Grooming FAQ's

​​​Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

Yes and no. I am licensed and insured; however I am not bonded. I am not bonded because it is not necessary for a sole proprietor. Bonding covers employees or independent contractors.

Do I need to schedule an appointment to have my pet groomed?

Yes. Appointments allow each pet special attention and time they deserve.

How much does it cost to have a pet groomed?

Prices are bases on the breed and size of the animal. Age, behavior, special needs and condition of the coat (matted vs tangle free) can influence the cost of individual grooming services.

​Do you have a cancellation policy for grooming appointments?
Cancellations made without a 24 hour notice are considered a last minute cancellation. The full grooming fee must be paid before rescheduling, plus you will be required to prepay for your next appointment. Additionally,  if you cancel 2 appointments in a row, all future appointments will be removed from the schedule. You can always reach out to reschedule, but I cannot guarantee availability.

Does it cost more to have a matted pet groomed; aren't you shaving my pet anyway?

Yes, matted pets are shaved; the length of hair left on the pet, depends on the condition of the hair.  There are several reasons why it cost more to have a matted pet shaved. It is time consuming to groom a matted pet. The grooming process must be slowed down, to ensure the animal's safety. Additionally, the cost of maintaining grooming equipment can be expensive and grooming a matted pet damages the blades and shears.   

At what age should my puppy have his / her first professional grooming?

Puppies should be introduced to professional grooming at 8 weeks of age and scheduled for a follow up visit every 4 weeks. This will gradually let your puppy get familiar with the sights, sounds, smells and procedures.

How often should my dog be groomed?

Frequency of grooming can depend on breed, coat type and length, lifestyle and how much brushing and detangling you do at home between grooming appointments.  If your dog has a longer hair style or a coat that tends to get tangled he / she should be professionally groomed every 4 – 6 weeks. A dog with a short hair style or short coat can be groomed every 6 – 8 weeks. 

How long will my pet need to stay for grooming?

A typical grooming procedure takes about 1 hour for a small/medium size dog. Additional time may be needed for larger dogs or dogs with thick or matted fur.

Do you groom cats?
Yes. Pricing and services are listed here.

Will my pet come in contact with other animals during the grooming process?

No. All grooming pets are handled individually and do not have contact with any other animals during the grooming process.

Should I have my pet groomed in the winter?

Yes! Grooming is a year round process. Some people prefer to let their dog’s fur longer during the winter months. Longer fur has a greater chance of developing mats and tangles. Mats do not allow proper airflow through the coat and this can lead to health problems. Short haired breeds also need attention in the colder months. Pet skin can become dry and flaky due to a lack of humidity in the colder air. Regular shampooing, conditioning and brushing can help stimulate the natural oils to ease the dryness.

Why do dogs shed?

Hormones in a dog’s body control shedding. Most shedding seems to occur between winter and spring when the dog loses its thick winter coat. Shedding seems more prominent in breeds that originate from colder climates. Almost all dogs shed. A shed –less grooming procedure can tremendously reduce the amount of hair left around your house.  (note: excessive shedding that does not respond to treatment can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Please consult your veterinarian in this situation)

How can shedding be reduced?

Shedding can be reduced by 60 – 80 % after 1 – 2 applications of a shed – less treatment. A shed – less treatment consists of a specially formulated deshedding shampoo followed by the application of a deshedding solution. A special tool is then used to remove the undercoat and loose hair.

Why is my dog itchy?

Dry skin, hot spots and fleas are the most common causes of itchy skin. I offer medicated baths, oatmeal baths and flea treatments to sooth your pet’s skin.

Will cutting my dog’s hair short in the summer make him cooler?

Actually a dog’s coat protects his skin from the elements, insulating him from both heat and cold. Making sure that the dog’s coat is thoroughly brushed out and all undercoat is removed so that the air can circulate through the coat will keep him cooler.

My dog is on a monthly flea control regimen from the vet. Can he still get fleas?

Yes. Fleas seem to become resistant to some products over time. A combination of products may need to be used together to win the war against fleas. The environment and your pet both need regular flea control treatments.

How can my cat have fleas when he / she never goes outside?

Fleas jump. They can be carried in to the house on your clothing or brought in by other animals.

How can I tell if my pet has fleas?

Most animals are very itchy when fleas are present. They will typically scratch and bite themselves. Dogs will tend to bite their backs just above their tail.  Hair loss on the dog’s back above the tail are is another good indication that fleas are present.Tiny black specs throughout the coat that look like black sand is a definite indication that fleas are feeding off your pet.

Have a question that you do not see here? Contact me!