FAQ
what is the price of pet grooming?
This is a broad question we are often asked when someone is inquiring about our grooming services. Because there are so many different breeds, temperaments, and case-by-case situations to consider, there is not one "price fits all" when it comes to pet grooming.
To help you get an idea of what is all entailed, grooming prices are based on the following categories:
• Breed
• Weight
• Temperament
• Coat condition
• Special requests
You are more than welcome to request a quote to in order to receive a better idea of what price range to expect.
Can I stay with my pet during the groom?
Our number one shop policy is pet safety. After many years of sampling different situations, it has been determined that the best and most effective way to ensure pet safety is for zero distractions. Because your dog loves you and also has a awesome sense of smell and hearing, knowing you are nearby tends to cause anxiety and unnecessary stress on the pet. Therefore, no we do not allow owners to stay during the groom process because wiggly, excited dogs and sharp instruments do not mix well! We trust that you understand this and promise to always give your pet the utmost attention and care.
How long does grooming take?
The typical stay at the shop is 2-3 hours for small to medium sized dogs and 3-4 hours for large dogs with heavier under coats. You will be given an approximate time frame to expect the day of your appointment. We do our best to get your dog groomed and back to you in a timely manner. With that being said, in order to properly accommodate all clients and to minimize distractions, it is expected for you to pick up your pet shortly after you are called and notified they are ready, unless prior arrangements were made at the time you originally scheduled the appointment. When you drop your pet off, you will be given an idea of what time to pick up.
How often should my dog be groomed?
In order to maintain a proper and manageable coat, it is recommended that you have your dog groomed every 4-6 weeks. This is true for non-shedding breeds such as Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons, Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Goldendoodles, ect. The coat on these breeds can easily become painfully matted if not properly maintained. Breeds that have short coats can usually wait 8-12 weeks between grooming appointments, as long as they are brushed thoroughly at home.
If it has been too long in between appointments (let's face it, time flys!) your pet may have to have a shorter haircut if he/she is matted. We believe strongly in "humanity over vanity" and will not put a dog through torture in by dematting them*. A couple knots here and there is not typically a big deal and we will do our best to save as much as the coat as possible. You can rest assured that your pet will never be shaved without contacting you first and obtaining approval.
*Please see Excessive Matting policy below
Policies
Appointment Guidelines
In order to provide you with the best service possible and your pet a relaxing spa experience, A Bark Above is open by and for appointments only; we do not accept walk-ins. If you notice a sign on the door stating "closed in between appointments" it is because we are busy pampering pooches and are limiting possible distractions. If you happen to stop by in between listed "open during appointments only" hours and we are closed, it is because all appointments are finished for the day. Please do not hesitate to call and leave a message and we will return your message within 1 business day.
Please do not arrive more than 10-15 minutes before or after your scheduled appointment time. Doing so interrupts other appointments for the day and typically causes unnecessary chaos. It is expected that you simply show up at the time you were given when the appointment was made.
Cancellations / No Shows
In regards to the information above, if you are more than 10-15 minutes late to your appointment and/or do not show up without calling beforehand, you will need to reschedule your appointment to the next available day, which may be anywhere between 1-2 weeks. Please understand that when you forget or cancel your appointment without giving notice, we are unable to say "yes" to another client waiting for the opportunity to receive our services. Since the services are reserved for you personally, a cancellation fee of $25 per pet will apply. This fee must be paid before your next appointment is made. Thank you for your understanding on this matter!
Flea / Tick Infestations
We have zero tolerance for flea and tick infestations. If you know your pet has fleas, please discuss with your vet the proper measures for getting the situation under control. This typically consists of monthly flea/tick prevention. In severe cases, you may need to give your pet a Capstar flea pill as well as a monthly flea and tick pill. While flea collars have more attractive pricing, pets with thick coats do not tend to receive the same prevention level as dogs with short coats do that wear the collars. If your current monthly treatment is not working, you may need to discuss with your vet a better option for your pet. If your pet is on monthly prevention and still has fleas, you may need to look into other outside sources where fleas can come from: old wood floors, carpet, other family pets, outside pets that are not on prevention, play yards, ect.
Please keep in mind that flea and tick treatment advertised from Walmart, Dollar General, Tractor Supply, ect is not the same as the treatment offered from your vet, and in a lot of cases have the potential of being very dangerous to your pet.
Because we want to protect all A Bark Above clients from potential flea and tick bite irritation, we do not accept pets covered in these parasites. If you schedule an appointment and know or suspect your pet(s) have fleas and/or ticks, please let us know so we can schedule a time for after you have already treated your pet.
excessive matting
We do not recommend excessive dematting as it is extremely painful for the animal and most times it is more beneficial to shave the animal shorter and begin the grow out process again. We reserve the right to refuse to dematt any animal if the matting is severe and we will not dematt an animal for longer than we see fit due to pet's temperament and tolerance level.
In the case of severe matting, an additional charge will apply for any extra time needed to shave matted hair safely. This type of severe matt removal is very dangerous and painful for the dog and will sometimes uncover hidden injuries from the matts pulling at the skin, in which we are not liable for. We will not tolerate repeated neglect of dogs and we reserve the right to refuse service to any individuals that continuously allow their animals to become dangerously matted. Please keep in mind that we are here to support our clients and their dogs in proper skin and coat maintenance and are happy to help you find the perfect schedule to keep your dog comfortable and healthy while also providing a high quality groom you can be proud of.