How do I make an appointment?

Please be aware, we are normally booked out 12+ weeks even during the slow periods.

Currently we require that you come visit us with your dog for a pre-booking assessment and discussion on you & your pets needs. A £25 deposit is required to hold your first appointment. Deposits are applied to your first grooming and are non-refundable in the event that you miss your appointment.

If you would like to become a client, please call us on 01224 874841  Monday to Friday between 9am-3pm to schedule an assessment visit.

I have made an appointment. What can I expect?

When you arrive for your first appointment we will greet you and your dog, while you dog looks around and gets comfortable we will ask you some questions, Required information will included your name, contact details, Dogs name, breed, age, any health & behaviour information and veterinarian.

We will then examine your dog and discuss grooming needs with you. Once grooming needs have been decided on, we will inform you of the price and give you a pick up time.

How do I find your shop?

Please visit the map page for directions and printable map.. click here 

I wont be able to make my appointment, what do I do?

Please call us right away to re-schedule.

We require 48 hours notice of cancellations or a missed appointment fee may apply before further appointments may be booked. (Emergency’s will be taken into consideration.) Because we loose money when scheduled appointments don’t show up & we can not fill appointments without notice, we have found it necessary to charge  for missed appointments.

What does my Pets grooming include?

All dogs will receive a massaging bath using shampoos & conditioners selected for there individual coat & skin needs. Our special tearless shampoo is used for the face area. Dogs that have fleas will be washed with a flea shampoo that will kill all fleas on the dog.  We then hand dry & brush out the coat, clip nails* & clean ears.**  Feet, pads & sanitary areas are trimmed as applicable. We will then do any styling/clipping & scissoring appropriate to his/her breed or as requested.

Your dog will then receive a bandana or bow and a finishing spray &/or cologne will be applied to the coat leaving you pet feeling, smelling & looking Fabulous..

*Grooming always includes nails. The only exception to this would be dogs that become overly aggressive or panicked to the point where it would be unsafe for us to provide this service.

**Please note, because cleaning the ear can cause further irritation & make it difficult for your vet to diagnose the problem, we do not clean ears that show signs of inflammation, soreness or any condition that needs to be attended by a vet..

Can I choose a style for my Pet?

As long as your pets coat is tangle free and of a suitable type for the style you request, we are happy to create any style/length that appeals to you, from Breed standard to short & practical or even something totally unique to your dog. Wants something different but not sure “what?” Just let us know & we will be happy to discus options with you to create a unique look for your pet. 

My dogs coat is Matted/Tangled, Can you brush it out?

In most cases we will refuse to de-mat a coat. De-matting can be quite time consuming not to mention stressful & painful for both the dog and the groomer.

Often the only human option is to clip the matted coat short and start again.

The animal welfare act states that it is an offence to cause animals pain or discomfort and we reserve the right to refuse to do anything we think may be detrimental to your pet’s well-being.

How long will my dogs grooming take?

This all depends on the individual pet. Coat condition, age, temperament, breed and style are all relevant factors. When we meet your dog we can discuss any relevant issues, as each client is different. Our main concern is the welfare of your pet whilst in our care and to make it an enjoyable experience for them. Our groom shop is fairly quiet and calm due to the fact that we limit our appointments. We usually have classical music playing which dogs find soothing and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Most dogs are groomed straight through, allowing them to be picked up within a few hours as apposed to being left all day.

Do you groom large breeds?

YES! We love big dogs!

We are one of the few Groomers that Specialize in Large and Giant breeds.

We are always happy to work with such breeds as Newfoundland’s,  St. Bernard’s, Great Danes, Mastiffs and all the other large breeds most Groomers turn away.

What shampoos do you use?

We use Showseason Shampoos & Colognes. Unhappy with the products available in the UK, we now import the Show Seasons line from the US. We believe they provide the finest quality available on the market today. With many types to choose from we are sure to have a shampoo suited to your dogs coat type.

Do you sell shampoo?

Yes, We are the UK Distributors of Showseason's & Showseason Naturals. These are the same shampoos we use in the Salon and are without a doubt the highest quality shampoos available in the UK today.

Can you use a shampoo supplied by my vet?

Yes.  We can use Prescription shampoos from your vet. We also carry our own medicated shampoos, which we highly recommend for pets with problem skin/ itching/redness etc. Please ask us for a recommendation based on your dogs skin/coat..

Sedation?

We do not sedate any animals on these premises under any situation.

Sedated animals require special care and will be refused service if not arranged for prior to appointment.

Can you give my dog medication?

No we cannot administer any medications.

Please see your vet for these services.

Will my dog be muzzled?

We seldom find it necessary to muzzle a dog. However, dogs that show signs of aggression or biting/licking at the clippers & or scissors will be muzzled for their safety and ours.

Can I bring some treats with my dog?

Yes. We always encourage owners to bring a few treats to reward their dog. You are also welcome to bring one of your dog’s favourite toys or blanket to help him feel more at home.

Will my dog be put in a cage?

All our cages are large with plenty of room for even large and giant breeds and provide full view of the grooming salon and what’s going on. For safety reasons we can not let the dogs run loose but we like the dogs to be able to socialize in the grooming salon and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Most dogs happily run to “there” crate and often fall asleep while waiting to be picked up.

When should I start getting my Puppy groomed?

As soon as a puppy has completed its vaccinations (usually around 12 weeks  of age) it should start making regular visits to the grooming salon to get acquainted with the grooming process. in most cases we start with a simple visit & nail clipping followed by a bath on there next visit & so forth.

(see our article on puppy’s first groom)

How much will it cost?

Charges will vary dependent on the breed of dog, the specified style & the condition of their coat. When you call for an appointment we can give you a base price, which is based on a dog that conforms to the following:

-Average Size/Coat

-Groomed Regularly

-Kept Groomed At Home Between Trims

-Co-operative

Additional charges may apply for:

-Non-Standard Breed Size and/or Coat

-Matted Coats

-Trimming Beyond Standard For Breed

-Non Co-operative Behaviour

-Aggressive Behaviour

Please note that all verbal quotes and estimates are not definite and binding and are subject to variation according to circumstance.

How long have you been Grooming Dogs?

Since 1993 when I started an apprentice program at Petsmart, a large grooming shop in Eugene, Oregon. I stayed at Petsmart for over 4 years at which time I started my own businesses, ‘Jens Pet Grooming’. In 2002 I married my wonderful husband Craig and moved to Cove Bay. Watt-A-Dog Grooming opened January 2003; Craig joined Watt-A-Dog in 2006.

Do you do Hand Stripping?

No.

Do you sell dog food?

No. However we highly recommend a Raw Diet or Orijen Pet Food and will be happy to provide more information on request.

Do you Groom Cats?

Sorry but we only work with dogs.

Do you provide Boarding?

No. We are a grooming service only

Can I give you a Tip?

Of course, we always appreciate tips. (Especially Tam as they go towards his cookie jar)

 But remember, the best tip you can give us is having you & your pet return as Happy clients.