FAQ’s

Do you groom cats?
Yes, we adore cats! Grooming cats is very different from grooming dogs. In general, cats are less tolerant of grooming. Some cats though, Persians for example, usually do very well. Out of necessity many cats do need some grooming, especially long haired cats. Long haired cats can become extremely matted if not combed out regularly. If this happens we will need to shave the cat very short (see Matted Pets).

Cats have very thin skin and there is a risk of cutting the cat with the clippers when shaving a cat, even though we take great care. Cats also tend to have a window of time they will put up with being groomed and then they will often get upset.  At this point, we will end the grooming session to
avoid further stressing the cat.  We try our best,but your cat's well-being is our first priority. We are cat people and are happy to discuss what would bethe best course of action for grooming your cat.

How long will it take to get my pet groomed?
We will have most dogs ready to be picked in around 2 to 3 hours. Large dogs may take longer. Occasionally we will get behind and it will take just a bit more.

When can I first bring in my puppy for grooming?
This is best answered by your vet, but as soon as possible after they have adequate immunity.

How often should I get my dog or cat groomed?
Most dogs that need haircuts get groomed approximately every 6 weeks, but there are many variables
which determine the best grooming schedule. Full coated dogs, such as Pekingese or long haired Lhasa
Apsos, may need to come in every week. If you like your dog to have very short hair, you will be able to
stretch appointments to 8 or 12 weeks. Some people find a groom every 6  weeks and a bath tidy in
between, every 3 to 4 weeks, keeps their dog looking good.

What does your basic grooming include?
A full groom consists of a massaging bath with a natural shampoo and conditioner, a tearless blueberry
vanilla facial, blow drying, brushing/de-shedding the coat, styling, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.

How soon do we need to call for an appointment?
We are often booked out several months. If possible, it is best to book your future appointments several months in advance.

Is there anything I can do to make grooming easier on my pet?
Yes, a walk before their appointment will help ensure they have had a chance to relieve themselves before the appointment and help them be more relaxed. Maintaining the coat between grooming appointments, so there is not excessive tangling, helps immensely. When dropping your dog off, a short goodbye is best, especially for those pets with separation anxiety.  Your dog will be less anxious if you keep a positive and calm attitude when you leave your dog for a while, even though it is hard initially!

What do you do for fleas?
If you suspect your pet has fleas, let us know and we will get them straight into the tub.  We soak them
in a natural flea shampoo, which should kill any fleas on the animal. You will need to treat your home
environment and use a flea treatment on your pet to keep them flea free.

My doubled coated dog is hot, can you shave them?
We certainly can, but do not usually recommend it. If we shave dogs such as Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians, the coat may not grow exactly the same.  Often it will grow back uneven, with a different texture, sometimes with more of the undercoat and less of the more attractive guard coat. Some experts believe that the coat also helps keep dogs cool. Remember dogs do not sweat, but pant, and even short coated dogs will look hot and pant in warm weather. A good grooming can make your dog more comfortable by removing more of the undercoat.

Do you use cage dryers?
While we prefer to blow dry your dog from start to finish, many dogs do not like the air by their head
so we finish drying them in the kennel for a short period of time, about 10 to 15 minutes. There are a few
dogs which are really stressed by blow drying and it is much kinder to cage dry them. Our cage dryers
are very safe. They operate on a timer and are heat regulated.