Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start having my dog professionally groomed?
As soon as your puppy is vaccinated, you should have it professionally groomed - usually within the first three months of it's life. Although they may not look like they need much of a 'haircut' this early, you have to understand that there is a whole world of noises, handling and procedures in a grooming salon they need to get used to! Puppies should be groomed once a month for the first few months. This will allow shorter, less involved grooming sessions and gradually allow your pup to become accustomed to grooming learning it is an enjoyable experience instead of a traumatic one. Exposing your puppy as early as possible to experiences it is going to have for it's entire life is extremely important, so that grooming is a pleasant experience for the dog, groomer and owner.
How often should I have my dog groomed?
It depends on the breed of dog, type of coat and how long you'd like to keep the coat. Generally 4 to 6 weeks is ideal for maintaining the coat. This is also ideal for short coated breeds to keep on top of shedding. The idea is to 'maintain' the coat, not wait until it is overgrown, matted and uncomfortable for the dog. Pre-booking your dog's next appointment is strongly recommended to avoid having to wait for an available appointment when the dog needs it 'now'!
How much will it cost?
Cost depends on various factors, so groomers will often give you a range or approximate cost. The condition of the dog's coat (e.g. if it is matted), the length and style of the clip, the dog's general health, how much time is required for the groom, the dog's temperament etc are all factors in determining the price. We will happily discuss the cost with you at the time of making your booking and try to give you the most accurate estimate. We also offer Loyalty cards to our clients, where every 8th visit is free.
How long will my dog's grooming take?
The time required depends on what the dog is having done, the length and complexity of the clip, the temperament of the dog, it's general health, etc.
We groom many dogs each day and so our days are quite unpredictable! Therefore, we cannot give you an exact time when your dog will be ready.
Instead, we call or send you a text message to notify you as soon as your dog is finished and ready to go home. When you book your appointment, we will make a time for you to drop off your dog, usually between 9am and noon. As soon as your dog is ready, you will be contacted. If you turn up before your dog is finished, you will distract your dog, making it anxious and stressed as it will only want to try to get to you. This makes it difficult and extremely dangerous for the groomer and your dog as aiming at a moving target with sharp scissors and blades is a recipe for disaster! It will sometimes even make it impossible to complete the groom. If you do need your dog finished by a certain time, just let us know at the time of making your booking, prior to the day of your appointment.
We groom many dogs each day and so our days are quite unpredictable! Therefore, we cannot give you an exact time when your dog will be ready.
Instead, we call or send you a text message to notify you as soon as your dog is finished and ready to go home. When you book your appointment, we will make a time for you to drop off your dog, usually between 9am and noon. As soon as your dog is ready, you will be contacted. If you turn up before your dog is finished, you will distract your dog, making it anxious and stressed as it will only want to try to get to you. This makes it difficult and extremely dangerous for the groomer and your dog as aiming at a moving target with sharp scissors and blades is a recipe for disaster! It will sometimes even make it impossible to complete the groom. If you do need your dog finished by a certain time, just let us know at the time of making your booking, prior to the day of your appointment.
Can I stay and watch?
As your pooch loves you very much they will wiggle and move around trying to get close to you which is not safe while we are grooming. This makes the groom difficult and often impossible. It is best to drop off your pooch at their scheduled appointment time, and then come back when the treatment is finished. We are very happy to show our customers around the Spa so they can see where their pooch will have their treatment. Also please feel free to give us a call any time during the treatment to find out how your pooch is doing. Discuss any concerns you have with the groomer when you bring your dog in, and then quickly and fuss-free hand over your dog. If you prolong the process, your dog will pick up on your anxiety and become more stressed. Most dogs suffer some degree of separation anxiety when mum or dad leaves them, but you would be surprised how quickly dogs settle down and are happy with their groomer after you leave - just like leaving kids at kindy! It is normal for some dogs to shake and tremble a little when they arrive, but if you don't fuss and hand them over quickly and leave you will help them settle and relax. We have many many clients that come in, tails wagging, just about busting down the door to get in, without a second look back!
Do I need to bring anything with my pooch for their treatment?
Feel free to bring along any special blankets, toys, or treats that you know your pooch loves. Also, it you have a preference please feel free to bring a photo of the type of haircut you would like.
How often does my dog need a nail trimming and do I need an appointment?
Your pooch’s nails should be trimmed monthly. You do not need a pre-booked appointment, but we do recommend you call on the day before you come to reduce your wait time.
My dog is old, can it be groomed?
All dogs regardless of age benefit from being groomed. However aged, disabled, and ill pets required specialist treatment during the grooming process. Our staff have been trained on the individual considerations for special handling of these pooch’s. We are experienced in working with deaf, blind, arthritic dogs, and those with diabetes. If in any doubts please consult your vet who will help you to decide whether there would be any adverse risk in grooming your older dog.
My dog can be aggressive when being groomed, can I bring it to the Kristal Pet Grooming?
Keeping a dog calm during the grooming process is just one of the requirements of a groomer. We understand that some dogs make have had a bad experience of grooming and now do not want or enjoy being groomed. This is one of the areas we specialise in, as through patience, massage techniques, calm music,the right equipment and it is very important to talk to the pooch and time we are confident we can make the grooming experience enjoyable for all dogs. It is very rare to find an ungroomable dog but if we come across any serious problems during a treatment we will discuss them with you so we can agree on a solution together.
What if I am not happy with the service my dog receives?
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the treatment received, please advise within 2 business days so we can do our best to rectify it. Pet parents satisfaction is important to us. We take great pride in our service and want pooch’s parents to as well.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, Debit cards. MasterCard, and Visa. Please note there is a surcharge when using a credit card, debit cards do not incur a fee.
If you have a question that is not covered by the FAQ please feel free to call us on 02102538286
If you have a question that is not covered by the FAQ please feel free to call us on 02102538286