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Please take a few minutes to read through our most frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us via text 813-951-2939
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
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- 05For regular grooming, we ONLY accept dogs that weigh up to 20 pounds. Please check our spa packages (https://www.mydarlinggroomer.com/services)for more details. For creative grooming, we can groom dogs of any size, as long as they are well-behaved and kept on a regular grooming schedule of every 4-8 weeks.
- 06Yes, we welcome difficult dogs at our salon. However, it's important for pet owners to understand that a difficult dog might go home unfinished if they become stressed during grooming. We prioritize the well-being of all pets and employ a force-free approach, taking extra time and care with difficult dogs. To help your dog become more comfortable with the grooming process, we recommend more frequent visits to the salon. These visits might not always involve a full haircut; we can alternate between a bath and tidy-up, a full haircut, or even just a nail trim. This approach ensures a gradual desensitization and helps your pet adjust at a comfortable pace. Remember, it's a process that doesn't happen overnight, but with patience and consistent care, we can achieve great results.
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- 08Puppies should have completed their 3 series of shots, typically by 16 weeks old, before their first grooming visit. Please note that we do not provide a full haircut during a puppy's first visit. Starting your puppy on a grooming schedule early and maintaining it every 4-8 weeks ensures they stay comfortable and well-groomed. This routine is vital for their overall well-being and helps them develop a positive association with the grooming process. We do not provide a full haircut during a puppy's first visit, so regular brushing at home is essential to prevent matting. During your puppy's initial grooming session, we focus on getting them accustomed to the grooming process rather than giving them a full haircut. To ensure their coat stays healthy and mat-free, please make brushing a regular part of your at-home care routine. Check our services page.(https://www.mydarlinggroomer.com/services)
- 09We will only accept a dog with matting for their first visit. The cost for grooming a matted dog depends on the severity of the matting and the dog's temperament. After we remove all mats, your dog must be placed on a regular grooming schedule every You can choose from our Spaw Packages: #1 The Works or #2 The Roadrunner. (https://www.mydarlinggroomer.com/services) Please note, if the grooming schedule exceeds 4-8 weeks, we reserve the right to decline service.
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- 11No, we do not accept walk-ins. We operate strictly by appointment to ensure each dog receives a personalized, spa-like experience. By working on a one-on-one basis, we can dedicate the necessary time and attention to each dog, ensuring they are not rushed and receive the best care. This approach allows us to serve the community more effectively and provide a higher quality grooming experience for every dog.
- 12No, please do not bring your female dog to the salon if she is in heat. If a female dog in heat is brought in and is bleeding, an additional $120.00 sanitation fee will apply. This is why: 1. Messiness: Female dogs in heat can bleed, which can create a mess that requires extra cleaning and sanitation. 2. Scent: The scent of a female dog in heat is very strong and can be distracting and stressful for other dogs in the salon. 3. Behavioral Disruptions: The presence of a female dog in heat can cause male dogs to become agitated and behave differently, which can disrupt the grooming process and overall salon atmosphere. 4. By keeping female dogs in heat at home, you help maintain a cleaner, calmer, and more pleasant environment for all the dogs in the salon. Please ensure your female dog is not in heat before scheduling an appointment.
- 13Yes, we do groom senior dogs, but it's important for owners to understand that the focus will be on comfort rather than a perfect haircut. Due to their age and potential health issues, such as arthritis or other diseases, we prioritize their well-being over aesthetics. Our goal is to keep them comfortable, minimizing the time they need to stand or be in potentially uncomfortable positions. This approach ensures that grooming is a positive experience for your senior dog, prioritizing their health and comfort above all else.
- 14Tips are appreciated but never obligatory. Your generosity shows us how much you value our work. We often use tips to purchase colognes, accessories like bandanas and bows for your pets, and yes, occasionally to treat ourselves to Starbucks and a blueberry scone. Thank you for your support and thoughtfulness!
- 15Yes, according to Florida state regulations, all pets must be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Puppies need to have their core vaccinations completed before their first grooming appointment. Please follow your vet's advice on this matter. It is your responsibility to protect your furry friend from viruses and preventable diseases. Ensuring they are vaccinated is a key part of their health and safety.
- 16We recommend keeping your dog on a regular grooming schedule of every 4-8 weeks to ensure their coat remains healthy and mat-free. High-maintenance breeds and dogs that require haircuts should come in more often to prevent matting and tangles, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for your dog. Regular grooming is essential for your dog's overall well-being. Frequent visits help maintain their coat, skin, and nails in optimal condition. Additionally, regular grooming helps your dog become more comfortable with the process, reducing stress and anxiety over time. Brushing at home between appointments is also crucial, especially if you prefer to keep your dog's coat longer. This helps prevent tangles and mats, making the grooming process smoother and more enjoyable for your dog. For more details on our services and to choose the best option for your dog, please check our service page for our Spaw Packages. (https://www.mydarlinggroomer.com/services)
- 17Due to insurance liability, aggressive dogs must be assessed before we can accept them for grooming. The decision will depend on the level of aggression. While I have extensive experience in handling difficult dogs, it is crucial to understand the cause of their aggression. If your dog has previously needed anesthesia for grooming or has bitten, it is best to continue having them groomed by a vet. Our priority is the well-being and safety of both your dog and us. However, if your dog is aggressive only towards certain grooming tools and does not pose a significant threat to the groomer, we can work on a desensitization plan. This process will not be quick and will require several salon visits to help your dog become more comfortable with grooming. Please understand that this approach takes time and patience.
- 18We operate on a one-on-one basis, ensuring each dog receives personalized attention without the use of cages. However, if you are running a few minutes late for pick-up, for your dog's safety, we will place on a cage with comfortable bedding and water. Rest assured, your dog will never be left alone and will have access to water and regular pee breaks. If you do not pick up your dog within 30 minutes of receiving our text notification that your dog is ready, a daycare fee (of 3o dollars) will be charged. Additionally, if your dog soils themselves or makes a mess while waiting, we will need to re-bathe them, and an additional charge will apply. This policy is in place to encourage timely pick-ups, as we work strictly by appointment to provide the best possible care for each dog. We understand that delays can happen, but prompt pick-up is crucial to maintain our schedule.
- 19We ask all clients to pick up their dogs within 30 minutes of their grooming session being completed, especially if your dog suffers from separation anxiety. However, we understand that some owners work full-time and may need additional care for their dogs. We do offer daycare services, but these arrangements need to be made in advance to ensure we have space available. Please contact us ahead of time to discuss availability and make the necessary arrangements.
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- 21No, we do not use cage dryers. We use a fluff dryer, which you can see when you bring your furbaby. Our priority is your dog's safety and well-being. Unfortunately, there have been incidents at some big chain stores where dogs have died from the use of cage dryers. For this reason, we refuse to use them. Every dog is hand-dried with a stand-up dryer to ensure they receive the best care.
- 22Not all dogs are suited for creative grooming. Before we proceed, your dog will need to be groomed first so we can assess their temperament. This process is called Hands-On Pet Assessment (H.O.P.A), and it's a crucial step in determining if creative grooming is right for your dog. If your dog misbehaves or does not enjoy the grooming process, they may not be a candidate for creative grooming. Additionally, dogs that undergo creative grooming will need to stay on a regular grooming schedule to maintain their unique look. Please check our Creative Grooming page (https://www.mydarlinggroomer.com/creativegrooming)for more information.
- 23No, we do not guarantee this service. We only offer it on special occasions and if we have extra time available. Additionally, some dogs may be camera-shy or uncomfortable, making it difficult to capture the perfect moment. While we try our best to accommodate, we can't promise anything. Thank you for understanding.
- 24No, absolutely not! If your dog is found to have fleas or ticks during the grooming session, there will be an additional charge of $30 for flea shampoo treatment and $120 for cleaning and disinfecting the salon, making it a total of $150 extra on top of the grooming cost. This is done to ensure the safety and well-being of all dogs visiting our salon. Please ensure your dog is flea-free before bringing them in for grooming. Thank you for understanding.
- 25No, we have chosen not to offer a dematting service. At our salon, we live by the principle of "Humanity Over Vanity." We believe that dematting, even when we do it slowly and carefully, can cause discomfort and stress on dogs. Instead, we recommend to shave to remove the matted fur and allow your pet to start over with a healthy coat. This approach not only prioritizes your dog's comfort but also promotes healthier skin and fur growth. Regular grooming appointments and at home care are essential to maintaining a beautiful, mat-free coat.
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- 28At our salon, we have a different approach to grooming. We do not use muzzles because we are a force-free, gentle salon. If a dog is aggressive and requires a muzzle, it is safer for everyone involved to take the dog to a vet with grooming services, where the dog can be sedated and monitored during the grooming process. We repeat, we do not use muzzles because we are committed to providing a force-free, gentle, spa-like experience.
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- 30We do not provide our own treats due to allergy concerns. Therefore, we ask every owner to bring their dog's favorite treats for use during the grooming process. This helps make your dog feel comfortable and rewarded for their cooperation. Please place the treats in a Ziplock bag with your dog's name on it. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring a pleasant grooming experience for your pet.
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- 33As a grooming salon, we do not groom dogs that are sedated or under the influence of drugs prescribed to calm them, such as Trazodone or Acepromazine. This is a liability issue for us. We recommend finding a veterinary clinic that offers grooming services to provide the appropriate care for your dog.
- 34Our grooming prices are estimates only and may vary based on specific circumstances. Additional charges include: • $30.00 for flea shampoo plus $120.00 for salon sanitation if your dog comes with fleas • $120.00 for salon sanitation if your dog is in heat • $30 if you do not pick up your dog on time
Contact
(813) 951 2939
By Appointment Only!
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
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