Frequently Asked Questions
What is home pet grooming?
Instead of getting your pet to the groomer, I come to your house and groom your pet in its own, familiar environment. I do not have a grooming trailer or van, but all the equipment necessary to give your pet a full groom. All I need is a small place to set up my table or work on the animal, and access to an electrical outlet. This way the animal never has to leave its familiar surroundings, particularly senior pets and nervous dogs enjoy a groom in a relaxed way.
Our busy lifestyle puts a lot of stress on us - getting your pet groomed should not be a reason. Regularly groomed animals are generally happier and healthier, and you, as a pet parent, will enjoy the benefits as well.
Why does my pet need regular grooming?
I am often asked if it is necessary bathe and groom the dog regularly, and I always answer with a question: "Why do you shower or bathe daily? Why do you wash your hair daily?" Because you like to feel clean and want to keep your skin and hair healthy. We like the fresh and clean feeling, it even energizes us. The same is true for dogs and cats. They frequent places we wouldn't dare going, like the neighbor's field, where he just sprayed manure..My Golden Retriever is very fond of that, and he sure finds every dead fish to roll in when we go down to the lake. Do you want to hug and cuddle with your furry friend after this? A well groomed pet just feels better, is more confident and happier, and so much easier to love and pet.
But even more important then the physical appearance and frame of mind is the health aspect of regular grooming. Their skin and coat is exposed to a constant assault of germs, bacteria, toxins, dirt, dust etc., providing a breeding ground for harmful organisms. By regularly grooming I can prevent a lot of skin and coat issues, such as itchy and flaky skin, shedding and hair loss, dull coats, odors, parasites, to name a few. You are not only taking care of your pet's health, but also protect your and your family's health and well being. If you have young children, they are at a greater risk to attract internal or external diseases.
As part of a regular groom we trim nails (if the animal tolerates it) and clip hair around and under their paws. Overgrown nails make it very uncomfortable, even painful for your pet to walk, and can cause serious heath problems. Excessive hair between the pads of their feet attracts dirt and bacteria.
Long haired breeds need their sanitary areas regularly cleaned and/or clipped short to prevent urine and feces to collect. Brushing and combing of the coat removes dead hair and prevents the build-up of mats and tangles as well as shedding of dead hair. Grooming is essential for your pets' health, spirit, and well being.
Why do I need a professional groomer?
Professional groomers are trained and educated, and they have invested years in developing their skills. Many have worked as veterinary technicians/assistants and are familiar with animal anatomy and physiology. We are often the middleman or -woman between you and your veterinarian. While your vet sees the animal usually only once or twice a year, we see it 5-10 times or more per year. We are not healers nor practice medicine, but by using proper techniques and products we are a vital part in your pets health.
Can I groom my pet myself?
Sure you can. Just keep in mind that many pets are rushed to the vet because a well meaning pet owner accidentally cut off part of an ear or skin. Improper use of tools such as brushes and dog rakes can not only harm the skin, but also the coat, and can cause problems down the road. A regular, professional groom is actually cheaper than the emergency vet bill or expensive medication. And let's not forget the mess...
How often should my pet be groomed?
Ideally every 3-4 weeks for medium and long coated breeds, 4-6 weeks for short haired breeds. Some owners have their animal groomed weekly..
How long does a grooming session last?
It depends. Usually between 1 and 2 hours, per pet
Do I need to be present?
No. Many established clients leave their key under the floor mat (or other secret places) and enjoy their clean pet upon their return. Or they go about their business while I conduct mine.
I am working all day and/or weekends. Do you offer after hour appointments?
Absolutely. Early morning or evening, weekends, even some holidays, are possible.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, unless there is an opening. I try to get you on a regular schedule, so you don't have to worry about future reservations. I will call you or send you a text message/e-mail prior to the appointment to confirm.
I have a special needs pet. Is that a problem?
No. Some animals need a little more attention or time, and that is fine with me. I will take your pets medical history into account. If I feel during any point of the session that your pet is in pain, extremely uncomfortable, or aggressive, I will stop and finish at a later time. There will be no discounts or reduced charges for aborted sessions. Your pets' well being is my prime concern.
Do my pets have to be vaccinated?
Yes. I need proof of rabies vaccination.
Do you express anal glands?
I prefer not to. If you feel there is a problem with your pets' anal glands, you need to see your vet.
Do you groom cats?
Yes..Please be aware that some cats are in need of a complete shave down, a.k.a. "Lion Cut". If the coat is so severely matted, that it forms a pelt, and the cat is no longer able to groom herself. This is extremely uncomfortable and dirty. As always, I will discuss all options with you.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, I accept all major credit cards, as well as cash, checks, or money orders. Returned checks will incur a $50 return fee.
How can I schedule and appointment?
By calling or texting me at (802) 333-4321 or e-mailing me. If I don't answer the phone, please leave a message and I will return your call asap. E-mail will be answered usually within a few hours, no later than the next business day.
What other services do you offer?
If the removal of ticks grosses you out, I will take care of that. If your dog made friends with a skunk, I can restore order. I am happy to brush your dogs teeth, but that makes only sense if you are on a regular schedule, preferably weekly.
What area are you servicing?
I am available for all towns in the Upper Valley Area of Vermont and New Hampshire, including the counties of Orange, Washington, Caledonia, and Windsor in Vermont, and Grafton County in New Hampshire. I do venture beyond these counties to serve clients in VT and NH, so please feel free to contact me, even if outside the Upper Valley
What is home pet grooming?
Instead of getting your pet to the groomer, I come to your house and groom your pet in its own, familiar environment. I do not have a grooming trailer or van, but all the equipment necessary to give your pet a full groom. All I need is a small place to set up my table or work on the animal, and access to an electrical outlet. This way the animal never has to leave its familiar surroundings, particularly senior pets and nervous dogs enjoy a groom in a relaxed way.
Our busy lifestyle puts a lot of stress on us - getting your pet groomed should not be a reason. Regularly groomed animals are generally happier and healthier, and you, as a pet parent, will enjoy the benefits as well.
Why does my pet need regular grooming?
I am often asked if it is necessary bathe and groom the dog regularly, and I always answer with a question: "Why do you shower or bathe daily? Why do you wash your hair daily?" Because you like to feel clean and want to keep your skin and hair healthy. We like the fresh and clean feeling, it even energizes us. The same is true for dogs and cats. They frequent places we wouldn't dare going, like the neighbor's field, where he just sprayed manure..My Golden Retriever is very fond of that, and he sure finds every dead fish to roll in when we go down to the lake. Do you want to hug and cuddle with your furry friend after this? A well groomed pet just feels better, is more confident and happier, and so much easier to love and pet.
But even more important then the physical appearance and frame of mind is the health aspect of regular grooming. Their skin and coat is exposed to a constant assault of germs, bacteria, toxins, dirt, dust etc., providing a breeding ground for harmful organisms. By regularly grooming I can prevent a lot of skin and coat issues, such as itchy and flaky skin, shedding and hair loss, dull coats, odors, parasites, to name a few. You are not only taking care of your pet's health, but also protect your and your family's health and well being. If you have young children, they are at a greater risk to attract internal or external diseases.
As part of a regular groom we trim nails (if the animal tolerates it) and clip hair around and under their paws. Overgrown nails make it very uncomfortable, even painful for your pet to walk, and can cause serious heath problems. Excessive hair between the pads of their feet attracts dirt and bacteria.
Long haired breeds need their sanitary areas regularly cleaned and/or clipped short to prevent urine and feces to collect. Brushing and combing of the coat removes dead hair and prevents the build-up of mats and tangles as well as shedding of dead hair. Grooming is essential for your pets' health, spirit, and well being.
Why do I need a professional groomer?
Professional groomers are trained and educated, and they have invested years in developing their skills. Many have worked as veterinary technicians/assistants and are familiar with animal anatomy and physiology. We are often the middleman or -woman between you and your veterinarian. While your vet sees the animal usually only once or twice a year, we see it 5-10 times or more per year. We are not healers nor practice medicine, but by using proper techniques and products we are a vital part in your pets health.
Can I groom my pet myself?
Sure you can. Just keep in mind that many pets are rushed to the vet because a well meaning pet owner accidentally cut off part of an ear or skin. Improper use of tools such as brushes and dog rakes can not only harm the skin, but also the coat, and can cause problems down the road. A regular, professional groom is actually cheaper than the emergency vet bill or expensive medication. And let's not forget the mess...
How often should my pet be groomed?
Ideally every 3-4 weeks for medium and long coated breeds, 4-6 weeks for short haired breeds. Some owners have their animal groomed weekly..
How long does a grooming session last?
It depends. Usually between 1 and 2 hours, per pet
Do I need to be present?
No. Many established clients leave their key under the floor mat (or other secret places) and enjoy their clean pet upon their return. Or they go about their business while I conduct mine.
I am working all day and/or weekends. Do you offer after hour appointments?
Absolutely. Early morning or evening, weekends, even some holidays, are possible.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, unless there is an opening. I try to get you on a regular schedule, so you don't have to worry about future reservations. I will call you or send you a text message/e-mail prior to the appointment to confirm.
I have a special needs pet. Is that a problem?
No. Some animals need a little more attention or time, and that is fine with me. I will take your pets medical history into account. If I feel during any point of the session that your pet is in pain, extremely uncomfortable, or aggressive, I will stop and finish at a later time. There will be no discounts or reduced charges for aborted sessions. Your pets' well being is my prime concern.
Do my pets have to be vaccinated?
Yes. I need proof of rabies vaccination.
Do you express anal glands?
I prefer not to. If you feel there is a problem with your pets' anal glands, you need to see your vet.
Do you groom cats?
Yes..Please be aware that some cats are in need of a complete shave down, a.k.a. "Lion Cut". If the coat is so severely matted, that it forms a pelt, and the cat is no longer able to groom herself. This is extremely uncomfortable and dirty. As always, I will discuss all options with you.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, I accept all major credit cards, as well as cash, checks, or money orders. Returned checks will incur a $50 return fee.
How can I schedule and appointment?
By calling or texting me at (802) 333-4321 or e-mailing me. If I don't answer the phone, please leave a message and I will return your call asap. E-mail will be answered usually within a few hours, no later than the next business day.
What other services do you offer?
If the removal of ticks grosses you out, I will take care of that. If your dog made friends with a skunk, I can restore order. I am happy to brush your dogs teeth, but that makes only sense if you are on a regular schedule, preferably weekly.
What area are you servicing?
I am available for all towns in the Upper Valley Area of Vermont and New Hampshire, including the counties of Orange, Washington, Caledonia, and Windsor in Vermont, and Grafton County in New Hampshire. I do venture beyond these counties to serve clients in VT and NH, so please feel free to contact me, even if outside the Upper Valley