week, and 2 weeks in advance for Saturday appointments. Also, please call (instead of emailing) us during business hours to book an appointment.
How long does it usually take to groom my dog? Grooming is an experience unique to each dog. The condition of your dog's coat, their temperament and what hairstyle you would like done are the determining factors in how long it will take. Dogs who are matted or do not enjoy the grooming process will take longer. We will call you approximately 15 minutes before your dog is finished so you can come pick up your pooch right when they are ready. Also, if it is your dog's first visit with us, we will allow extra time so they can become familiar with us and so that they have a comfortable grooming experience.
What does it cost and what is included? It depends on what breed of dog you have, what you would like done and the condition your dog's coat is in.
What if I’m not sure how I want my dog’s hair cut? That is not a problem! Every customer meets with the groomer before anything is done to your dog. The groomer will ask you specific questions about you and your dog’s lifestyle, how much time you have to groom your dog in between visits, and what you want your dog to look like. The groomer will make recommendations based on your answers. You can always bring or email us a picture if you have an idea of the haircut you'd like.
What is the difference between knots and mats? What is a dematting fee? Why is it so expensive? A knot in a dog's coat can usually be removed using a comb. They are similar to small tangles in human hair.
A mat in a dog's coat cannot be removed with a comb. It resembles the look of "cotton candy" and is generally close to a dog's skin . This requires a special tool called a "dematter" to remove. If matting is too close to a dog's skin and the dematter cannot be safely used, then the dog must be shaved.
Dematting is $1 per minute. We will only dematt (and not shave) your dog if the mats can be taken out safely, without causing discomfort to the dog and with prior approval of the groomer. Dematting is a very time-consuming process for both the dog and the groomer, which is why it is so expensive. Even if your dog is getting shaved down, you may be charged a small dematting fee because of the increased risk of trying to work through the matting with clippers.
We understand that sometimes there are circumstances outside of an owner's control that lead to matting. However, your dog should not repeatedly come in matted. We offer brush/comb outs for any dog in between grooms for $20/hour. This way you can keep your dog's coat in prime condition (even if he/she gives you trouble for brushing/combing) between appointments and avoid a matted coat, unhappy dog, and additional fees.
Can I see my dog being groomed? Yes, you can! Our grooming room is equipped with multiple windows so you can see from both inside or outside the shop. The only thing we ask is that you position yourself so your dog cannot see you while they are being groomed. If your dog sees you, more than likely he or she will get excited. This can cause multiple problems such as: an increased risk of your dog being nicked with clippers, increased time to finish your pup, or stressing your pup and making it anxious.
What if I don’t like the way my dog looks when he/she is finished being groomed? Please tell us! We aim to please both canines and humans, so if you want a little more taken off, let us know and we will be glad to make any minor adjustments before you leave. If you decide you want a completely different haircut than what you originally requested, we may ask you to come another day depending on how busy we are. (Prices may vary for this situation depending upon your dog's temperament and what you would like done.) Requests for changes must be made within 24 hours after your dog's appointment.
Do you express anal glands? No, we do not express anal glands. Anal glands are located below the dog’s tail and are usually (and naturally) expressed on their own. If your dog is having problems or sensitivity, it is important for your veterinarian to seek out what the underlying condition may be. Manually manipulating anal glands can worsen an existing problem and should only be done by a veterinarian that determines it is necessary.
My dog is hot and/or shedding too much – should I shave my dog down? Contrary to popular belief, shaving a dog does not keep it cooler. Dogs are bred with the coats they have for a reason. Unless specified by a vet for medical reasons, we try to avoid shaving certain breeds of dogs down, because it takes away their UV protection. Also, shaving a dog does not prevent the dog from shedding; it just makes the size of the hair being shed smaller so it seems like the dog is shedding less. Also shaving a dog that is not meant to be shaved can damage the coat or cause it to have a clumpy appearance when it grows in. If you are concerned about your dog’s shedding, talk to us about our Fur-B-Gone Program to help with this problem.
Things you can do in between professional grooming to help your dog:
If you bathe your dog at home, make sure you brush or comb them both before the bath and after. This cuts down on knots and mats. If an existing knot or mat gets wet, it will get worse.
Do not use human grade shampoo on your dog. Use only shampoos designed for dogs, anything else may dry out their skin which can lead to ongoing skin problems.
If money is tight and you want to wait a little longer in between grooms, come in and talk to us- we have options besides a full groom to help your pooch stay comfortable.