F.A.Q
What sets your services apart from others?
All of the grooming companies out there will start out by telling you they're "the best," but what truly sets one apart? We all provide the same basic services; bathing and grooming. How different can I be from that? Hair styling is subjective so no one can really claim that one and a bath is a bath right? NOPE! The real difference lies in training, knowledge, and expertise.
In addition to over 20 years of grooming experience, I am trained to recognize common skin issues and provide topical solutions using specialized products, improving conditions without medications and often without veterinary intervention. I combine the advanced training I have received through The Pet Skin Academy with the elite products of Iv San Bernard, a specialty line of Certified Pet Safe products formulated to relieve, and in some cases eliminate, common skin issues, to deliver a higher level of care that goes beyond traditional grooming, offering a standard of service unique among local mobile grooming options. Every pet I work with receives a customized bath, tailored after a thorough evaluation of their skin and coat condition. For pets with more significant or persistent problems, I offer a Skin Therapy program: a series of targeted therapeutic baths designed specifically for your pet to restore the skin to its healthiest possible state.
My goal is to enhance your pet's comfort and well-being through expert, personalized grooming care. Regular grooming appointments with me will not only leave your pet with a softer, more luxurious coat and healthier, hydrated skin, but also reduced matting, extends the freshness of the pet between regular appointments (activities such as swimming, digging, and frequent play with other dogs will lessen the freshness period of course) and brighten their over all appearance.
While I cannot diagnose medical conditions, I work closely with veterinary professionals and have the personal guidance and backing of Dr. Cliff Faver, DVM, and his wife Suzanne, Certified Pet Aesthetician and consultant for Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologists.
With this support and my specialized training, I am well equipped to address a wide range of skin and coat concerns, ensuring your pet looks and feels their best!
Why is mobile grooming more expensive?
We bring a fully equipped, state-of-the-art grooming salon (without cages) directly to your home. Mobile grooming is a premium convenience service, much like food delivery will cost more, but with a key difference; Instead of simply bringing something pre-made, we bring the entire salon experience to you. Think of it this way, if the pizza delivery driver also brought the oven and ingredients then made the pizza fresh at each house, it would naturally cost more.
A common misconception, but part of the premium convenience of mobile as opposed to shop, is that you need to be home for your pet's appointment. You don't! Only for the very first time do I require you to be there so we may meet each other and so your pet knows you are allowing me in. Many clients choose to provide a key or door code so that I can care for their pets while they are at work. For added convenience, I can securely keep a card on file (safe with Square) for hassle-free payment and follow your instructions to lock up when I leave. This allows you to come home to a freshly cleaned pet without ever having to rearrange your schedule, make trips back and forth to the salon, or even remember to rebook; recurring appointments make it easy to stay on track.
Unlike a traditional salon that can cycle through multiple pets at once, I work with only one pet or one family of pets at a time. While a traditional salon groomer may complete 15 dogs in one day, I can typically accommodate 8-10. This personalized approach ensures that your pet receives my full attention, but also limits the number of appointments I can accept each day.
Additionally, mobile grooming comes with higher overhead. Just like any business, equipment needs maintenance, repairs, and sometimes fails altogether, but because my salon is housed in a specialized vehicle those repairs often require special parts, specialized labor, and there can be significant downtime when the vehicle is out of service. These costs can be high but they are part of what allows me to bring a safe, professional, and convenient grooming experience to you.
Why is your pricing structure all-inclusive when others aren't?
I am not a salesperson, and I do not believe in upselling services that your pet truly needs, or in charging for things that provide little to no benefit. My focus is always on what genuinely supports your pet's health and comfort.
For example, I include toothbrushing at no additional cost where others will charge for it. Brushing only during grooming appointments (because we all know we are not going to do it any other time, and, yes, I'm guilty too with my own dog) is not going to do much. Professional dental care would still be needed even If you brushed your dogs teeth every day. You brush yours 2x per day right and still have to go to get them professionally cleaned. I include it in my services because it's better than nothing, but more importantly, it gives me an opportunity to check your pets mouth for any signs of concern that may need veterinary attention. It is not a thorough cleaning, nor does it freshen breath, but it can help slow tartar buildup and in some cases has led to early detection of oral health issues.
Nail care is an essential part of grooming. Nails that are too long affect comfort, posture, and even joint health. I prefer grinding nails because it is quick, smooths sharp edges, and reduces the chance of getting too close to the quick. Why should I charge more for something that I prefer doing, is easier on the animal, and ultimately does a better job than the alternative method?
De-shedding is a little bit different. In my opinion, for double coated dogs, de-shedding is not optional, it is necessary. I do charge extra for a deep de-shed in some cases because if the coat is heavily impacted, it requires me to perform an extra step in my process which takes a lot more time. This is generally a one time charge, though (unless your dog is done infrequently). If you get on my recurring schedule after an initial groom then this charge will never apply because regular de-shedding is always included. I price by breed and I know which breeds will require de-shedding. It is accounted for in my price just as a hair cut would be for a Shih Tzu. Proper undercoat maintenance prevents matting, supports healthy skin and allows the coat to function as nature intended. A well-maintained coat regulates body temperature by allowing airflow in the summer to cool the skin while still protecting from the direct sun, and by insulating against the cold in the winter.
I would like to note, however, that I do not perform anal gland expression. I always check for signs of irregularity, but expressing the glands externally can actually cause more harm than good. Over time, the grooming industry has been wrongfully associated with this procedure. The habit began because some dogs would express their glands naturally during the grooming process, and groomers began attempting to do it themselves to prevent messes. However, anal glands are internal organs, and forcing them to express can lead to serious complications. Improper technique can rupture or tear glands, block important pathways, or weaken the muscles responsible for natural expression creating long term problems rather than preventing them. This procedure should always be performed by a veterinarian. A vet can properly and safely "scoop" the glands internally, ensuring they are fully emptied and reducing the risk of injury or complications. While I will note any signs of concern, gland expression itself is a medical procedure and should be done by a licensed professional.
Can I watch you groom my pet?
For the Safety of your pet, myself, and you, as well as for insurance reasons, I cannot allow anyone inside the grooming van. The van is equipped with sharp tools, potentially slippery surfaces, and uneven steps that can pose a risk to anyone unfamiliar with the space.
There are also important behavioral reasons for this policy. When dogs (in particular) see their owners, their focus shifts entirely to wanting to be with you. This makes it much more difficult for them to settle and cooperate, and it also undermines my ability to establish the calm, trusting relationship that allows me to work safely and effectively. For your pet's comfort and safety, they need to understand that, while in my care, I am the one giving direction.
Additionally, the grooming van is a small enclosed workspace. Having someone observe from inside not only creates distractions but also adds pressure in a way that can make accidents more likely. To provide the best possible care, I need to work in a calm focused environment free from outside stressors.
It is important not to knock on or open the grooming van door during an appointment. Interrupting the grooming process can be extremely dangerous, especially when I am working in sensitive areas with sharp tools. A sudden knock or distraction, can startle both myself and the pet, undo any progress made with nervous or reactive dogs, and potentially put both the pet and myself at risk. If you need to reach me during an appointment please call or text instead. This ensures I can pause safely before responding and keeps the grooming process calm and controlled.
Should I tip my groomer?
The short answer is, no, you are not required or expected to tip. Tipping is always optional and entirely up to you. That said, it is customary, much like tipping a personal hair stylist.
Grooming is a highly skilled profession that takes extensive training, practice, and quite literally blood, sweat, and tears to master. Despite appearances, it's not simply "playing with puppies all day," as we commonly hear when talking about our career. Live animals are unpredictable, and transforming a dirty, smelly pet into a clean, comfortable, and happy one is far more complex than just a bath and blow dry. Grooming is one of the most intricate services you can receive. We work on every part of your pet, from the cute to the not-so-cute. To put it into perspective, most people tip their hair stylist, and that stylist only works on your head.
Of course, we all know that tip culture has become overwhelming in many areas of daily life. When I personally think about tipping, I ask myself; How much of what I am paying for did I do myself? Did this service require special training, skill, or expertise? Was any part of this personal to make me want to come back? These are the kinds of questions that help separate genuine service industries, where individual skill and care matter, from companies simply trying to offset labor costs by soliciting tips.
In the end, tipping is never an obligation but always an appreciated gesture of recognition for the hard work and skill that goes into grooming.
Do you offer discounts?
I do not offer discounts of any kind. With proper routing of my appointments, there is little savings in gas, even if I happen to stay in one location all day. Each pet requires a certain amount of time, the same grooming steps, the same amount of product, and puts the same wear on my equipment, which must be sharpened and maintained regularly. Having more than one pet in the household doesn't save enough time to warrant a reduced price, especially since many families have multiple pets.
I also do not offer senior citizen discounts. My work and pricing are based on the care and attention given to the pet, not the owner. The grooming process remains the same regardless of who the pet belongs to. I respect the need for senior citizens to care for their pets too, however, there are more affordable options than mobile grooming.
Although I deeply respect and appreciate members of the military and first responders, I also do not offer discounts in these areas. Asking for proof of ID and ownership of the pet feels unnecessarily invasive to me, and I never want to put clients in a position where they feel they must prove their worth.
As for service and support animals, the situation has become very complicated in recent years. Unfortunately, anyone can purchase a vest and claim a pet is a service or emotional support animal. While I would love to extend special consideration to those who genuinely depend on these exceptionally highly-trained animals, I cannot do so without crossing personal boundaries or requiring proof of training, which I prefer not to do.
For these reasons, among others, my prices remain consistent for everyone. This ensures fairness across the board and allows me to focus on providing the same high-quality care to each and every pet I groom.
How can I schedule an appointment?
I try to make the process as simple as possible. Just text me at the number on the top of the screen with your breed of pet and your address. I will check my calendar and let you know the first available appointment time I have in your area. Once date and time are agreed on, I just need a picture of the pet's current rabies papers and then I can get it all set. A confirmation text is sent when the appointment is made and a 2 day reminder text will be sent if there are more than 2 days until the appointment.
I schedule by area to keep my routes efficient, since I can only groom a limited number of pets in a day. If my first available appointment is several weeks out, it simply means I wont be in your area again until them and that's the next logical time I can fit you in.
The initial appointment can sometimes be the more difficult to schedule because I require the adult owner of the pet to be present for our first meeting. This allows us to meet in person and helps your pet understand that you are ok with me being there. After that first visit, however, one of the biggest conveniences of mobile grooming is that you don't even need to be home for future appointments. I can take care of your pet while you go about your day! If I have an opening in the schedule, we can also set up recurring appointments so you'll always know when to expect me, without ever needing to remember to book grooming visits again.
Do I need to be home for every appointment?
NOPE! That's one of the greatest conveniences about mobile grooming. After our initial appointment, you can just give me a door code or leave a key and I'd be happy to make your pet look beautiful while you are away. You can even leave a card on file (safe with Square) so that you don't even have to worry about payment.
For the first grooming appointment, I do require at least one adult owner be home. This allows us to meet in person, helps your pet understand that you are comfortable with me, and ensures I can quickly reach you if something requires immediate attention because I have not learned your pet's unique quirks yet.
When I take your pet to the van I will lock the door and will never leave your home unsecured unless you request otherwise. If needed, I'm happy to let your pet have a quick potty break before leaving. When finished, I will lock up and can leave your key on the kitchen table while exiting through the garage so that no key is left outside. My goal is to make the process as safe, convenient, and seamless for you as possible.
How long does it take?
Generally, Appointments take approximately 1-2 hours, however, this can vary depending on each pet's size, coat type, temperament, and special needs. Larger dogs typically require more time. Your pet receives my full undivided attention, they are the only one in the van during their appointment. I do not use kennels or drying cages so each pet is groomed straight through from start to finish.
I take the necessary time to ensure every pet is handled with care and completed to my standards. Some pets are very easy and may be finished sooner while others may require additional time even if the same breed. If your pet is undergoing Skin Therapy sessions, appointments will likely be longer to allow adequate time for the products to work. Similarly, if you have chosen to include an Ozone Therapy bath, please expect additional time to be added to the appointment.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone (O3) is an energized form of oxygen. Ozone is a naturally occurring component of fresh air. It can be produced by the ultra-violet rays of the sun reacting with the Earth's upper atmosphere, creating the protective ozone layer, or through electrical discharge, such as lightening. This is why you can smell ozone during a thunderstorm. In addition to the smell of rain there is a "fresh air" sort of smell as well. That is ozone. It can also be artificially created with an ozone generator. I have a special Hydro-massage Ozone machine that has the ability to generate O3 while your pet is getting a skin therapy.
Ozone is a powerful and rapid acting oxidizer, and will oxidize bacteria, mold and yeast spores, organic material, and viruses significantly speeding up the skin's healing process. Ozone therapy aids in the elimination and relief of fungus, allergies, seborrhea, leishmaniasis, alopecia, itching, wounds, bacteria, inflammation, arthritis, and much more!
Your pet does not have to have an ailment to receive an ozone bath. It is a luxurious soothing bath for any pet.
Is the water warm?
I do not enjoy cold showers so I certainly do not expect the pets to either! Hot water is not good for the skin and coat either, however, so my water is always at a warm/tepid temperature. Do not worry, if they do start to get a little bit chilly, my nice warm dryers warm them right back up.
Do you use my electricity or water?
I make every effort not to use your household water or electricity, as my van is equipped with its own power supply and fresh water tank. However, on occasion I may need to connect to your home's power source if my battery supply runs low. while I can idle the van to recharge, it's a slow process and may not always provide enough power to complete your pet's appointment. I do my best to monitor this carefully so that I rarely need to plug in.
Water is a little bit different. My van's fresh water tank only hold 50 gallons, which is roughly the equivalent to filling a standard sized bathtub once (most tubs hold between 40-60 gallons). Essentially each pet receives 2 baths during their appointment with me as I shampoo and condition every pet. especially with big dogs, I'm sure you can imagine how much water is needed despite me knowing how to preserve water as much as possible. There may be times when I need to refill my water tank to continue appointments without returning to my base. I try not to, but this does happen on occasion. If I do need to use your water, please note that 50 gallons is a very small amount. Water usage is measured in thousands of gallons so the cost only equates to a few cents. While I truly appreciate your understanding and willingness to help, I do not offer discounts for the small amount of water used.
For a little bit of perspective, the power and water I might use from your home are comparable to what a house cleaning service might use to vacuum or what a guest might use for a short shower.
Where does the dirty water go?
While my fresh water tank holds 50 gallons of water, my gray water tank only has a 40 gallon capacity. (Doesn't make sense does it? I do not know why they were built this way). Because the gray water tank fills throughout the day and would over flow onto the street anyway, I allow a small amount to drain while I am working. This helps prevent overflow and back up into my tub as well as reduces the chance of bacteria build up and odor within the tank from standing water.
Please rest assured that all of my products are biodegradable, pet-safe, and environmentally friendly. I never use harsh chemicals on animals. In fact the little amount I use to wash your pet is far less harmful than common neighborhood sources such as sprinkler runoff, carwash soap and products, or pool drainage.
In most cases, especially here in Texas, much of my runoff quickly dries up and does not reach drains. However, if you prefer that I keep my gray water valve closed during your appointment, I am more than happy to do so, just let me know. I have a designated area to dump at my base of operations at the end of the day.
How often should my pet be groomed?
The natural skin cycle of dogs and cats is 21 days, meaning it takes about 3 weeks for a new layer of skin cells to reach the surface. As new skin develops, the older layer dies and sheds. when the skin isn't properly hydrated or the sebum (skin oil) layer isn't functioning as it should. dead skin can build up, often appearing as excessive dandruff, or, in some cases, forming blockages that can lead to cysts or other skin issues.
Because pets' hair and skin regenerate quickly, a week can make a noticeable difference in their condition. While grooming every 3 weeks would be ideal for the natural skin cycle, it's not always practical for many families. Every 4 weeks is generally the most beneficial and realistic schedule to maintain healthy skin and coat. Of course, every pet is different. Some may need more frequent care while others can comfortably go longer between appointments without issue. With proper products and techniques, pets really cant be groomed too often, but waiting too long between grooms can make it more difficult to prevent or correct skin problems.
I currently offer 4 or 8 week recurring schedules. While 8 weeks works well for many pets, the 4 week schedule is recommended for optimal skin and coat health. this frequency helps ensure that dead skin and oils are removed, allowing new, healthy oils to protect your pet from bacteria, fungi, and allergens.
Can I provide my own shampoo?
Respectfully, no. I can assure you that products available in stores, or even those recommended by most veterinarians, are not superior to the professional-grade products I use. While veterinarians are experts in animal health, they are not trained in bathing and grooming techniques or in the specialized care of skin and coat health. That is my area of expertise!
When you visit a hairstylist, you trust that they will use the right products for your specific hair type, you wouldn't bring your own shampoo. The same principle applies to pets. Each pet has a unique coat type with its own needs for moisture, nutrients, and oils. Using the same product on every pet just because they do not have a noticeable skin condition simply isn't in their best interest. I assess each pets coat individually and select the proper shampoo and conditioner for each pet. Please note that some skin conditions may require Skin Therapy, which is a series of specially formulated baths. These are not included in normal bathing and grooming routines.
The medicated shampoos that vets sell simply do not work the way people expect them to. They often give the illusion of helping because they will kill everything that's on the skin surface, but that's also part of the problem. These shampoos strip the skin of all natural oils and eliminate both the harmful and the beneficial microorganisms that protect the skin, leaving it a blank canvas with no protective shield for new (and sometimes more dangerous) bacteria to take over. I choose not to use veterinary shampoos because of these unnecessary chemicals they contain. If they dry out my hands after just one use, imagine what they can do to your pet's skin especially if used as directed.
What is so special about Iv San Bernard
Iv San Bernard is the leading European manufacturer of animal care products. This Italian company produces an array of products specially designed and scientifically formulated for various coat types and skin health management with all products based on natural ingredients. ISB gives special attention to skin, hair, and health of animals of all kinds through not only proper product selection and use, but invaluable technical support and training as well. A whole team is dedicated to answering questions and helping all of its customers choose the proper products to use at the appropriate times to maximize the health benefits of every application.
No other product line has such a variety of products to assist with not only the regular up-keep and maintenance of our precious pets, but also successfully combat many skin conditions known to stump even the best veterinarians. All products are based with natural ingredients, never use dyes, and never contain harsh drying agents, or medications of any kind. Everything with ISB is topical and even safe to use on humans, though I would argue it the other way around, 'They are so safe, you can use them on your pet.'
Why don't you ever answer your phone?
All communication is done via text. I work diligently to give every pet my full, one-on-one attention. answering phone calls during a groom takes away from that focus, and distractions are when accidents happen, even if its something as small as forgetting to finish a paw. When I am with a client, their pet has my complete attention.
Returning every call individually would take hours out of the day, while texting allows me to respond more efficiently and keep accurate record of what's been discussed. Having everything in writing ensures nothing gets forgotten, and helps me stay organized for both new and returning clients.
If I am working on your pet, then I of course will answer if you call, though please keep in mind that it is a distraction. Please try to message via text if it is not urgent.
Do you charge sales tax?
Yes. In the state of Texas, grooming is legally classified as a taxable service under state law. Grooming is considered a personal care service, much like car washes or lawn care services; it is not a medical or veterinary service. Services provided directly by a licensed veterinarian are not taxed because they are medical. Since grooming is not a medical service, Texas Law requires us to charge sales tax.
My dog has 'papers,' why am I charged a different breed?
Unfortunately, as with many industries today, it has become quite easy for anyone to create or claim "papers' for a pet. True AKC-registered breeders have verifiable credentials and a deep understanding of their breed's lineage, structure, and value. A puppy from a true breeder will meet a breed standard even if they are not show quality. Sadly, the pet breeding industry has become saturated with individuals who are just in it for the money and may not follow the same standards, often taking advantage of well-meaning families who simply want a loving companion in the breed they have chosen.
A great example of breeders taking advantage, is Doodles. While they are wonderful pets with great personalities, at their core, they are just a mixed breed dog. They are not recognized as a breed by any of the major clubs, though they do have a loyal following and clubs of their own now. Despite not having true recognition in the established breeder rings, they are sold at a premium price comparable to many show dogs simply because of the desire from pet parents.
When it comes to grooming, pedigree makes no difference to me. Every pet is a loving pet and it doesn't matter to me if they are a Heinz 57 or a Grand Champion. I base my work and prices off of what breed each dog best resembles because the known breeds have a standard by which to follow.
What is a Pet Aesthetician?
As a Pet Aesthetician, my primary focus is on the care, health, and restoration of the skin and coat of pets. While an Esthetician concentrates more on the beauty and cosmetic aspects of skin care, Aestheticians receive additional training on the clinical side of things. Aestheticians are able to dig a little deeper into the issues affecting skin. I am able to observe and address common external issues affection the skin and coat with safe, non-medical care.
It is important to note that I am not a veterinarian and I do not diagnose, prescribe, or administer medications of any kind. I also do not apply or use prescription products provided by a vet. These products should only be used under direct guidance by a veterinarian or by you, the pet owner, following their explicit instructions. This ensures proper handling and prevents misinterpretation, misuse, or accidental harm. All techniques and services I provide are external, non-invasive, and utilize only world renowned, Pet Safe Certified, Iv San Bernard products. My goal is to support skin and coat health through professional husbandry practices that promote comfort, wellness, and help the body naturally restore itself.
Every pet is unique, and even two animals with the same skin concern may respond differently to skin therapy. While there is never a guarantee of a complete cure, with consistent effort and collaboration, we can significantly improve your pet's comfort and quality of life. Some cases May be more challenging than others; however, I have the privilege of learning from and being supported by the founders of the Pet Skin Academy, Suzanne Marchetti and Dr. Cliff Faver. Together they are recognized leaders in pet skin restoration and have helped countless animals (not just dogs and cats) and professionals worldwide. With their guidance, I am confident in the care I provide. I will remain committed to your pet's well being as long as you do. Our shared dedication can make a remarkable difference in your pet's comfort and long-term skin health.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I only accept credit/ debit cards as payment. This allows me to easily keep all incoming money in one place. It eliminates the liability of carrying around a lot of cash and also the hassle of having to go to the bank to deposit cash. Checks are also more hassle than they are worth. though mobile deposit is great, often times a check is written incorrectly or else is illegible by they mobile deposit system. Cash apps do not allow me to properly track sales tax and do not give a sales tax report like Square does. To make things simple for everyone, I only accept credit/ debit cards.
Hours
Tuesday- Friday
8:00am-5:00pm
Holiday hours may vary
TEXT: 972-957-7387
Servicing Allen and Lucas