Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered to attend grooming? What about vaccinations?
As we book single dogs only in each appointment slot, un-altered dogs are welcome, as long as they are not going through a heat cycle.
While it is recommended, vaccinations are not mandatory. However, if dogs are exhibiting signs of a respiratory infection or something contagious, the appointment will be canceled and a dog will be sent home immediately.
This is for the protection and safety of your dog, future clients, as well as the resident animals.
Do you use any sedation?
Absolutely not! Puppers need to be able to stand, move, and be aware and awake for the grooming process.
If you are concerned about an over anxious dog, or a dog new to the grooming experience there are plenty of herbal calming agents and techniques that either the groomer or yourself can use to make your dog feel more at ease.
What if my dog is injured? What do you do to prevent this from happening?
While we uphold high standards of safety and care for our four legged friends, accidents can happen that are sometimes beyond our control.
We are trained in both animal and human first aid as well as animal behaviour and body language. This allows us to monitor the dogs extremely closely and, for the most part, catch issues before they escalate further. We also keep an up to date canine emergency kit on site.
If an injury occurs during a groom, the session is stopped immediately and first aid is administered. The owner is then promptly contacted. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may either be required to pick up your pooch, or we will transport your pet to our trusted vet ourselves for care.
Can I watch my dog get groomed?
That would be at the discretion of the groomer. While we are always open to having pet parents join us, if we notice a dog becoming increasingly unpredictable, distressed or distracted we may politely ask you to leave.
Keep in mind we are using sharp tools around your darlings. We want to make sure that your dog has a safe and happy experience!
Most dogs tend to do better without having to worry about what they're missing out on with their pet parents.
My dogs body had a bad reaction to grooming!
If a dog has never been groomed before or is not frequently groomed, their body can be quite sensitive to the grooming process.
This is also very common in matted dogs. When tight matts are pulling on the skin they cut off circulation. When the matts are removed, sensation returns to the skin and body as it is now able to move more freely and breath. This can create an itchy sensation or cause a dog to shiver as their body adjusts to these sensations they have been without prior to getting groomed.
The important thing is to ensure your darling doggo doesn't excessively lick, scratch, or nibble at an irritated area. Fussing with an already sensitive area can lead to skin infection and hot spots. Usually, these symptoms go away within a few days.
Remember to inform your groomer promptly if you notice irritation so that they can take steps in future grooms to keep your companion as comfortable as possible.
Can I bring my own shampoo or products?
Of course! Whether it be a special medicated shampoo, or just something in your favourite scent you are always welcome to bring your own products.
We can also administer flea medication and topical treatments at your request.
My dog is aggressive or has special needs. Can you accommodate?
In most cases, yes but each dog is assessed by the groomer first. If we think it will turn out to be a negative experience, we will help you find an alternative that suits your and your dogs needs.
We monitor the dogs very closely once a groom is started. If a dog exhibits signs of escalating stress or aggression that we deem unsafe, for either the groomer or the dog, the groom will be stopped immediately and the owner notified.
I bathed my dog at home before her scheduled groom. Can I get a discount?
Unfortunately not. To protect our equipment, dogs need to be dematted, freshly cleaned and then blow dried before any hair-cutting is started.
Going through the whole process also allows us to better understand your pets needs in terms of skin and coat health, or of any new bumps and lumps that may of popped up without your knowledge.
All dogs will still receive a bath as part of the groom, therefore it will not affect any pricing discussed with your groomer.
Do you use crates?
Not at all! When we book appointments, it's one dog at a time so that our entire focus can be on just that one dog. This means that there is no need for a crate, as a groomer is with them from A to Z.
If they are comfortable doing so, they even get to have play time with the resident dogs after their groom!