In order to re-open Governor Baker put some guidance in place that impacts how we can operate. Aside from wearing a face mask and maintaining social distancing, here are some other changes:
In order to re-open Governor Baker put some guidance in place that impacts how we can operate. Aside from wearing a face mask and maintaining social distancing, here are some other changes:
Please pack your patience as we all work to create a new normal. As always, a pet on the table requires and deserves our undivided attention. If you get our voice mail, please leave us a message and let us return your call when it is safe to do so.
We urge you to help advocate on behalf of all pet(s) during this pandemic.
Unfortunately, Governor Charlie Baker came to the conclusion that Pet-Grooming was non-essential during the COVID-19 Shutdown, without any consideration of the small grooming shops that already operated by appointment only. It appears he may not be a pet owner,
We urge you to help advocate on behalf of all pet(s) during this pandemic.
Unfortunately, Governor Charlie Baker came to the conclusion that Pet-Grooming was non-essential during the COVID-19 Shutdown, without any consideration of the small grooming shops that already operated by appointment only. It appears he may not be a pet owner, or at the very least has never had a pet with eye or ear infections, a long-haired matted pet, or a pet with ticks! If you feel strongly that pet-grooming should be considered essential during the next Pandemic/Shutdown, especially for Seniors and folks with already compromised immune systems that were forced to quarantine with a pet that had bacteria, we would appreciate you reaching out to Governor Baker's Office and advocating on behalf of all pets.
Anyone on a blood thinner who relies on regular nail trims is also encouraged to explain to Governor Baker how important it is to be able to have your pet's nails trimmed while being quarantined.
We felt bad for all the pets who ended up matted or with bacterial infections as a result of the forced shut-down, but until Governor Baker hear's from you, pets will suffer again in silence during the next forced Shutdown.
Unfortunately, Governor Baker simply copied the Federal List of Non-Essential Businesses and applied it to Massachusetts. Clearly who ever created the Federal List was not a pet owner! The thinking was that if a pet-owner had a grooming "emergency" they could see their Vet, however, Veterinarians were only seeing critical patients (per CDC Guidance) with no plan to prevent severe matting or bacterial infections from requiring emergency care later on.
Many folks we serve can not afford to see a Veterinarian for what a groomer could prevent.
In the end, it was pets that ultimately suffered in silence.
Additionally, Pet-Groomers use the same pet-disinfectants that Veterinarians use - there are only a limited number of suppliers and they all serve both Groomers and Veterinarians!
Be sure to comb any long-haired pets frequently to help prevent any matting (fur that gets knots). Make sure to use a steel-tooth comb and not just a brush. Do not bathe a matted pet as the matting will tighten and become significantly worse and wet fur will increase bacteria under the matting.
Here's a link for more information on how to
Be sure to comb any long-haired pets frequently to help prevent any matting (fur that gets knots). Make sure to use a steel-tooth comb and not just a brush. Do not bathe a matted pet as the matting will tighten and become significantly worse and wet fur will increase bacteria under the matting.
Here's a link for more information on how to prevent matting.
Regularly trim your pet's nails to avoid any discomfort from overgrown (or ingrown) nails. Dog's nails have a "quick" that will continue to grow out and only a Vet can clip into the quick to trim it back. A cat's nails will grow into their pads if not clipped regularly - and this is extremely painful.
Here is a link for further guidance on
Here's a link for guidance on how to clip a cat's nails.
Per Governor Baker's
COVID-19 Re-Opening Guidance:
ALL Appointments must by scheduled in advance by phone. No Walk-ins (for any reason) are allowed at this time.
No Solicitations of any kind at this time please.
Please wear a Face Mask and practice good social distancing during drop off and pick up. Please wait in your vehicle and not in the shop at this time as we are trying to limit the number of folks in the shop at any one time.
Thank you for your patience and compliance. Stay safe and remember to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
If you are ever unhappy with your pet's grooming, please let me know (respectfully and constructively) what I can do different next time.
If your pet's coat had matting and you feel I cut your pet's fur too short, please understand that matting starts at the root closest to the skin and I may not have had any choice given what blade could get under the matting to remove it.
Brushing DOES NOT prevent matting. Please know that you need to use a steel tooth comb and comb completely through the fur (root to tip) in order to prevent matting. Having to shave a pet is never a Pet Stylist's desired grooming - I don't get to do my best work when I have to remove matted fur. Regular grooming can help prevent matting and by working together we can keep your pet's coat in better condition.
A happy healthy pet is a well-groomed pet. Pets know when they look good and I take pride in helping them look their best.
Your pet’s safety and comfort is our first priority. We will not perform any grooming procedure that causes pain or a level of stress that we think is excessive. Unfortunately, not all pets that are stressed give a warning and may end up injuring themselves without any warning to us.
Please advise us of any medical, physical, mobility issues, allergies (i.e., cologne, oatmeal, etc.), sensitivities, or pre-existing conditions. This includes prior surgeries, hip or joint issues, warts/skin tags, moles, ear infections or skin problems.
For your pet’s safety, and ours, please let us know if your pet has any temperament or behavior issues. All Paws Pet-Salon reserves the right to use a muzzle on your pet for safety purposes if necessary. Your pet’s temperament may also cause us to alter your preferred grooming style or limit how much grooming we can do.
All Paws Pet-Salon reserves the right to alter or refuse service for any safety concerns.
To ensure that all our clients have an opportunity to secure appointments, we ask that you call us at least 1 business day in advance if you are unable to keep your pet’s appointment.
Repeated No Show’s and last minute cancellations impact our ability to serve others. If this happens, you will be asked to pay a fee of not more than ½ the cost of your pet’s scheduled grooming service to compensate the groomer for the time that was reserved for your pet. You will also be asked to pre-pay your pet’s next grooming service before being able to schedule again. Should you have another last minute cancellation or no show, you will forfeit your pet’s pre-paid grooming amount.
Continued No Show or last minute cancellations may result in not being able to schedule future appointments.
As always we value and appreciate your time. We hope you understand the need for this policy.
Q: Will my pet be the only one in the shop?
A: No. My own dog, Elijah, comes to work with me everyday and helps calm nervous dogs or socialize with other dogs waiting to be picked up.
Q: What makes All Paws different from other grooming salons?
A: We schedule by appointment to minimize wait time, reduce pet anxiety, and avoid having to crate multiple pets. We also only have 1 groomer who does everything for your pet from nail trim, to bath, to haircut. Most grooming shops hire minimum-wage inexperienced staff to bathe and dry pets; we don't! Most grooming shops also use cage dryers; we don't! I work one-on-one with your pet start to finish.
Q: How long will it take to groom my pet?
A: Different size pets take different amounts of time and pets with longer, thicker fur will take longer to dry and comb out. Most pets are done in one hour (short-haired smaller pets are done in 30-45 minutes). Larger pets (i.e., Labradoodle, Siberian Husky, Golden Doodle, Standard Poodle, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, etc.) will take 90 minutes or more.
Q: Why don't you answer your phone?
A: I am a small business and the phone is not my top priority - the pet on my table is. Please don't call consecutively - just leave a message and let me return your call when it is safe to do so. I return all calls within 24 hours. There are no grooming emergencies that can't wait for a return call.
Q: Do you groom cats and rabbits?
A: Yes. Working with pets one at a time allows me to better work with nervous or elderly pets, as well as cats in general so we end up grooming a majority of cats in the area. I am also the only rabbit groomer in the area!
Q: Why are you booked so far in advance?
A: All work is done by 1 groomer. Grooming is a very physically demanding, but very rewarding, job and I can only groom a limited number of pets in a day. Most of our clients schedule ahead to stay in a regular grooming cycle. The best groomers are worth waiting for to ensure your pet is safe and well-cared for.
Q: Do you have a cancellation list?
A: Yes. A matted pet will always be a priority as matting is very uncomfortable for the pet. Folks cancel or reschedule for a variety of reasons and we do our best to fill spots from our cancellation list first. Our cancellation list does get long at times, the more flexible your schedule is, the better your chances are of getting in sooner.
Q: Do you do sedation grooms?
A: No. We can only work with friendly-temperament pets.
Q: How much does a grooming cost?
A: Pricing is based on breed, size, coat, and depends on what you want done. Please call us to request an estimate. If you get our voice mail, leave us your name, phone # and let us know what kind of pet you have as well as what you're looking to have done. We return all calls within 24 hours.
Q: Do you sell Gift Certificates?
A: Yes. It's the perfect gift for every pet-lover!
If you have any concerns about your pets groom, please respectfully notify us within 24 hours of your appointment.
Let us know (politely) what we can do differently next time to improve your pet’s next grooming experience.
Pet grooming is a SERVICE and not a product that can be returned for a refund. Therefore, we do not issue refunds for that reason.
Fur/hair does grow back and we would be happy to adjust your pet’s next grooming style if you would kindly let us know what LaKiesha should do differently next time.
Also keep in mind sometimes a pet's temperament and/or safety may limit what I could do for your pet. I try my best to work with all pets, but there are a few who let me know they have no desire to be groomed. In those cases we offer our best advise and may encourage you to seek an alternative grooming situation that better meets your pet's needs (i.e., working with a trainer, sedation or mobile groomer, etc.). For some pets I may suggest things you can do at home to help acclimate your pet to the grooming process (i.e., touching their paws to get used to a nail trim, etc.).
We sincerely try our best to work with all pets, but sometimes even our best isn't enough to convince every pet. Please don't blame the groomer though or write a spiteful online review. That doesn't help your pet in any way.