FAQs About Dog Grooming
Great grooming services start with great communication. We want you to feel as informed as possible so you can book with complete confidence. Whether you’re a first-time visitor wondering what to expect, or a returning client with questions about a specific service, we’ve answered our most frequently asked dog grooming questions below.
If your question isn’t answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out—Happy Tails is open 24 hours a day and our team is always ready to help!
We recommend scheduling your grooming appointment at least 1-2 weeks in advance through our customer portal or call us at (314) 291-3647. During busy seasons, like holidays when everyone wants their pup looking their best, it’s better to book as soon as possible. If your dog requires regular grooming, consider setting up recurring appointments to ensure you always have your preferred time slot.
We groom all kinds of dogs at Happy Tails regardless of age, size, or breed. Our expert groomers have experience with puppies, seniors, big dogs, small dogs, short-haired breeds, long-haired breeds, and everything in between.
There are definitely parts of the grooming process that can be done at home. In fact, we encourage regular maintenance between grooming visits to keep your dog happy and healthy. However, professional grooming helps prevent painful matting, maintains healthy skin and coat, keeps nails at safe lengths to protect joint health and posture, reduces the risk of ear infections, and allows for detection of early signs of health concerns (such as lumps, parasites, or skin conditions) that owners may not notice at home. Using a professional is one of the most proactive investments you can make in your dog’s long-term wellbeing.
No. Most owners drop their dog off and return at pick-up. Our team will contact you when your dog is ready. If you have a dog with significant anxiety or special behavioral considerations and prefer to remain nearby, feel free to let us know and we can discuss the best approach for your dog’s comfort.
We understand that consistency matters, especially for dogs who take time to warm up to new people. While we cannot always guarantee a specific groomer’s availability, we encourage you to let us know your preference when booking and we will do our best to accommodate it. Building a familiar relationship between your dog and their groomer is something we genuinely value.
We are one of the only grooming facilities in the St. Louis area open 24 hours a day, giving you complete scheduling flexibility. Our groomers are seasoned professionals with experience across all breeds, coat types, and temperaments, including dogs with anxiety. Grooming integrates seamlessly with our boarding and daycare services, so your dog’s care is never fragmented. And from your first interaction with our team to the moment your dog comes home, you can expect transparency, attentiveness, and a standard of care that treats your dog as a member of the family.
We recommend waiting until your puppy is old enough to meet our vaccination requirements (Bordetella, DHLPP, Rabies), typically around 16 weeks. Once they have been vaccinated, bring them in for grooming! Early grooming experiences are incredibly valuable for building positive associations with handling, which pays dividends throughout your dog’s life. The sooner your puppy learns that grooming is safe and comfortable, the easier every future appointment becomes.
Grooming time varies based on your dog’s size, coat type, and services requested. A basic bath may take 1-2 hours, while full grooming services with haircuts can take 2-4 hours. Dogs with matted fur, thick double coats, or those needing extra attention will require additional time. You can always reach out to our team for estimated grooming times.
Grooming frequency depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Dogs with continuously growing hair (like Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Doodles) typically need grooming every 4-8 weeks. Short-haired breeds may only need baths every 8-12 weeks. Dogs that swim frequently, play outdoors often, or have skin conditions may benefit from more frequent grooming. Our groomers can recommend a schedule tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Yes! All of our grooming services are conveniently available as an addition to a daycare visit or overnight boarding stay. You can also schedule grooming services a la carte if your dog isn’t using our other services.
Our groomers are experienced in working with anxious dogs and use calming techniques, positive reinforcement, and patience to help them feel more comfortable. We’ll take breaks as needed and work at your dog’s pace. Always let us know about any behavioral concerns when you book so we can discuss accommodations with you.
Grooming prices are based on your dog’s size, breed, coat condition, and temperament. Final pricing is confirmed after our groomers assess your dog’s specific needs at the time of the appointment. Additional fees may apply for de-matting, extra brushing, or handling accommodations for anxious dogs. Our team will always discuss any additional charges with you before beginning.
Yes, but it is not automatically included in any of our services right now. Anal gland expression is by request only.
A puppy cut trims the head and body to the same uniform length — a practical, low-maintenance style ideal for active dogs or warmer months. A scissor cut maintains hair at longer than 1½ inches, resulting in a softer, more textured finish that showcases volume and natural coat movement. Our groomers can help you decide which is best suited to your dog’s breed and coat type.
A shave down is a short cut on the body, with longer hair on the head and tail. A strip is a uniform, all-over short cut. Both can be great solutions to matted coats and dogs that get hot easily. Our groomers will help you decide the best course of action for your dog.