Dog grooming questions

DOG GROOMING FAQS

We are here to put you mind at ease.  If you’re a new client to pooch Dog Spa you may have a few questions about how the grooming process works.  We invite you to take a few moments to browse through our frequently asked questions below. Should you not find the answer to a specific question please feel free to contact us.

Q. When should my puppy come in for its first groom?

A. It’s important to have your puppy groomed as soon as possible so they can get used to and learn to love the grooming experience.  We recommend they come in two week after their last set of vaccinations. We will not clip your puppy on their first visit to the Spa as the evolution from a puppy to an adult coat is dependant on breed and a grooming regime will be suggested to suit your puppy.  During their first visit your puppy will be introduced in a relaxed and fun way to the sights, sounds and smells of the grooming salon ensuring that future visits are stress free.

Q. How long does it take to groom my pet?

A. Approximate times for each treatment are listed on our Services page.  The time taken will depend on the condition and length of your pooch’s hair.   We will contact you prior to the end of the treatment to advise what time you should pick up your pooch.

Q. How much does it cost for my pet to be groomed?

A. Pricing is based on breed, hair length, the condition of your pooch’s, skin, its temperament, age, and grooming history.  We will give an exact cost at your pre-treatment consultation.  However please use the prices listed on our Services page as guide pricing.

Q. Will my dog be in put in a crate?

A. No they won’t as we do not use crates in our Spa.  Instead each canine client is assigned an individual waiting suites where they can chill out on a super comfy bed while listening to soothing spa music and benefiting from essential oil therapy while their therapist prepares their treatment.

Q. Do you use drying cages?

A. We have a strict no drying cages policy.  All pooch’s are finished by hand by our experienced stylists.  We choose this for the safety and well-being of our canine clients, and while this increases the treatment time we refuse to compromise by operating equipment and practices used by other groomers.

Q. What if I cannot pick my dog up from the Spa after its grooming treatment?

A. We offer a chargeable creche service and pick up and drop off service so if you are unable to collect your pooch after their treatment we can creche them or drop your pet off to your home address at a time that is convenient for you to receive them.  Please note drop off time must be within our hours of operation, we can collect your dog early morning for arrival to the Spa after 08:30.

Q. Can I stay and watch while you groom my pet?

A. As your pooch loves you very much they will wiggle and move around trying to get close to you which is not safe while we are grooming.  It is best to drop off your pooch at their scheduled appointment time, and then come back when the treatment is finished. We are very happy to show our customers around the Spa so they can see where their pooch will have their treatment.  Also please feel free to give us a call any time during the treatment to find out how your pooch is doing.

Q. Do I need to bring anything with my pooch for their treatment?

A. Before your pet comes to the Spa we strongly recommend they have a chance to relieve themselves. They may want to have a meal beforehand, but keep in mind if your pet is nervous, they might do better with an empty stomach.  Customers new to the Spa need to complete a New Client Registration form which enables us to provide an individualised treatment and care program for your pooch when they visit us.  You can complete and submit your form here or download, print and bring to the Spa with you when you bring your pooch in for their first treatment. Feel free to bring along any special blankets, toys, or treats that you know your pooch loves. Also, it you have a preference please feel free to bring a photo of the type of haircut you would like.

Q. How often should my pet be groomed?

A. The length and type of your pet’s coat will determine how often your pet needs to be groomed.  Check out our grooming schedule here for details on your pets specific needs.

Q. How often does my dog need a nail trimming and do I need an appointment?

A. Your pooch’s nails should be trimmed monthly. You do not need a pre-booked appointment, but we do recommend you call on the day before you come to reduce your wait time. Why not treat your pooch and book them in for a Deluxe Pawdicure if they are visiting?

Q. My dog is old, can it be groomed?

A. All dogs regardless of age benefit from being groomed.  However aged, disabled, and ill pets required specialist treatment during the grooming process.  We have a special place in our hearts at pooch Dog Spa for our aged canine companions and our staff have been trained on the individual considerations for special handling of these pooch’s.  We are experienced in working with deaf, blind, arthritic dogs, and those with diabetes.  If in any doubts please consult your vet who will help you to decide whether there would be any adverse risk in grooming your older dog.

Q. My dog can be aggressive when being groomed, can I bring it to the Spa?

A. Keeping a dog calm during the grooming process is just one of the requirements of a groomer.  We understand that some dogs make have had a bad experience of grooming and now do not want or enjoy being groomed.  This is one of the areas we specialise in, as through patience, massage techniques, aromatherapy, the right equipment, and time we are confident we can make the grooming experience enjoyable for all dogs.  For those that are particularly traumatised we recommend a grooming program consisting of a series of shorter treatments where bath and drying is undertaken at one session, nail clipping and ear cleaning at another, hair clipping at another and so on.  These should be spaced a regular intervals of 1 week to aid the training process.  One of our therapists would be happy to discuss a treatment plan with you if your pet requires this service.  For pooch’s who do not have to get over a previous bad experience but generally do not liked being groomed we will book these in under a standard treatment to determine their requirements.   It is very rare to find an ungroomable dog but if we come across any serious problems during a treatment we will discuss them with you so we can agree on a solution together.

Q. What if I am not happy with the service my dog receives?

A. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the treatment received, please advise within 2 business days so we can do our best to rectify it.  Pet parents satisfaction is important to us. We take great pride in our service and want pooch’s parents to as well.

Q. What type of payment do you accept?

A. We accept cash, Debit cards. MasterCard, and Visa. Please note there is a £1 surcharge when using a credit card, debit cards do not incur a fee.

If you have a question that is not covered by the FAQ please feel free to call us on 01252 216 100, email woof@poochdogspa.com or submit a question here.