Dog Grooming FAQs
Have a dog grooming question? We’ve answered the ones we hear most often below. Still not sure about something? Call (973) 857-2799, free estimates and consultations are always available. We groom dogs only, we’re a no-crate, no-sedation salon in Verona, NJ, and we speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Grooming basics & frequency
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Most dogs do best on a full groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Long-haired and curly coats (doodles, Shih Tzus, poodles) lean toward every 4 to 6 weeks to stay tangle-free, while short, smooth coats can stretch to 8 to 12 weeks. Grooming on a regular schedule keeps the coat healthy and actually lowers your cost, since a well-maintained coat needs less prep work. We recommend a bath and brush between full grooms.
How often should a doodle or poodle be groomed?
Curly, non-shedding coats, doodles, poodles, Bichons, mat the fastest, so they typically need a full groom every 4 to 6 weeks plus brushing 2 to 3 times a week at home. Letting a curly coat go too long almost always means mats and a shorter cut than you wanted. We’ll set a length that’s easy for you to maintain between visits.
What’s included in a full dog groom?
A full groom includes a full-body haircut to your chosen length, a bath with shampoo (upgradeable to a spa shampoo), a blow-out, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and a hygiene tidy. A bath and brush is the lighter option between full grooms: a soothing bath, blow-out, light trim, nails, and ears, without the full haircut. See everything on our services page.
How long does a grooming appointment take?
Most grooms are completed within about 4 hours. The exact time depends on your dog’s cooperation and temperament, the condition of their coat, their breed and size, and the type of haircut. Heavily matted or very large dogs take longer.
Do you groom cats too?
No. We groom dogs only. Focusing entirely on dogs lets our team master every coat type, from double-coated shepherds to curly doodles to long, silky Shih Tzu coats.
Puppies & first grooms
At what age should a puppy get its first groom?
Most puppies are ready around 12 to 14 weeks, after their initial vaccinations. Curly and long-haired breeds like doodles can start a gentle introduction even earlier. The first visit is short and positive on purpose, building trust so your puppy grows up loving the salon. We run a first-groom evaluation for every puppy.
How do I prepare my dog for their first groom or bath?
Work on getting your dog comfortable being handled all over. Lay them belly-up and gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth. Let them sniff grooming tools, run the bath water so they get used to the sound, and slowly introduce the feel of a blow dryer. Use treats as positive reinforcement and stay relaxed yourself, the goal is a dog that’s used to being touched everywhere.
Comfort, safety & our approach
Will my dog be sedated?
No. We never sedate dogs. We get the groom done with love and patience only. Our no-crate, one-on-one approach is built to keep dogs calm without medication.
Are you a no-crate, cage-free salon?
Yes. We’re a no-crate salon. Your dog waits and dries in a supervised, open play area rather than a cage, where they can relax on their own or socialize with other dogs. This keeps stress low for puppies, seniors, and anxious dogs. It’s a big part of why owners choose us.
Why is my dog scared of grooming?
Usually it’s separation from you, not the grooming itself. Dogs may shake while you’re there but typically settle once you leave, because they feed off your emotions. We recommend showing confidence at drop-off and not hovering. We do everything we can to make every dog feel safe and loved.
Can I stay during the grooming?
We ask that you don’t. You’re the love of your dog’s life, and seeing you usually sets them into a frenzy, which is dangerous around sharp tools like scissors and clipper blades. Most dogs are calmer and safer when their owner isn’t in the room.
Do you groom senior or anxious dogs?
Yes, and they’re some of our favorite clients. We offer express grooming for seniors with shorter, calmer sessions, and our no-crate, no-sedation approach plus one-on-one time makes a real difference for anxious dogs. We’ll discuss any accommodations with you in advance.
Matting, shedding & coat care
Can a matted dog be saved, or does it have to be shaved?
We always try to gently brush a coat out before we resort to a shave, because comfort comes first, humanity before vanity. The only time we’ll insist on shaving is when de-matting becomes painful or too stressful for your dog. Tight mats pull at the skin and trap moisture, so they’re a genuine comfort and health issue, not just cosmetic.
How much does de-matting or de-shedding cost?
De-matting and de-shedding runs $10 to $80 depending on how severe the mats or undercoat are. The best way to avoid the charge is to brush your dog at home between grooms and keep a regular schedule. See the full price guide.
How do I keep shedding to a minimum?
Regular brushing is the single best thing you can do, it’s healthy for the follicles and skin and removes the old, dead undercoat that causes most shedding. For heavy seasonal shedders, our Shed Patrol de-shedding bath ($10) plus a thorough de-shed pulls out the loose undercoat at the salon instead of on your couch.
Booking, pricing & pickup
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
No, but we can sometimes do same-day appointments if we have space. For same-day bookings, please understand that scheduled dogs have priority, so your dog may be with us for an extended period. Calling ahead is always best.
Do you offer dog grooming pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Our Pet Chauffeur picks your dog up at your door, grooms them in our Verona salon, and brings them home. A round trip is $20 for the standard distance (up to 4 miles), then $5 per mile out to a 10-mile radius. See how the Pet Chauffeur works and which towns we cover.
How much does dog grooming cost?
Full grooms and bath and brush are priced by your dog’s size, coat, and condition, so we give a free estimate by phone first. Published flat-price add-ons include a Shed Patrol de-shedding bath ($10), nail trim ($18), spa package ($15), teeth cleaning ($3), gland expression ($10), and de-matting or de-shedding from $10 to $80. See our full price guide.
Do you speak Spanish or Portuguese?
Yes. Our staff speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, so the whole family can ask questions and describe exactly the cut they want. Hablamos español · falamos português.
Still have a question?
Give us a call at (973) 857-2799, we’re happy to help and free estimates are always available. Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Sundays. Ready to book? Browse our dog grooming services or get directions to the salon.