A few fequently asked questions answered!

How long will my appointment take?

This depends on a number of factors including the type of service, the coat condition and behaviour of the dog, and the groomers themselves. We always try to give you the best possible estimate at the time of check in.

We take into account the dog’s age; for example, a senior dog might need a few more breaks than normal, or puppies may need breaks because they are overstimulated. If any dog is anxious, we slow things way down and go at the pace of his or her needs.

The haircut also plays a factor. If you are getting your dog hand-scissored, it requires a lot more prep and skilled work. If your dog is matted and/or pelted, this too requires significantly more time so that the job is done carefully and safely. If your double-coated breed has an impacted coat, a large chunk of time is needed to properly sort through it humanely.

Each groomer also grooms at his or her own pace. We do not rush ourselves as we take pride in providing a positive experience for your pet. We will always give you a 15-20 minute (shorter or longer if required) ‘heads up’ before Fluffy is ready.

How much will the groom cost?

All of our prices are listed on our Services & Prices page. Prices vary by the type of service, coat condition and type of haircut. Our prices are categorized by weight of the dog and length of hair/type of coat. Additional fees are added for de-matting, coat pelts, impacted coats and severe behaviour. The best way to get an exact quote is to book a free consult so we can meet your dog face to face!

How often should I get my dog groomed?

This depends on breed, home maintenance and the length of clip from the last time groomed.

Shedding breeds like huskies, shepherds and labs really only need to be professionally groomed 4 times a year at every season change, unless you'd like a clean dog more often!

Double coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Samoyeds should be regularly groomed every 8 or 10 or 12 weeks to help with the accumulation of undercoat and to prevent impaction.

Frequency varies more dramatically with haircut breeds like Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, or Shih Tzus. A good rule of thumb is the longer the haircut, the more often they should get groomed:

- Kept short (less than 3/8") every 6-8 weeks

- Kept semi fluffy ( 1/2"-1") every 4-6 weeks

- Kept long (1" and over) every 4 weeks at minimum.

Finding a balance between home maintenance and professional grooming is a learning curve for you and your dog's needs.

Why does my dog's haircut cost this much ?

Good question! We get asked this a lot and there is not a simple answer. Grooming is a skilled trade, and good groomers are a special breed! We have invested years on education, hands-on training/clinics, and are always updating our techniques. Our skills are shown not only through the results of the grooming, but also by how your dog feels physically and emotionally after each visit.

We have knowledge of the many breeds of dog, coat types, hairstyles, canine behaviour, anatomy and health-related issues.

-Each dog gets a bath and blow dry. We use premium shampoo, conditioner, de-matting spray, coat conditioning sprays and texturizers to make Fluffy look and smell the very best.

-Haircuts are usually the entire body from nose to tail and everything in between.

-‘Sanitary’ areas are sensitively dealt with.

-Nails are cut and ear cleaning is included.

-Sometimes we even brush their teeth!

We do all this for clients who do not sit still or speak our language. We get pooped on, peed on, puked on, scratched and bit, all as part of our job.

We value our work, time and education and we hope you do, too!

Should I tip my groomer?

Tips are never expected but always appreciated. We are a service industry and the best compliment you can give if you loved the groom and service is a tip! It’s like a hug without the awkwardness. We also love coffee, treats, flowers - tips come in all shapes and sizes and we welcome and love it all!

Are you going to "Poodle my Doodle"?

Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, Shepdoodles, Sheepdoodles, Aussiedoodles, Multigenerational Doodles or F1 Doodles, all kinds of "oodles" can have any type of haircut you want them to have. There is no right or wrong way to groom a doodle. It comes down to personal preference and what works best for maintenance.

All of these dogs have poodle bred into them, some more than others. The fact is there is poodle DNA in all of them. No matter what kind of haircut you choose, some dogs will always look somewhat like a poodle. Our recommendation is to embrace your unique mix of breeds and find the perfect haircut that works best for Fluffy and you!

Do you express anal glands?

No, we do not. We highly recommend having your vet/vet tech do this. Our insurance does not cover it.

Why is my double coated breed still shedding after they have been groomed?

Your shedding dog will always shed no matter what. Grooming can alleviate the heaviness of it, but it will never totally get rid of it. It would be unhealthy for your double coated breed to never shed. After a professional groom, we have essentially "woken" up all the coat and it takes a couple of days for it to taper off. You will see a decrease but not a total stop.

When should I bring my puppy for their first groom?

We recommend a first visit between 4-5 months old for an introduction to the basics. We want them to feel safe and secure and to learn that nothing will be scary. We do a bath, blow dry, and brush out; we trim the eyes, feet and sanitary area and clean nails and ears. It gives them a chance to experience all the sights, smells and sounds of a salon.

Grooming can be overstimulating and we want to start them off on the right track. Most dogs will have grooming be a regular part of their life, we are here to ensure it’s a positive experience!