Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full grooming take?

A full grooming typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on your dog's coat type, size, and how many breaks they need. We never rush. Our focus is on your dog's emotional well-being and comfort, not speed.

What if my dog has severe anxiety?

We specialize in anxious dogs! Here's how we approach it:

• • Start with a free consultation to understand your dog's fears
• • Schedule a meet-and-greet visit (no grooming pressure)
• • Take gradual steps to build comfort and trust
• • Move at your dog's pace—there's no timeline pressure

Do you accommodate dogs with medical conditions?

Absolutely. Please let us know about any medical conditions, skin sensitivities, allergies, or special needs when you book. We can discuss accommodations and modifications to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. We may recommend consulting with your vet about certain conditions.

Can I stay during the grooming?

Most dogs relax better when their owner isn't visible—they don't anticipate being picked up or worry about their owner's reactions. However, we understand every dog is different. Here's what we typically recommend:

• • For anxious dogs: Drop off so they can focus on the experience
• • For confident dogs: Feel free to stay if it's comfortable
• • We'll discuss what's best for your dog during consultation

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change and life happens. We ask that you let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to reschedule. This helps us accommodate other dogs and gives you the best chance of getting your preferred appointment time. We're flexible and work with you to find a time that works.

How often should my dog be groomed?

It depends on your dog's breed and coat type. Here are general guidelines:

• • Double-coated breeds (Labs, Golden Retrievers, Huskies): Every 6-8 weeks
• • Curly/doodle coats: Every 4-6 weeks (mats form quickly)
• • Long-haired breeds: Every 6-8 weeks
• • Short-haired breeds: Every 8-12 weeks

During your consultation, we'll recommend a grooming schedule tailored to your dog's specific coat and lifestyle.

What should I do to prepare my dog for grooming?

Here are our recommendations to help your dog have the best experience:

• • Exercise before: A tired dog is often a calmer dog. A good walk or play session helps.
• • Keep it casual: Don't create anxiety by talking about grooming nervously.
• • No long goodbyes: Drop off calmly without prolonged farewells.
• • Brush at home: Light brushing before the appointment helps us work faster.
• • Avoid feeding right before: Some dogs get anxious on full stomachs.

Do you offer other services besides grooming?

Yes! We offer several services designed around your dog's needs:

• • Nail trims and pad trims
• • Ear cleaning and plucking
• • Anal gland expression (if needed)
• • Creative grooming and styling
• • Bath-only services for maintenance between grooming

Visit our Services page or contact us for details and pricing.

What's the difference between stress-aware grooming and traditional grooming?

Great question! Here are the key differences:

What if my dog doesn't cooperate or gets too stressed during grooming?

We prioritize your dog's mental health over a perfect groom. Here's what happens:

• • We'll stop and take breaks when we see signs of stress
• • If stress is too high, we'll reschedule and discuss a modified approach
• • We'll debrief with you about what happened and how we can help
• • We'll never force a dog through an experience that causes trauma

Your dog's trust matters more than any groom. We're committed to building positive experiences.