Question 1

How long does a grooming appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Most appointments run between one and four hours. The exact time depends on your pet's size, coat type, and the condition of the coat when we arrive — matted or heavily shedding coats simply take longer to do well.

Question 2

Do you need access to my power or water?

Accepted Answer

No. Our van is fully self-contained with its own power and fresh, heated water on board. All we need is a safe place to park near your home.

Question 3

What if my pet is nervous or anxious?

Accepted Answer

Our groomer is specially trained in handling and calming anxious pets. Grooming happens one-on-one in a quiet van — no cages, no other animals, and no noisy salon — which keeps stress low from start to finish.

Question 4

What should I do before you arrive?

Accepted Answer

Please give your pet a chance to potty before we get there, and keep your pet's rabies certificate or vaccination records handy. Securing other pets during the appointment helps everything go smoothly.

Question 5

Do you groom aggressive or special-needs pets?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to accommodate special-needs pets with gentle, patient handling. If your pet has behavioral or medical needs that require extra support, let us know when you book so we can plan the right approach.

Question 6

Are vaccinations required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For the health and safety of every pet we groom, a current rabies vaccine is required. Please have your certificate or veterinary records available at the appointment.

Question 7

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Payment is due when the groom is complete. For latchkey grooming, a debit or credit card is required on file.

Question 8

What add-ons do you offer, and how much do they cost?

Accepted Answer

You can add any of these to any appointment: dematting ($25), teeth brushing & breath freshener ($15), flea & tick treatment ($30), flea & tick prevention ($20), anal gland expression ($12), nail painting ($10), and nail trim or grind per additional pet ($10). Just select what you'd like when you'd book, and we'll confirm the extras when we arrive.

Question 9

Are there extra charges for matting, large breeds, or special needs?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies and may be adjusted based on coat condition, breed, weight, and any special needs. We make every effort to set the final price with you upon arrival, before we begin working on your pet.

Question 10

Do I need to be home during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be home while we groom your pet, unless your pet requires extra care that only you feel comfortable providing. Many clients run errands while we take care of their dog or cat.

Question 11

Are you bonded and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tail Wagon Mobile Grooming carries commercial general liability and employee dishonesty bonding, and the mobile grooming van is fully insured. A certificate of insurance is available on request.

Question 12

What is latchkey grooming?

Accepted Answer

Latchkey grooming lets us care for your pet even when you can't be home. With your written authorization, we retrieve your pet using your chosen access method, complete the groom in our van, return them safely inside, secure your home, and send you a completion update.

Question 13

How do I give you access to my home for latchkey service?

Accepted Answer

The preferred options are a temporary door code or a lock box on your property. Alternatively, we can keep a key location securely on file, or make another arrangement entirely at your discretion — whatever you're most comfortable with.

Question 14

Who can use latchkey grooming?

Accepted Answer

Latchkey service is available to all of our clients after we've met in person. Your first appointment is a meet-and-greet combined with your first scheduled groom, with you at home, and we complete the latchkey authorization together at that visit — covering access instructions, alarm details, an emergency contact, and your veterinarian's information.

Question 15

Do I have to meet you before latchkey grooming?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every latchkey client starts with a meet-and-greet combined with their first scheduled groom, with you at home. It lets us get to know your pet, and lets you meet us and see the van before anyone has access to your home. We bring the authorization with us and sign it together at that visit. After that first visit, future appointments can be latchkey.

Question 16

Is latchkey grooming secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We meet you in person before any latchkey visit, every visit is backed by a signed written authorization, and we confirm arrival and departure by text. We follow a documented lock-up checklist, and we never retain house keys — temporary codes and lock boxes keep access in your control.

Question 17

What if it rains or snows?

Accepted Answer

We monitor the forecast closely. If icy roads, heavy rain, or severe weather would make travel unsafe or compromise your pet's comfort, we'll reach out as early as possible to reschedule your appointment at the next available time that works for you.

Question 18

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations inside that window are charged for the scheduled service, since the appointment time is reserved just for your pet.

Question 19

How do appointments get scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are booked first come, first served through our online booking page. Availability is shown live, so you can pick the time that works best for you.

Question 20

How often should my pet be groomed?

Accepted Answer

Most of our clients book roughly every four weeks. Regular visits keep coats healthy and tangle-free and make each appointment easier on your pet.

Good questions, straight answers

Appointments

Pricing & payment

Latchkey grooming

Policies