Grooming Questions, Answered

How long does it usually take?

Four hours, generally speaking, although less if your dog doesn’t require a haircut and sometimes more if your dog’s hair is matted. We can arrange to call you as your dog’s grooming is wrapping up to speed the pickup process.

For grooming, do you bathe the dog first?

Yes. Additionally, certain breeds require a “rough cut” before bathing and grooming, but we wash and fluff dry all dogs before beginning the grooming to ensure an even haircut.

What products do you use?

Only the best. Most baths are conducted with hypo-allergenic shampoo, but we can vary the products depending on your dog’s needs. We can also use conditioner or apply veterinary products as requested. Our groomers are happy to accommodate you and your dog’s preferences, and we encourage you to speak with them first, especially if it’s your dog’s first time being groomed with us.

Can you groom my dog to the breed standard?

Yes. Our groomers are familiar with the vast majority of breed standards, and are very experienced with the more popular breeds. We recommend reviewing your dog’s breed page in the “All Breed Dog Grooming Guide” with your groomer, as well as bringing any pictures to refer to.

My dog's hair is knotted or matted. Do I need to cut the hair short?

If your dog’s hair is matted, we recommend meeting with one of our groomers beforehand to discuss your options. Matting is unhealthy for your dog’s skin, and tightens when its coat gets wet. For this reason, all matting must be brushed out of your dog’s coat before washing. Dematting can be a painful and arduous process, and is not always possible; if the groomer determines that your dog’s hair can be dematted without causing pain to the dog, we will undertake that process at the posted rate. The alternative is cutting your dog’s hair short, with a clipper behind the matted area.

Do I get the same groomer each time?

It’s up to you! If your dog has especially particular grooming needs, or feels especially comfortable with a certain groomer, we encourage returning to the same groomer, and will work with you to find times that work for you and your groomer of choice.

Can I stay with my dog and watch?

Our grooming areas are visible behind glass. However, your dog loves you, and if it can see you, it could become antsy on the grooming table, leading to a potentially dangerous situation or at minimum an inconvenience for you and the groomer. Peeking is certainly fine, but if you prefer to watch for the duration, we recommend considering home grooming.

Can I bring in a picture?

Absolutely. We encourage you to speak with the groomer about your desired look for your dog.

Do you cut nails?

Yes, in most instances, although some dogs’ nails are best cut at the veterinarian. This is because dog nails, especially black nails, contain a blood vessel which can be exposed during the trimming process. Regular nail trimming can minimize the chance of bleeding, but not eliminate the risk completely. While nail cutting is included in the cost of our grooming service it is also offered as a standalone service for $20.

What are anal glands?

Our problem, not yours. Anal glands are the scent sacs beneath a dog’s tail. Not all dogs empty these sacs naturally, and your groomer can confirm for you if your dog’s glands need to be emptied.

How is my dog dried?

We generally use a combination of four different methods. While in the tub we may towel dry the dog and/or use a high-velocity dryer that blows off the majority of water. Then we use a dryer that the dog can sit, lay and turn around in that circulates room temperature air all around them. The groomer may finish up with a stand dryer while your dog is on the grooming table.

What if I don‘t like the groom when it’s finished?

Please tell us. If the cut is not to your liking, and can be fixed with additional trimming, the groomer can usually make the necessary alterations immediately. If the fixes prove to be more involved, we may ask you to return another day to complete the cut.