10/22/2024
Hey guys,
I have a few things to say this morning.
Service update #1- I will be closed in the mornings for the rest of the year in order to work with my dog. He has extreme separation anxiety and he's started meds, been neutered and we are working on desensitization training which takes time. I have worked out a schedule with my partner so I can take clients in the afternoons. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Current morning appointments for this week will be honoured, and this starts as of Monday October 28th.
Service update #2 - I am no longer booking singular appointments for house call nail trims only. I will be dedicating a spot in my schedule to book multiple house call nail trims to ensure I am making enough profit. Dates and times for house call nail trim days will be announced shortly, likely one day per week.
Service update #3 - I am no longer able to offer overnight pet sitting at this time due to the situation with Jake. I am not licensed or insured as a boarding facility, so I am unable to provide overnight at my home. Pop ins and dog walking in the afternoons are still available.
Service update #4 - All clients must prebook their appointments when booking a groom. Dogs require regular grooming in order to be healthy. Schedules are every 4/6/8 weeks depending on breed/coat type. I require clients to book out their appointments as I cannot guarantee my income with here and there appointments.
Other notes/comments - Grooming costs- my prices are something I have thought long and hard on, conferred with colleagues in the field and researched other groomer's pricing in my area. Costs for grooming are determined by the following factors - size of your dog, coat type, behaviour of the dog, difficulty of the service / skill required to complete the type of groom, experience level of the groomer and their time and money put into their training and certification, whether or not your dog is matted / coat condition, costs of tools and upkeep of those tools, insurance etc. It is really disheartening to have my prices questioned or told it's too expensive to ensure your dog is clean and comfortable. Please keep in mind you wouldn't be able to get a wash, blowdry, cut and style, manicure/pedicure and a ear candling done for the price I've listed for your dog's full groom. They get a bath, blowdry, haircut, nail trim, paw pad/foot tidy, ear cleaning, facial trim scissorwork etc. Not to mention dogs who are matted, come with f***s I have to clean off them, seniors who require extra time, behavioural issue dogs who require more time, skill and patience etc. Groomers do not just play with dogs all day, this is real work-sometimes difficult and heart wrenching work. We have bills to pay just like our clients do and we must charge our worth while covering overhead costs and still make a profit.
Which brings me to my next point - if I am unable to make a profit and cover my bills and expenses I will have to close and find another job/career. I have already had to take a part time job on Thursdays to cover expenses. I do enjoy grooming and pet services however the stress of living week to week is starting to take it's toll.
Please understand this in written in a way so that clients and potential clients understand what goes into their dogs grooming appointments and why the prices are what they are. It is not intended to be rude or mean and I am not angry. I simply would like there to be an understanding of what groomers do and the situations we encounter.
Thank you to my current clients who have been supportive and understanding through all the changes and welcome to new clients coming on board. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know and I love my job very much.
Boops and scritches,
Dawn
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