The Grooming Upkeep

Factoring in grooming costs means your pup stays looking and feeling this good."

Let’s have an honest conversation. When shopping for a groomer, it is completely understandable that the first thing many pet parents do is look at the price tag before considering the quality of the groom, reviews, or handling skills. However, when bringing a pet into your family, it is so important to remember that their care adds up quickly. I strongly encourage factoring in grooming costs right from the start!

For example, if you want that cute little Goldendoodle pup you saw in an ad, a few questions you need to ask yourself before bringing one home are:

• Can I afford the grooming upkeep, and am I willing to learn how to maintain the coat I want between professional grooms?

• Do I understand the breed's working or energetic needs?

• What is the best food I can feed my pup, and can I afford it?

• Can I afford a trainer to help me when things get tough while raising my puppy?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then getting a pet may not be the best fit for you right now.

When you find the right groomer, you are paying for so much more than "just a bath and a haircut." Because we are hands-on with your pets so often, we actually see them more than the vet does! We constantly check your pet's skin and coat health, as well as the health of their teeth and ears. If there is something wrong, we are usually the first to find it so you can take them to the vet to get it taken care of.

Professional pricing reflects our skills, years of continued grooming education, and our ability to safely handle your pet with sharp objects while they are squirming or afraid of the clippers. We can spot health concerns before it becomes too late, and we make heavy investments in top-quality, safe equipment for our grooms.

When I started Paws Gone Pretty, I was "testing the waters" to see if there were people out there who would let me come into their homes to groom their pups, and finding my own strength to run a business full-time. When I raised my prices by $15 to $25, I lost a few clients, and that is completely okay! The sticker shock can be real. But that increase directly reflects the premium quality of my care, the precision of my grooms, and the overall happiness of your pet. It can be tough for pet professionals when a client books an appointment only to cancel at the last minute because they can't afford the price, but we understand that everyone has a different budget.

Bringing premium care and years of expertise directly to your door.

The point is, you reached out to us because maintaining the coat became too much to do on your own, and you need the help of a professional so you don't accidentally hurt your fur baby. If regular visits are more than you can comfortably afford, I am always happy to teach you the basics of safe grooming during our session to help you stretch the time between visits.

Grooming is a completely unique career, and I am here for all of it. I absolutely love being with your pets and meeting you. I find so much joy and pleasure in helping you care for your fur baby when time gets away from you. The best part of Paws Gone Pretty is that we come to you and groom right inside your home, so you don't have to carve large chunks of time out of your day for drop-offs and pick-ups.

I hope this blog opens your eyes to the grooming industry. The next time a house-call or mobile groomer gives you a price that may seem "expensive," please know it is for a very good reason. We are providing a premium convenience to you and your pet. I hope that when you book with a professional, you are looking for exceptional care rather than just "competitive" pricing, and that you approach the industry with compassion and understanding of why we charge what we charge.