Dog Grooming FAQ

Question 1

Is my dog kenneled during grooming?

Accepted Answer

No, I don’t kennel your dog during grooming. While waiting, dogs stay in a comfortable, open play pen rather than a cage.

Question 2

Why don’t you require the Bordetella vaccine?

Accepted Answer

I don’t require Bordetella, because it’s meant for long-term boarding, not a grooming visit. The vaccine protects against kennel cough, which spreads through prolonged, close contact between dogs in boarding environments. Since I groom your dog and send them home the same day rather than boarding them, that level of exposure doesn’t apply.

Question 3

How long will my dog’s grooming take?

Accepted Answer

I have most dogs home in 45 minutes to an hour. Large and extra large dogs typically take a bit longer. The exact time depends on the service and your dog’s size and coat, and I personally plan and guide every groom.

Question 4

My dog is matted - what will you do?

Accepted Answer

I’ll remove the unhealthy matted coat humanely, then build a grow-out plan back to the coat you want. Health over hair means I take the mats out safely first, then work back toward your dog’s full coat over time.

Question 5

What vaccines does my dog need before grooming?

Accepted Answer

I only need your dog to have distemper/parvo and rabies - nothing more. Puppies can start after two sets of distemper/parvo, typically around 12 weeks, with rabies added after 16 weeks.

Question 6

What’s the difference between a bath and a de-shed?

Accepted Answer

A bath cleans the coat; my de-shedding treatment removes the dead undercoat trapped underneath it. Double-coated breeds need the de-shed, not a bath, since a bath alone won’t release that undercoat - and the de-shed can reduce shedding by up to 90%.

Question 7

How often should I groom my doodle or double-coated dog?

Accepted Answer

I recommend grooming most doodle and double-coated dogs every 4 to 6 weeks. I’ll work with you to build a regular pattern that fits your specific dog’s coat and lifestyle.

Question 8

Do you groom anxious or senior dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anxious and senior dogs are exactly who I built my model for. Personal, unhurried attention with no kennel and no long wait tends to suit a nervous or older dog far better than a typical grooming environment.

Question 9

When can my puppy have its first groom?

Accepted Answer

I can give your puppy its first groom after two sets of distemper/parvo, usually around 12 weeks. Rabies is required after 16 weeks, in line with standard puppy vaccine timing.

Question 10

What if I can’t pick up my dog right away?

Accepted Answer

I offer holding for a fee if you can’t pick your dog up right away. A respectful heads-up is appreciated and may waive that fee - communication matters more to me than a strict cutoff time.

Dog Grooming FAQ

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