Are you qualified?
Absolutely, I am fully trained and hold City and Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Dog Grooming Certification. Ultimately I shall groom your dog how you want it done, be it breed standard or just to accommodate your lifestyle.
What kind of service do you offer?
We operate a pre-booked dog grooming service. You will book your appointment along with a small desposit and drop off your dog 5 minutes before your appointment.
Depending on your requirements mentioned at the time of booking, you will be given an estimate of how long the appointment will take.
If any issues arrise during the appointment, you will be contacted to decide on what action to take.
You will be contacted when your dog is ready for collection.
Can I prepare my dog for their first clip?
What will the grooming involve?
A standard grooming session will include all / some of the following;
ear hair removal, ear and eye cleansing, nail clipping, pre-cut with scissors and / or clippers, de-matting, de-knotting, dead hair removal, clipping of unwanted hair from paws and genitals, washing, conditioning, rinsing, high velocity drying, blow / brush drying, finishing with scissors/ thinners/ clippers, application of finishing products as required / requested.
* Please note that as professional groomers, we are legally obliged to ensure that de-matting causes no unnecessary pain or suffering to your dog. If it is clear that to remove the matts will take too long, we will remove the affected part of the coat with clippers.
Whilst this may not result in the finish desired, the removal of the damaged coat is the only pain-free solution to the most severe matting problems. Hair will grow back, whereas leaving matts untreated can lead to more serious issues.
What types of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, debit cards, Mastercard & Visa. Please note, there is a £1 surcharge when using a credit card. Debit cards do not incur a fee.
When can my puppy have their first clip?
What should I bring?
- All dogs should arrive with a collar and lead.
- Please ensure that you inform us of any special needs, ailments, problems, ongoing veterinary treatments, so that we can ensure the comfort of your dog at all times – enabling us to avoid any sensitive areas, supporting any injured or tired limbs etc. If in any doubt, please check with your vet before booking an appointment.
- Please ensure that your dog is toileted before coming in.
Do you just groom Pedigree Dogs?
Your dog will be pampered regardless of his breed and I will trim and style them to your lifestyle needs and requirements.
Can my old dog be clipped?
So long as we are fully aware in advance of their age and problems we can ensure that they are made comfortable during their visit and that the time spent with us is minimised.
If in any doubt, please consult your vet who will help you to decide whether there would be any adverse risk in grooming your older dog.
How frequent should I have my dog clipped?
Frequency of grooming visits will depend on the breed of dog and your choice of styling for your pet but the following will give you a rough guide:
- Curly coated breeds such as Poodles and Bichons will benefit from regular visits every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Harsh or wiry coated breeds such as West Highland, Scottish, Wire Fox, Airedale and Welsh Terriers, Schnauzers and Deerhounds, every 10 to 12 weeks.
- Long silky breeds such as Yorkshire and Maltese Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Afghan Hounds, Spaniels and Setters can vary between 8 and 12 weeks dependant largely on what degree of care is given by their owners between grooming visits.
- Short coated breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, Pointers and Labradors will normally benefit from a twice yearly visit for removal of dead coat and a tidying up and treatment of face, ears, nails, ‘bits’ and paws.
- Double coated breeds such as the New Foundland, Great Pyrenees, Husky, St.Bernard, Collies and Sheepdogs, between 2 and 3 visits per year dependant on individual coats and between-visit coat care. Any dogs regularly working outdoors or those who enjoy a particularly active and muddy lifestyle may of course require more regular washing and attention to ears, feet and paws.
My dog can be aggressive; can we still be clipped?
Keeping an animal calm is part and parcel of a groomer’s experience, knowing how to handle and talk to your pet will solve 99% of problems.
Muzzles will be used only as a last resort and normally if required, will only be applied for a very short part of the process. It is very rare to find an ‘un-groomable dog’ but if we come across any serious problems during a visit we will of course discuss them with you so we can agree on a solution together.
We recommend you see www.valedogtraining.com for dog training and behaviour problems with your dog.
I wont be able to make my appointment, what do I do?
Please respect us by calling to cancel and re-schedule.
We require 24 hours notice to allow us to fill the appointment.
Due to customers not calling to cancel /reschedule we have found it necessary to charge a 50% fee for all missed appointments less than 24 hours notice.
I have a question which is not covered by the FAQ’s!
Either give us a ring on 01386 555 220 or send us an email enquiries@valedoggrooming.com and we will be glad to help.