Cherie’s pet salon

Full grooming runs $40 to $150+ for dogs depending on size, coat type, and location. Small dogs (under 25 lbs) typically $40 to $75. Medium dogs $50 to $90. Large dogs $75 to $150. Doodles, double-coated breeds, and matted dogs cost more due to extra time required. Cat grooming runs $50 to $120. Mobile groomers charge a 25 to 50 percent premium for the convenience. Add-ons like teeth brushing, nail grinding (vs. clipping), de-shedding treatments, and anal gland expression are typically $10 to $25 each.

Coat type determines cadence. Double-coated breeds (Husky, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd): every 8 to 12 weeks for full grooming, with weekly at-home brushing. Curly or non-shedding breeds (Doodles, Poodles, Bichons): every 4 to 6 weeks — these mat quickly if you skip. Long single-coat breeds (Yorkie, Maltese, Shih Tzu): every 4 to 6 weeks. Short single-coat breeds (Lab, Beagle, Boxer): every 8 to 12 weeks for nails, ears, and a thorough bath. Wire-coat breeds (Schnauzer, terriers): every 6 to 8 weeks. Cats: long-haired every 4 to 8 weeks, short-haired every 3 to 6 months.

Generally no — especially for double-coated breeds. The undercoat insulates against heat as well as cold, and shaving disrupts the natural cooling system. Shaved double-coats often grow back uneven, with damaged guard hairs that may never recover the original texture. Instead, ask for a thorough deshed and bath to remove dead undercoat. For single-coated breeds with thick or long hair, a summer trim is fine, but never shave to the skin — that exposes them to sunburn and bug bites.

Look for certifications (NDGAA, IPG, ICMG), recent positive reviews, willingness to give a tour of the back area, transparency about handling techniques and time estimates, breed-appropriate cuts (not shaving double-coats for "summer comfort"), and a "call before sedation or muzzling" policy. Red flags include refusing to let you see the work area, pushing add-on services aggressively, vague time windows ("we'll call when ready" with no estimate), nicks or razor burn on pickup, or your pet acting noticeably stressed afterward across multiple visits.

Start at home as a puppy or kitten. Brush daily, even when the coat doesn't need it — make it a routine pleasant experience with treats. Touch and gently squeeze paws, ears, mouth, and tail several times a week. For first grooming visits, choose a slow-paced shop and ask for a "puppy intro" appointment that's mostly socialization, light bathing, and handling rather than a full cut. Bring high-value treats. Reward calm behavior. If your pet is showing significant stress at the groomer, ask about Fear Free certified groomers who specialize in low-stress handling.

Show 2 to 3 reference photos of the cut you want. Specify length in inches if possible ("1 inch all over body, scissor finish on legs"). Note any sensitive areas (recent surgery sites, hot spots, sore hips). Mention specific anxieties (clippers, dryers, baths). Confirm you want sanitary trim, paw pad cleanup, ear cleaning, and nail trim — these are sometimes skipped if not requested explicitly. Ask the groomer to call before any sedation, muzzling, or significant change in plan. Provide a working phone number and a backup contact.