



Frequently
Asked
Questions
1
How Do I Book An Appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled on the So Fetch & So Clean Website or by calling 785.502.2406. Phone calls will not answered if I am actively grooming. Please leave a message and your call will be returned at my earliest availability. Please do not show up to the salon location if you are not expected.
Read the appointments and scheduling terms on the Policies & Forms page
2
When Should My Puppy Have Their First Groom?
It is very important to introduce your new puppy to the grooming process as soon as possible. I recommend scheduling a puppy's first groom with me after they have received all their vaccines. During their first visit, they will only receive minimal trimming around their face, feet and fanny-no full haircuts! This is because the grooming process can be overstimulating for a new puppy causing higher risks for injuries. Puppies are introduced to the sights, sounds and smells of grooming in a relaxed, slow paced way to ensure future visits are stress free. Also, a puppies adult coat takes time to grow in and it can be hard to evenly cut puppy fluff. It's best to wait so the groomer has a better idea of what the coat will look like and can create a personalized grooming regimen.
3
How Often Should I Have My Dog Groomed?
How often your dog is groomed depends on many different factors including breed, coat type, hair length, coat condition, existing skin issues and personal preference. In order to maintain a manageable coat, most dogs should be scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks-if they are receiving regular brushing and coat up-keep at home. Owners who prefer longer hair length or specialized cuts for non-shedding breeds such as Poodles, Lhasa Apsos, Bichons, Shih Tzus, some doodles and Terriers, should keep their dogs on a 4-week schedule. These coat types tangle easily and can become painfully matted and unmanageable. Short hair and/or shedding breeds can usually be scheduled every 8-12 weeks with regular maintenance at home.
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Remember, your groomer can only do so much. If your dog has to be shaved due to matting, it is not because the groomer is "lazy". It is because shaving is the most humane way to remove the mats without causing unneeded stress or pain to the pet. At home brushing and maintenance of the coat is crucial for cute, long and fluffy cuts!
4
Can I Stay While My Dog Is Being Groomed?
The short answer is No. Pets are calmer and better behaved for grooming when the owner is not present. When the owner is present the dog is more focused on them and how to get back by their side than they are standing still and listening to the groomer. This causes greater risk of injuries and disrupts the groomer process.
Even though your dog may act like they are scared or not cooperating at drop off, it is best to drop your dog off with the groomer at their scheduled appointment time and return when the groomer has notified you. I understand how stressful it can be to drop your dog off and walk away when they are giving you their saddest looks and crying, but 9 times out of 10, as soon as the door closes, your dog walks back with the groomer without a fuss! It's just like dropping a kid off at school or daycare!
5
I Want To Have My Dog Trimmed All Over. Why Is That Considered A Full Haircut?
A full-trim cut still requires the groomer to remove length off the entire body of the dog and in most cases, it can actually take longer than a shorter cut. Longer lengths requires more cutting with multiple types of shears to accomplish an even and natural look. A trim in grooming terms is limited to certain areas of the body like the face, feet, belly and fanny.
6
Can I Drop My Dog Off In The Morning and Pick Them Up At Closing?
No. I do not have the kennel space, staff or time to provide adequate care (bathroom breaks, exercise, food, etc.) for a dog to stay longer than a few hours in my care. Clients who are unable to pick up their dogs within 1 hour after grooming is completed MUST communicate this with me at scheduling! A daycare fee will be applied to any dogs left in my care over an hour after being notified.
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Read pickup terms on the Policies and Forms page.
7
How Long Does A Groom Take?
Completion times can vary greatly and are hard to estimate because there are many factors that come into play. These factorsinclude: coat length, condition and type, the dogs size, breed, health, behavior, age and personality plus the grooming service requested. Outside influences on completion time can include unexpected issues with other dogs (matting, soiling a kennel), constant disruptions or distractions to the groomer (phone calls, walk ins), breaks (remember, we have to drink water, eat and use the restroom too!) and many other unforeseen things that are not the direct fault of the groomer.
A typical stay with me is between 2-4 hours. I do my best to get your dog finished and back home as soon as I can while making sure they leave looking great! Remember, your dog's are a walking advertisement for a groomer. We want to take our time to make them look amazing!
8
My Dogs Matted But I Don't Want Them Shaved. Can You Brush Mats Out?
I promise to do my best to remove any mats with a brush and comb before resorting to shaving. But I WILL NOT put a dog through any kind of stress and pain for an owner's self-interests. Mats themselves and the dematting process hurts A LOT! Matted hair is damaged hair and it can not be brushed out to healthy looking or feeling hair. If the dog has one or two looser mats that I feel the dog can comfortably tolerate removing, I will attempt to remove it.
Remember, your groomer can only do so much. If your dog has to be shaved due to matting, it is not because the groomer is "lazy". It is because shaving is the most humane way to remove the mats without causing unneeded stress or pain to the pet. At home brushing and maintenance of the coat is crucial for cute, long and fluffy cuts!
9
What Vaccines Are Required?
All dogs that are groomed at So Fetch & So Clean are required to have an up to date Rabies and Distemper/Parvo vaccine before they will be groomed. Rabies is required by Kansas Law and Distemper and Parvo are highly contagious viruses that can cause death. I do not require Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine however, if your dog has been treated for Kennel Cough, they CAN NOT be groomed for 2 weeks after they have finished their medications. All Dogs are kept in separated kennels until the owner arrives.
Any puppies who are displaying diarrhea, vomiting or lethargy need to be seen by their veterinarian for possible Parvo immediately before they can be groomed.
10
What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?
So Fetch & So Clean accepts the follow forms of payment:
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Visa
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MasterCard
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Discover Card
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Debit Bank Cards
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Cash
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I DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS
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All services must be paid in full upon completion of the groom at the time the dog is picked up. Dogs will not be returned to their owner until payment has been completed.
11
Why Can't I Drop By Your Location Without Notice?
The first thing that I ask my clients to remember is my salon is located at mine and my family's home. My husband and I prefer to know who to expect at our home and we do not want people showing up during non-working hours.
Arriving without notice is very distracting to the groomer and the dog. Sudden noises and movements make dogs react quickly and that is how cuts happen. Often time the groomer has to stop a groom and by the time they are able to start again, they can forget where they were and things get missed during the grooming process.
12
Do You Provide Walk-In Services?
Yes and No. I still require that clients call and ask if I have available time for a service the day of. Nail services, anal gland expression and baths are usually services that can be squeezed in-but there is no guarantee.
13
Are Dogs Kenneled At All Times?
If a dog is not on the grooming table or in the bath tub, then they are in a individual kennel. I do my absolute best to keep dogs that are not from the same household away from one another to avoid injuries and the spread of any diseases or viruses.
14
Do You Groom Aggressive or Over Active Dogs?
Yes, I do. I have had veterinary training on holds and techniques for safely handling aggressive and over active dogs and I have been grooming them for many years. I will make every attempt to groom an uncooperative dog however, I may not be able to finish the groom if the dog poses a threat to themselves, other dogs or any persons. Additional Fees do apply and I reserve the right to use equipment such as muzzles if necessary. I may recommend speaking to your veterinarian about a sedative to help your dog relax for grooming.
Read the aggressive dog terms on the Policies and Forms page.
15
What Type Of Dryers Do You Use?
My preferred type of dry to used is a Velocity Dryer or Forced-Air dryer. Velocity dryers are powerful dryers that "blast" water from the coat for very fast drying times. The high-speed airflow helps remove excess water, separate tangled fur strands, straighten the coat, remove stuck undercoat, and fluff the coat for a clean and attractive appearance ("All Groom", 2025). These dryers do blow warm air but because it is hand-held, I am able to monitor and adjust the heat accordingly.
If the velocity dryer is to stressful for dog, another option I have is a cage dryer that hooks onto the dogs kennel door. I keep these dryers at a no heat setting so the dog does not get overheated.
16
What If I Am Unable To Pick My Dog Up Right Away?
Communication is key. If you let me know at scheduling that you are unable to pick up your pet until your lunch break or after work, or after an appointment-I am completely willing to work with you! If something comes up suddenly or it's just a one time thing, then there will be a daycare fee applied to your bill.
If you do not tell me until you are notified that your dogs grooming is finished that you can not pick up until after 3 hours, you will have a daycare fee applied to you total.
17
How Often Should My Dog Have Their Nails Trimmed?
How often you should have your dogs nails trimmed depends on the dog. Dogs who are walked on concrete on a normal basis file them down naturally and they may not need to have theirs done as often or at all. I commonly tell my clients to keep their dogs on a 4-week schedule with nail trims. This will help the quick recede back allowing for shorter cuts while also maintaining a shorter quick.
18
Do You Groom Senior Dogs?
Yes! I have been grooming senior dogs since I began grooming and I have learned many techniques to make the process easier for the dog and myself.
If I the dog is experiencing pain, discomfort or there is a risk of injury to the dog or myself, I may have to stop the grooming process and call the owner. If this happens, I will recommend taking your dog to their veterinarian for pain medication or a sedative.
19
What If I Am Unhappy With My Dogs Groom?
If you notice something at pickup, I can typically touch it up quickly before you leave. After leaving the salon, clients must advise me within 48 hours of any changes they would like to their dog(s) haircut with no charge. This Does Not Include Bathes! I am thorough with my bathing process because of how important clean hair is to the upkeep of my tools and the way the finishing cut looks. After 48 hours the hair is not as fresh or clean and may have to be re-bathed to accomplish another cut.
20
What Is Your No-Show & Cancellation Policy?
I have a strict No Call/No Show policy. All no call/no shows will be charged a $20 fee that is due at their next appointment. After a third No call/No show, you will no longer be able to schedule your dog with me for any future grooming.
I work by appointment only; the appointment slot is exclusively assigned to your dog(s) at your request. Failure to keep your appointment results in loss of income for me and my business.
I understand that sometimes things happen that we don't plan for. I can sympathize with this but I ask that my clients understand that I am running a small business that depends on each scheduled appointment for income.
All clients are required to fill out this Client Form as soon as your appointment request has been approved. Don’t forget to read through my terms & policies page!
