Aren’t the fees for mobile grooming more expensive than going to the local groom shop?
You are paying for a specialized service and convenience. For only $10.00 to $20.00 more than an area grooming shop, your pet receives individualized attention and high quality products. My service is performed in a much calmer environment resulting in less stress to your pet. They are not separated from your home all day. Their exclusive grooming experience will be completed in less than two hours on the average! In addition to that, you have the convenience of not having to leave your home or use your time and vehicle/gas to transport your pet. You can rest assured that you and your pet are getting the very best service available
Will my pet be sedated for his grooming?
Never. At Best Friends Mobile Pet Grooming, I am a firm believer in the magic of patience and a kind word. It's not that I don't approve of sedation, as there are some pets that are simply too stressed to be safely groomed. However, I do feel that sedation should only take place in a veterinary setting by groomers that work alongside veterinarians just in case complications from the medicine occurs.
You said my pet had matted fur and had to be shaved down. Why can't you just brush him out?
Matted fur means that your pet doesn't just have tangles but that his fur has woven itself into a pelt all the way to the skin. To detangle it would leave your pet's skin scratched and sensitive to the touch, his nerves a wreck, and your bank account drained. The only humane thing to do is to shave it all off and start over. Your pet will not feel the clipper cutting through the mats as he would a comb tugging at the fur.
Well if he's matted, why can't you just cut a little off and still leave him some fluffiness? Why do you have to shave him so close?
Professional grade hair clippers use different sized attachments. I may choose from different attachments that leave the fur different lengths. But matted fur and thick double coats ( such as you might find on german shepherds and collies ) pose a unique problem. Any attachment designed to leave lengths of say 1/2 inch to 2 inches of fur will simply not move through matted or double coated fur. The attachment will jam and refuse to move. The only way to get it to move through is to get the fur into pristine condition by detangling and separating the hairs so that it will feed into the clipper attachment. But as I covered earlier, detangling coats in that condition is simply not humane or affordable.
Do groomers ever get bitten?
All the time. I respectfully reserve the right to muzzle any pet that tries to bite during its grooming. My muzzles only restrict the ability to open wide and bite, but the pet is still able to pant and drink through the large opening at the end of the muzzle. The muzzle is removed after the offending procedure has been completed, and is not left on for the entire stay.
I have NEVER known my pet to bite but the groomer said he tried. Why would he do that?
I want your pet's grooming to be a day of pampering and beautification at the spa. However, it can be a bit intense for some pets as we proceed faster than you can at home. Thus some pets react out of fear or confusion and try to bite. In his home, he is able to snuggle, eat and play with you so there are very few reasons why he would try to bite you or your family.
What is anal gland expression?
The anal glands are two sacs located at 5 and 7 o'clock in the anal area of dogs. Both male and female dogs possess these glands which scent their feces for marking purposes. I only do anal expression on request. I will feel for the gland EXTERNALLY and gently squeeze to release its contents.
But I just had my dog to the groomer and his vet said his anal sacs were still full.
Groomers, as mentioned above, manipulate the gland externally. This means that we must feel for it through thick fur, skin and fat, which can be difficult. In addition, we must pull the tail up slightly in order to push the gland forward. As you can imagine, this is intrusive to most pets and something they may not cooperate for. Repeated prodding for the sacs may also cause bruising and irritation, so we give it one good try and not more. For a thorough expression, it is best left to your veterinarian.
Will my pet get fleas in your van?
I wouldn't be in business long if I gave my customers fleas, so I follow a very strict protocol on flea prevention. Fur from afflicted pets is placed directly into the waste can after being cut, without ever touching the floor. I then spray the waste can and discarded fur, the grooming table, surrounding floors with insecticide. and I regularly treat the entire van for parasites. For added security, keep your pet on a flea preventative as well.
Do you need to use my water or electricity?
No. I have a completely self-contained unit. The salon has a fresh-water tank and a grey-water tank on board. I will never empty dirty water on your property. This unit runs on generator power while at your home, so you won't have to worry about providing electricity or blowing a circuit.
Do I have to be home while you groom my pet?
Until I get to know you and your pet, I prefer that you be home while I am there. Once we have developed a relationship we can make arrangements to work on your pet even if you aren't home. You can be assured of complete client/groomer confidentiality.
Am I required to show proof of vaccinations?
Yes. For the safety of your pet and myself, I do require proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination. Please be prepared to present a rabies certificate showing the date of expiration on our initial visit. While it is not required, I recommend all dogs be vaccinated against Parvovirus and Bordatella (Kennel Cough) particularly if they have regular contact with other dogs.
Do you accept credit cards?
Not yet. Since I am still new to the "small business world" I am only accepting cash and checks. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. There is a $25 service charge fee for all returned checks. When you write a check to Best Friends Mobile Pet Grooming, you agree to pay this fee should your check be returned for any reason.
What if I have to cancel my appointment?
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Being a mobile service, I only take 4-6 grooming appointments per day. A last minute cancellation cannot be re-filled, resulting in lost income.
If you are not home (unless prior arrangements allow me to retrieve pet) when we arrive for your scheduled and confirmed appointment, you will be assessed a $30 No-Show Fee, per pet.
