How does an appointment work? Can I be late?

I only offer private grooming sessions, cage free.  After making an appointment, on time for arrival and pick up is important just like at the barber or hairstylist.  If you are late dropping off, please call to prevent an unnecessary trip here.  There is a high possibility that we will have to reschedule the appointment to prevent running into the next client’s appointments throughout the day.  This will include a $30 missed appointment fee per dog on your next visit if you decide to reschedule.  It’s a chain reaction for everyone which is a downside of private appointments.  Repeat tardies will be addressed and given limited options future appointments.

How long does it take?

Small non matted dogs usually take 1-1  1/2 hrs.  Thick or medium/large dogs take up to 2-2  1/2 hrs.  I block off time for your pet only.   I bathe, blow dry and do trims.  No assembly line grooming where multiple people handle your pet and or double booking.  I handle it all which is how I prefer so nothing is lost in translation.

How far in advance are you booked?

Typically 2-3 weeks prior.  I  have no interest in being booked months or years in advance which limits my joy of traveling.

What do I do near by while my pet is being groomed?

Specialties Cafe & Bakery 6am-6pm

Whole Foods Market and Cafe

Bakesale Betty 11-2pm except Mondays

Starbucks  (corner of Broadway & Grand)

Grocery Outlet on 29th & Broadway

Walk around Lake Merrit, approx. 3 miles

I’m a bit weary about my dog being groomed, can I stay and watch?

Due to insurance purposes, only staff members are allowed in designated areas at Pride and Pedigree.  Though very boring, you can sit in the lobby while we are working in a different room.  Most major grooming chains offer grooming where you can watch outside the glass window.  To insure your pet has a safe groom at that type of establishment, watch WITHOUT  being seen or HEARD by your pet.  This will ensure that your pet gets a safe groom and isn’t getting excited thinking its going home wiggling while the groomer is trying to put sharp scissors near sensitive areas or eyes.

Do you work weekends?

No.  The venue I contract out of is closed on weekends except for dogs being boarded.   There are a variety of dog salons that are available weekends, always call them in advance.

I have multiple pets, is this a problem?

Not a problem at all.  I will take appropriate time for multiple pets so that they can come in together and leave together.

I work, can I leave my dog with you while I’m at work?

All pets must be picked up immediately after grooming and/or agreed pick up time (usually 1 or 2 hrs).  There are many bay area groomers to chose from who will hold your pet for you for a number of hours free of charge.   Cage free grooming is a minority and not for everyone.  I only do private appointment cage free grooming.

Since you contract out of a daycare, can my pet join the daycare dogs to play until I pick up?

Definitely but only after making arrangements and passing an interview process  and temperament assessment with the staff at www.prideandpedigree.com.  They are reputable and in high demand so plan week(s) ahead for an interview.  Prices for daycare & boarding are on their website.  They also offer half days.

Why are you not taking new clients or non-daycare clients?

I never expected the volume of work to exceed my daily limitations and it has.  I want to remain focused and give every client/pet individual care they deserve.  Pride and Pedigree clients love the fact that I’m on site, which I will honor their grooming needs at the daycare including new daycare clients.

Are you certified in Canine CPR & First Aid?

Definitely.  Canine CPR certificates expire every two years.  My certificate is valid until November 2011. With advancements in canine care and understanding anatomy, up to date certificates are important with any canine profession.

My dog is scared of other dogs but I need him groomed?

I highly recommend mobile grooming.  This is where a groomer works out of a van on your property.   The high social environment of the Pride and Pedigree may be too much for a skittish type to bare.  I work with pets one on one without interactions of other dogs but the noise and barking of other dogs in the venue may be too much for some causing anxiety.  Something to consider.

My dog is matted and I don’t want him shaved?

You have options.  You can get multiple opinions from different groomers.  It can be painful and some groomers  will not put the pet in pain regardless of cost while others will charge regardless of how much your dog screams but will never tell to keep your business.  Go with your gut about the situation and remember its hair.

My dog is not used to being groomed, is this a problem?

Not at all as long as your dog doesn’t show aggression, grooming can become a part of their life.  Groomers only see dogs every few weeks or months which isn’t enough to make an impact until several months or years later.  The most important conditioning is done at home two times a week with combing legs, ears, near eyes, feet handling, etc.  It’s never too late to start.   Make it rewarding and pleasant so when you see the groomer its enjoyable for everyone and not an experience that is filled with fear and stress.  A dog who gets conditioned weekly is an expert by the time it sees the groomer including puppies.

What age requirement is needed to get my dog groomed?

Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate schedule for your pet, some vets ask to wait until all shots are completed others say after the second set.   Your vet knows what is good for your pet whether holistic or traditional. Think in these terms:

First vaccination at 6 to 10 weeks of age  —25% protection
Second vaccination at 10 to 12 weeks of age–50% protection
Third vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age–75% protection
Re-vaccination:–100% protection

Whatever they recommend, definitely start home grooming conditioning two times a week at home regardless of age.  This means more than visiting a groomer once before its 6 months old.

My dog doesn’t like certain things touched, how do you handle that?

I will safely try to get the groom accomplished without hurting the pet or myself.  I do not attempt unsafe tactics or unsafe handling with any pet.  Its against my beliefs.  I’ll recommend other options or other groomers if I can’t accomplish a service safely.

What type of shampoo and products do you use?  Are they natural?

I only use products that I would use for my own dog.  Nature’s Specialties is my primary choice in products,  not of the hype on a reality grooming show on Animal Planet.  I truly love the luster, shine and smell of the products and have for years. The Nature’s Specialties product line consists of completely biodegradable, nontoxic, alternative to pesticide, cruelty-free products.   My second choice is Earthbath from San Francisco which also is about pet safety with natural standards.

Will you let me know if my dog doesn’t do well for grooming?

Definitely.  As a dog owner myself, I expect to have an honest relationship with anyone who handles my own dog.  I  will definitely keep you aware about any issues or problems your dog may have with the process.  I have witness groomers previously in my career who will withhold information to keep you coming back.  For me, its about your pet’s well being first and foremost before money.

When will you take new clients again?  At 4oo clients, I am at my maximum.  I have no interest in hiring staff or exceeding my limits to keep my work quality and service consistent.

Where do I park?

In Pride and Pedigree designated parking slots in the lot next to our building.  There is also street metered parking available.

What forms of payment to you take?

Check or Cash only