Q: Why is my dog shaking their head?

A: We clean their ears during the grooming process.  The solution we have used will hopefully have loosened up any remaining deep "ear dirt" and they will try to shake it out.  Some breeds also have the hair plucked from the ear canals to allow for better air flow, which in turn keeps a healthier ear, however the sensation from being plucked may cause them to shake.  Don't forget to maintain your pets’ ears on a regular basis, at least on a monthly minimum. 

Q: Why does my pet seem nervous when the groomer is here?

A: Pets are like children in that they don't like to have their owners leave them, however there are those that absolutely love us and can't wait to leap in to the truck and hop up on to the grooming table!  Those that are nervous may shake and show fear.   However, once the "parents" and other "family" leave they tend to relax immediately.  Be a thoughtful owner and have your pet on a regular schedule so the grooming process can be something to look forward to rather than dread.  When you wait too long, the grooming process can become painful, especially if you have to deal with issues such as matting and excessive ear hair.  They also need to become accustomed to processes such as these and nail trimming and learn that these activities will not hurt them. 

Q: Why am I not allowed in the grooming vehicle while my pet is being groomed?

A:  Owners tend to make their animals more nervous and your pets only want to be with you, so they move more excessively which can make the grooming process a bit more difficult.  We use items such as clippers and scissors and one wrong move could turn in to a big boo boo. 



Q: Is the hair cut right?

A:  We take very detailed notes on what you say you want and what we do at each groom.  Certain parts of the groom are easily duplicated, however the hand scissoring is not as easily duplicated exactly each time the same way.  We only wish to make you and your pet happy.   We may interpret something different then you are thinking you are getting across.  Photos and examples are always suggested to try and achieve what it is you want.  There are many different ways and combinations of styles for pet grooming and they are always changing. Pet Grooming, like hair styling is a lot of fun in that it can be very creative. Communication is key. Remember, even though you may want to look like Cindy Crawford, doesn't mean you will, pet grooming is the same way.  Also, a badly matted pet, will only be shaved down to spare your dog undue stress and cruelty, which means your haircut wishes in most cases will not be possible. 


Q: Why is mobile grooming more expensive then shop grooming?

A: Mobile grooming is a luxury and offers convenience for you and your pet.  We drive to you.  We work only on your pet during that time.  When we are done, typically within an hour and a half of the start time, you get your pet back; they do not sit in a crate until the end of the day.  We have truck payments as they have shop rent/mortgage, we have large gas bills as they have electric.  However, where as a shop can do a higher turnover (a single groomer in a truck on average does 4-6 dogs a day, at most 8, while a shop can easily have turned out 20 or more a day), have more employees under one roof (we would require more trucks) and put your pets in crates to dry to save time, we do not.  While in our care, your pet is given 100% of our time and attention and everything is done by hand.  


Q: Do we tip you?

A: There is no standard rule on this.  Each person does as they please.  If you tip your hairdresser, then you would most likely be the type of person to tip your groomer. Of course, it's greatly appreciated! 

Q: Why aren't the nails cut shorter?

A: Nails need to be maintained every 4-6 weeks at a minimum, every 2-3 weeks if you want them even shorter.  If you let the nails grow too long, we will only be able to take off as much as we can without getting in to the quick.  When nails are cut too short, you can cause a lot of pain and bleeding because you have cut in to the quick. Be thoughtful to your pet and as with the ears, maintain their nails on a monthly basis.  When nails are too long it also affects their foot structure, as the angle of the foot changes when they are walking on their nails.  We use special tools to make the process as enjoyable and painless as possible.

Q: Can I schedule a standing appointment for my pet?

A: YES!!! This is also highly recommended.  At a minimum you should set up your next appointment at the end of your current appointment.  However, you can also set up grooming appointments at every 4-6 weeks (this is what is typically suggested), less or more.  With the busy schedule we have there is typically a week to two week wait, having a regular schedule will insure that your pet will be groomed when they should be and there will be no phone or email "tag".  We send out email reminders as a courtesy prior to your scheduled appointment, however, don't forget to mark your calendar as you are ultimately responsible for your appointment time.  


Q: It's the last minute, my grooming appointment is tomorrow and I want to go to the beach, is it ok to cancel my appointment?
 
A: NO!  You have to remember that we set that time aside for you and your pet.  Please be considerate of our time and realize that we need advanced notice to reschedule missed/cancelled or rescheduled appointments.  This is also why we have a 48 business hour cancellation policy-see the Services Page for details.  If you repeatedly cancel/reschedule/miss appointments we will stop reserving appointments for you and you will have to go elsewhere, unless you want to keep paying the cancellation fees, which is the starting rate for each pet scheduled.