Groomery FAQ

Are appointments necessary?

Yes. Please call ahead to set up an appointment for your next groom. I do not accept walk-in appointments.

Do you use tranquilizers?

I do not use any type of tranquilizer or sedative on your pet, ever.

Do you groom Cats?

No.

How long does my dog stay?

Grooming sessions vary depending on breed, drying time, and the day's schedule. We do not require dogs to stay all day, but they can if needed. Sessions normally last 2 + hours.

Who handles my dog during her stay?

All dogs are handled, bathed, dried, and styled by the salon owner from start to finish. Your dog will never be left unattended or groomed in an assembly line fashion by multiple people.

Will you groom my large or giant breed?

We accept dogs 65lbs and under.

Will you groom my Pit Bull or Chow?

The Groomery does not discriminate against any dog based on negative breed stereotypes. We welcome any dog as long as they are friendly.

Do you handle aggressive dogs?

I ask that you inform me of any bite history or potential aggression towards people or other animals. Certain cases must be referred to a veterinarian to be safely groomed under sedation with medical supervision. Extra fees apply for hard to handle animals. Dog that pose a threat to the groomer will be sent home immediately.

Do you groom sick or elderly dogs?

At no time will we groom any animal that appears sick, as stress and excitement from grooming may aggravate underlying medical conditions. Elderly pets are handled carefully and given several breaks during the grooming process. We may ask you to sign a release form and allow for extra time. We may refer you to a veterinarian if your pet requires grooming with medical supervision.

Do you offer flea dips?

Chemical flea shampoos and dip exposure is dangerous and toxic to both people and your dog. I do use an all natural alternative that works as well as chemical pesticides, but without the harmful side affects.

In order to maintain a clean and safe environment, a flea removal fee is required on any dog with large amounts of fleas or ticks. A $5.oo service fee is charged for any heavily infested animal. Nominal amounts are removed free of charge.

Can you put an end to my dog's flea issues?

If your dog is infested with fleas, they are in your home too. While I can remove fleas on your dog, it is very important that you take care of the fleas in your home, otherwise, he will continually become infested once returning to the house. Daily vacuuming and washing of all carpets, wood floors, blankets and bedding will keep most flea problems under control.

When should I bring my new puppy for her first groom?

I recommend starting your puppy sometime around 12 weeks of age. Your new baby's first appointments primarily a gentle training session, allowing her to get used to new sights, sounds, and people. I will work on handling your puppy's feet and ears, and getting her slowly introduced to nail clippers and gentle brushing. A complete haircut may not be possible on a young puppy. Initially, I suggest a simple bath, nail trim, and tidy.

We want her first grooming experiences to be positive and gentle. It is important for you to remain calm, unemotional, and positive when dropping off or picking up your puppy so you do not unintentionally transfer seperation anxiety to her.

What products do you use on my dog?

We use approximately 10 different types of high quality shampoos made specifically for dogs by a company that has specialized in pet shampoo for many years. A few of our regular shampoos include aloe vera, hypoallergenic, emu oil, and tea tree. A special shampoo is chosen for each dog based on coat and skin condition. All products are made in USA.

Can my dog run loose during his stay?

For safety reasons, all dog must be securely kenneled during their stay. Each dog is given a clean kennel and soft towel to lay on. Your dog is kept in-sight and supervised at all times.

Will you remove the mats from my dog's coat?

"Humanity above vanity" is the golden rule at The Groomery.

I do not offer de-matting services to severely matted and neglected animals. The procedure of tearing out mats with a brush is both painful and inhumane to the animal. Dogs who are subjected to the process of tearing out mats quickly learn to associate pain and negativity with the grooming process.

A severely matted dog may be shaved down, or referred to a veterinarian. You will be asked to sign a release form, as mats often hide irritated and infected skin conditions caused by the skin's prolonged exposure to dirt, moisture, and parasites trapped underneath.

All coated dogs require grooming a minimum of every 2-8 weeks, and must be brushed down to the skin and maintained in between grooms at home.

Why is my dog matted when I brush him at home?

There are specific tools and techniques used by groomers to properly and thoroughly remove dead hair from a coat. I will be happy to help you learn how to brush you dog more thoroughly at home.

Matting sometimes takes place in a thin layer close to the skin. People often do not even see it, or they brush above it, missing the layer of matting entirely.

If you bath your dog at home, he must be completely brushed to the skin from head to toe beforehand. By bathing a dog at home without removing all of the dead coat, you will inadvertently tighten existing mats and create even more.

Do you offer services to naturally reared dogs?

Yes!

Can I stay with my dog?

It is important that your dog remains calm and focused on the groomer during his session. Dogs become distracted, whine, and focused on the owner if they are present. For safety reasons, owners must remain out of the dog's site during the grooming process. Arriving for pick-up early may also excite your dog to the point where it will be impossible to finish the groom. Groomers use very sharp tools that cannot be used on excited, bouncing dogs.

Can you quote me a price?

In some cases I may be able to quote a base price over the phone. We always need to see the size, coat condition, and temperament of the dog in person before an accurate quote can be made.

What is a Spa for dogs? Does this mean your prices are higher?

We us the word "Spa" to describe the clean, calming atmosphere in our shop where each dog receives one-on-one attention. We also offer several spa services that go beyond the basic bath and cut. These "spa" services are offered for owners who are looking for a little specialized care and pampering for their dog. Some of these services help control specific skin problems or other conditions that owners frequently seek solutions to. Most of our prices fall at or below state averages in the industry.

What form of payment do you accept?

Cash or check.

Do you offer Boarding?

No.

Why do my dog's nails seem long after being trimmed?

Inside each nail is a vein called "the quick." As nails are allowed to grow long, the quick/vein inside of the nail grows along with it. Nails are trimmed back as far as possible until the quick is reached. If the quick inside each nail is very long, this will limit the amount of dead nail I am able to remove. You can slowly reduce the length of the quick by trimming your pet's nails once a week at home. This will help the vein recede gradually over time, allowing for shorter nail trims.

What can you do to address my dog's skin issues?

Dry or infected skin is usually a sign of an internal condition. Grooming helps manage skin problems through the use of special medicated or soothing shampoos. Manually plucking or carding the coat on some breeds will help remove dead fur, open up new follicles and allow for healthier new coat growth. If your pet suffers from skin conditions it is important to also address this at home by managing his diet. Your Vet can check your dog's thyroid or perform other tests that may address potential infections, systematic yeast, or allergies. Fish oil capsules can be a valuable tool for providing omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and dryness in the skin and coat.

Why does my dog develop hot spots or red staining on the fur?

Hot spots are very common in thick or double coated breeds such as Goldens, Collies, Shepherds or Spitz breeds. The spots are usually moist and inflamed and can be managed at home by keeping the area clean and dry.

Red staining on the fur happens when a dog continually licks an area because of boredom, or an area is exposed to moisture on a regular basis. The red color is caused by yeast or bacteria that grows on the moist areas and is commonly seen between toes or on areas where the dogs licks himself.

Hot spots and staining tends to occur more frequently during warm, humid weather, or during periods of rain when the dog is frequently walking on wet grass.

I can address these issues during your dogs groom by removing excess hair between the dogs toes and in between his pads, drying out the moist areas, and removing some of the staining. It is important to keep your dog clean and dry at home to help avoid these skin problems. Keeping your dog well-exercised and active will reduce the amount of licking that sometimes occurs with dogs who are house-bound and bored.

If you suspect the skin issues are allergy related, you can try changing your dog to a more natural diet that is free from chemicals, grains, and cheap ingredients.

Can you groom my large dog with severe arthritis, hip dysplasia, or obesity?

Yes and no. In some cases a large dog suffering from these conditions cannot be safely handled or moved around without risking injury to their already strained joints and tendons. In general, your dog must be able to stand up on his own. He must also be mobile enough to step up onto our hydraulic tub lift that sits 14" off the ground.

Home

Frequently Asked Questions