Professional pet grooming is about more than just making your furry friend look fabulous; it’s about ensuring their overall health and well-being. Our dedicated team of skilled groomers is committed to providing a comprehensive grooming experience tailored to your pet’s unique needs. From personalized consultations and hands-on assessments to soothing baths and specialized treatments, every aspect of our grooming process is designed to keep your pet happy, healthy and stylish. Whether you’re a new client or a returning friend, we invite you to discover the many benefits of entrusting your pet’s grooming needs to our experienced professionals at their dog grooming appointment.
Benefits of Professional Pet Grooming
Professional pet grooming offers numerous benefits that go beyond just making your pet look good. Groomers possess expertise in breed-specific grooming techniques and can identify skin conditions that might be missed at home. They use the best professional dog grooming supplies and products that ensure optimal coat and skin health, while also managing anxious or aggressive pets safely. Additionally, grooming at home carries a higher risk of injury for both pets and owners, something professionals are trained to avoid. With access to top-quality equipment and services like deshedding treatments or skin detoxes, groomers provide comprehensive care that saves you time and money, ensuring your pet stays well-groomed year-round.
Read our “5 Reasons to Take Your Pet to a Professional Groomer” blog to learn more about the advantages of professional pet grooming.
Make an Appointment for your Pet
Booking a dog grooming appointment, whether at a salon or with mobile grooming, is quick and easy. You can either request an appointment online or call us by phone to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives. Our team is ready to assist you with scheduling and answer any questions you may have about our grooming services.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Grooming Appointment
- We recommend taking your dog for a walk before their grooming appointment to help them release energy and use the bathroom.
- If your dog takes anxiety medication, inform the groomer right away. Be sure to administer it at the right time so it lasts throughout the grooming session. It’s important to avoid situations where the dog regains full awareness mid-groom, as this can cause them to become startled, which is dangerous for both the dog and the groomer.
- Always bring your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier. Please don’t allow your pet to run in. We separate dogs and cats in the salon, and this is harder to maintain if pets aren’t properly restrained upon arrival.
- Arrive on time for your pet’s grooming appointment. Each appointment is scheduled with specific time slots to ensure your groomer can give their full attention to each pet. Arriving late can result in rushed services for your pet and others, which is why we enforce a late fee.
How to Cancel a Dog Grooming Appointment
To cancel your appointment, Smoochie Pooch requires at least 24 hours’ notice. Failure to cancel within this timeframe will result in a charge for the full appointment. If an appointment is made within 24 hours, you have one hour to cancel to avoid charges. This cancelation policy is strictly enforced to ensure our groomers, who work on commission, are fairly compensated.
What to Expect During your Pet’s Grooming Session
Consultation & Hands-on Assessment of Your Pet
Our skilled pet stylist will thoroughly assess your pet’s overall health, as well as the condition of their skin and coat, during a personalized consultation. Based on this evaluation, they’ll provide tailored recommendations to address your pet’s specific needs, which may include specialized services like customized skin care treatments. We encourage open communication during this time—feel free to ask questions or share any concerns you have regarding your pet’s health, hygiene or grooming preferences. This ensures we create the best possible grooming experience for your pet.
Pet Bathing, Massage and Additional Services (if Requested)
During the pet bathing stage, your pet’s grooming experience begins with a soothing bath and massage designed to pamper and relax them. This is the perfect opportunity for our pet groomers to bond with your pet while using premium, nourishing products tailored specifically to their coat and skin needs. Along with the bath, additional services like tooth brushing, anal gland expression, blueberry facial, exfoliating skin & coat detox, creative grooming, monthly specials and deshedding treatments can be performed during this stage.
The Drying Process
The drying process is often the longest part of grooming. While some pets are fully accustomed to the experience, others may need a little extra care and attention. To accommodate every pet’s needs, we use dryers with variable settings, allowing us to adjust the noise level and air intensity for pets who may be anxious or unfamiliar with grooming. Our focus is always on keeping your pet comfortable and stress-free.
Brushing, Nail Trimming and Ear Care
Following the bath and drying, every pet receives a thorough brush-out tailored to their specific coat type. The time required for this can vary depending on the condition and thickness of the coat. In addition to brushing, all dogs will get a nail trim and nail filing. Filing dog nails with a Dremel offers a natural way to smooth the nails, minimizing the risk of cracking or splitting. Your pet’s ears are also cleaned during this stage, and we can pluck or shave the ear hair upon request to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Pet Haircuts
Dogs and cats can receive a variety of haircuts based on their breed, coat type and the owner’s preferences. A basic haircut typically involves light trimming around the face, feet and sanitary areas. For pets requiring more detailed styling, the groomer will discuss your desired look during the consultation and hands-on assessment. Click here for an overview of some of the most popular haircuts that many pet owners request.
Finishing Touches to End the Groom with Style
After the grooming session, pets are freshened up with a light spritz of cologne and may go home wearing a cute bow or bandana. If you prefer your pet to skip the cologne, just let us know. Select locations also offer extra services, such as color treatments and nail polish, so be sure to check availability with your local groomers.
Picking Up your Pet From the Pet Grooming Salon
At drop-off, the groomer will inform you of the expected pick-up time for your pet. If additional time is needed, you will receive a phone call to discuss an extension. It’s important to pick up your pet from the grooming salon promptly once their session is complete. This helps minimize any stress, as most pets are ready to head home as soon as their grooming is finished. Please note that Smoochie Pooch does not offer overnight boarding, and our groomers leave at the end of the workday.
Payment is required at the time of pick-up, during which the groomer will discuss how the grooming session went with you. This is also a great opportunity to schedule your pet’s next appointment, helping to ensure they maintain a consistent grooming routine.
Best Pet Grooming Near Me
Choosing Smoochie Pooch for your dog’s grooming appointment needs not only enhances their appearance but also promotes their health and happiness. Our expert groomers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide top-notch care, ensuring your pet enjoys a stress-free grooming experience. By keeping open lines of communication, we can address any concerns and work together to create a consistent grooming routine that fits your pet’s lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming you and your pet to our salon, where pampering and professional care go hand in paw.
