Superior Cleanliness - All grooming tools, tubs, and surface areas are cleaned and disinfected after every grooming. City Dog uses broad spectrum disinfectants recommended by veterinarians to kill bacteria and diseases. ( including but not limited to: Canine Parvovirus, Bordetella Virus, Distemper Virus, Leptospira Canicola Virus, Staphlococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas )

Do you groom CATS? 
Yes.  When we started, "City Dog" was mainly a dog salon, but there is a need for cat grooming in this area, so we are happy to groom our feline friends as well. 

How is my dog dried? 
Hand Drying/Blow Drying - All pets are hand dried and then dried with a variable speed high velocity dryer.
While in the tub we may towel dry the dog and/or use a variable speed high-velocity dryer that blows off the majority of water.  The groomer may finish up with a fluff dry while your dog is on the grooming table. During these drying phases your dog is with your groomer at all times.  All of these drying method are considered safe and have been in use for many years by grooming salons, veterinarians and kennels. At City Dog each pet is given our total and undivided personal attention. 

Cage Drying?
We do not cage dry your pet. (Animals left in some grooming shops are placed in a cage, stacked on top of each other with a blow dryer blowing on them as they huddle in the back of the cage.) We do not do this. 
While there are humane cage dryers available for pets that can not tolerate blow dryers we do not utilize cage drying at this time.

How long does it usually take? 
If the hair needs to be cut, we ask that you allow two or three hours so that we can wash, dry and cut the hair. If the hair is matted it may take more time. If there is no scissoring, it generally takes less time. If you need your dog groomed “in and out”, we may suggest you come at a specific time--usually the first thing in the morning.  We will call you as the groomer is finishing --that way you can come to pick up your pet.  We will  be happy to give you an estimated time after examining your pet and discussing what grooming you would like done.  We do not guarantee times as dogs do not always allow people to keep perfect schedules depending on their behavior, sometimes it may take a few minutes longer - or not.

What if my dog has fleas? 
Our FLEA POLICY:  Owner or person dropping off the dog is required to tell the staff if the pet has fleas, if it is a known problem.  Please tell us if this is a known problem when you make the appointment, so we can be ready to take you dog straight to the bath. 
Any pet known to, or found to have any fleas is immediately put into the tub for a flea bath.   The  pet is washed using an all natural flea shampoo.  You will be called after the bath, as killing the fleas and preventing their spread to others in the shop is paramount.
You will be charged an extra $10, $15 or $20 depending on the size of your dog and the amount of shampoo needed.  We have Frontline Plus and Advantage topical flea medication available and is safe to apply immediately after the grooming session. This will take care of any fleas that run and hide in the ears, nose, etc. and come out later. 

While your pet is being groomed......you must treat the environment your pet lives in.  We will help you with instructions, and much information is available from your Vet or on the internet.  Most fleas you see on your pet are in the adult stage.  What you do not see are the thousands of eggs a single adult flea can produce.  An adult female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime which will be biting your pet and you soon. 
  
Do you bathe the dog first? 
In order to get an even hair cut,  the hair needs to be clean so we always bathe the dog as part of grooming. Depending on your dog’s breed and style, the groomer may do a “rough cut”. After the rough cut, the dog is washed, dried and then the haircut is completed.  In other cases, we may wash and dry the dog completely before starting the haircut.   

Do I have my choice of shampoo? 
All dogs are washed using Isle of Dogs Shampoo, which is a top quality "show dog" shampoo line. In addition, we have a varied shampoo menu for you to choose from depending on your dogs skin and coat needs.  After the dog is washed and rinsed, you may like us to use a conditioner as well.  Don't forget to request a BLUEBERRY FACIAL!

Do you offer a Shed Control Program? 
Yes, Our shed control program features:
-A stimulating Hydrosurge bath with the premium deep cleansing, yet gentle, Isle of Dogs # 20 Royal Jelly Shampoo
-The bath is followed by: An Isle of Dogs Deep Conditioning Treatment
-The conditioning is then followed by a Forced Air Drying Session which assists in releasing shedding coat. 
-All of this is then followed by a comb out with our professional tools &/or the patented FURminator tool.
-To further soothe skin, and add shine to coat, Isle of Dogs Primrose Oil Conditioning Mist.
For best results this program should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.

Can you groom my dog to the breed standard? 
Yes, our groomer is familiar with the most of the breed standards and is very experienced with the more popular breeds. Many clients in our area do not groom to the breed standard because of the level of maintenance required. If you want to get your dog groomed to the breed standard, it is helpful to review with the groomer your expectations - she will show you the breed page in  the “All Breed Dog Grooming Guide” and please feel free to bring pictures. Each dog is different and each person's needs vary, so a consultation can help you know your options and decide accordingly. 

Can I bring in a picture? 
Please do.  The groomer will discuss your options and try to achieve the same result. 
 
Can you do a puppy cut? 
Puppy cut is a loosely descriptive term.  This means the hair is cut to the same length all over. Many people choose a puppy cut because it is easy to maintain but there is usually a choice of length, and that is up to you.   Your groomer can work with you to choose a style and length which works for you and your dog. 

My dog's hair is knotted. Do I need to cut the hair short?
If the hair is allowed to knot or develop "matts", this is unhealthy for the dog's skin.  Knotting gets worse if the coat gets wet.  Before washing the dog, it is necessary to brush out all the knots.  If the hair is matted, it "may be possible" to "de-matt" the coat.  If your dog is matted, we will advise you what can be done.  If the hair can be de-matted without causing pain to the dog, it may be possible to save the coat.  In some cases, de-matting may cause or reveal skin irritation.  We believe in Humanity Over Vanity.  That is not to say we will not do everything possible to save your dog's coat, but this can be very painful for the dog.  If we feel that it will be too traumatizing, then we will recommend cutting the hair short, which means applying the clipper behind the matts.   If the hair can be de-matted comfortably, there will be an additional charge of $20 per half hour.  If the hair is matted, we recommend meeting with one of our groomers beforehand so we can discuss your options.
 
Do I get the same groomer each time? 
Some clients prefer to keep the same groomer. If your dog is nervous and/or you have very specific requests, we find that coming back to the same groomer works best because it fosters a relationship between the client, groomer and dog.  If your groomer is off or away on vacation we will inform you so you can decide.
 
Can I stay with my dog and watch? 
Respectfully no.  If your dog can see or hear you, this usually leads to the dog trying to be with you and can result in a dangerous condition. The groomer is working with sharp tools and looks to avoid additional stress and excitement. If you want to watch, take a peek from a distance, please do not speak, and then back away quietly.    

Do you cut the nails? 
Yes, We are able to cut the nails on most dogs. With some dogs, it needs to be done at the veterinarian. Long nails can lead to several issues including joint problems, broken or split nails. With nail cutting, there is always some risk of bleeding. Inside the nail is a blood vessel which grows with the nail. If the nail is allowed to grow long, then cutting the nail even slightly may result in bleeding. If the nails are black, the risk of bleeding increases. If the nail bleeds, we apply styptic powder to the nail. Regular nail trimming can prevent this.

Note: we do offer "nails only" service.  However, if we groom your dog and find that the nails are overly long,  the groomer may recommend you come back in between grooms for nail trimming more often.

What are anal glands? 
They are the scent sacs right under a dog’s tail. Most dogs empty them naturally when they move their bowles, some do not. Your groomer can check if they need to be emptied (expressed). Please defer this to your veterinarian.
  
What if I don‘t like the groom when its finished? 
Please tell us. 100% satisfaction is our goal.  On the occasion where a haircut is not to your liking, and it is a matter of a little more trimming here or there, the groomer can usually do it right away before you leave the shop.