The Spaw at ALC

Dog and cat grooming

Our grooming service has its own sleek space at 541 Court St (between Garnet St and Hamilton Ave), one block away from our daycare/boarding space! Meet the ALC Spaw team and view samples of their work HERE!

We aim to please, but please know that the look you hope to get depends on a few factors: your dog's current coat condition, length of hair, and how you explain the style to us. We have length reference charts available for you to review at the Spaw, and relevant pictures. We have also written a more detailed guide on getting what you want from the groomer! Please have a read!
It depends what service you choose! A full groom, the most common choice, gives you the works: a bath, brush out, stylized haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, paw pad cleanup, and sanitary shave. Other options, like anal gland expression or teeth cleaning, can be done as add-ons.
Dog grooming involves many steps and requires time and patience. For dogs requiring haircuts, small breeds like shihtzus and maltese generally take 2 to 2 1/2 hours, mid-size dogs such as cocker spaniels three hours, and larger breeds 3 1/2 hours plus. Those coming in for de-shed treatments, mini-grooms, or bath services will require less time than a haircut. Your dog’s behavior and coat condition will also be factors in how much time we need. We can give you our best estimate when you drop off.
In 2012, the New York City Department of health updated it’s vaccine requirements for dog grooming to include bordetella (kennel cough) after outbreaks of the condition occurred in several grooming shops.
No. Your presence  makes it much harder for us to get the animal to cooperate with the groom, as they will want to get to you. We ask that you drop off your pet and return when we are done to pick up. We will call you within 20 to 30 minutes of completion.
Grooming prices are based on your pet's size, coat type, coat condition, behavior, and any add-ons you choose. Grooming an animal is not easy – that’s why you’re going to a skilled professional! It is time-consuming, dirty, and hard manual work. The more difficult your pet is in terms of behavior or condition, the harder that work is. We price accordingly.
Yes, we do offer grooming for non-aggressive, tolerant cats. Cat grooming options include  brush outs, shave downs (lion cut), and baths. While most cats do not have the same level of patience as a dog when it comes to grooming, your cat must at least be able to sit on the table without attempting to scratch or bite the groomer throughout the process. Aggressive cats must be sedated for grooming — which we do not offer in our facility — and are therefore best suited for grooming at a vet’s office.
Most dogs with long hair are best suited for grooming every 6 to 8 weeks with interim brushing at home. If you brush the coat on a daily basis, sometimes grooms can be spaced out further. Do note, however, that grooming is not simply for aesthetics — it is a matter of hygiene and health. All dogs require grooming on a regular basis. We offer free toothbrushing and gland expression with every groom if you put your pet on a regular pre-booked schedule with us (and do not cancel the appointment).
No, we groom by appointment only.
Generally we can accept walk-ins for nail trims but we’d appreciate a heads up phone call. Also, sometimes our groomers finish or start at different hours depending on the day’s appointments.
Yes! De-shedding treatments can make a world of difference for heavy shedders and we are experts at this.

If your dog is good or indifferent with other dogs you can add daycare to his spa day for a discounted rate of $25.

It depends how bad the matting is. De-matting is essentially ripping through knots in the coat – and it hurts! If there is a small section of mats, we may be able to work through it. Widespread matting means your dog will need to be cut short for his comfort.
Our groomer will spend time with you at drop off to ensure we understand your desires. This is the best time to present photos or other references that will help us get the cut right. While we would like to think you’ll always be thrilled with the outcome, please don’t hesitate to let us know at the time of pick up if there’s anything more we can do to adjust the haircut. We want you to walk away happy! Ears still too long or you prefer more shaping on the muzzle? We are happy to fix. Any further concerns can be addressed to the owner (Adrienne) by phone or email.
Yes, please. Dog grooming is similar to having your hair cut at a salon. The typical recommended gratuity is 20% of the cost.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment we ask that you please give us 24 hours notice so that we may inform the groomer and open up the slot for another customer. If you cancel with less notice, you will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. If you book an appointment and do not show up, you will be subject to the full grooming cost. Please let us know as soon as you can! We send both an email and text reminder to give you ample time to cancel if needed.
Never. If your dog requires sedation to be groomed, please consult a veterinarian. Sometimes people ask this question because their dog seems tired after grooming. This is a normal reaction after being asked to sit, listen, and remain still for several hours.

If you are running late we ask that you let us know as soon as possible. Depending on how late you are your groomer will let you know if they can still take the appointment. A late fee will apply.

Grooming rates

Full grooming (for dogs that need a haircut)
Includes: Bath & fluff, full haircut based on your specifications, nail clipping, ear cleaning/plucking, sanitary clip, trimming hair between paw pads 
Prices range from $75-200 depending on size, breed, behavior and coat thickness

The cost of your pet’s groom is based on the current condition they present in and how much time it will take the groomer to complete — so if they’ve grown an extra thick coat, have gotten larger, or their behavior has changed in a way that requires more care, these circumstances factor into final cost. De-matting, neglected coat shave-downs, and difficult behavior fees always apply. There is also a charge if your pet has to be re-washed mid-groom – please ensure your pets have time to use the bathroom before the grooming appointment!

A severely matted coat will result in a shave-down (we will always inform you first!)

Bath and basics
Includes: Bath & fluff, nail clipping, ear cleaning/plucking, sanitary clip, trimming hair between paw pads 
Prices range from $45-120 and depend on breed, size, coat condition, behavior;

De-matting and difficult dog fees always apply!

Mini-Grooming 
Same as bath and basics plus trim around eyes and paw clean up
Minus $15-$25 from full grooming price depending on coat condition 
You may also book a mini grooming with full face trim if you want more of the face cleaned up 

Cat Grooming
Brush-out: $80
Bath and Brush-Out: $100
Lion Cut: $140
Bath and Lion Cut: $150+
Dematting and difficult pet charges always apply!

A La Carte Add-Ons

Nail Trim
$20
Nail Trim & Filing
$25
Ear Cleaning
$5
Anal Gland Expression
$15
Teeth Cleaning
$10
C02 Nagayu Bath
$14 small dogs, $20 large
Paw Pad Soothing Treatment
$8
Bikini Shave/Sanitary Trim
$10
Specialty Shampoo (whitening, de-shedding, or deep conditioning)
$5-20 depending on type and size of pet
Flea & Tick Treatment
$5-20 depending on type and size of pet*
*If we find fleas and/or ticks on your pet while with us, this is a MANDATORY add-on and we will call to inform you/keep the specimens should you wish to bring them to your vet

Contact us to schedule a groom

First time? Please register in our system before making your request.