully and thoroughly from head to tail. Estimate on time on complete bathing and drying depends on coat and size of pet. ( Ex. Your small breed pet would be 30 to 45 mins. An extra large breed such as a Newfoundland could take hours to clean and rinse completely in full coat.)  Different shampoos can be requested depending on your pets’ needs.

How is my dog dried?

We use a combination of methods. While in the tub we towel dry the dog and use a low, med or high-velocity dryer. We NEVER use a cage dryer. From the tub we head to the drying table. This is where the fluff drying process takes place. Section by section, we brush and dry the hair, removing any dampness and tangles the pet may have. Depending on the coat and size of dog, this could take a single hour or multiple hours. Once completely dry we then go to the finishing table.

Can you do a puppy cut?

Puppy cut is a loosely descriptive term. With most breeds, we can maintain the cute puppy look. Most of the time, this means the hair is cut to the same length all over. Many people choose a puppy cut because it is easy to maintain but there is usually a choice of length. We will work with you to choose a style which works for your dog. Pictures are a great tool to bring in as a reference.

Can I stay with my dog and watch?

We recommend not staying, if your dog can see you, this usually leads to the dog trying to be with you, getting overly excited and can result in a dangerous situation. We work with very sharp objects that can be dangerous if pet is not relaxed and calm. I do understand you want to be with your pet, but like kids at daycare, your pet does better if they cannot see you.

Can I bring in a picture?

Absolutely, we can discuss your options and try to achieve the same result as the picture.

Do you cut the nails?

Yes, There are no extra charges with nail trimming. This comes included with your grooming service.

Can you file the nails?  Yes, this is an additional charge of $7. We will cut each nail with nail trimmers, which is included in the Groom at no additional cost. After nails are trimmed, we will file each individual nail with a nail filer. Because we have already trimmed the nail, it takes additional time to go back and file each one.

How often should my dog be groomed? Depends on the dog and of course their hair type. But here is the general rule: Short-coated dogs with no skin conditions can go 6 to 8 weeks between baths unless they get into something dirty or smelly. Longer-coated dogs should be groomed every 4-6 weeks to make sure their hair doesn’t get tangled or matted and they’re not harboring insects or skin conditions. Certain haircuts require grooming more often to maintain their appearance. Some pets come in more regularly-weekly/bi-weekly or every 3 weeks. Oatmeal Conditioning shampoos should be used to decrease dry skin for these regularly bathed pets.

My Pet has tangled, matted hair and the more I bath him, the worse it gets. What’s the solution? Mats and tangles occur naturally, more in some breeds with longer, finer hair. Regular(sometimes daily) brushing is required to prevent their build-up. Unfortunately, bathing without removing the tangles first, results in a snowballing effect where the tangles turn into mats and get increasingly larger and tighter over time. Sometimes we can “de-mat” your pet to save the coat, but if the tangles are too deeply established, they have to be shaved or cut out. De-matting is uncomfortable for your pet and we will certainly share our professional opinion about your best options. In most cases, additional charges may apply because of the time involved to safely de-mat the coat.

Why does my dog sometimes “scoot” his rear on the floor? This usually means your pet needs to have waste fluid squeezed from his anal glands. We can express them externally that would relieve this issue. If the scooting continues, a visit to your Vet may be needed for internal expression.

When should I take my puppy for her first grooming? Sometime after your puppy has received all her initial vaccinations (usually about 12 weeks old). Since our goal is to give her a positive experience, we suggest her initial session includes a bath, hand drying and trimming the hair around her eyes, paws and sanitary only. If she enjoys herself, she’ll want to come back for another visit willingly!

If you have any questions that are not answered please call us at 704.846.0336 or email us at [email protected]