🐾 Stylish Paws Salon – Frequently Asked Questions

We know pet parents often have questions about grooming, pricing, and policies. Here are answers to our most common questions to help you feel confident about your pet’s care.

💲 Pricing & Services

Why do prices show “starting at” or “+”?
Our listed prices are base rates for pets in healthy, well-maintained condition. The final cost may vary depending on coat type, length, condition, and behavior. The “+” indicates that additional charges may apply if extra time, tools, or care are needed to complete the groom safely.

What’s included in a full groom?
A full groom in our mobile salon includes:

• Warm water bath with premium shampoo & conditioner

• Blow dry and brush-out

• Haircut and styling (breed standard or your preference)

• Nail trim & filing

• Ear cleaning

• Sanitary trim (if needed)

Your pet gets one-on-one attention in a clean, quiet environment — no waiting in cages, no distractions.

Why do doodles, poodles, and similar breeds cost more?
These breeds have curly, continuously growing coats that require extra time, skill, and specialized tools to properly brush, de-mat, and style. Because their coats are more prone to tangling and matting, they fall under our Specialty Grooming category and are priced higher to reflect the added care.

Why do spitz and heavy-coated breeds cost more?
Spitz and double-coated breeds (like Huskies, Samoyeds, and Malamutes) have dense coats that require advanced de-shedding techniques and longer drying times. Some even have triple coats, which means significantly more work to keep them healthy and mat-free. Grooming these breeds takes more time and care, which is reflected in the price.

Why does my friend’s dog cost less/more than mine?
Every dog is unique! Prices vary based on coat type, condition, grooming frequency, behavior, and size. Even two dogs of the same breed may have different needs. Our goal is always to give your pet the time and care they need for a safe, comfortable groom.

📅 Scheduling & Appointments

How often should my pet be groomed?
Short-haired breeds may only need a bath every 8–12 weeks, while double-coated breeds do best with grooming every 6–8 weeks. Doodles and poodles need the most frequent care — every 4–6 weeks — to prevent matting and keep their coats manageable. Cats benefit from grooming every 6–12 weeks depending on coat length.

How long does a mobile grooming appointment take?
Small dogs usually take about 1.5–2 hours, medium breeds 2–2.5 hours, and large breeds 2.5–3 hours. Doodles, poodles, and heavy-coated breeds may take 3+ hours. Since your pet receives one-on-one attention in our mobile salon, we’ll update you when the grooming is complete.

Do you accept walk-ins?
No — all mobile services are by appointment only. This allows us to plan our route and give each pet the dedicated time and attention they need.

Can I book just a bath between full grooms?
Yes! Bath-only appointments are a great way to keep your pet fresh between full grooms. They help reduce shedding and keep coats in good condition without the need for a full haircut each time.

Do I need to be home during my pet’s grooming?
We ask that an adult be home at the start of the appointment for drop-off and instructions. Once your pet is safely in our care, you’re free to relax at home while we work in the mobile salon outside.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Since mobile grooming slots are limited and routes are carefully planned, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Same-day cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee.

🩺 Health & Safety

What vaccinations are required for mobile grooming?
For everyone’s safety, we require pets to be up-to-date on rabies vaccination. We recommend keeping core vaccines current as well. Please have documentation available if requested.

What if my pet has fleas or ticks?
For the health of all pets, we cannot service dogs or cats with active flea or tick infestations in the mobile salon. If we discover fleas or ticks during the groom, a flea bath may be required, and an additional cleaning fee will apply so the salon can be sanitized before the next appointment.

Can you groom my pet if they’re recovering from surgery or illness?
If your pet has recently had surgery or is recovering from illness, we may need veterinary clearance before grooming. Their safety and comfort always come first, so please let us know of any health concerns when booking.

Do you groom senior or special-needs pets?
Yes, we do! Mobile grooming is often ideal for seniors and special-needs pets since they receive one-on-one care in a quiet, low-stress environment. We allow extra time and work at their pace to keep them safe and comfortable.

How do you keep pets safe in the mobile salon?
Your pet is never left unattended while in our care. The mobile salon is climate-controlled, sanitized between appointments, and equipped with professional grooming tools designed for safety and comfort.

📝 Policies & Payments

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Payment is due at the time of service.

Do you require deposits?
For new clients or large/giant breed appointments, we may request a deposit to secure your spot. Deposits are applied to your final bill.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Because mobile appointments are limited and routes are carefully planned, we require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Same-day cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee.

Do you charge a travel fee?
Most clients are within our regular service area and do not incur a travel fee. If you are outside of our service area, a small mileage fee may apply, which will be discussed at booking.

What if I’m not home when you arrive?
We require an adult to be present at the start of the appointment for drop-off and instructions. If no one is available when we arrive, the appointment may be forfeited and a no-show fee may apply.

Do you offer packages or discounts?
We may occasionally run seasonal specials, but because mobile grooming is a one-on-one luxury service, our prices reflect the time and care provided. The best way to save is by keeping your pet on a regular grooming schedule, which prevents coat issues and keeps costs predictable.