FrequentLy asked questions
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 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 Bulldogs?
We’re so glad you asked! Please visit our Why Bulldogs? page for the answer to this very question!
Why do you require “Train”-ing sessions 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!).
Do you groom pocket pets/exotics?
Yes! We are very excited to announce that our groomer has earned her PRG Rabbit Groomer title, and is now offering grooming services for both rabbits and guinea pigs! Please see our Small Animals page for more information on these services!
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. Services are subject to PA sales tax.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and checks.