In the Dog 'Ouse
Frequently Asked Questions:
How far in advance should I book an appointment?
We recommend booking 1–4 weeks in advance, especially during busy periods such as Christmas or the summer holidays as our diary fills up quickly.
We do get cancellations during the week and will advertise last minute availability on our social channels.
How long will my dog's grooming appointment take?
Most appointments take two hours. The time can vary due to your dogs size, coat condition, age and behaviour, but we will discuss this at drop off and give our best estimation for timings. Nearing the end of your dogs groom we will contact you via phone or text message to let you know when they will be ready for collection.
What is your no-show and cancellation policy?
If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice or fail to turn up to the appointment, this will result in a 100% cancellation fee.
The cancellation fee is the full price of the grooming slot. The payment will be needed before rebooking your next appointment.
What if I am late to my appointment?
We ask that all our customers arrive on time for appointments. We will be unable to accept your dog after a certain point, as it has a knock on affect on all our later appointments. Late arrivals will result in a missed cancellation fee.
The cancellation fee is the full price of a grooming slot and will be required before rebooking the appointment.
What's included in a full groom?
A full groom includes a bath, blow-dry, brush out, haircut or trim, nail clipping, ear cleaning (if needed) and a health check of the skin and coat.
It's our most popular service and we can tailor it to your dogs needs.
How often should my dog be groomed?
This can depend on the breed, coat type, coat length, age, activity levels and your own preference. For most dogs anywhere between 6-8 weeks is ideal.
However, if you are unsure, please do get in touch and we can discuss a schedule at your first appointment.
How often should my dog’s nails be clipped?
Again, this can vary due to breed, age and activity, but we would recommend every 4-6 weeks. Keeping nails at a healthy length means your dog walks comfortably and pain free.
If you are unsure, we're happy to check your dog's nails during their visit and advise further.
Can I request a specific haircut/style?
Yes, absolutely. We offer breed standard styling, hand stripping and custom requests.
Please call to book an appointment and we can discuss what you would like. If you have something specific in mind, or are coming from another groomer, providing photos can be a big help.
Do you offer puppy grooming?
Yes! We recommend introducing puppies to grooming from around 12-14 weeks old, after their vaccinations are complete.
This helps them become familiar with the salon and grooming process. Building a relationship with a groomer from an early age also helps your puppy with socialisation and handling.
Do you groom all breeds?
We welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes.
No dog is too big or too small!
What happens if my dogs coat is matted?
Severe matting can cause skin problems and discomfort for your dog. Where matting cannot be brushed out, we will recommend clipping the coat shorter to remove the matts and avoid unnecessary pain.
If we think your dog is matted and needs to go shorter, this will be discussed with you at drop-off.
What if I prefer the matts to be brushed out, not clipped?
Light tangles and small matts can often be scissored out, however heavily matted coats are difficult to brush without causing your dog pain and stress. We always put your dog's comfort and welfare first.
"Sometimes the kindest groom is a shorter cut ❤️"
How can I help prevent matting inbetween visits?
Regular brushing at home and maintaining a consistent grooming schedule are best.
Book 1-2 appointments in advance and purchase a brush and comb suitable for your dog's size / coat type. We can offer guidance on how to brush and test for tangles.
What happens if my dog has fleas?
We are unable to accept dogs with fleas as it poses a risk to other dogs in the salon.
If you are aware that your dog has fleas, please let us know within 24 hours to cancel.
If we find fleas while grooming there will be a £5 charge due to the need to fumigate and deep clean the salon.
What if my dog is nervous or anxious?
New dogs to the salon will be nervous during their first few visits as it can take a little time to get used to the groomer, process and the environment they are in, but will settle after repeated visits.
For those extra anxious pups, we have a quiet room, happy hoodies and we always try to work at your dog's pace so they feel safe and comfortable.
Do you groom difficult dogs?
We always assess each dog individually.
Please contact the salon and let us know in advance about any behavioural concerns, or past experiences so we can try to accommodate as best as possible.
Can I stay with my dog during grooming?
No, unfortunately not.
We often find that dogs can become stressed during grooming if they are within sight (or smell) of their owners, so we kindly ask that you leave the premises for the duration of the groom and return for collection.
How much will it cost?
Our prices vary depending on breed, size and coat type, as well as the type of service you require.
Please contact us via phone or email for a personalised quote.
What payment types do you accept?
We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and contactless payments.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there are spaces directly outside the salon for your convenience.
Do you do anything else?
We stock a large selection of natural dog treats and interactive dog toys. A post-groom treat always goes down well!
If you have more questions please contact us:
Telephone: 07880 333 984
E-mail: liz@inthedogouse.co.uk
Address: Unit 9 Hillcrest Way, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham, MK18 1HJ