Policies & FAQ

What to know before your pet's appointment.

Please read through our policies before booking. If you have questions, call us or send a message on Facebook.

Appointment Policies

Appointments are required

We are an appointment-only shop. Walk-ins are sometimes available for nail trims, but please call ahead to confirm. All grooms must be scheduled in advance.

Arrival window

Please arrive within 5 minutes of your scheduled time. If you're running late, call us. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in rescheduling.

Pick-up times

We'll call you when your pet is ready. Please pick up your pet within 30 minutes of notification. We do not board pets — our space is small and we want every pet to be comfortable.

Note: Pets left after 30 minutes of notification may incur a late pick-up fee of $10 per 30 minutes.

Cancellation and no-shows

Please give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. No-shows and same-day cancellations may result in a cancellation fee or being required to prepay for your next appointment.

We understand that life happens. If there's an emergency, please call us and we'll work something out.

Payment

We accept cash and all major credit cards. Payment is due at time of pick-up. Prices are confirmed in advance and any changes (e.g., for unexpected matting or coat condition) will be discussed with you before we proceed.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

Required vaccinations

For the safety of all pets in our care, we require proof of current vaccinations for:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper (DHPP)
  • Bordetella (kennel cough)

Please bring documentation or have your vet send records prior to your first appointment.

Note: Unvaccinated pets cannot be groomed. This is non-negotiable and is for the safety of all animals in our care.

Sick or parasitic pets

Please do not bring in a pet that is showing signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, eye discharge). If your pet appears ill on arrival, we reserve the right to decline the appointment.

If your pet has fleas or other external parasites, please let us know in advance so we can prepare a flea bath and take precautions to protect other pets.

Female dogs in heat

We can groom female dogs in heat, but please let us know in advance so we can schedule appropriately and take proper precautions.

Matting Policy

Humanity over vanity

We believe in putting your pet's comfort above their appearance. If a coat is severely matted, attempting to brush it out would cause significant pain. In these cases, shaving is the humane choice.

We will always call you before making any decisions about shaving a matted coat. We will never shave your pet without your consent.

Additional charges for matting

Severely matted coats require significantly more time and equipment. We may need to charge an additional fee, which will always be communicated in advance.

Preventing matting

Regular grooming appointments every 4 to 8 weeks — depending on your pet's breed and coat type — are the best way to prevent matting. We're happy to advise you on the right schedule for your pet.

Behavior Policy

Please be honest with us

If your pet has ever bitten, snapped, or shown aggression during grooming — or in general — please tell us when you book. This is not a dealbreaker. We can often accommodate anxious or reactive pets with the right preparation, but we need to know in advance.

Our right to stop a groom

We reserve the right to stop a groom at any point if we believe continuing would be unsafe for your pet or for us. If this happens, you will be charged for work completed.

Anxious pets

We are experienced with anxious, nervous, and fearful pets. If your pet is anxious, we may suggest shorter, more frequent visits to help them get comfortable over time. We will never use restraint techniques that cause distress.

Sedation

We do not sedate pets for grooming. Sedation for grooming is not medically necessary and carries risks that we are not equipped to manage. If your vet recommends sedation for grooming, please consult a groomer with veterinary supervision.

Senior & Medically Compromised Pets

Special care for special needs

We love senior pets and we're experienced with pets who have medical conditions. However, grooming can be stressful, and older or ill pets may have a lower tolerance for the process.

Please discuss your pet's health status with us before booking. We may recommend a shorter session or specific accommodations.

Pre-existing conditions

When grooming senior or medically compromised pets, unforeseen issues can arise — such as skin conditions that become visible only after shaving, or reactions to stress. We take every precaution, but we cannot be held responsible for pre-existing conditions that are revealed or aggravated during grooming.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Call us at (804) 242-0520 or send us a message on Facebook.

How do I make an appointment?
Fill out the appointment request form on our Contact page, call us at (804) 242-0520, or send us a message on Facebook. We'll get back to you with available times.
How much does grooming cost?
Pricing depends on your pet's size, breed, and coat condition. Baths start at $35 and full grooms start at $55. We'll give you a confirmed quote when you book. See our Services & Pricing page for estimates by size.
How long does a groom take?
Most grooms take between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on your pet's size, coat type, and the service booked. We'll give you an estimated time when we confirm your appointment. We'll call you as soon as your pet is ready for pick-up.
Can I stay while my pet is being groomed?
We kindly ask that owners drop off and return at pick-up. Pets often become more anxious when their owner is present because they want to go home. Leaving them allows us to focus fully on making them comfortable and getting the best possible result.
Do you groom cats?
No, we focus entirely on dogs. Cats have very different grooming needs and temperaments, and we want to do what we do really well.
What vaccinations does my pet need?
We require current Rabies, Distemper (DHPP), and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations. Please bring documentation or have your vet send records before your first appointment. Unvaccinated pets cannot be groomed.
My pet is aggressive. Can you still groom them?
Please let us know in advance so we can assess the situation and prepare. We have experience with anxious and reactive pets. However, we reserve the right to stop a groom at any point if we believe it's unsafe to continue.
My pet's coat is very matted. What happens?
We follow a "humanity before vanity" policy. If your pet's coat is severely matted, de-matting would cause them pain, so we will recommend shaving. We will always call you before making that decision and will never shave without your consent. There may be an additional charge for severely matted coats.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We offer 10% off for active and retired military, EMS, firefighters, and police. We also have multi-pet and referral discounts. See our Services page for details.
How often should I bring my pet in?
It depends on your pet's breed and coat type. Most pets benefit from a groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Short-coated pets may only need a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. We'll give you a personalized recommendation at your first appointment.
What if my pet has a health problem or is elderly?
Please let us know about any medical conditions or special needs when you book. We have experience with senior pets and can accommodate many special needs. We may suggest shorter sessions or specific accommodations to keep your pet comfortable.
Do you offer mobile or in-home grooming?
No, we're a shop-based groomer only. All grooming is done at our location at 16217 Goodes Bridge Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Walk-ins are sometimes available for nail trims, but we recommend calling ahead. All full grooms and baths require a scheduled appointment.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards. Payment is due at pick-up.
Where are you located?
We're at 16217 Goodes Bridge Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002 — right in the heart of Amelia County. See our Contact page for a map and directions.

Questions? We're always happy to chat.

Call us, send a Facebook message, or fill out the appointment request form and we'll get back to you.