Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this section answers some of your questions! if not feel free to contact us here
Puppy FAQ
When should I start grooming my puppy?
Puppies can be introduced to grooming at a salon at around 10-12 weeks old after their final vaccinations. We recommend checking with your vet before booking an appointment. Then, from there we recommend monthly visits up until 9-10 months of age. The earlier they’re introduced to gentle handling, brushing, and salon sounds, the more comfortable and confident they’ll be during future visits.
How do I prepare my puppy for their first grooming appointment?
From the moment you bring your puppy home at around 8 weeks old, it’s important to start gently desensitizing them to grooming. We can’t stress this enough. Start with short, positive sessions at home every few days: light brushing and combing, touching their paws, ears, and face, and using a hairdryer on a low setting (just for noise exposure). Bring your puppy to meet your groomer beforehand if possible. Puppy daycare can also help build confidence and reduce anxiety. Positive, stress-free exposure early on builds trust and sets the foundation for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.
What should I expect during my puppy’s first groom?
We generally recommend a wash and tidy for a puppy’s first appointment. This includes a gentle bath, blow-dry, nail trim, brushing, and light trimming around the face, paws, and sanitary areas. The main goal is a calm and positive experience, not a perfect groom. We take our time, offer praise, and give your puppy breaks to keep the session low-stress.
General FAQ
How often should my dog be groomed?
This depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, and activity level. Most dogs benefit from grooming every 4 to 8 weeks to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.
What’s included in a grooming session?
Please see our services page for a detailed description of each service and pricing. Not sure which service you’re after? Reach out via our contact page and we can help you out.
How long does grooming take?
Appointments typically take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, and temperament. We’ll let you know if we need extra time.
Can I stay with my dog during the appointment?
No, for your dog’s comfort, focus, and safety we don’t allow their owners to stay during the grooming process. Most dogs are more relaxed and cooperative without their owner present.
What if my dog has allergies or sensitive skin?
Let us know ahead of time. We offer oatmeal or medicated shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin at an additional charge, or you may bring your own shampoo for us to use.
Do you groom senior dogs?
Yes, we do! We take extra care with senior dogs, tailoring our approach to suit their age, mobility, and grooming history. For dogs aged 13 and over, we recommend that owners remain nearby in case we need to get in touch. If at any point we feel your dog is not coping well with the grooming process, we will stop immediately and contact you.
Will grooming help with shedding?
Yes. Regular grooming and deshedding treatments can significantly reduce loose hair around your home.
What if my dog is nervous or aggressive?
Please let us know in advance. We’re happy to try, but safety comes first. If we can’t continue the groom, we’ll contact you for pick-up.
Will my dog be sedated?
We never sedate dogs. If your dog is too anxious or aggressive, we will end the session and recommend you speak with your vet about options.
What is the procedure if we find fleas on your dog?
We’ll notify you immediately and wash your dog with our flea shampoo at an additional cost to prevent spread to other dogs.
Why doesn’t my dog like going to the groomer?
It’s common. Some dogs dislike the grooming process or being separated from you. Early, positive exposure—ideally started by the breeder—can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Will I get a text reminder for my appointment?
Yes, you’ll receive a reminder the day before. Please respond to confirm or reschedule if needed.
What about pick-ups? Do I just come back in 2 hours?
We’ll text you when your dog is ready. If you need a specific finish time, please let us know when booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made with less than 12 hours’ notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the grooming service booked. Frequent short-notice cancellations may require customers to prepay in full to secure future appointments. We appreciate your understanding, last-minute changes impact our small business more than you might think.
What is your late arrival policy?
We allow a 15-minute grace period for late arrivals. After this time, it affects the flow of our schedule and other clients’ appointments. In this case, we may still proceed with the groom, but a $15 Late Drop-Off Fee will apply. Please note: if the groom goes ahead, your dog’s pick-up time may be delayed, as their appointment has overlapped into the next client’s slot. Alternatively, we may need to reschedule the appointment if we cannot accommodate the delay.
What is your no-show policy?
If you confirm your appointment by replying “yes” to our text reminder and then fail to attend without notice, we reserve the right to charge 100% of the grooming service fee. For future bookings, we may require credit card details to hold your appointment. We totally understand that unexpected things happen—all it takes is a quick text or call to keep us in the loop.
What is your late pick-up policy?
We kindly ask that you pick up your dog within 30 minutes to 1 hour of receiving our text notification that they are ready. We’ll do our best to give you 30 minutes’ notice before completion to help you plan. Please be respectful of our closing hours—Orlena has her own fur babies waiting at home, and it can take up to 50 minutes in peak-hour traffic for her to get home. We appreciate your kindness and punctuality!
Where can I park?
Free 2 hour street parking is available along Chelsea Street.
Street parking is also available directly outside the store, but please be aware of the following restrictions:
– No street parking from 4:00–6:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
– No street parking from 6:00–10:00 AM (Sat–Sun)
For safety and convenience, we kindly encourage customers to park along Chelsea Street instead of directly out front, as the main road can be quite busy with passing traffic.
