Frequently Asked Questions

Because I specialize in small breeds, the short answer is between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, but some conditions can alter this time, such as new puppies, seniors, anxious or special needs dogs, exceptionally thick or thin coats, coats that are overgrown or in poor condition, a challenging or artistic request, or a challenging temperament or personality.

This is a frustrating situation, and I understand why it’s confusing. Typically, it's for one of two reasons:

1. The "Quick-Service" Groom: Some groomers and shops prioritize speed and low cost, and shaving is the fastest way to groom a dog. This can be a great choice for some owners, but it’s not something a good groomer would ever willingly choose to do against your desires.
2. Hidden Matting: This is the most common reason. Even with regular brushing, dense undercoats can hide tight mats close to the skin. As an ethical groomer, my first rule is "do no harm." Dematting is often painful, like constantly pulling your hair, and can hide skin problems. When the matting is severe, the only humane choice is to shave the coat and start fresh.

Think of it like your own hair: You wouldn't leave big knots in for weeks. Try the "comb test": run a metal comb through your dog's coat down to the skin. Just like your own hair, if it snags, you need to keep brushing.

Having to shave your dog due to matting is never something I take lightly, but it is important to keep them healthy and comfortable. Shaving can be prevented with a regular and EFFECTIVE maintenance schedule at home between grooms.

I completely understand your anxiety. Leaving your furbaby can be nerve-wracking. My top priority is creating a calm, safe experience for them, and I've found that having parents stay to watch usually has the opposite effect. Dogs are deeply connected to their owners, and typically when you are present, all they want to do is get back to you, which makes them excited, wiggly, or anxious. I work with extremely sharp tools and their stillness is my number one safety requirement. Your presence, while well-intentioned, can distract them and sadly increase the risk of a nick or cut.

My mobile service is designed for your peace of mind. We'll start with a conversation and a tour of my studio right in your driveway. Your dog is never far away, the grooms are recorded, and most grooms are completed in about an hour. This short, professional separation allows me to give your pup my full focus, ensuring they have the safest, most efficient, and calmest groom possible. 

I hear you, and that’s incredibly frustrating. You deserve to be thrilled when you pick up your pup. This mismatch usually happens for one of a few reasons: sometimes the instructions get lost in translation, sometimes a wiggly pup has their own ideas, and sometimes, frankly, a groomer's skill or style just isn't the right fit or consistency. As a visual artist, I find that photos are our best tool; they give us a clear, shared goal. My greatest reward is seeing you light up with happiness at your dog’s new ‘do. Let’s work together to make that happen every single time.

I specialize in giving “Nervous Nellies”, fearful, shy, anxious and sensitive dogs a second chance, and my calm, mobile environment and handling is often a perfect fit for them. Many dogs labeled "difficult" are having a bad experience for any number of mental or physical reasons. Getting to the core of it and earning trust through patience and sensory calm is paramount. HOWEVER, for everyone's safety, I have clear boundaries about dogs that turn to aggression, and I do not accept dogs with a history of serious aggression or biting. My ability to work depends on my safety.

If we aren't the right fit, here are other options to explore:

1. Veterinary Groomers: Many vet offices have groomers who can work with medical sedation for extremely stressed or aggressive dogs.
2. At-Home Care: Learning to do basic maintenance yourself is a wonderful act of love. Online tutorials can guide you.
3. Specialized Groomers: Some groomers specifically work with dogs who turn to aggression when they are stressed. I encourage you to research these specialists thoroughly.

Caring for a dog with grooming challenges requires extra patience and resources, but your commitment to their well-being is what matters most. Let's discuss your dog's specific history to see if my gentle approach is the right next step.

This is a difficult situation that stems from liability. Many salons have strict policies for seniors due to the higher risks, and a good groomer will make this call not out of policy, but out of concern for your dog's well-being. I have special skills that usually apply well to our golden oldies. My process is slower, gentler, and filled with patience. The goal isn't a perfect show-cut, but to keep your beloved friend clean, comfortable, and feeling loved. This might mean shorter sessions, or you helping at home with parts they find stressful. My promise is to always treat them with the dignity and tenderness they deserve in their golden years.

If the time comes when a professional groom is no longer safe, we can discuss compassionate alternatives, like veterinary grooming with sedation or guidance on at-home care. Let's talk about your sweet senior.

My pricing reflects my experience, my specialties and my mobile convenience. You're paying for a low-stress experience for your dog, the elimination of an anxious or chaotic car ride and the elimination of the crazy, noisy environment of a busy grooming shop. Your pup gets my undivided attention in a calm, private space in your front yard.

I use premium products, dedicate individual time to each dog, and ensure a gentle experience and precise finish. It’s a premium service designed for those who value ultimate convenience, a quieter environment, and specialized, artistic grooming.

While it's not the right fit for every budget, for my clients, the peace of mind and the quality of the experience are well worth it.

I give a window instead of a time because there are a lot of wheels in motion (no pun intended) when I head out for the day’s appointments. Think of it more like waiting for a different type of service worker, like a plumber or electrician. I’ll tell you a secret: if you have a set appointment time for grooming at a salon, more often than not your pup has to wait a few minutes to an hour or more after you leave to begin their appointment. Like other skilled trades, grooming has a ton of variables involved, and a responsible groomer will have the patience to address each one as they come. Because this is a mobile service, other factors come into play as well, such as traffic, weather, accidents, mechanical failures, etc.)

Absolutely! I love to give tours when time allows. I’m proud of how stylish and clean and cozy my trailer is.

If you do not confirm your appointment the day before when I reach out to you, I WILL cancel it. I have a long list of clients on a waiting list that would LOVE the spot I have reserved for you. Why would I deny a guaranteed paying client for one that may or may not bear fruit? I take the appointments I make very seriously because it is a sign of respect. So should you. I will be the first to understand that sometimes life throws you curveballs, and when this is the reason for neglecting to confirm or keep an appointment, we can always talk later and discuss a reschedule.

If you need to reschedule an appointment, contact me as early and quickly as possible through phone, text or email, so I may fill the appointment you vacate. If you cancel with less than 24 hours of your appointment, you will be responsible for 50% of your appointment charge. If you cancel within 2 hours of your appointment or are not home for your appointment, you will be responsible for 100% of your appointment charge. New appointments will not be made until you pay for your outstanding one. Multiple violations of this policy will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and may include pre-payment of future appointments or termination of services.

The short answer is maybe. It depends on the details. It is important that we discuss it before your first appointment.

I accept credit/debit cards or cash. Cash is king. Cash tips are most gratefully and humbly accepted, but I prefer instead if clients would donate a dollar or two to my Compassionate Clippers Fund, which allows me to provide grooming services to dogs in need. You can watch and enjoy these grooms on my Youtube Channel (Coming Soon!)

For sure. For regularly established clients that prepay for their appointment, I am more than happy to offer latch key service so you can come home later to find a fresh, beautiful furbaby.  The whole thing is recorded on video for everyone's safety and assurance.

Thanks, but no. (Unless, I suppose, it is an emergency.) My awesome, custom-designed mobile unit is totally self-contained and has all the power and water I need.

This is one of the biggest issues of grooming in a congested city environment with a large rig. If you are in a complex, a townhouse, or an HOA, I need a designated space to set up and I require confirmation that I have permission to enter and set up my mobile unit on the property. This goes for high-rises, gated communities, business lots, and any other similar situation. There are often issues that come up with street parking or driveway parking, too. We can discuss this more in depth if needed.

I work in Pinellas County, but to save my drive time and sanity, I work in specific “zones” from St. Petersburg to Palm Harbor. By providing your address when you apply to be a client, I can see if you are in one of these pockets, and we can discuss this more when we have our first chat.

If I am grooming another doggo in your home, I offer 10% off each additional pup. We can apply this discount to your neighbor’s pup, your sister’s pup, or someone in, say, your culdesac. As long as I’m not moving my rig, the whole family or neighborhood can join in and take advantage of the savings.