Question 1

How long will it take to groom my dog?

Accepted Answer

The duration of your appointment will vary based on your dog's coat condition, density, and length. I will provide an estimated time, but please expect a text as I approach the end of the grooming session, as the completion time may change.

Question 2

How much will it cost for my dog to be groomed?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is based on the dog's breed, hair length, size, and condition. A quote will be provided before grooming, but it may change if the dog is matted or if any issues occur during the grooming process.

Question 3

Do you use drying cages?

Accepted Answer

Drying cages are not used at Thompson Tails. Instead, dogs are dried straight after coming out of the bath using a blast dryer.

Question 4

Can I stay and watch while you groom my dog?

Accepted Answer

I kindly ask that all clients drop their dog at the salon at the time of their appointment and pick them up once grooming is complete. When owners are present, dogs may become fidgety, which can create safety concerns for both the dog and the groomer.

Question 5

How often should I get my dog groomed?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of grooming for your dog depends on its breed, usually ranging from every 4 to 12 weeks. I'm happy to help you develop a grooming schedule tailored to your dog's specific needs. Setting up your next appointment at the end of each grooming session is a great way to ensure consistent care.

Question 6

What type of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

I accept all card payments (including contactless payments) and cash. I do not accept cheque payment or bank transfer.

Question 7

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

On Monday to Thursday the salon is located at the back of the Pets Pantry Shop located on Collingwood Road, NN1 4RD. 
On Friday and Saturday, you can find the salon at Snetterton Close, NN3 6EG.

Question 8

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

To book an appointment, you can contact me via email, text, or Facebook Messenger. Please note that I am unable to answer phone calls whilst grooming a dog, but you are welcome to leave a voicemail or, preferably, send a text, and I will respond as soon as I can.

Question 9

Do you offer ear plucking services?

Accepted Answer

Only veterinarians are advised to pluck a dog's ear hair, as doing so can pose medical concerns and lead to infections and other issues. However, the ears will still be trimmed and cleaned.

Question 10

Do you offer anal gland expression?

Accepted Answer

Anal gland expression is not a standard part of dog grooming; under current guidelines, this procedure should only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon or nurse, as dog groomers typically do not have the necessary medical training.

Question 11

Do you provide nail trimming services?

Accepted Answer

Dog nails are trimmed during every grooming or washing appointment. If you only need a nail trim, this service is available for £5-£10 depending on your dog's size. I will clip and file the nails down to the quick, ensuring they are as short as possible.

Question 12

How do I leave a review?

Accepted Answer

I would really appreciate your feedback! Please leave me a review on Google or Facebook. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your experience, feel free to contact me—I'd like to make sure it's exceptional!

Question 13

What if my dog has fleas?

Accepted Answer

If you suspect your dog has fleas on the day of your appointment, please do not bring them to the salon. A £15 fee will be charged at the end of the appointment if fleas are found, regardless of the owner's awareness, as the salon will need to be cleaned to prevent spreading of fleas to other dogs. If you need to reschedule your appointment, feel free to contact me, and I’ll happy to assist you with this. In the meantime, please consult your veterinarian for guidance on treating your dog for fleas.

Question 14

Do you offer hand stripping?

Accepted Answer

Hand stripping is a grooming process that involves removing dead hairs from the coat by hand instead of clipping, which can be particularly beneficial for certain breeds with wiry coats. This is not something which I currently offer. If you need this specific service. However, I do provide various other grooming options including baths, haircuts, nail trims, ear cleaning, and more to ensure your dog's overall well-being and appearance.

Question 15

Why should I book my appointment early in December, and what is the payment process?

Accepted Answer

December is an exceptionally busy time for grooming appointments. To ensure your dog is well-groomed for the holidays, it's crucial to book your appointment as early as possible to avoid missing out. Due to the high demand, I will require pre-payments for all grooming services in December. The prepayment will be the total amount of the groom, ensuring your spot is reserved and allowing me to manage my schedule efficiently. This policy helps me provide the best possible service for all my clients during this busy season.

Question 16

How do you handle grooming for dogs with anxiety or past trauma?

Accepted Answer

I understand that grooming can be a stressful experience for dogs, especially those with anxiety or past trauma. With experience rescuing dogs with various triggers, I've developed a compassionate and patient approach to build their confidence. I am happy to work with any dog, regardless of their initial fear or anxiety, and use techniques tailored to their specific needs. This process can take time, but the results have been incredibly rewarding, helping anxious dogs learn to trust and feel comfortable during grooming sessions. Your dog's well-being is my top priority, and I'm committed to giving them a positive and reassuring grooming experience. However, please be aware that some dogs may benefit from having the attention of two groomers. As I am currently working as a lone groomer, if I believe that this would be a better option for your dog I will be open and honest about my limitations and advise if I think another option would be more suitable.

Question 17

Does Thompson Tails offer teeth cleaning services for dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, teeth cleaning services are available however this is currently only available for current clients. Visit my teeth cleaning page for more details on benefits, processes, cost, and scheduling an appointment.

Question 18

How long will it take to clean my dogs teeth?

Accepted Answer

At Thompson Tails, we prioritize your dog's comfort. The initial 45-minute appointment includes a consultation to discuss your dog's needs. Follow-up appointments of 25 minutes focus on maintaining oral hygiene, ensuring your dog looks and feels great. For more information please visit my teeth cleaning page.

Question 19

How much does teeth cleaning cost?

Accepted Answer

The Initial appointment and consultation, including a toothbrush head, costs £45. Regular maintenance is £25, upkeep appointments are £15, and an extra toothbrush head is £10. Please get in contact if you would like to discuss a teeth cleaning treatment plan for your dog.

Question 20

Are there any conditions under which my dog would not be suitable for a teeth cleaning treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain conditions make a dog unsuitable for teeth cleaning at Thompson Tails, such as:
- Loose teeth indicating underlying dental issues.
- Behavioral issues like stress or aggression.
- Oral abnormalities such as foreign bodies, warts, injuries, or tumors.

This will be discussed at the consultation prior to their initial appointment. For further information, please read my terms and conditions.

FAQ's