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!
Contact us to schedule a groom
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Yes, if your dog is good or indifferent with other dogs you can add daycare to their spaw day for a discounted rate.
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.
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.
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.