Frequently asked questions

Pre-groom play time to reassure your dog, warm bath and shampoo, hand dried, conditioner, combed out, hair between pads removed, coat clipped, scissor finished, toenails clipped/filed, sanitation area trimmed, ears cleaned or plucked, scent applied, post-groom cuddles & treats

No problem! Many dogs require a bath between grooms, and others just require a bath full stop. I am happy to bath your dog, including shampoo & conditioning treatments, coat hand dried and brushed out & scent applied if required.

From extensive research and testing, I have sourced the best products on the market from both the UK and US, using specialist shampoos to suit individual coat needs. The shampoos I stock range from Double K to Wildwash. I also believe in using 100% natural products which do not contain any harmful chemicals,

Please arrive promptly for your appointment, with your dog on a lead On your 1st visit, please remember to bring your dog's vaccination certificate and details of your vet for my record card. If your dog has any special needs you feel I should know about please tell me when you arrive. For a 1st visit I will always allow extra time in my schedule to allow the dog to have a sniff around while you complete the client record card so please allow yourself an extra 10-15 minutes for drop off when you come for the first time - I can't proceed with the groom without a completed record card for insurance purposes, and your dog will appreciate time to settle in.

Yes, please

Please remember to give me as much notice as possible if you cannot make your appointment. I only do one dog at a time and if you do not show, I don't work. I could have someone waiting for an appointment and a quick call would allow me to fill your slot. If less than 24 hours notice is given then a cancellation fee may be charged.

Please arrive promptly for your appointment, with your dog on a lead. On your 1st visit, please remember to bring your dog's vaccination certificate and details of your vet for my record card. If your dog has any special needs you feel I should know about please tell me when you arrive. For a 1st visit I will always allow extra time in my schedule to allow the dog to have a sniff around while you complete the client record card so please allow yourself an extra 10-15 minutes for drop off when you come for the first time - I can't proceed with the groom without a completed record card for insurance purposes, and your dog will appreciate time to settle in.

Some breeds have coats that are very high maintenance and if not brushed regularly form mats. Mats can be very difficult to remove and left untouched can cause your dog great discomfort by pulling on his skin or becoming infected. A matted dog is a prisoner in its own fur. I do not charge for the removal of light mats but if your dog is heavily matted it will take me extra time to remove them which will incur an extra charge. It may not be possible to remove the mats without shaving your dog but I will do all I can to avoid this though I must stress that I will not attempt to remove matts if it will cause your dog any discomfort. If your dog does need to be shaved I will of course speak to you before doing this. I will then help you make sure that your dog does not get matted again.

I have large pens available for dogs if required. These are for the safety and comfort of your dog

NO! I do NOT sedate dogs - this is a job only for your vet. Nails are a common bug-bear in dogs but if you have had problems with this in the past please let me know when you book your groom. I will assess your dog when I have him/her on my table - but I will not pursue this if your dog shows any signs of distress or aggression, and will refer you back to your vet for your dog's well-being.

Most grooms take around 1.5-2 hours so please allow AT LEAST this amount of time. Several factors including coat length/condition, behaviour, size of your dog etc can make the time vary from client to client. I will text you when your dog is 15 mins away from being ready to allow you to have him/her back as soon as I've finished. However, I cannot guarantee a set amount of time; all time quotes are estimates. Your dog will be more relaxed if he/she does not sense me rushing so please allow me enough time to do a great job for you.

All dogs are different and without seeing your dog I am unable to give you an exact price. I am happy to give you an estimate on the phone based on breed of dog, but will need to assess the dog's coat condition & temperament, and discuss with you the style you require. Some scissored styles can take much longer than shorter styles and matted coats will also require extra work. I do not undertake extensive de-matting - if your dog is severely matted the most humane solution is to clip the coat back and start again, with regular home brushing between grooms. If this is the case then we will work together to get your dog's coat back into great condition, and the cost of future grooms will almost certainly be reduced.

After your pup has had two sets of vaccinations. Grooming for a pup should start as soon as possible; this helps to let the pup become acquainted with the sounds of the salon environment, noises such as dryers, clippers, other dogs etc.

I very seldom find it necessary to muzzle and much prefer to build up trust with the dog. However, dogs that show signs of aggression or biting/licking at the clippers & or scissors will be muzzled for both their safety and mine.

Yes. I always encourage owners to bring a few treats to reward their dog. You are also welcome to bring one of your dogs favourite toys or blanket if it makes them feel more at home. I often give treats to the dogs and if your dog has a special diet or medical problem which does not permit this please inform me.

This is not usually a good idea as to get the full co-operation of the dogs I must have their undivided attention. Most dogs behave much better without their owners there to distract them. I will be happy to show you around my salon when you come for your appointment or before you book if you would like to arrange a visit in advance. Please be assured that if a difficulty with a dog arises the owner will be called at once.

Yes. I also carry my own medicated shampoos, which I highly recommend for pets with problem skin, itching, redness etc.

If your dog has a flea infestation on arrival I will reschedule your appointment for you to have the fleas treated before your return. I cannot take any chances that other pets in my care will get fleas. If I uncover fleas during a groom which were not visible on first inspection, I will wash the dog with a shampoo which will kill all fleas on the dog. There will be an additional charge for this. I also take measures to ensure that my salon environment is flea free.

I groom all breeds. But please appreciate at a lone groomer at 5"2, if your dog is a reluctant customer it maybe safer for them to attend a groomers with more than one member of staff

I am only too happy to work with nervous dogs. I like to build up a relationship with nervous or timid dogs and may suggest that we break the first couple of grooms down into 2 or more sessions at no extra cost, to allow the dog to gain trust in me without the unnecessary stress of a lengthy stay. I have techniques and materials- such as the 'happy hoody' to aid me with the process.