Dog grooming questions, Colorado Springs you book
These are the questions we hear most at the front desk. If yours isn't here, call (719) 472-4427 and ask us.
Booking
questions
How do I book a groom?
Call us at (719) 472-4427, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM. Tell us your dog's name, breed, age and when they were last groomed. We'll find a day that works and talk through the cut. We book by phone so we can ask the right questions about your dog before they ever get on the table.
How far ahead should I book?
About two weeks for a regular appointment. Holidays and early summer fill up faster, so book further out for those. The easiest way to always have a spot is to book your next groom when you pick up. A lot of our clients book the whole year ahead with a standing appointment, and we recommend it.
Do you take walk-ins?
Grooming is by appointment only, so every dog gets the time their coat needs. The one exception is nail trims. Walk-in nail trims are $15 to $25, and they're cash only.
Can I ask for a certain groomer?
Yes. Our groomers are Chelsea, Dey, Kalie and Micaela. Tell us who your dog likes when you call. We try hard to keep each dog with the same groomer, because dogs relax with someone they know.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4 PM, and closed on weekends. Grooming is by appointment.
Prices
questions
How much does a groom cost?
A full groom starts at $80 for small dogs, $100 for medium, $130 for large and $160 for extra large. A bath and brush starts at $55, $70, $85 and $100. Doodles are priced the same as any other dog their size. The coat can change the final price, so new clients get an estimate at drop-off.
What's included in a full groom?
Everything below, in one price: two baths with two top-tier shampoos, chosen for what your dog's coat needs; a custom cut from nose to butt; a full brush out; a hand blow-dry, never a cage dryer; nails trimmed and filed; ears cleaned; an anal gland check; and free finishing touches like a cologne spray, a bandana or bows. There is no list of extras at pickup.
Why would my price be different from the starting price?
Size sets the starting price and the coat does the rest. A very thick coat, a long coat or a matted coat takes more time to wash, dry and brush out. On a first visit we look at your dog with you and give you an estimate before we start.
How do I pay?
We take cash, check and card, at pickup. Walk-in nail trims are cash only. Tips are always welcome.
Are there add-ons?
Yes. Things like paw balm are on our add-ons board. They're your choice, and we only do them when you ask.
The groom
questions
How long does a groom take?
Small dogs usually take 2 to 3 hours, medium dogs 2 to 3, large dogs 2 to 4 and extra large dogs 3 to 5. It depends on the coat and on your dog. We text you about 15 minutes before your dog is ready.
Do you use cage dryers?
No. We don't own any. Every dog is dried by hand while we brush, which is much gentler on them.
Can I stay and watch?
No. Grooming is drop off and pick up. Almost every dog settles faster once their person leaves, and it keeps the salon calm for every dog in it.
Can I ask for a specific cut?
Yes, please do. Bring a photo of the look you like. We'll tell you honestly if your dog's coat will hold it, and if not, which cut will come closest.
Will you shave my double coated dog?
No. A double coat on a Husky, Golden or Shepherd protects them from sun, heat and cold, and shaving can change how it grows back. We get the coat very clean and brush out the loose undercoat instead.
Coats and breeds
questions
How often should my dog be groomed?
It depends on the coat. Poodles, doodles, Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Bichons do best every 4 to 6 weeks. Double coats like Goldens and Aussies do well every 6 to 8 weeks. Short coats are fine every 8 to 12 weeks.
Do you groom doodles?
Every single day. Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles and Cockapoos are some of our most regular clients. Teddy bear, lamb and short all-over cuts are all on the menu.
Do you do breed cuts?
Yes, nearly every breed cut there is. Chelsea also grooms show dogs. Our breed cuts page has the full list, or call and ask about your breed.
What size dogs do you groom?
All of them. Chihuahuas and Yorkies come in next to Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees.
Health and safety
questions
What vaccines does my dog need?
Distemper and parvo for every dog over 8 weeks old, and rabies for every dog over 16 weeks. Bring proof, like your vet record or a photo of it, to the first groom.
Do you groom nervous dogs?
Yes. We book them at a quiet time of day, away from dogs we know are barkers, and keep them with the same groomer every visit. Our nervous dogs page has more.
Do you groom senior dogs?
Yes. Older dogs get padded tables, breaks when they need them and a quiet time of day. There's no extra charge for age. Tell us about any health problems when you book.
What if my dog is matted?
We'll look at the coat with you first. If you want the coat saved, we brush the mats out, and a de-mat fee of $10 to $30 is added depending on the time. A coat too matted to save needs a short cut first, which also has a fee. We never shave a dog down without your okay.
What if my dog has fleas?
Your dog gets a flea bath, which is $5 to $10 extra. We'll always tell you if we find fleas or ticks.
Pickup
questions
When do I pick up my dog?
We text you about 15 minutes before your dog is ready. Please pick up within an hour, and before we close at 4 PM.
Where do I park?
We're at 3336 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. Two spots right at our door are signed for Zuzu's, and there's more parking farther out in the lot.
