BULLDOGS
Why bulldogs?
Believe it or not, while they’re usually not thought of as high maintenance in the grooming department, the bulldog’s unique anatomy makes specialized grooming absolutely essential to their wellbeing. All of those distinct traits that make our bullies so different from other breeds actually require special grooming tools and accommodations in order to help keep them safe and healthy.
Here at TotR, our groomer KNOWS bulldogs: from understanding the issues that can arise from their brachycephalic anatomy and wrinkly skin, to the products and tools best used to groom them, her passion for proper bulldog care is the primary focus of the canine side of TotR.
Want to learn more? Visit our “Why Bulldogs?” page for more information!
Do you groom other dogs besides bulldogs?
Yes, we do have several non-bullie dog clients who have been with us since the beginning! While we do still occasionally take on new non-bullie clients (usually dogs with special needs related to age or grooming environment), when it comes to dogs, we have made the decision to focus on our bulldog specialty due to the lack of awareness in the industry surrounding these unique breeds.
What makes the “Bullie Bath” different from a standard bath elsewhere?
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: our groomer KNOWS bulldogs, and the proof is in the “Bullie Bath”! It’s a unique, customized grooming experience designed by our groomer, Jen, just for her beloved bulldogs! There are two levels: the “Bullie Maintenance Bath” and the “Bullie Therapy Bath”. Both services include products and tools specifically chosen with bulldog safety and health in mind!
Please visit our “Bullie Bath” page for more information!
What can I expect when I bring my bulldog to TotR for grooming?
A unique grooming experience with a groomer who is well-versed in and passionate about proper bulldog care!
After an initial consultation to discuss your bulldog’s particular skincare needs and to allow the groomer to assess the skin and coat, we will determine which level of “Bullie Bath” might be best for your bullie. Upon drop-off on the day of the appointment, your bulldog will be treated to a private, one-on-one session where the focus is completely on them from start to finish! Because we strive to go at the dog’s pace to help ensure a safer, calmer, and less stressful experience (especially important with our bullies!), the session may take a little longer than your typical standard bath. Most appointments will probably take around 1-2 hours depending on the service and your bullie’s temperament. Their stress levels will be carefully monitored throughout the entire session.
The groomer will call/text you about 15 minutes or so before your dog is finished to give you time to get back for pick-up. Timely pick-up is extremely important as the next appointment will be arriving shortly after your appointment ends!
Bunnies & Guinea Pigs
What is a Certified Master Rabbit Groomer (CMRG)?
A Certified Master Rabbit Groomer (CMRG) is an accreditation awarded to rabbit grooming professionals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and knowledge in the art of rabbit care through extensive training and testing. While the credential focuses mainly on rabbits, it also includes an overview on guinea pigs and ferrets. At the time of this writing, there are only 3 groomers in the entire world who have earned this prestigious title. If you’re looking for a rabbit grooming expert in and around Pennsylvania, we’ve got you covered!
Do rabbits really need grooming? Don’t they groom themselves?
While rabbits are indeed self-groomers, let’s face it- licking can only get so far! Rabbits, unlike dogs or cats, do not have the ability to burp or vomit. When cats (who are also self-groomers!) get a hairball, they quickly expel it by vomiting, thus preventing any accumulation of hair in their GI tract. Rabbits can not do this, so when they ingest large amounts of fur through self-grooming, it can obstruct the GI tract causing a blockage. This condition is called wool block and is cause for immediate veterinary attention. Since many pet rabbits are not given a proper diet of at least 85% hay, they often lack the fiber needed to help pass any fur that gets into their system. Regular grooming can help prevent this issue by helping to remove dead hair so that it cannot be ingested.
Like dogs and cats, rabbits (and guinea pigs!) also require regular nail trims to keep their feet healthy. Rabbits may also need their scent glands cleaned, sanitary trims to maintain good hygiene, and long-haired and wooly rabbits may need regular, routine haircuts to prevent matting and allow for easy grooming maintenance at home between appointments.
What can I expect when I bring my rabbit (or guinea pig!) to TotR for grooming?
Upon your arrival, your rabbit/guinea pig will be given a thorough once over to check for any areas of concern. You will be asked to sign an intake form detailing any issues found. Waivers related to your pet’s specific needs may also need to be signed before we can begin.
Your rabbit/guinea pig will then be treated to a serene, private grooming session where the focus is entirely on them from start to finish! An assistant will be on hand at all times to help promote safety and comfort. Hay (and treats, if applicable!) will also be made available throughout the service.
The groomer will call/text you about 15 minutes or so before your bunny/piggie is finished to give you time to get back for pick-up. Timely pick-up is extremely important as the next appointment will be arriving shortly after your appointment ends!
For more information about what our rabbit or guinea pig grooming experience entails, please visit our TotR Hopper (rabbit) or TotR Cavy Coach (guinea pig) page!
Will you give my rabbit a bath?
Nope! Rabbits can become severely stressed when bathed, which can lead to serious health problems and even death. Rabbits can also quickly become hypothermic when wet.
☆ Note: If your rabbit has a rather serious case of poo butt, we may gently and carefully clean this area ONLY, using rabbit-safe techniques and products.
My bunny is nervous/hasn’t been groomed before. Can you still groom him?
We can certainly try! Most rabbits we see for the first time haven’t been groomed before. Our Certified Master Rabbit Groomer (CMRG) is professionally trained to understand and work with rabbits with varying levels of handling experience. Our gentle, cooperative care approach helps cut down stressors to help your bunny learn to tolerate and maybe even enjoy grooming!
Rabbits and guinea pigs are always groomed with an assistant on hand to help promote safety and comfort. Stress levels are closely monitored throughout the appointment. If a rabbit becomes stressed at any point, the session stops and the rabbit is sent home. Stress in rabbits is no joke, and can lead to much bigger problems. Dividing grooming services into several shorter sessions may be recommended to keep your bunny healthy and happy.
Why is it so hard to find a rabbit groomer?
Rabbit grooming requires specialized knowledge and training, a calm environment, and a great deal of patience and skill.
Rabbits are prey animals (unlike dogs or cats) and can quite literally die from stress. They are extremely fragile, and can actually break their own spines if they kick out hard enough with their powerful hind legs. Their skin is incredibly thin and can tear very easily. Due to the obvious liability risks involved, most groomers won’t touch bunnies or other small animals. Most would also have no idea where to even begin in grooming them, as they’ve never had the proper training. Grooming a rabbit is very, very different from grooming a dog, and it is absolutely essential to understand rabbit behavior and anatomy to groom one safely.
Here at TotR, we recognize the need for a professional rabbit groomer who truly understands bunny care and have made it our mission to become the go-to rabbit grooming specialist in and around Pennsylvania!
Do you groom other small pets?
We sure can! Guinea pigs, ferrets, and rats are also welcome!
General
What makes Tails on the Rails different?
Tails on the Rails works strictly on a private, “by appointment only” basis, with a focus on fear-free and cooperative care techniques, giving your pet a serene, relaxing grooming experience with the groomer’s undivided attention. We specialize in areas often overlooked in the field, including small animal grooming (we have the only Certified Master Rabbit Groomer in the state of Pennsylvania!) and proper bulldog care.
What vaccines are required?
In accordance with Pennsylvania state law, we require all dogs aged 16 weeks or older to have an up-to-date Rabies vaccination. Proof of such must be presented BEFORE your dog’s first appointment with us, as services cannot be rendered until doing so. Please provide a copy of the Rabies certificate signed by your veterinarian (a Rabies tag will NOT suffice!). For precautionary reasons, we also require proof of up-to-date Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations administered by a licensed veterinarian. In the event your pet cannot receive vaccinations for any reason, we require a note of exemption signed by your veterinarian.
While we do not require any vaccinations for rabbits or guinea pigs at this time, we do highly recommend rabbits getting their RHDV/RHDV2 vaccine if available.
What safety measures do you have in place?
The safety and wellbeing of both pet AND staff is of the utmost importance to us. Our shop is equipped with modern grooming equipment and tools. We have a strict cleaning regimen and sanitize in between all pets. Appointments are scheduled one-on-one, in part to prevent potentially risky interaction between animals, and also to ensure a more focused, personalized experience for each pet. Our grooming sessions are tailored to the individual needs of each pet, both physically and behaviorally, so as to encourage comfort, cooperation, and safety. Our “Sanity over Vanity” approach dictates that we reserve the right to terminate any grooming session in the interest of safety of either the pet or staff, regardless of whether the service has been completed. We value your pet’s comfort and safety over anything else, and will absolutely not force any animal through fear, stress, or anxiety in the interest of a pretty haircut. Please note that unfinished services due to behavioral/safety issues will not be discounted.
Why do you require “TRAIN”-ing for some dogs?
“TRAIN”ing sessions allow both the dog and groomer to work on behavioral issues the dog may be experiencing without the pressure of a groom. For example, if a dog is adverse to getting in the tub for a bath, the session will focus on his learning to get in and out of the tub without the pressure or fear of an imminent bath. The groomer may begin with a “dry” tub, then work up to turning the water on, all without the actual bath itself. This helps us figure out exactly what it is about the tub or bath that the dog is uncomfortable with, so we can then attempt to rectify it in a positive, cooperative way. It creates a bond of trust between dog and groomer, as he learns he has a choice in his learning and will never be forced to undergo something he isn’t ready for. In order to facilitate that relationship early on and allow progression comfortably and safely, “TRAIN”-ing sessions may be required at the discretion of the groomer before your dog can advance to the next step in his grooming journey.
How long does it take?
That all depends on what you’re referring to. If you are referring to the duration of the average grooming appointment, it will depend on the service and the size, breed, limitations, and behavior of the dog! We can give you a better idea once we meet your dog!
If you are referring to how long teaching cooperative care or changing a certain behavior takes….. well, again, it all depends. Like humans, all dogs are different. Their reception to learning and change can vary greatly depending on age, breed, health, individual personality, their lifestyle, whether or not their human family is on board, and of course, the nature of the behavior itself and WHY it’s happening in the first place. Behaviors rooted in fear can be extremely difficult to unlearn, especially if that fear has been going on in some capacity or another for an extended period of time. For this reason, we do not guarantee timelines nor our ability to help each and every dog we work with. However, we DO promise to keep our clients informed and to recommend alternative professional help if we do not feel we can advance the situation.
Please keep in mind that consistency is absolutely crucial to your dog’s success. If we are seeing your dog for grooming once every four weeks for example, and working with them on a specific behavior, only about ten minutes or so of that appointment time will probably be dedicated to that training (remember- we’re performing grooming services, as well!). Ten minutes once a month. So in six months time, your dog has had one hour of focused behavioral training. One hour in six months! That isn’t nearly sufficient! Think about it: professional dog trainers typically see their clients for an hour every WEEK, even for simpler obedience training. This is why we offer our “TRAIN”-ing services…. to give dogs and truly dedicated owners a real chance at success!
What are your drop-off/pick-up policies?
All dogs are required to be on a leash; rabbits and guinea pigs need to be in carriers (with hay!). Please plan to arrive for drop-off 5-10 minutes before appointment time. Please remain in your vehicle and text us when you arrive. This helps to avoid startling the groomer or another pet who may still be on the table when you arrive. We will let you know when it is safe to approach and will meet you in our covered consultation area by the door. IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE, PLEASE CALL OR TEXT TO GIVE US A HEADS UP. Depending on how late you are going to be, we may need to reschedule to avoid disruption of the groomer’s schedule. Please understand that a late or no show fee may be implemented. If you miss your appointment and do not notify us beforehand, you will be charged a no show fee to be paid before another appointment can be made.
Pick-ups should be done the same way. The groomer will text/call you about 15-30 minutes or so before your pet is ready to allow you some time to get here. As noted, we are a one-on-one shop and do our best to not overlap appointments in order to allow every pet that luxury. It is extremely important that clients come and pick up their pets as soon as they receive this communication. Unfortunately, we just DO NOT have the space to accommodate pets after their grooming session is over. A fee may be implemented for any client who does not pick up their pet within an acceptable amount of time.
Do you groom cats?
No, we do not offer cat services at this time (our groomer is allergic!).
How much does it cost?
Pricing will vary and is based on the service to be rendered, the pet’s size/breed/coat type/condition/behavior, and above all, time. Feel free to contact us for a quote! **Services are subject to PA sales tax.**
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and checks.
•
Tails on the Rails LLC 