The Plush Pup

Answers

• What is Plush Pup?

  Plush Pup is a housecall groomer serving the San Fernando Valley and nearby areas in beautiful Southern California.

  It's also a small business fully owned and operated by a single, expert groomer with decades of experience.

• What is housecall grooming? Is it the same as mobile grooming?

  Housecall grooming means that I come to your house and groom your pet in the safety and comfort of its own home.

  Many mobile groomers set up a shop inside of a van or truck. Instead, I bring portable equipment into your home or yard. Why?

  It's better for you.

  Customers can watch every moment of the groom to insure that their dog is receiving the best possible care.

  It's better for your dog.

  No scary cages or foreign environments, and reduced chance of catching an illness from shared equipment.

  It's better for the environment.

  A small, fuel-efficient car gets the job done in an environmentally responsible manner.

• How do I know you'll do a good job?

  Unlike a grooming shop, where you never know who will actually groom your dog, Plush Pup is a one-woman show.

  Each and every time you call on Plush Pup, you can expect the same gentle artistry. I use well maintained, state-of-the-art equipment, and am fully insured in unlikely event of an accident. With decades of experience grooming both prize winning show dogs and family pets, you're sure to be pleased.

  I use the same shampoo, tools, and grooming techniques for your pet as I use for the show dogs that walk in the ring and win.

  But, you don't have to take my word for it. I'm a Certified Master Groomer (CMG) with International Professional Groomers, Inc. (IPG). There's no reason to sacrifice a professional, beautiful looking cut in order to get the loving care and respect that your pet deserves. With The Plush Pup, you'll get both, each and every time.

• What services do you offer?

  Baths and fluff drying, with all breed trims or bath alone. Dogs have their ears cleaned, anal glands inspected and expressed if needed, toenails clipped, full brush out, total styling with assurance to be done your way. Mats and tangles can be brushed for an extra fee, but only in cases where it will not hurt or stress the dog.

• What products do you use?

  Nothing but the best biochemist tested natural shampoos based on the dog's skin and coat. The products are the high-end hypo-allergenic kind that the salons often charge extra for.

• Where will you groom my dog?

  Wherever it works out best for your circumstances. Any tub, shower, or big sink will do, whether it's in the bathrooms, kitchen, basement, garage, or back yard.

• But I don't have any dog grooming equipment! Don't you need hoses, sprayers, and dryers?

  I'll bring all the necessary equipment, including a professional hydro massage portable unit for bathing. All that is needed is a water source, an electrical outlet, and a small amount of room to work.

• Won't there be a mess?

  A vacuum-fitted clipper is used which sucks up and disposes of hair while grooming. After the groom, I'll vacuum the immediate area to catch any stray hairs.

• Will your equipment be clean and sterile?

  All equipment is sanitized between clients, as at any professional grooming shop. What's more, one of the advantages of housecall grooming is that your dog is never exposed to other dogs or communal cages. This dramatically reduces the chance for transmission of disease between clients.

• Can I stay with my dog?

  Absolutely! This is one of the greatest advantages of House Call Grooming. You can be assured that your dog is cared for in the kindest and gentlest manner. In the rare case that your dog will not behave while you are there, alternatives may be possible; however, most dogs see it as part of the household routine and behave quite well.

• Do I have to stay with my dog?

  The first time you use this service, you must be present, at least at the start of the groom. After that you may choose to not be there. Just let me know ahead of time and we can make arrangements for access.

• How long does it take?

  It depends upon the dog, but usually about two hours.

• Is it more expensive than an ordinary grooming shop?

  Perhaps. Plush pup charges about the same as any quality grooming shop. That also covers the cost of travel, setup, and cleaning.

  It's true that you can find a cheaper groom at a chain store. But when you consider the convenience of housecall grooming, and the knowledge that your pets will be given the best possible treatment at the hands of an expert groomer, Plush Pup offers a very competitive service.

• How often should I have my dog groomed?

  Usually every 4 to 6 weeks to keep your dog in the pink. Some dogs are better groomed every 2 weeks and some breeds only need grooming every 3 or 4 months. Once I've met your dog, I recommend an appropriate schedule.

• I want my dog to look great all the time. Can you take care of that?

  Yes! There is a maintenance plan which covers service every other week. (Just like your gardener.) You'll receive a discounted charge once a month, and the knowledge that your dog will look great all the time. A weekly service plan is also possible, for those who demand the best looking (and smelling) dog in town.

• Can you groom big dogs?

  Yes, though large double coats or shedding-prone coats on big dogs might not work out. We can decide together case by case.

• Will you groom my cat, rabbit, chinchilla, orangutan, or pet leopard?

  No, Plush Pup does not generally groom animals other than dogs. If you have a particularly sweet cat, give me a call. Plush pup will try grooming to see if it is workable with this grooming mode.

• What if my dog bites?

  Sorry, but I will not groom any dogs that bite. These dogs are best groomed by a Veterinarian groomer, not the quiet home environment with a lone groomer. Bad behavior is usually workable but we can assess that during the grooming.

• Do you use tranquilizers?

  No. Never. In addition to being against the law, tranquilizing a dog for grooming is a really bad idea. If a dog needs a tranquilizer it should be groomed by a Veterinarian's groomer.

• Can I make a reservation through the website?

  No. In order to schedule your service, I need to talk to you in person. There's just no reliable way for an automated system to determine how long a particular grooming job will take. To make a reservation, or to ask a question, either give me a call or send me an email.