Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: We require 48 hours notice so that we can reallocate your appointment time to another customer on our waiting list. If you do not cancel within that 48 hour window a service fee will be applied because we are unable to fill your time slot. If you are not home at the time of the appointment without letting the groomer know, there will be a service charge up to the full cost of services. Unpaid service fees will result in suspended service until the fee is paid.
If at all possible we encourage you to find a way to have someone available to keep the appointment. We also offer latch-key services, so you can just leave us access to the home/dog and come home to a happy, groomed, friend.
If you are unable to make your appointment or projected pre-book date, you will have to be placed on the waiting list. With a full schedule we do not have room to reschedule the appointment. We are unable to move you to the week before/after because all of those appointment slots are accounted for. In this case you are effectively are giving up your spot to someone on the waiting list who takes over your spot on that rotation and you will have to wait until something else becomes available. We wish we had a more open/flexible schedule to accommodate cancellations, but we do not at this time.
We offer the option to pay a holding fee, which is typically the full cost of services, to keep hold your spot on the rotation.
- Q: Do I need to schedule an appointment in advance?
A: Yes. We have a very busy schedule and all appointments must be booked in advance. We require dogs to be on a regular 6 week schedule. Ideally clients should book out several future appointments to guarantee a spot.
We also schedule by area and are only in certain zip codes on certain days. Each area has it's own rotation and we have to schedule based around when we are in the area. - Q: How long does grooming take?
A: The time will vary by breed, condition, and temperament of the animal, but the typical groom will be between 1-2 hours per animal. - Q: How often should I have my pet groomed?
A: This will depend on the type of breed. Some dogs and cats require more frequent grooms. The typical dog breed should be groomed every 6-8 weeks. Medium to long hair dogs may even require monthly visits. Going longer can lead to matting of the coat which can be very painful and have potential health issues for the animal. You get your hair cut regularly, so your pets should too!
Regardless of the breed, your dog should be groomed at least 4 times per year. Even if you have a short hair dog like a lab or rottweiler, regular 8 week grooms are needed. Ears need cleaned. Nails need trimmed. Regular grooms will help your pet keep a healthy coat, skin, and even reduce shedding. - Q: Do you use fresh water?
A: Yes! We have a large water tank in the van that is filled everyday and never recycled. It is heated so your pet has a relaxing experience. We do not require hooking up to any of your utilities.
- Q: What if my animal has fleas or ticks?
A: Oh no! Fleas are pesky critters. There are a few options available if your animals has fleas. Depending on the amount of fleas we can still groom your animal, but it will be extra charge since we have to sanitize the van prior to any other appointments that day to make sure we aren't spreading fleas to other pets. Animals with excessive fleas may be refused service until the problem is cleared up, but the client will be billed a visit charge at the time of their rescheduled groom. No future services will be provided until the fee is paid. The situation will vary on a case by case basis but we will make sure to provide you the best recommendations for taking care of the problem.
We can recommend flea/tick medication but it should not be applied 2 days before or after grooming as it will not be effective. - Q: Can I stay with my pet in the van?
A: Sadly as much as your pet might love to have you in there, it is an insurance liability for us. - Q: Do you sedate animals?
A: No! Your pet should never be sedated by the groomer. We do not know if there are any allergies medical history, or other potential dangers of sedating your pet. If the animal is too unruly, our groomer might have to stop service, but we'll never sedate. You should report groomers that have done so. - Q: How can I help my pet look their best?
A: Regular grooming is a start, but in-between visits make sure your are regularly brushing your animal. We can recommend the best brush to use based on your animal's coat. We can even show you how to brush correctly. - Q: What if my pet has mats?
A: Mats are large clumps of fur that can feel stiff and hard. They can be painful for the animal and are unhealthy. Depending on the condition and type of mat we may be able to brush them out but if the animal has severe mats we will have to shave and start over. There may be a handling fee for excessive matting. - Q: Do you allow more than one animal in the grooming van?
A: No. For safety reasons, we can only groom one pet in the van at one time. There is a lot of sharp equipment and other potential hazards. We will get the next pet once the first pet's groom is complete.