FAQ - What the Fluff?

🐾 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 🐾

Parking

🐾 If you could please make sure I have a space to park my van (8ft wide x 26ft long x 11ft tall)
🐾 I need an area with enough clearance to pull in and back out safely.
🐾 The area needs to be clear of anything that may hinder me if I need to turn around as I need enough space to do so safely, especially if it is a long drive way or I am backing out on to a busy street as it is best if I can turn around and pull out to avoid any blind spots.
🐾 Please be aware of tree overhangs and power lines, I will not be able to enter the property if there is any potential for trees to scratch the vehicle or damage my vents/AC unit on top
🐾 Also for parking, the flattest area possible is best.
🐾 If you have any questions or concerns about parking please contact me in advance to let me know if there are any issues.
🐾 If I am unable to park in front of your home and potentially have to park in front of your neighbors house or block their mailbox, please clear it with them first. Once I am parked and have the pet(s) inside my van I am unable to stop and move the van. Any tickets or potential towing that might result from parking issues will be the responsibility of the owner so please talk with your neighbors if there is any issue.

Puppies

🐾 For puppies, if they have never had a haircut before and have no tangles/mats, I would recommend a Face, Feet, and Sani to get them used to the grooming process. This is a whole new experience for them so I don’t want to rush them. All the tools and sounds are new and can be a bit scary to puppies so I like to work with them to get them used to everything and make it a more enjoyable experience.
🐾 Some times it can take 2-3 appointments before I’m able to do a full haircut on a puppy because it takes time for them to feel comfortable with the process.
🐾 FFS is where I clean up around the eyes, shave out the paw pads + round the hair on the feet, and clean up where they pee and poo but no haircut on the body.
🐾 Depending on the age, size of pup, coat condition, and temperament there may be a puppy price.
🐾 All puppy prices are raised as the puppy grows to be an adult, adult prices will be discussed as I see how big they get.

Appointment reminders

🐾 If the appointment is booked for more than 7 days from the email requesting rabies/policies I will send you a courtesy reminder though an automated text message system the week of (usually on the Sunday or Monday).
🐾 Please confirm the appointment when the reminder is sent.
🐾 Appointments are ultimately the owners responsibility, without confirmation from the reminder message the appointment will be cancelled.
🐾 Please remember that there is a 48 hour cancellation policy.

How long does the grooming session take?

🐾 Grooms normally take 1-2 hours unlike many store front salons where your pet can be there anywhere from 3-5 hours.
🐾 The expedited groom time is due to the one-on-one attention your pet receives throughout the duration of the groom.
🐾 If the groom will take less time/more time I will let you know in advance, and block out the proper time frame

Can I leave you a review?

🐾 Yes, absolutely. If you had a great experience and want to leave feedback, feel free to leave a review on Facebook, Yelp, Google, or the NextDoor app.
🐾 My business is new and reviews play a very large part in helping other loving pet owners to find us

Do you use our electricity and water?

🐾 Nope. I am completely self-contained; I bring my own warm water and use my own generator/inverter/solar power electricity.
🐾 The only time I would need to use water or electricity would be in an emergency if something were to suddenly stop working.

Can I stay with my pet and watch?

🐾 Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover me if you are in the unit with me.
🐾 However, most pets are calmer when they can’t see you. When you are there, they think they can jump and get back to you, but during the grooming process this can be dangerous.
🐾 Please, for the safety of the pet(s), the door to the mobile grooming van must remain locked during the grooming session.
🐾 Please do not attempt to open the grooming van door or knock on the door while grooming is in progress.
🐾 I take pet safety very seriously and I assure you, your pet is in good hands.

Can I see the inside of your van?

🐾 Absolutely, you can view some images on our website and/or feel free to ask for a tour when you make an appointment for your pet so I can schedule some time for a tour.

What about cats?

🐾 Yes, I love cats!
🐾 I do baths, baths & haircuts, or just nail clipping on kitties depending on their temperament
🐾 I do not sedate cats; very few cats truly do need any sort of sedative in order to be groomed.
🐾 I handle each cat in such a way that the need for drugs of any kind is rare.
🐾 If I do think your cat would best be served by receiving sedation, I will refer you to your veterinarian.
🐾 Kittys must be ready in a kennel or small room for me to be able to get to them. Owner must provide a kennel for safe transportation to and from the van.

Do you take credit cards?

🐾 Yes, I do. Cash, check or credit cards.
🐾 If you are not home, I can send you an invoice through Square to your email.
🐾 Invoice balances are due within 72 hours of service. Failure to pay balance will incur in additional late fees. Due to limited availability if the invoice is not paid within 7 days of service the future appointments will be cancelled and filled from my waiting list.
🐾 This is highly depending on the amount of cell service I receive in your area
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Payment info.

Cancellation policy/No show/Trip Fees

🐾 A $50 cancellation fee will be applied to each pet scheduled for any of the following reasons:

🐾 Failure to notify me at least 48 hours in advance to cancel.
🐾 If you decide you do not want me to groom your pet/one of your pets once I have already arrived
🐾 If I am unable to groom your pet because it is extremely aggressive and me attempting to groom your pet would jeopardize the animals’ health and safety.
🐾 If a multiple pet household is scheduled and you decide you do not want one of the pets groomed while I am at your residence.
🐾 If nobody is home when I arrive, I will wait no more than 15 minutes and make two attempts to contact you.
🐾 I reserve the right to refuse service for any reason.
🐾 Invoice balances are due within 72 hours of service. Failure to pay balance will incur in additional late fees. Due to limited availability if the invoice is not paid within 7 days of service the future appointments will be cancelled and filled from my waiting list.
🐾 I try to send courtesy reminders but the appointment is the owners responsibility to keep track of.

Can you do a "Puppy Cut"?

🐾 “Puppy Cut” is a loosely descriptive term. Most of the time, this means the hair is cut to the same length all over.
🐾 Each groomer has their own interpretation of "puppy cut" and because of this, I am unable to simply do a "puppy cut" without choosing a length from the length chart or showing me a photo.
🐾 Many people choose a "puppy cut" because it is easy to maintain but there is usually a choice of length.
🐾 I can work with you to choose a style, which works best for your dog.

Does my dog have to be up to date of vaccinations?

🐾 Your pets’ safety is my number one priority.
🐾 Your pets should be UTD on all their vaccinations but the only requirements I have are
🐾 Proof of at least 2 rounds of puppy shots for pets under 16 weeks old
🐾 Proof of current rabies vaccination for any pet over 16 weeks.
🐾 Special health circumstances will be taken into consideration.
🐾 If anyone working for What the Fluff is bitten by your pet and must have the rabies shot or medical treatment, you are liable and responsible for the charges.
🐾 I absolutely require every single cat to be up to date on rabies vaccinations, no exceptions.

De-Skunk treatment

🐾 This is NOT an a la carte service; the De-Skunk Treatment must be purchased with one of the Luxury services.
🐾 If your pet has been skunked, please do not try and wash them before the appointment.
🐾 It is best if I get them first so that I can apply powder and degreaser to soak up the oils.
🐾 If you wash them before the appointment, the oil will spread and make it worse.
🐾 Every groomer has a different process. Depending on the location of the skunk spray, I usually soak the pet in baby powder for a few minutes, then wash the pet 1-3x in an oatmeal + baking soda shampoo and degreaser along with various other shampoos to help with the smell, and then spray lightly with diluted vinegar/water + Espree Extreme Odor Eliminator.
🐾 There is a issue if your pet was sprayed by the skunk on the face because most of the shampoos I would use to help eliminate the odor cannot safely be used on the face in case it were to get in the eyes.The deskunking process is not a guarantee to eliminate the odor, it just helps reduce it.
🐾 When a pet gets skunked, the oils can linger for a few weeks - a few months depending on how much got on them.

🐾 De-skunking is an additional $25-$50 per pet and I do everything I can to take care of the skunk oils and odor.

🐾 **Only with bath dogs

Summer shave downs

🐾 Shaving a heavily coated/double coated dog during the summer is NOT recommended.
🐾 Dogs such as but not limited to: Huskies/Malamute, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Australian shepherds, and Pomeranians are all examples of dogs with double coats.
🐾 Most people think that shaving the pet will help with the shedding or the heat, but in fact it can cause damage to the coat and could cause the dog to shed even more.
🐾 Dogs do not sweat through their skin; they sweat from the pads of their feet.
🐾 In both hot and cold weather, a dog’s coat helps regulate body temperature providing insulation and protection from the sun.
🐾 When you shave a double coated dog, the hair comes back clumpy and strange looking, this is because the guard hair and undercoat grow at different speeds, so the coat ends up looking patchy, and therefore, needing shaved on a regular basis.
🐾 Your dogs coat may also become damaged and not grow back.
🐾 Shaving these breeds can also cause many unexpected skin infections and irritations.
🐾 Due to the reasons above, I strongly recommend not shaving your double-coated dog, and the only way I will is if the pet is severely matted or already has skin issues that need to be addressed.
🐾 If you are looking to cut back on shedding or keep your pet cool I recommend the SHED-LESS TREATMENT.

The van

🐾 The grooming van is fully self-contained and is equipped with today's technological advances;
🐾 Hot & cold water - for comfortable temperature bathing
🐾 Heat & air conditioning - for comfortable grooming any season
🐾 Generator, Inverter, and solar power - for electrical needs
🐾 Full size tub - to accommodate even the largest dogs
🐾 Super suds system - ensures a clean well-groomed pet
🐾 High velocity force dryers - so drying your pet doesn't take as long as cage drying in salons
🐾 Central Vacuum - keeps the van clean between grooms
🐾 Hydraulic Grooming Table with a pull out bridge - to elevate the big dogs so there is no need to jump in/out of the tub
🐾 Stereo System - soothes the dogs (and the groomer)
🐾 Clean and Safe Environment

Sanitation

🐾 Ever wonder how clean/sanitized your pets grooming salon is? Well, What The Fluff follows a strict Sanitizing Policy to keep our van clean and germ free on a daily basis. Below are the policies that take place in our van to keep your pet safe.
🐾 Your pet gets their own professionally cleaned towel. I DO NOT re-use towels
🐾 Bathing area is sanitized after EVERY use.
🐾 ALL grooming tables are sanitized after EVERY use.
🐾 ALL grooming tools (blades, brushes, combs, etc) are sanitized after EVERY use.
🐾 I vacuum during & after EVERY pet groomed.

What if I'm not home? Do I need to be home when you come to groom my pet?

🐾 First time clients are required to be present for initial groomer/client consultation upon arrival. This will not be required for future appointments.
🐾 I offer a key on file service, which means a key can be left for me, I can be given a garage code, or some other way to get to the pet(s) safely while they are out to avoid paying a no-show or cancellation fee.
🐾 If you are not home I need the pet to be secured, preferably near the front of the home so I can get to them quickly and safely (for me and the pet.)
🐾 Payment must be made before hand via credit card or cash/check can be left in the home for pickup.
🐾 If there is no payment available upon arrival, I will not groom the dog and client will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
🐾 I will not be held responsible for damages or theft to clients home or property while on the service call for grooming your pet(s).
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Appointment times and information, Key on file, and cancellation policy

Why have your pet groomed on a regular basis? How often should my pet be groomed?

🐾 Regular grooming is not just about looking good, but also about your pet’s health and comfort.
🐾 Pets with hair that tangles and mats easily need to have their coats kept at a reasonable length and be brushed and combed out regularly to prevent a major problem necessitating the dreaded “shave down”.
🐾 Severe matting can be painful to your pet and easily become a health issue.
🐾 Stickers, fox tails as well as those nasty fleas and ticks can make their way into the coat and skin without being noticed.
🐾 When I groom your pet I examine every inch of the skin to the best of my ability and check thoroughly for such problems.
🐾 I also note and alert you to new or changing lumps and bumps, moles and other skin issues.
🐾 Pets with allergies often need to be bathed more often to get the allergens off their coat. This mostly applies to cats, especially long-haired breeds.
🐾 Time frames are generally every 4-8 weeks
🐾 Dogs who have their hair cut in particular clips or have the possibility of becoming matted such as Poodles, Golden Doodles, Labradoodles, Cockers, Lhasa Apso’s, Shih Tzu’s, Bichons etc. should be groomed every 4-6 weeks.
🐾 Bath dogs or double coated dogs such as Labs, Shepherds, Collies, etc. should be groomed every 6-8 weeks.
🐾 Cats should be groomed every 4-6 weeks, especially long haired cats or cats that get haircuts
🐾 If you would like your pet groomed more often, that is fine. We can set up a custom schedule that meets your needs anywhere between 1-8 weeks.

Do you use tranquilizers or Sedation?

🐾 No, absolutely not. Only a licensed vet should tranquilize/sedate a pet.
🐾 Yes, sometimes tranquilizers/sedatives will work, but there are times that the pet decides to fight the effects and can make the grooming process more stressful.
🐾 If you need your pet tranquilized/sedated for a groom, it is best to have it done at the vet as they have the proper tools and skills to monitor breathing and heart rate.
🐾 Do not tranquilize your pet in any way prior to the appointment without notice. I have the right to cancel the appointment if I feel the pet has been tranquilized and the owner is subject to a cancellation fee.
🐾 Natural remedies will be considered if you give me notice to do research on it.
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Safety.

What happens when What The Fluff? needs to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

🐾 Sometimes I may need to cancel your appointment because of vehicle problems, weather conditions, equipment failure, illness, emergencies, etc.
🐾 I will make every effort possible to reach you, including leaving a message with every contact source you give me to reschedule.

How much does grooming cost?

🐾 To receive a quote please submit an New Client Form
🐾 Quotes are general and based on the information provided in the contact form about breed, size, age, weight, health conditions, etc.
🐾 Quotes are subject to change once I meet your pet(s) and are based on coat condition, length of cut, and temperament of the pet(s).
🐾 Final price determination will be at the end of the groom

What Type of shampoo do you use?

🐾 I have a comprehensive range of professional premium quality shampoos and conditioners.
🐾 These products are natural, organic, safe, and environmentally friendly and help maintain and keep your pet looking and feeling great.
🐾 I use the very best all natural, soap free, sulfate free shampoos by Espree, Earth Bath, and Nature’s Specialties, etc.
🐾 I can use other shampoos if your pet has a special shampoo prescribed ONLY by the vet. Other shampoos will NOT be used unless you let me know in advance, if I do not know the brand I need time to research it.
🐾 These shampoos are gentle and non-toxic, I can use my "grey water" to water my lawn!

My pet sheds all the time, what can you do?

🐾 My Shedless package is designed just for this.
🐾 Shedding will never stop, but my package is recommended specifically to help maintain the amount of hair that is shed and to remove as much under coat as possible.
🐾 A thorough brush-out will be done throughout the duration of the groom, with a variety of brushes for maximum hair removal.
🐾 Your pet will receive two full baths, first with a deep cleanser followed by a top-quality shampoo/conditioner specifically designed to cut down on shedding. This shampoo opens the pores and helps release the undercoat on your pets’ skin.
🐾 This process is extremely helpful when your pet is blowing their winter and summer coat. A re-moisturizing conditioner to soften and rejuvenate your pets’ skin and coat will follow the bath.
🐾 To dry, we will use a special nozzle that will fluff your pet and continue the shed-less process and blow up the dead coat as we dry.
🐾 It is recommended to continuously use this package ever 4-6 weeks to see significant results.

How do you know what your arrival time will be?

🐾 An appointment time is an estimated time of arrival and I will make every effort to arrive at the scheduled time.
🐾 As a mobile groomer a flexible arrival window for the appointment is required to help accommodate for extended groom times, traffic, delays, etc. I will either give you an arrival window between X-X or I if I give you a certain time, a 30 minute arrival window before and after is required. For example: If I give you an arrival time of 9am, I will arrive within anywhere between 8:30-9:30 am.
🐾 If the pet has a tendency to run and hide, please have them secure and ready prior to the appointment. Cats must be restrained in a kennel or a secure room.

Do you have evening or last minute appointments?

🐾 Things happen that are uncontrollable (ie, rolled in something gross, getting skunked, etc)
🐾 All appointments that fall in this category will be subject to an additional emergency fee of $50.
🐾 I will do my best to accommodate your pets’ emergency/after-hours/or same day needs.
🐾 I understand that life happens and your pet may get skunked or play in the mud and I am willing to help you out in those instances as much as I can.
🐾 Serious inquiries only
🐾 Keep in mind I may be dropping everything to come groom your pet.
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Emergency/after hours/same day appointments

Do you accept tips?

🐾 Of course! Tips are not expected, but greatly appreciated.
🐾 You can also feel free to leave me a review on the Next-door app or my Facebook, Yelp, or Google page

My pet has fleas, how do I get rid of them?

🐾 I will bathe your pet using an environmentally friendly, natural flea shampoo which will eradicate the remainder of the fleas on the pets body and help soothe the skin irritations caused by the flea bites.
🐾 Keep in mind I cannot use flea products on your pets head or face.
🐾 I will also discuss with you a plan to eradicate the problem from your pet’s bedding and your home and will suggest a spot-on monthly flea preventative treatment, like Advantix or Bravecto.
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Flea/tick infestation

My pets hair is matted. Do I need to cut the hair short?

🐾 I practice humanity before vanity and will not de-matt a heavily matted pet
🐾 I firmly believe grooming should be an enjoyable experience and I will not put your pet through the discomfort of unnecessary or excessive de-matting which is a painful, time-consuming and costly procedure that causes extreme discomfort and can aggravate, or cause skin problems.
🐾 If it is severe, unfortunately, I will be forced to shave them down for their safety and comfort.
🐾 Very light dematting can be done if the matts are loose but this is ONLY done if I believe it will not cause extreme discomfort or stress to your pet. This is an additional cost. If you do not want to pay the dematting charge you may also try to dematt your pet prior to our arrival. But please be aware of how painful it is and that it is a high risk of injury. Also, if in doing so the pet becomes injured or aggressive/fearful because of the pain due to the dematting by the owner, I will cancel the appointment as to not stress the pet out any more. Subject to cancellation fee
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Matted or Neglected Coats.

How is my pet dried?

🐾 Usually with a combination of methods (the coat determines the drying techniques).
🐾 While in the tub I may towel dry the pet and/or use a high-velocity dryer that blows off the majority of water.
🐾 Most coats require a hand drying technique with a hand held force dryer.
🐾 I may finish up with a stand dryer while your pet is on the grooming table.
🐾 I bring alone a little personal fan for pets faces
🐾 I use Happy Hoodies to help protect your pets ears
🐾 Keep in mind, this is not a hand held human hair dryer, it is a high quality grooming dryer. Please let me know if your pet is fearful of or aggressive towards the blow dryer.
🐾 Yes, I have a kennel in the van, but that is ONLY used for fearful/aggressive cats for a break or for emergencies, not to dry. You can see in the van that there are no attachments for cage drying.
🐾 No kennel drying

What are anal glands?

🐾 They are the scent sacs inside the pets anus.
🐾 Some pets empty them naturally, some do not.
🐾 I can check if they need to be emptied/expressed upon request
🐾 I ONLY do them externally if it can be emptied/expressed easily with a small amount of pressure.
🐾 Veterinarians express them internally. It will be recommended to have it done at a vet for the following reasons:

🐾 They are packed
🐾 There is an unnatural color
🐾 It is painful for the pet
🐾 If it is done externally and it still smells or the pet continues to “scoot”

🐾 No matter what, it is recommended to have your pet seen at the vet for anal gland expression because the vet does them internally and is able to do an exam at the same time checking for

**Can you groom them without giving them a bath?**

🐾 I will always bathe the pet as part of the groom because to get an even haircut the hair needs to be clean
🐾 Every groom is different. Sometimes I do a “pre-shave”, bath, then finish shave. Other times I bathe first and then do the finish cut.
🐾 The only time I groom a pet without a bath is for cats if they become aggressive or too stressed out.

How should I prepare my pet for grooming?

🐾 Please let them go potty before I arrive as to avoid accidents in the van
🐾 Do not feed pet(s) within an hour or so prior to the groom

🐾 What The Fluff? will not be held liable for any issues caused by stress including bloat/torsion/GDV caused by feeding prior to the groom
🐾 If I find out your pet has been fed prior to the groom and I feel it is necessary to cancel the appointment due to the pets safety a cancellation fee will be charged

🐾 If they take medicine for pain (NO SEDATION), you may want to give them some before the grooming.
🐾 For cats it is recommended that you put them in a carrier or in a small room so they don’t run under the bed or couch when the doorbell rings.
🐾 If your pet is nervous or may run and hide, please have them on a leash/harness when I arrive so I can greet them safely.
🐾 Please review the P&Ps section on Appointment times and information

Senior pets and pets with health conditions

🐾 Your pet’s safety and comfort is my first priority.
🐾 Senior pets and pets with health problems have a greater chance of injury and stress, these pets will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort, in styles that will not add to their stress.
🐾 I will not be responsible for aggravating any prior injuries
🐾 I will not be responsible for accident or injury to an elderly or health-compromised pet during their groom.
🐾 I do use a belly strap on every dog to help support them and for their safety, but dogs do need to be able to stand for blow drying and while I work on their paws/nails unless arrangement’s have been made in advance so that I can bring assistance.
🐾 For groomer’s safety as well as your pets, I have the right to refuse service in the event that a pet cannot be handled safely.
🐾 Grooming procedures sometimes can be stressful, especially for a senior pet or a pet with health problems.
🐾 Mobile can be convenient in some aspects, but it is start to finish as a zoom groom and doesn’t always work well every older pet. Sometimes for older pets they need the option of breaks between the brush outs, bath, and blow dry if they need it and the possibility of drying in a kennel if they are scared.

a few Tools and supplies I recommend

🐾 Utsumi Half & Half comb - 9 inch is what I have, the combo combs work great because it has the tight teeth and wide teeth. They are on the more expensive side

https://lovegroomers.com — $99

🐾 Chris Christensen Big G Large Coral slicker brush

🐾 Chris Christensen #000 Buttercomb 7 1/2" Fine/Coarse

🐾 Artero Matt-X Dematter (**The best choice)

www.amazon.com/Artero-Matt-X-Dematter/dp/B00L37VHEC/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1529037095&sr=1-1&keywords=artero+matt-x&dpID=310XApw0wLL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

🐾 Chris Christensen Ice On Ice Detangler ( 16 oz. Ready To Use)

🐾 Nature's Specialties Quicker Slicker Ready to Use Pet Conditioner, 16-Ounce

🐾 Shampoos I use are Espree, Natures Specialty, and Earth Bath. If you loved the cologne/perfume I used just ask and I can let you know which one it was and where to buy it.

🐾 If you were interested in teeth brushing, you can get any kind of toothbrush but the toothpaste or gel has to be specific for dogs or cats. Tropiclean Fresh Breath Clean teeth gel is what I use

https://www.amazon.com/Tropiclean-Fresh-Breath-Clean-holistic/dp/B009RZ949C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512622437&sr=8-2&keywords=tropiclean+clean+teeth+gel

TOP 10 REASONS WHY IT COSTS MORE TO GET YOUR PETS HAIR CUT THAN YOURS (joke)

Your hairdresser doesn’t Shampoo and shave your rear end.
You don’t go for weeks without washing or brushing your hair.
Your hair dresser doesn’t give you a sanitary trim.
Your hairdresser doesn’t have to clean or pluck your ears.
Your hairdresser doesn’t have to remove the boogies from the corner of your eyes.
You sit in one place for your hairdresser.
Your haircut doesn’t include a mani. or pedi.
Your hairdresser only washes and cuts the hair on your head, not your entire body.
You don’t bite, slobber, or scratch at your hairdresser.
The likelihood of you pooping on your hair dressers chair is pretty slim to none.