Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: Charges are set based on the following factors
1. Type of animal (dog, cat, rabbit, etc)
2. Your pet’s size and breed and type of hair
3. Type of haircut or service requested
4. Additional charges may be added for extra handling (in cases where a pet is aggressive or extremely difficult), extra brushing, if your dog is excessively matted or dirty, and for flea and tick removal. In order to give accurate prices, we will need to meet your pet and speak with you to determine your pets needs. Please feel free to call for more information, but keep in mind that any prices given over the phone are only estimates until we actually meet your pet.
Q: Do you use heated dryers?
We do not use heated dryers. All dryers in our salon simply recirculate the air in the room which is kept at a comfortable temperature. Due to safety concerns with heated dryers, we have chosen not to purchase them! On August 1, 2008 the Today show ran a story about a beloved pet that tragically died as a result of being left in a heated dryer for an extended period of time. Click here to read the story. The crates and dryers we use in our salon are different from the ones in the Today show piece, do not contain a heating element at all, and are attached to crates that are completely ventilated, as opposed to fully enclosed as the "cage dryers" in the story. Although we are concerned with making your pet look nice, our primary concern is his or her safety! You are welcome to visit our salon to see the area where the dogs are groomed, as well as the equipment we use. If you have any concerns please let us know!
Q: Do you accept credit and debit cards?
A: Yes. If you visited our salon during the first month we were open, you might remember that we did not take credit/debit cards at that time. We are pleased to announce that we are now set up to accept Mastercard and Visa, as well as Debit cards. And of course, cash or check always welcome as well!
Q: How often does my dog need to be groomed?
A: Here are some guidelines to help you decide when to bring your dog for grooming service
~Dogs with short and smooth hair (Beagles, Labradors) - as needed to help control odor and shedding, usually every 4-12 weeks.
~Dogs with long hair (Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier) - every 4-6 weeks. These high-maintenance coats may even need weekly attention.
~Dogs with medium length hair (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds) - every 6-12 weeks.
~Terriers (West Highland Terrier, Schnauzer) - every 6-10 weeks
~Curly-coated dogs (Bichon, Poodle) - every 3—6 weeks.
Q: Why do you need vaccination records?
A: For the safety of your pet, our groomers, and all the pets we serve, it is important that vaccinations be up to date.
Q: Other groomers have told me that my dog tries to bite while being groomed. Will you groom him?
A: We will certainly try. However, it is important for you to tell us this in advance so that we are prepared. It is not uncommon for dogs to bite or snap during grooming. We have muzzles to keep the dog from biting, and they are used as a last resort. The muzzles are completly safe for your dog, and are only used for short periods of time. Depending on the severity of your dogs behavior, it is possible that we will not be able to groom him or her.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: You are welcome to make an appointment, but we will certainly accomodate walk-ins if we have time for them. If you come by or call and we are too busy, we will schedule an appointment for your pet at a later time. If you call first thing in the morning we are often able to fit you in for that same day.
Q: If I bathe my pet at home can I bring him in for grooming only?
A: We prefer to bathe all pets here prior to grooming. The haircut looks best if pets are bathed and dried immediately before. We have also found that despite their best efforts, pet owners do not always get their pets as clean as they think they do! In special cases we might make an exception, such as very old dogs who need to get in and out as quickly as possible. Otherwise, we generally do not do this.