FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS?

My schedule is currently full, and new-client availability is extremely limited. When an opening becomes available, referral requests may be considered based on location, the dog’s size and grooming needs, and availability on an appropriate recurring schedule.

DO YOU REQUIRE A RECURRING GROOMING SCHEDULE?

Yes. My Mobile Groomer is designed for dogs who receive regular grooming on a schedule of eight weeks or less. The appropriate frequency depends on your dog’s coat, haircut, lifestyle, and grooming needs. Recurring appointments help maintain the coat and allow grooming to become a familiar, predictable routine for your dog.

WHY CHOOSE MOBILE GROOMING?

Mobile grooming provides a quiet, one-on-one experience right outside your home. Your dog avoids the car ride, crowded salon environment, kennels, and long waiting periods. Each appointment is personalized to your dog’s individual needs, comfort, and tolerance, and your dog has my full attention throughout the grooming process.

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

My Mobile Groomer serves established routes within the Chattanooga area. Availability depends on your location and how it fits into my existing route—not only the distance from Chattanooga. Providing your complete address when inquiring allows me to determine whether your home is within an area I currently serve.

WHAT SIZES OF DOGS DO YOU ACCEPT?

I specialize in small and medium-sized dogs. Suitability is based on more than weight alone and may also depend on mobility, temperament, coat condition, and the amount of physical handling a dog requires. I am no longer able to accept large dogs or dogs who require significant lifting or physical support.

DO YOU GROOM CATS?

No. My Mobile Groomer provides grooming services exclusively for dogs.

HOW LONG DOES A GROOMING APPOINTMENT TAKE?

Most appointments take approximately one to two hours, depending on your dog’s size, coat condition, requested service, and comfort level. Some dogs benefit from additional time or short breaks. I work at a pace that prioritizes safe, thoughtful handling rather than rushing through the appointment.

DO I NEED TO BE HOME DURING THE APPOINTMENT?

You will need to be present for our initial meeting. After that, established clients may arrange a latch-key appointment so you do not have to be home, provided I can safely access your dog and the grooming van has an appropriate place to park.

DO YOU USE MY WATER OR ELECTRICITY?

No. The grooming van is fully self-contained with its own water and power supply. I only need a safe, reasonably level place to park near your home.

HOW IS GROOMING PRICED?

Grooming is charged at an hourly rate starting at $110 per hour. The final price is based on the time and care your dog needs, including coat type and condition, service requested, grooming frequency, shedding or matting, and any additional handling or comfort needs. Because every dog is different, prices quoted before the first appointment are estimates.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A GROOMING APPOINTMENT?

Each appointment includes a skin and coat check, bath with premium shampoo and conditioner selected for your dog, gentle hand drying, brushing and combing, nail trimming and filing, and ear cleaning when appropriate. Haircut services also include trimming based on your preferences and what can be safely and comfortably achieved for your dog.

WHAT IF MY DOG IS ANXIOUS OR HAS HAD DIFFICULT GROOMING EXPERIENCES?

As Chattanooga’s first Fear Free Certified Groomer, I use a patient, individualized approach and pay close attention to your dog’s body language throughout the appointment. Services may be adjusted, divided into smaller steps, or stopped if your dog becomes overly stressed or if continuing would not be safe. Grooming is a process, not a product, and building comfort may take more than one visit.

DO YOU GROOM SENIOR DOGS OR DOGS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS?

Senior dogs and dogs with medical conditions are considered individually. Please share all health concerns, medications, mobility limitations, and recent changes before the appointment. Services may need to be modified, and veterinary clearance may be requested when there is a concern about whether grooming can be performed safely. Dogs should not be groomed within 48 hours of receiving vaccinations.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG IS MATTED?

Your dog’s comfort and safety come first. When a coat is severely tangled or matted, clipping the coat short is often the kindest option. I do not perform prolonged or painful dematting. Additional time required because of matting or coat condition may affect the final price.

DO YOU EXPRESS ANAL GLANDS?

No. Routine anal gland expression is not included with grooming. If your dog is scooting, licking excessively, swollen, painful, or showing other signs of discomfort, I recommend contacting your veterinarian so the underlying cause can be properly evaluated.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE APPOINTMENT?

Please allow your dog an opportunity to use the bathroom before I arrive and provide a safe, reasonably level parking space near your home. Let me know before the appointment about any changes in your dog’s health, mobility, medications, skin, coat, or behavior. Please also make sure I can safely access your dog at the scheduled time.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Because appointments are reserved specifically for your dog and travel time is built into each day, advance notice is required for cancellations or schedule changes. Please visit the Policies page for complete cancellation, rescheduling, payment, and appointment policies.