FAQs

When should my puppy have its first professional grooming?
Grooming on your pup should start at 10 weeks of age (after second vaccination), to let the pup become acquainted with the sounds of the grooming room environment, noises such as dryers, and other dogs etc. Your groomer will teach your pup and you the proper way to brush and handle your puppy. Starting early, these techniques will imprint on your pup. The first 6 months of life for a dog is like the first 5 years for a human. It is very important to start them early. We recommend a grooming session every month for the first 4 months. With both you and your groomer working hand in hand doing the same things at home as the groomer would in the studio, the pup will take everything around him or her in stride and make it a pleasant experience and not a traumatic one. This in turn, makes grooming your pet at home easy for your pup, you, and the groomer. Once your dog is conditioned for grooming, regular grooming is required during its lifespan.
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I just adopted a dog and it is a tangled mess! Now what?
First, let me congratulate you on a wonderful decision, and convey greetings to the new addition! Whether you've had a dog before or not, remember that one of the major responsibilities includes grooming and training as part of the pet's health and well-being. Short haired dogs need grooming attention, just as a long haired dog needs regular maintenance. Please read the following FAQs and make an appointment soon.
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How long does a grooming appointment take?
Depending on the condition of the coat and size of the dog, an appointment can last from 30 minutes for an extra small dog to 3 hours for an extra large dog.
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How do I prepare my pet for the grooming appointment?

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Do I need to be there while you are grooming my dog?
No, that is not necessary, and in fact is better if a pet's owner is not in view during grooming.
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Do you connect to our home's water hose or electrical outlet?
Nope! My grooming unit is fully self-contained with its own water tanks, heat, and electricity, so there is no need to plug into, or connect to, anything (although I have emergency equipment). My service is truly an onboard, mobile convenience to you and your pet, and I pride myself on not borrowing your stuff!
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Why doesn't my groomer answer the phone?
This is a fun one, but all the answers are true!

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Do you groom cats?
At this time, I do not groom cats. I am happy to refer you to other mobile groomers in your area that do. Let them know that I sent you!
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Do you do nails only?
I offer full grooming appointments only, so I do not schedule appointments for "Nails Only". If I'm in your neighborhood, I may be able to clip nails between appointments.
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Do you offer any discounts, such as a Multiple Pet Discount?
I can offer a few dollars off to an appointment of a group of four or more pets.
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Why are prices not shown on the website?
In the world of dog grooming, no two dogs are alike. One Beagle can be fully groomed in under an hour, while another can fuss during nail clipping and need de-shedding. A Golden Retriever with thick undercoat needs it removed and another owner wants the Golden completely trimmed down to look like a Lab. Each of these items involves more time. The poodle, for example, comes in several sizes. One fits in your hand while one is waist-high. This breed is one known to be styled after the bath (pom poms, topknots, shaved face and feet). Aside from the bathing process, styling is a skill and takes a little extra time.

Therefore, grooming prices are rarely "cut and dry" (pun intended!). Some groomers charge by the breed and the cost is specified during the appointment. I have seen one that charges by weight! Some mobile groomers charge by hour or include a travel fee, such as would a plumber or electrician visiting your home. As a Certified Professional Groomer and stylist operating an onboard mobile grooming business, I currently charge a minimum of $80 to visit your home and groom a pet.

Each grooming depends on coat condition, breed, temperament, etc. Estimates can be given by phone and at the start of the grooming, however, during the grooming process, issues may arise that will immediately be brought to owner's attention. Therefore, a price may change at the groomer's discretion.

As a Certified Professional Groomer and stylist operating an onboard mobile grooming business, my current rate is a minimum of $80 to travel to your home and groom your pet.
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I want my dog short but not shaved.
As your groomer, I want to make your pet and you happy. Definitions and explanations are very important in grooming. Blades and combs attached to clippers now come in over 20 different lengths, just millimeters apart. Scissors of all kinds are also used (curved, long, short). A well-maintained coat can keep a longer style, while a severely matted, rescued dog may need to have those matts shaved off to alleviate what, often times, is immobilizing discomfort, and could lead to health issues. Longer clipped styles require more frequent grooming, every 4 weeks to maintain the style. Anything longer than that is hand scissored, and may not be practical for the dog and the family to maintain their coats. Everything is dragged into the house via long hair. If you enjoy the long styles and can afford the regular frequent grooming (every 4-6 weeks for hand scissored long styles) and are willing to put your time and effort into your pet's brushing, a long coat style is absolutely beautiful. Or, a shorter style is just as cute and may be easier to maintain. Therefore, think of all the dog's body parts prior to the appointment. I'll be asking lots of questions!
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Do you groom all breeds, including large breeds?
I groom most breeds. I will not groom dangerous, vicious, or mean dogs for my own safety. I can groom a limited amount of extra large dogs, depending on behavior, weight, and coat condition.
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Do you take credit cards?
I accept personal checks and cash payments at this time.
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Do you put dogs in unsupervised heated drying cages?
Never. I hand dry pets after they have been bathed. The process involves large, clean, fluffy towels and blow drying by hand (also called fluff drying) with equipment similar to, although larger than, the hair dryer you might use at home. The health, safety, and comfort of pets in my care are of primary importance to me.
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Do you tranquilize pets for grooming? Do you use tranquilizers for hyper dogs?
No way. I never use any type of tranquilizers. I may use a muzzle if your dog is not happy about the grooming (and to keep my fingers attached!) but Barks and Bubbles will not tranquilize a pet in order to groom it. Even then, if s/he becomes aggressive, I reserve the right to stop the grooming process. I am well trained to handle nervous pets, and treat every pet with gentle loving care, but if a pet is too agitated to be safely bathed or groomed, I will not attempt to force the service on the pet.
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Do you have special shampoos for delicate skin or skin problems?
Yes. I can use hypoallergenic product, or your own pet shampoo if you request it before the appointment, along with instructions.
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Why does my dog lick itself or itch after grooming?
Some dogs itch as people would after they have shaved or received a haircut. Another reason is the dog came in severely* pelted (matted to the skin solid) and the groomer had to use a very short blade to get under that matting to be able to lift it away from the skin. Sometimes puppies itch because it is their first grooming, or they have never had certain procedures done on them such as ear hair removal in the canal. Your pup may shake its head after this. Discourage your dog from scratching or shaking its head, as he or she will cause irritation if left unattended. Also white or light colored dogs are more prone to scratching and ear shaking after grooming. Shaving around the anal area to clear it of tangles and feces can also cause a dog to lick itself. *Rescued dogs often arrive this way.
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Do you express dog's anal sacs?
Yes I do. Although pet professionals have differing opinions on the topic, I am trained to do so (externally) and I will if requested. I will also let you know if I think your pet requires veterinary attention. An online resource for you: http://www.groomertogroomer.com/Online_gtg_magazines/gtg_26_3.htm#WhatareAnalSacs
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