It starts in the Bath
Shampoo, Conditioner, Facial, teeth Brushing
Every pet receives a customized shampoo and conditioner based on their individual needs. Whether it’s for deshedding, dematting, long drop coats, wire coats, or more, we’ll select the products we feel are best suited for your pet at no additional cost.
We use Hyponic shampoos and conditioners, made with 100% naturally derived cleansers. Hyponic is a hypoallergenic brand, meaning it is formulated to be mild and gentle, helping minimize the potential for reactions.
For all clients, we use iGroom Tearless Facial Shampoo. We also offer a Blueberry Facial as an add-on for an extra touch of luxury during their spa experience.
We also offer teeth brushing using a veterinarian-recommended enzymatic toothpaste as an add-on.
The inbetween
Drying, Nails and Brush Out
Drying can sometimes be the longest step in the grooming process and, for some more nervous pets, the most stressful. We offer a variety of drying techniques, whether it’s a cool fan while relaxing in a mat-cushioned kennel, a lower-velocity dryer, a quieter stand dryer, or a handheld pet-safe dryer/brush dryer. We always try to find the option that is most comfortable for your pet. Alongside our many drying options, we also use a “Happy Hoodie” head and ear protector to help lessen the sound of the dryers. This helps pets feel more secure while also protecting their hearing during the drying process.
Every service includes nail trimming. We highly recommend nail filing, also known as nail grinding, if you notice your pup’s nails are particularly sharp. While nail clipping helps shorten the nails to an appropriate length, just like our own nails, they can still have a sharp edge after being trimmed. Nail filing/grinding smooths and rounds the nail after trimming, helping to soften those sharp edges. It can also help us safely get closer to the quick of the nail. Nail filing is available as an add-on service.
We use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner for every pet after their bath. Ear plucking is available only upon request. We do not offer excessive ear plucking or plucking when signs of a possible infection are present. If extensive ear plucking is needed, we highly recommend having this done by your veterinarian, as excessive plucking can cause irritation.
We use light conditioning sprays when brushing out your pet’s coat. Like our own hair, brushing can cause breakage, so conditioning mists help add hydration back into the coat while reducing breakage. When needed, we also use dematting conditioning sprays to help aid the process.
Every bath for double-coated breeds includes deshedding shampoo and conditioner, as well as a 10–15 minute brush-out. We do charge for excessive deshedding beyond the initial general brush-out. Deshedding fees are determined by the condition of the coat and the time spent deshedding. Shedding is completely normal and is often a sign of a healthy, naturally growing coat.
While we do offer dematting services for an additional cost, these services are only available to clients on an 8-week-or-less appointment schedule and are not offered as a recurring service.
The Styling and After
Haircuts to Relaxing
Finally, its time for the haircut! But first, who is giving the haircut?
We have many different groomers, each with their own styles and techniques. However, Wag Love Pets has a standard of care that every stylist is expected to provide to every pet. Regardless of the stylist, we aim to provide the same quality, attention, and care. Each stylist is Pet CPR and First Aid trained, and we all believe in cooperative grooming practices.
We understand that grooming is a necessary part of every pet’s life to keep them healthy and comfortable. We work with the pet, not on the pet. If your pet wants to sit during their bath, no problem. If they prefer to lay down while drying, we can work with that. If they don’t like their face handled a certain way, we will look for another approach. We will never force a dog through a grooming process. We believe in humanity over vanity.
We also believe there is always something new to learn about our pets and the products and services we provide. We strive to stay up to date not only with safety and products, but also with the latest techniques and education in the craft of grooming.
Our groomers regularly attend hands-on seminars and expos to sharpen their hairstyling skills, including Asian Fusion, Poodle trims, hand scissoring, hand stripping, teddy bear trims, corrective grooming, creative pet dyeing, senior/geriatric grooming, and more. The fluffier, the more fun for our stylists! Check out our Instagram if you’re ever looking for reference photos.
Once your pup is all done, we offer cushioned crate options to keep them safe and comfortable. In our holding room, we offer purple/blue lighting, which sensory studies have shown may help calm or alleviate stress for some dogs. We also offer a side room for pets who cannot be crated, and when available, the grooming room may also be an option for pets who need a little more company.
While we offer several options for your pet to relax after their appointment, space is limited. We ask that pets be picked up within one hour of being notified that they are complete. Please read and refer to our Policies for more details about out drop off pick up policies.
Express appointments are the only appointments where we can guarantee your pet will not be crated (unless requested). We do not allow pets from different households to comingle, so we cannot guarantee that non-express appointments will always have a non-kennel option available.
We kindly ask that pets who excessively bark be picked up immediately to help maintain a calm and comfortable environment for our more nervous pups.