Frequently Asked Questions

Are you mobile grooming?

No, we are home based in Thornlands in the Kinross Road Estates

Where are you located?

We are located on Brindabella Circuit, Thornlands.

What if I need my pet to stay longer than the time to groom him / her?

To minimize the stress on the dogs and to ensure our other clients are kept to schedule we prefer they be picked up within 10 minutes of their finished appointment. Late Pickup fees may apply.

When do I know to pick up my dog?

We will give you a estimated time of pick up when you drop off you dog and we will also give a you a 30 minute notice of your dogs pick up time via SMS.

How much will it cost?

Dog Grooming is hard work both physically and mentally.  We do not get the same luxuries of your hairdresser for absolute stillness and pointing our heads in one direction.  We are working with sharp equipment on a moving target and are very careful.

Cost depends on various factors, so we will often give you a range or approximate cost. The condition of the dog's coat (e.g. if it is matted), the length of the clip, the dog's general health, how much time is required for the groom, the dog's temperament etc are all factors in determining the price. This is the toughest part of the grooming business. We have a general price list base for each size and service.

How long does it usually take?

The time required depends on what the dog is having done, the length and complexity of the clip, the temperament of the dog, its general health, etc. Appointments can take from 30 minutes to 3 hours. We will provide a rough estimate of time upon drop off.

Can I stay with my dog and watch?

No. Your dog will be constantly trying to get to you, and because he/she can't they will be extremely stressed, anxious and will not stay still. This makes the groom difficult and often unsafe.

Please feel free to discuss any concerns you have with the groomer when you bring your dog in, and then quickly and fuss-free hand over your dog. If you prolong the process, your dog will pick up on your anxiety and become more stressed.

Most dogs suffer some degree of separation anxiety when mum or dad leaves them, but you would be surprised how quickly dogs settle down and are happy with their groomer after you leave - just like leaving kids at Kindy.

My dog is shaking when I bring them in, does that mean he is scared or doesn’t like the groomer?

It is normal for some dogs to shake and tremble a little when they arrive, but if you don't fuss and hand them over quickly and leave you will help them settle and relax.

We have many clients that come in, tails wagging, just about busting down the door to get in, without a second look back.

Will my dog be muzzled?

If a dog shows signs of aggression, we will put a muzzle on them, for both their own safety and ours, to prevent accident and injury and to help calm the dog. We are willing to work with some dogs that have a difficult time at the groomers. It is important however that you let us know if your dog has biting or other nervous issues, so we can take every precaution we can and ensure your pet and our safety.

Will my dog be in a cage?

No, never. We are also 100% cage free. That means that at no point will your dog be in a cage. This means that we do not take in multiple dogs at one time and get to them when we can and we NEVER dry them in a cage. We have found that this helps reduce some of the anxiety that the grooming experience may cause some dogs.

Will my dog be sedated?

No. If your dog requires sedation you must speak to your vet.

How old should my puppy be before he gets his first groom?

It is good to have your puppy become familiar with grooming as early as possible after the first set of puppy shots, usually 12-16 weeks of age. This will help them learn at an early age that grooming is a pleasant experience. We advise however regular washing and drying visits to prevent any built up mats and help the dog become conditioned to the grooming environment and processes.

Is my pet too old to be groomed?

Older pets often need special care and attention. We recommend the style be kept short and easy to maintain to keep the grooming process to a minimum amount of time. Their comfort is our top priority.

How often should I get my dog groomed?

To maintain a proper / manageable coat for non-shedding breeds, you should have your dog groomed every 4-6 weeks. If they are kept in a very short cut, these breeds may be able to go 8-10 weeks. Breeds that have short, shedding coats can usually wait 8-12 weeks between grooming appointments if they are brushed regularly at home.

How often do nails need trimming?

Generally, a dog’s nails need trimming every 6 weeks. We do not offer this as a standalone service as it is usually the most stressful part of the grooming process.

My dog’s hair is knotted. Do I need to cut the hair short?

If the coat is matted or we determine that de-matting would be in-humane for your pet, we will need to remove the coat with clippers. Please feel free to review our de-mat policy. For long coat clips we require the use of combs on the clippers to cut the hair if the coat is too knotty we will unfortunately be unable to attach a comb to the clippers therefore requiring the coast to be clipped shorter.

Can I bring my own shampoo?

Absolutely. If your veterinarian has prescribed or suggested an alternate shampoo rather than our product, we will gladly use it. Please note, many prescribed shampoos / conditioners require 5-10 minutes of contact time. If this is the case, we will stay with your dog and gently massage the product into their coat and skin*.

Do I need to bring anything with my dog for their treatment?

Before your pet comes to Comb & Collar we strongly recommend they have a chance to relieve themselves. They may want to have a meal beforehand, but keep in mind if your pet is nervous, they might do better with an empty stomach.  Customers new to Comb & Collar need to complete a New Client Registration form prior to their appointment which enables us to provide an individualised treatment and care program for your dog when they visit us. 

My dog can be aggressive when being groomed, can I bring it to the salon?

Keeping a dog calm during the grooming process is just one of the requirements of a groomer.  We understand that some dogs may have had a bad experience of grooming and now do not want or enjoy being groomed. This is one of the areas we specialise in, as through patience, massage techniques, the right equipment, and time we are confident we can make the grooming experience enjoyable for most dogs.  It is very rare to find a dog that cannot be groomed with time and patience but if we come across any serious problems during a treatment, we will discuss them with you so we can agree on a solution together in the best interest of the dog. If at any time a dog becomes too fearful, aggressive or stressed we reserve the right to stop grooming at any point you will be charge accordingly to the completion of the groom.

What if I am not happy with the service?

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the treatment received please contact us directly within 2 business days so we can do our best to rectify it.  Your satisfaction is important to us as well as the welfare of your pet. We take great pride in our service and want our dog’s parents to as well.

Are you insured?

Yes, we are fully insured.

What type of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, Debit cards. MasterCard, and Visa.