Frequently Asked Questions
Fear-Free Grooming
Here are two blog posts that explain it:
- Completed New Customer Intake Form
- Vaccinations (Puppies <20 weeks): 1st round of Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella
- Vaccinations (Dogs >20 weeks): Rabies, DHPP / DAPP, Bordetella
- Age: 12 weeks – 12 years (Senior dogs 12+ years are welcome but special accommodations should be discussed ahead of time)
- Weight: 5-90 lbs (we may be able to accommodate dogs bigger than 90lbs but it will be on a case-by-case basis, depending on if they can fit in our large tub)
- Spay/Neuter is not required for grooming.
- Availability: We offer limited slots per day to ensure specialized care.
- Pricing: There is an additional fee for this service.
- Timing: Pick-up times are flexible and can range from thirty minutes to three hours. We will provide an estimated completion time at drop-off.
- Fear-Free Commitment: If a dog shows signs of stress or fear (such as during nail trimming or bathing), we will not rush the process. Maintaining a fear-free environment is our priority, and this may impact the total duration of the appointment.
- Provide a photo of a dog that has the haircut you’d like for your dog. The model dog needs to be of a similar breed/fur type to make that possible. We will never be able to make a cocker spaniel look like a dalmatian. (Yes, we have received that request.)
- Be patient. Some dogs take one or two or even three visits with us to be comfortable with the process to a point where they can get a perfect breed standard haircut. Each visit should make progress toward the goal, but if your dog has fear of grooming, do not expect perfection the first visit. We’ll get there eventually!
- Arrive on time and take a few minutes at drop off to make sure the groomer understands your goals for the appointment.
- Request progress pictures before coming to pick the dog up so we can make touch ups or changes before you return.
To cancel a grooming appointment without penalty, 72 hours advance notice from the start of the appointment is required. So if your reservation is set to begin between 8-10am on Monday, then your cancellation must be requested by 10am on the previous Friday. If we receive your cancellation with at least 72 hours notice, we will reschedule your appointment to the next available date, and your deposit will be applied to that appointment.
Cancellations with fewer than 72 hours notice will be rescheduled to the next available appointment, but the deposit for the first appointment will be forfeited, and a second deposit for the new appointment at the rescheduled date will be required.
If a dog cannot attend a grooming appointment due to risk of spreading contagious disease or illness, please take that dog to the veterinarian and do not bring them to the groomer. We will reschedule your appointment for when your dog is healthy. You will lose your first deposit and a second deposit will be required to reschedule if the cancellation is less than 72 hours from the appointment date. Because we are a small business where every spot and dollar matters, we cannot afford to have a liberal cancellation policy like larger businesses.
No refunds or exceptions of any kind will be issued for no call no shows at grooming appointments.
We appreciate your understanding and support of small, local business.
Transportation
General
Patrick’s Pet Care follows the Office of Personnel Management operating status which you can see here. If the federal government in DC closes due to inclement weather, Patrick’s Pet Care closes as well.
Patrick’s Pet Care will happily accept used bath towels and washcloths as well as empty egg cartons, and paper towel tubes. We do not accept cleaning supplies, pet food, or pet supplies including potty pads, dog bedding, dog cages/crates, or dog toys. If you’d like to donate these items consider contacting an animal shelter or animal rescue such as Humane Rescue Alliance or Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.