Question 1

The importance of grooming, and what our package offers

Accepted Answer

Skin: During the grooming process, your pet is observed down to the skin, cleaned from nose to tail. We have discovered fleas, ticks, wounds, masses, infections, blood disorders, lameness, joint issues, hip dysplasia, dental disease, gland ruptured, pavement burns, hearing loss through the drying process. We have a variety of blow dryers, according to pet preferences.

Question 2

Two shampoos and a deep condition

Accepted Answer

This service is highly customized to your pets individual needs. Your pets receive two rich lathers. The first bath agitates dirt and grease, lifting it. The second bath fully rinsed out any further grease, grime, eye boogies, ect. Every toe, every armpit, and every tail tip gets a thorough scrub down and lather up. We use a gentle, eye safe tearless for our face wash. On top of a variety of our regular, scented options, hypo allergenic and unscented, lightly scented, medicated antifungal/antibacterial, medicated anti-itch, whitening, insect repellent, and shedding products, as well as leave in conditioners are used according to each dogs needs. We believe in making conditioner a priority to use on all dogs to keep the skin balanced and hydrated. In the case that a pet has prescribed shampoo, we use our hypo shampoo to lift oils and dirt and allow the medicated shampoo to better penetrate and treat the skin. After that we will lather them up in their prescribed shampoo, as directed on the packaging and vet recommendations. We also moisturize noses and paw pads with a coconut oil based, pet safe balm.

Question 3

Skunk bath

Accepted Answer

while we will do everything we can to rid your pet of skunk odor, it is a tricky smell that embeds into the follicles of the fur and into their skin. Especially on thick coated dogs, they very well may still have a light odor, worsened by wetness for up to two years after skunking. This is more easily navigated with dogs that get haircuts as the hair is trimmed off. For thick coated dogs, the fur grows in sometimes multiple year cycles and they may not shed the affected follicles until the cycle starts over.

Question 4

Velocity and fluff

Accepted Answer

We fluff our dogs to perfection, using various methods. For dogs that will tolerate the velocity dryer, we use a variety of nozzles to achieve different goals. We can straighten, de-shed, and de-mat some tangles with the strong, warm air. We have a fluff dryer that offers a warmer, more gentle flow that is perfect for seniors and dogs that are sensitive to loud noises, and helps to straighten untamed coats. We also have the kennel dryer, which blows warm air to help dry coats of dogs that would prefer to lay comfortably on the towel, and let it dry natural. We carry a portable wand dryer for comfort for nervous small, older, or puppy clients.

Question 5

Ears

Accepted Answer

For dogs needing more ear flow, we shave the inner ear flaps. This allows for the air to get into the ear and to help it stay dry. We wipe out or flush their ear, depending on their needs. For ear canal hair, we have a few options. When plucking (if desired) we can do a full or a partial pluck, or cut it as short as possible. We will work with you to decide on the best option for your pet. We carry happy hoodies to protect sensitive ears from the blow dryers.

Question 6

Mobility

Accepted Answer

Nails and grooming in general plays a key role in the longevity of your pets mobility. Frequent grooming from a young age promotes flexibility.  We carry suspension hammocks and belly bands to help pets that may have sore joints, or paw anxiety receive a safe, painless service.

Question 7

Paw maintenance

Accepted Answer

We carefully manicure the nails, clipping and filing as short and round as possible. We shave out the pads, improving traction. We apply paw balm and are able paint the nail in your preferred colour on short coated breeds. Long nails prevent the wrists from fully extending, and lengthen ligaments over time. We make sure to file them round to prevent as much scratching as possible.

Question 8

Teeth

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic toothpaste, which mixes with saliva to break down bacteria in the mouth, improving oral hygiene. For dogs that won't tolerate the act of brushing, the enzymatic nature of the toothpaste ensures that they are still experiencing hygienic benefits.

Question 9

Scent

Accepted Answer

We love to keep your pet smelling fresh for as long as possible. On top of some of our mouth watering shampoo scents, we can fragrance eligible pets with pet safe cologne. We have fruity, masculine, floral, and bakery scents for you to snuggle up to! We love feedback on your preferences!

Question 10

Accessories

Accepted Answer

We love our Posh Pooches leaving in full style! For parents that love the extra touch, we have a variety of accessories to finish off your pups styling. We have bandanas, bow ties, formal ties,  elastic hair bows, temporary colour to tip ears and tails, nail polish, collar bows, and flower necklaces to give your pooch that extra pizzazz.

Question 11

Extras/In between

Accepted Answer

To encourage nail health, we have an ongoing frequency promotion on nail trim and grindings. Weekly: $5.00+gst Bi-weekly

Question 12

Wounds/infections/health

Accepted Answer

if your pet has serious mobility issues, seizure risks, is geriatric, or has behavioral barriers, you may be asked to sign a waiver. Behaviour resulting in extra groom time, or extra hands will be charged accordingly. We ask that all pets wait 48 hours after immunization (vaccine) appointments or pest control applications before their service. We ask that you wait approximately 14 days after the application of any stitching or glue from injuries or surgeries. If any injuries or open wounds are found at the time of grooming, we will call you immediately and discuss the comfort and safety of proceeding, at the parent and stylists best judgement. Our stylists are not expected to perform unsafe care.

Question 13

Pests

Accepted Answer

Ticks are removed at no extra cost, and can be bagged for testing upon request. If a dog in our care found to have fleas, we will attempt to contact you as soon as possible to notify you. Your dog will receive a flea bath for an additional $30 charge. If intervention is not taken at home, the likelihood of reinfestation on your pet is high. We do not accept dog with ringworm or mange.

Question 14

Matting

Accepted Answer

Posh Pooch Grooming Co follows ethical care guidelines, and as such, we do not de-mat dogs. If over 10 percent of the body needs significant work to remove tangles and matting, the hair will be removed with a shorter blade to avoid damaging the skin and hurting the dog. We need your pets to trust us not to hurt them, and value humanity over vanity. In the case of matting that was unknown, we will call you to see how you would prefer to proceed (taking the dog home to attempt matting removal on your own, spot shaving, ect). In the event that you are unavailable, the stylist will proceed with their most ethical judgement.

Question 15

Late pick up/Early drop offs

Accepted Answer

Our stylists will call you approximately 30 minutes before the end of your pets service. Clients may be charged an additional "daycare fee" if they are not promptly picked up within an hour of our collection call, priced at $15/10 minutes. Prompt pick up encourages a smooth day, and a quieter environment for the pets in our care. If you need to arrange for your pet to be dropped off early, this is a service we offer:Hourly boarding (up to 4 hours, no later than 5pm pick up, and dependant on behaviour, and including late pick up):$20/hIf your pet is not picked up by closing time, you will be charged double.

Question 16

Sick pets

Accepted Answer

If your pet is showing any signs of illness or severe stress, your appointment will be rescheduled. At Posh Pooch Grooming Co, pet safety is paramount. We will not force an ill dog through services, nor will we expose our clients to potential illness for the sake of vanity. If your dog is ill, please call us as opposed to bringing them into our facility, putting our other clients at risk.

Question 17

Cancellation/ Late Policy

Accepted Answer

We expect clients to be respectful of our time.You may cancel or reschedule your appointment anytime by contacting the salon via phone call.  In the event that you miss your appointment or cancel/reschedule with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged 50% of your booked service fee.  This is given to the stylist to compensate for their lost income. If you are late to your appointment, the service charge still applies to the time scheduled for the appointment.  It will be the stylists individual discretion what they can accommodate in the remaining time of the scheduled appointment. The client will be billed the full scheduled time.   In the event the stylist can add additional time in order to accomplish the service, the client will be billed for the the original scheduled time and any additional time added. In the event that your pet is ill, please give us as much notice as possible.  Please avoid not showing up and not calling as appointments cancelled due to illness are NOT subject to the cancellation fee, however cannot be rescheduled within 2 weeks of the initial appointment. If we are not contacted within 24 hours after a "no show", we will assume that you have found services elsewhere, and all future appointments may be cancelled. Frequent offenders may be required to pay a booking deposit, or may not be welcomed back.

Question 18

Before your appointment

Accepted Answer

Appointment times are not a suggestion, or guideline. They are a commitment. Please arrive promptly.Please take your pet for a walk, or allow them enough time outside to be able to empty their bladders and bowels. Because we use treats frequently for training, do not feed your pet immediately before their appointment time. During drop off, please do not rile up your pet. We want to maintain calm energy as to not promote separation anxiety.

Question 19

Why choose us?

Accepted Answer

Posh Pooch Grooming Co takes every pet seriously. We take time to meet individual needs, from training puppies and first timers, giving breaks to seniors, and health and special needs accommodations. We have integral pride in our work, and practice fear free, training based techniques. We use a large variety of professional grade products from trusted brands to obtain specific, intentional results. We carry a ton of options, including luxury scents, probiotic, medicated, hypoallergenic, insect repelling, anti itch, ultra soothing, moisturizing , repairing, and more. We do not believe in "one groom fits all". Your pet is unique and deserves specific time allotted, and close attention. As such, we book individual time with your pets appropriately to meet their needs comfortably.

Question 20

What are our credentials?

Accepted Answer

Our salon leads (Alex and Jazz) have trained in the industry for over a decade, by groomers with up to 40 years of experience. We diligently share experience and knowledge with our own junior groomers, personally trained by us, and our shop is proudly invested in continuing education. Our salon is trained, certified, and registered in fear free practices, as well as canine and feline CPR and First Aid.

Question 21

What is included in our services?

Accepted Answer

We have a 14 step Posh Deep De-shed process:
1. Cut nails and file them as short and round as possible
2. Clean ears
3. Clarifying shampoo + water massage rinse
4. Teeth brushed
5. De-Shed shampoo + de-shed rinse
6. De-shed conditioner deep soak
7. Marshmallow coat conditioner leave in
8. Velocity De-shed & blow-out
9. Slicker, undercoat rake, de- bulk, comb out and de-shed
10. Pads tidied (as needed)
11. Cologne and shine spray/dirt repeller applied
12. Accessories applied (formal bow, bandana, bowtie, hair bows, collar flowers, flower necklace, nail polish, splash of colour)
13. Close Ups
14. Good dog take home treat

We have a 17 step tidy/grooming process:
1. Cut nails and file them as short and round as possible
2. Clean ears
3. Pluck any excessive/matted ear canal hair
4. Clarifying shampoo + water massage rinse
5. Teeth brushed
6. Specialized shampoo + rinse
7. Conditioner deep soak
8. Marshmallow coat conditioner leave in
9. Velocity De-tangle & blow-out
10. Slicker, detangle, comb out, fluff dry
11. Pads, bum, inner ear, groin, armpits tidied 
12. Full body cut (if desired)
13. Full precision scissor finish
14. Cologne and shine spray/dirt repeller applied
15. Accessories applied (formal bow, bandana, bowtie, hair bows, collar flowers, flower necklace, nail polish, splash of colour)
16. Close Ups
17. Good dog take home treat

Question 22

Why do we insist on a treat and greet?

Accepted Answer

Our relationship with our clients is incredibly important to us. It's important to start on the right foot. We book Treat and Greets for new clients to ensure we are booking a time slot appropriate for their individual needs, and so that we can properly assess any potential barriers before the appointment. 
We like to set our clients and our stylists up for success.

Question 23

What's our availability?

Accepted Answer

We are accepting clients, and typically booking approximately 1-4 weeks ahead depending on your specific time needs and requested stylist. We work by appointment, typically from 9-5, Tuesday to Saturday. Private appointments are available at an additional fee.

Question 24

Is our facility free range and do we use crates?

Accepted Answer

We will give you a 30 minute heads up before your pet is finished. Ideally, our pet guardians arrive as we are finishing up and are able to go straight home, before our next client arrives. If this is not the case, we will typically tether to our table base, or to a wall anchor. We do have crates available for reactive pets, or for pets that prefer a kennel.

If we have all other dogs out of reach on a table, or the salon is otherwise empty, we allow pets to wander through the shop, or hang out on the couch. In some cases, pets may be crated for safety reasons.

Question 25

Do we take all breeds, ages, sizes, and behaviour?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes. We try to accommodate all sizes, ages, behaviours, and breeds. We are well versed in sizes and breeds from teacup to XL giant. If there are barriers, we will work with the pet guardians to create a plan to set their pet up for success.

Question 26

Can you book in advance?

Accepted Answer

We love predictability in our schedule. Being able to plan in advance sets everyone up for success. We encourage pre booking to ensure your preferred time slots. We are able to pre-book for up to a full year in advance. For pets on a pre-booked, consistent schedule, clients may be eligible for a $10-20 loyalty discount.

Question 27

Do you do reminder calls?

Accepted Answer

We always try to do reminder calls 1-4 work days in advance. We are pretty good about it. We are humans, and occasionally we may be preoccupied with the clients on our tables. If you absolutely require a reminder call, be sure to let your stylist know.

Question 28

Is there a missed appointment fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Could you imagine coming in to work and not getting paid? We value our stylists and ask clients to be respectful of our time, as well as other clients time. We have a cancellation list as well as a waitlist. Our cancellation policy is 48 hours, and our late policy is ten minutes. If an appointment is missed, you will either the asked to pay the 50% fee before booking, or it will be added to your next total. 
Repeat offenders may be refused service. This is our work, and we expect professional conduct and courtesy.

Question 29

Can you book just for nails?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you give us a little notice, we can book several stand alone services such as ears, teeth, glands, nails, brushing, spot shaving, pads, and more. Just ask!

Question 30

How long will our services take?

Accepted Answer

We are respectful of each client's needs, and book in order to not rush them. Most appointments range from an hour for a small bath, up to six hours for large projects. Most haircuts average two hours for moderate haircuts, but XXL breeds and large, fluffy doodles average about three hours. We will give you a heads up when we believe we are close to a half hour away from completing services.

Posh Pooch's Frequently Asked Questions