Frequently Asked Questions

What is your service area?

We currently serve the central California cities of Modesto, Ripon, Riverbank, Ceres, and Salida.

Do you clip nails?

Nail clipping is included in every main package service - Spa, Touch Up, or Flawless Packages. We have a $60 minimum appointment policy, meaning we do not travel for only nail clipping unless the $60 threshold has been met.

What’s the mobile experience like for my pet?

In the Flawless Dogs Mobile Salon, your pet will be in a comfortable, safe, lower-stress environment. Your groomer will always be one-on-one with your pup, and we never crate, cage, or kennel an animal. Most services can be completed within 60-90 minutes.

Our mobile salon is a state-of-the-art, self-contained, and climate-controlled dog utopia. Please, take a look! It offers all of the grooming amenities a dog could need.

What are the benefits of mobile grooming?

The gift of time! If your time is valuable, don’t waste it- leave your furry friend’s care to professionals. Mobile grooming is what you want if you seek convenience. It’s a perfect service if you’re very busy, your dog suffers separation anxiety, is elderly, or is frightened by other dogs or loud noises. Maybe you don’t want to make two trips, or you don’t want dirt, dog hair, or accident stains in the car. Maybe you just want your pet to be healthy and pampered!

Your pet gets the personal attention it deserves. One-on-one personal grooming eliminates exposure to other animals and their potential diseases, as we safely disinfect grooming surfaces and equipment after each appointment. Your pet will be showered in luxury (literally!) with hydro-massage warm water jets. If dogs could talk, they couldn’t ask for better service!

How does it work? How long does the grooming process take?

Submit the Client Intake Form, then we will respond with our next opening. When scheduled, you will expect your groomer within a 1 hour window of the appointment time provided. This allows us time for unexpected cancellations or delays. Most appointments are started within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. We send a text reminder to confirm 6 days before the groom, and another the next day if you don't reply. We send another text reminder the evening before the groom. On the day of the appointment, your groomer will let you know their estimated time of arrival when they are on their way!

Services for regularly groomed dogs can usually be completed within 60-90 minutes depending on the type of cut, the pet’s coat type, condition, and general behavior. We will have your dog looking flawless in no time.

What are the benefits of regularly scheduled grooming?

Your pet will look and smell great! Your pet's skin and coat will stay healthy and shed less. Keeping nails short will reinforce healthy foot structure and posture. Regular grooming results in early detection of health issues.

How often should I have my pet groomed?

Although it depends on the hair length and type of coat, regular grooming should be done every 1-2 months. The most common grooming frequency is 6 weeks.

For young puppies and dogs who have never been groomed, frequent grooming or brushing at home should be done to get the dog used to being handled and to avoid grooming issues into adulthood.

What products do you use?

The comprehensive range of premium shampoos and conditioners we offer are made with all-natural oils, herbs, vitamins, and extracts. They do not contain harsh soaps or degreasers and are safe to use on flea and tick bites. They are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.

We always research a product before using it professionally. We always read the ingredient list and do our best to steer clear of anything that could be sub-optimal for your pet’s health. That means no artificial preservatives, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates.

How much will it cost?

The total price will vary based on size, type of cut, coat type, coat condition, and the behavior of your pet. Dogs with good behavior and/or quick-drying coats will be relatively inexpensive, whereas difficult, aggressive, or matted dogs may incur extra costs. Our long list of services puts you in control of the amount you want to invest in your furry friend’s cleanliness and health. Before the first appointment we will quote you a price range, and the final price will be given upon completion of the grooming session. There is a $60 minimum for all appointments.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Venmo, cash, and all major credit & debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx). On a regular schedule? We can save your card on file for a seamless checkout in the future! Not home at the appointment time, and family is handing over your dog? We have the ability to send you a secure invoice link that can be paid by phone at the completion of the groom!

What vaccinations do you require?

It is California state law to be current on your dog's rabies immunizations and to wait at least 48 hours after any vaccinations to complete a groom. Proof of vaccinations is required before an appointment.

Can I stay and watch?

No, we do not allow clients to watch because pets are easily distracted by them. A pet's loss of focus or sudden movement can be dangerous because your stylist is working with sharp tools. Mobile grooming salons can be safer than traditional salon grooming because your pet isn't distracted by other dogs and a loud, bustling salon.

You may walk your dog out if you prefer, then your pup's groomer will board them into their private salon.

My pet is matted. What are my options?

Matting is the development of knots in the coat that is quite unhealthy for the dog’s skin. Before bathing the pet, it is necessary to remove all of the matts, since getting matts wet can make them tighter. If the matting is minimal, it may be possible to “de-matt” the coat. Unfortunately, this may be a painful process for your pet, in which case we would need to shave the coat. Your pet stylist will advise you right before your appointment on what can be done to safely and gently remove all of the matts. The best way to prevent matting is to brush your pet regularly. Smooth, short-coated dogs can generally be brushed once every few weeks to remove loose hair. Short-coated dogs with dense fur should be brushed weekly. Long-coated and double-coated dogs must be brushed at least weekly, preferably twice a week. Remember, brushing should be something your pet enjoys, so be gentle. Always brush down and out, away from the dog’s skin and in the direction the coat grows. For unruly tangles, apply a coat conditioner and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb to carefully get through the tangle. Always praise your dog (and treats never hurt!) during brushing and afterward so your pet will look forward to their next grooming time.

My pet is old or has special needs. Can it still be groomed?

Yes, we can accommodate your pet most of the time. Mobile grooming is perfect for elderly pets who may be easily stressed by car rides or other strange animals. We do accept pets with serious health problems on a case-by-case basis, as we are often the only local resource available for them.

Are you taking health and safety precautions?

Yes. The mobile salon grooming surfaces and used grooming equipment are disinfected after each client.

Will my pet be put in a crate or kennel?

No, we couldn’t stand to put your sweet pup in a cage. We always treat your pet like our own.

How is my pet washed and dried?

Your pup is bathed with a gentle, warm showerhead, towel-dried with care and finished with a hand-held blow dryer. We use Happy Hoodies to cover your pup's ears.

You may request towel-drying-only if your dog is sensitive to louder noises, but please be aware it may leave your dog damp to the touch at first. Pets that require full haircuts must be blow-dried, as the coat cannot be cut while damp.

Do you offer flea and tick treatments?

Yes. While we do not offer flea control drops, we give you the choice between two veterinarian-approved products:

Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo, with active ingredients Clove, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, and Sesame Seed oils. Or choose a Flea & Tick Dip with active ingredients Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide. Pyrethrins are an insecticide derived naturally from the dried flower heads of the Dalmatian Chrysanthemum. Piperonyl Butoxide is a synergist that enhances the potency of Pyrethrins.

Whichever treatment you choose, rest easy knowing they are both safe for cats as well. You will never need to worry about your dog’s treatment rubbing off on a feline friend.

When should my puppy be groomed for the first time?

We start grooming services as early as 16 weeks (4 months) old—as soon as your dog gets their first rabies vaccination. It’s important to get your little friend acquainted with the smells and sounds of the mobile salon, as well as introduce them to being handled and groomed by professionals.

What is your cancellation & no-show policy?

Please keep in mind there is a cancellation fee of the full service amount if a client does not notify us of cancellation at least 24 hours before their scheduled appointment. We send a text reminder to confirm 6 days before the groom, and another the next day if you don't reply. If confirmed, we send another text reminder the evening before the groom.

On the day of the appointment, your groomer will do their best to keep you informed of their status and estimated arrival time. Please notify us immediately if something comes up, as we may be able to move your appointment earlier or later that day or another day.

If your groomer cannot access your pet within 20 minutes of arrival, they will be forced to attend their next appointment and the cancellation fee will apply. Of course, if we cannot make your appointment within an hour & you have plans to attend to, we can reschedule at your earliest convenience at no cost.

Do you accept tips?

Tips are not required but are always appreciated. 100% of tips are kept by your hard-working stylist, no matter your method of payment.

What if I am not happy with the services I received?

Please tell us so we can make it right! If it is something small, we can fix it right then.

What if I loved the services I received?

We are so glad—please let us know! The best compliment we can get is a referral or a great review online. Leave a Google review here!

Don’t see your question?

Feel free to send us a message anytime.