Mobile Groomers

[Karefl]

Has anyone ever used a mobile groomer, one that comes to you? My neighbor uses on in the summer for their small dog. I'm not considering theirs b/c they come in an old beat up van w/ a motor home a/c unit on top. If a shop looked like their van I wouldn't go there! LOL Plus I can't imagine a groomer & a GR in the van! I did find a much nicer one that is in my area www.tobyandfriends.com . One reason that I'm thinking about it is less stress on Jake who has been know to have seizures after stressful situations. I don't know if he's had them after grooming, but he has after being boarded. (I'm also looking into pet sitters when we're away.) I also think that it looks VERY convenient! I'm not sure that the price is worth the convenience though.
Thanks!

[johnwa]

Hello there!
In my experience as a golden retriever and other breed owner, a mobile groomer, and the cosmetics of their vehicle, is not really the issue. Have you ever heard the old expression, "If I had a dollar?". Well, if I had a dollar for each owner that has come to this site with a complaint about a groomer, after they have worked on their dog, I would be able to retire. :) But no, seriously, the key aspect with a groomer, is communication. In other words, if you are thinking of using a specific groomer for the first time, ask for references first. Tell the groomer of any issues that your dog may have. i.e. medical issues, behavior issues, etc. Also, tell the groomer how you want your dog's hair to be cut. Bottom line: if you don't communicate, you may get something that you did not really want. My advice to owners who use groomers for the first time, is to simply tell the groomer to trim the dog's problem areas. i.e. not a full cut and not shaved. You can always take more hair off if you need to, but once it is gone, you can't glue it back, and you will have to wait until it grows back. Good luck.

[kinseysmom]

I know there is at least one mobile groomer here. Finny, our non Golden, has a brother in the neighborhood and his mommy and daddy swear by their mobile groomer. I've never tried it personally. However...I mentioned this earlier here...we have a new groomer here in Omaha who I adore. They take ONE dog at a time. It's like a hair appointment. You're in/you're out. In fact, they don't even have a kennel. They treat the dogs like humans which I love. Plus, the shopping in the "shop" is amazing...well, if you're a small dog person with a Paris Hilton complex. rofl3
They don't really have designer wear for the Golden. However, I love these people and I love their concept. It's called Luxe Pet Boutique. I didn't even ask if it was a franchise. My guys loved it and for the first time ever, Finny wasn't freaked by the experience. Of course, then we have Kinsey, who thinks the blow dryer is the most incredible experience ever. She's also in love with the vacuum. Seriously, she naps on the vacuum and gets excited to the point of dislocating her hip when I turn the vacuum on. Oops sorry...off track...back to mobile groomers....we have them. I know one person who loves their mobile groomer. I, however, love the one on one appointment concept at "Luxe." I couldn't find a smiley guy with a shopping bag. :laugh2

[Harshy]

We have a mobile groomer in the area. I've seen mailer coupons for it but don't know anyone that's ever tried it. We also have a Dog-Ro-Mat that just opened in town. Haven't tried that yet either but read a local newspaper ad about the business. It's a place where you bring the dog in and do the grooming yourself but they have all the supplies including huge tubs. The cost is about $15 - it keeps the water mess out of your house ans sounds like it could be fun!

[Cheyenne]

My mom uses a mobile groomer for her Golden and their Mini Snauchzer (sp?) and they all love it..her and the dogs...The Mini would be so freaked out by going to the groomers with all the noise and comotion and they found this lady by word of mouth and she comes right to the house and you make an appointment...she has a van type setup where she does everything in the van right there in your driveway. She isn't really cheap but not overpriced either and she loves the dogs to death. Every time she comes they each get a little stuffed toy and somehow she picks out ones they really enjoy. So the dogs get a nice haircut (however you instruct her to cut - although she is familiar with the standard for each breed),a new toy, no traveling and stress and its conveniant for the owner too. If you can find a good one I would go for it, but again like was said before I think the groomer themselves and how you communicate are the biggest issues..the mobile part is a lot of conveniance. Good luck!!

[diiorio]

you may go threw a few before you fidn the rght groomer. There are alo of great groomers out there. Some who used to be Vet echs that undersand issues more. evenually ou wll find one. I do my own grooming since I am perticular about shampoo's used.

We ahve 2 main mobile Goomers here. Both clients of our Hospital. I went out i nthe van one day with both ofthe, and hey are amazing. Les sreeful n the dog's, and these dog's loved them! I mean they waned the one groomer to stay.

CHeck around, get a relationship with the groomer and watch them the first time.

[gnhykn]

one just started in our area. I tried it twice, and it was quicker, and cheaper. $35.00 and took about and hour or so compared to a whole day when i took him out. He seemed much less stressed. I could watch thru my livingroom window, into the window of the van. Definate advantages, but she didnt do as good a job as the old groomer, old groomer trimmed better, must be a skill that some have with big dogs? Old groomer bred newfoundlands, so had a knack for big dog grooming, charged me $65.00. I miss her, she gave it up.