Your first visit

Before You Arrive

• PLEASE DO NOT TRANQUILIZE YOUR PET. This is not necessary and sadly makes a pet feel disoriented, vulnerable and undermines the opportunity for your pet to have a happy experience.

• Vaccination Records: Please bring proof of current Rabies and Distemper (DHLPP/DA2PP) vaccinations if you have not sent them already.  We cannot groom your pet without these.
• Relief Break: After the car ride, please give your dog a chance to relieve themselves before entering. This helps them stay comfortable and prevents potty accidents that would require an additional bath.
• Leash Safety: Keep your pet securely leashed when entering or exiting the salon. Even calm dogs can get excited when arriving or leaving.

During the Grooming Appointment

• We begin every visit with a calm check-in, reviewing notes, sensitivities, and any medical updates.
• Most grooms take about 2–2½ hours for small and medium dogs. Larger dogs may require additional time. You’ll receive a call or text as soon as your pet is ready.
• Please do not arrive unannounced or call repeatedly during the appointment. When dogs see their family midway, they become excited and wiggly, which increases the risk of accidents.                                A calm, focused environment helps keep every pet safe.
• If you’d like a 20-minute pickup notice, please request it at drop-off.

After the Grooming Visit

Your pet will be freshly groomed — feeling, looking and smelling great!

• Sanitary Area Sensitivity: It’s normal for dogs to feel a little “funny” after their privates or rear area are trimmed. They may scoot, sit quickly, or turn to look. Please discourage licking or scratching, as this can cause irritation. A light dusting with corn starch may reduce the sensitivity.
• Ear Cleaning: After we clean ear hair and debris, some dogs shake or scratch due to the new sensation—again, normal. Please prevent over-scratching so the ears don’t become irritated.
• Rest Time: Grooming is stimulating—most dogs go home and nap after their appointment.
• We take detailed notes on your pet’s grooming preferences and sensitivities. If you’d like to adjust anything next time, just let us know at pickup or via text or before your next grooming visit.

Coat Changes Between 9–12 Months of Age

Between six months and one year, puppies experience a coat transition—the soft puppy coat sheds while the new adult coat grows in. The fine puppy fur can tangle into the new coat and cause matting quickly.

• Increased brushing during this stage is essential.
• We do not de-matt; if the coat tangles beyond humane brushing, the coat will need to be shaved.
• Regular 4–6-week grooming helps prevent matting, keeps your pet comfortable & boosts confidence.

Spaying & Neutering Care

After surgery, your pet may wear a cone or onesie to protect the incision site. These coverings can easily cause matting.

• Daily brushing is recommended during recovery.
• We suggest scheduling grooming just before surgery, since your pet should wait about two weeks before their next grooming appointment.

Pick-Up

• You may pick up at the front desk (preferred) or the back door if you have a sleeping child, mobility challenges, multiple pets, or a nervous dog.
• To schedule future appointments, please text, call, or stop at the front desk (the appointment book stays at the front door).

Social Media – Your pet’s photo will be posted on Facebook and Instagram the night of the appointment.