Most dogs do best with a groom every 6–8 weeks. It varies with the breed and coat length of your pooch — some breeds need more frequent grooms. You can also book a bath, brush and tidy up between grooms, which keeps the coat in condition and limits matting.
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
The things our clients have asked us over the years — on grooming, and on keeping your dog in good condition at home between appointments.
How often should I bring my dog in for grooming?
How long will my dog's grooming appointment take?
It varies a lot with your dog's size, coat condition, health, age, style and temperament. As a general guide, small to medium breeds take 1.5–2 hours and large breeds 2.5–3 hours. We'll text you 30 minutes before your dog is ready to collect.
How do I keep my dog tangle free at home?
Between appointments it's important to brush your pooch regularly, so the coat doesn't become matted and uncomfortable. We recommend brushing at least every other day, using a slicker or pin brush and a metal comb.
Will you give my dog treats and water on their visit?
There's fresh water available for every dog visiting the salon, and we have fresh chicken we can give your dog as a small treat. We'll always ask your permission first — we know some dogs have allergies or are on strict diets.
My dog has become matted. Can you keep it fluffy?
If your dog has a few knots and tangles, we're happy to brush or scissor them out. But if the knots are more substantial over the body and the hair has developed matting, the kindest and safest thing is to give your dog a fresh start by clipping the mattes away. That may mean a shorter cut — but the great thing is hair grows back. With regular at-home brushing we can work towards the look you want.
We'll always ask your permission before shaving a coat short, either when you drop your dog off or by calling you before we proceed.
Please note we charge extra for grooming matted dogs, for the additional time needed to remove the mattes safely and the wear and tear on our tools.
I've selected pick up and drop off. When will my dog be collected and dropped home?
Morning appointments: we collect between 7:45 – 9:30, and return your dog between 12:45 – 13:30.
Afternoon appointments: we collect between 12:45 – 13:45, and return your dog between 15:30 – 16:45.
Pick ups and drop offs run across Hastings and St Leonards and are charged at £2 per journey — £2 to collect and £2 to drop off, so £4 for the round trip. They're available for full grooms, hand stripping and bath and brush appointments.
Please note: we recommend very nervous or sensitive dogs be dropped off to us at the salon and collected by the owner.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand the unforeseen happens and you may need to cancel or re-schedule. Please call us on 01424 300668 with as much notice as possible — preferably at least 24 hours.
Can I purchase products from you to use at home?
Yes — just ask us at your dog's next appointment. We're happy to recommend the products we use, and to point you at what will actually help your dog's coat between grooms rather than whatever's on offer.
When should professional grooming start for a puppy?
All puppies must be fully vaccinated before their first appointment. The younger a puppy is carefully introduced to the new sights, sounds and smells of a grooming salon, the more confident they'll be — which makes for a far better grooming experience for them.
We offer free puppy introduction sessions for a first visit: they meet the salon and the staff, have a good sniff about, get introduced to the grooming table, have a brush, nails clipped if needed, lots of cuddles and — with your permission — a treat.
After their introduction, your puppy's first proper groom can be booked as a full groom — priced by breed on our price list.
Can I stay and watch whilst my dog is being groomed?
For your dog's safety we need their full attention. Most dogs become distracted by their owner being there and wiggle about trying to get close to them, which makes it unsafe for both dog and groomer. It's best to drop your pooch off at their appointment time and come back once they're finished.
We're very happy to show you around the salon so you can see where your pooch will be groomed — contact us and we'll find a good time. And you're welcome to call at any point during the appointment to see how they're getting on.
Do you use cage dryers?
No. Every pooch is dried by hand using a stand dryer, which lets us control the velocity and the heat. We use stand dryers as a safety and wellbeing precaution, and for a more one-to-one experience for your dog.
How often does my dog need its nails trimmed?
At least once a month to keep them at a sensible length. If they're excessively long we recommend trimming weekly, to encourage the quick (the nail vein) to recede. You don't need a specific appointment for nail trimming — just call us on the day and we'll agree a time for you to come up.
My dog can be aggressive when being groomed. Will you still take it on?
Absolutely. Our team is well trained in handling sensitive dogs and has plenty of experience with it. Grooming is something every dog needs, so we welcome all temperaments and work to make it as stress-free as possible. If you know your dog is sensitive about grooming, please say so when you book so the team are ready for them.
Please note we charge extra for grooming sensitive dogs, for the additional time needed to keep both the dog and the groomer safe.
We'll call you if there are any issues during the groom. It's very rare to find an ungroomable dog — but if we hit a serious problem that makes it impossible to proceed, we'll call and agree a solution with you.
Does a groom include emptying anal glands and ear plucking?
Sorry — we don't offer either.
Emptying anal glands is classed as a veterinary procedure. Many dogs' anal glands empty naturally, but if your dog does need it done manually, we'd advise a vet.
Ear plucking is an invasive procedure which can be unnecessary and painful for dogs. We can trim the outer hair, but we will never pluck it. If you think your dog needs its ears plucked, we'd advise a vet.
How do I pay for my appointment?
You can pay:
- Online when you make the booking
- By cash
- By card
- By bank transfer
Payment is due before you leave the salon with your dog. If you need to be invoiced instead, that can be arranged with us in advance — just ask.