Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs

Dog Grooming Routine By Breed 

Because this varies so much by breed and coat type, we've linked a helpful guide above. Note: other factors like age, weight, and breed mixes can affect how often a groom is needed. We can provide a more tailored answer after meeting your pup!

Cats

Cat Grooming Routine By Breed 

When it comes to cats, the frequency and needs are much different from those of dogs. Most cats do a pretty good job of maintaining their coats, especially the common housecat "American shorthair". (If you didn't purchase your cat from a breeder, chances are your cat falls into the "American shorthair" breed category.) 

We've linked a helpful guide above. Note: this serves as an overarching guide, but we can give a more individualized schedule after meeting your kitty!

A full groom varies by breed-specific needs, but will include:

• Bathing

• Nail Trimming

• Haircut

• Ear Cleaning

• Blow Dry

• De-Shed

• Gland Expression (If Needed)

This varies depending on the size and temperment of the pet, but typically a groom can take anywhere between 1-4 hours. Ask us about your specific pet for a more precise answer!

Yes, absolutely!

Though we specialize in utility cuts, we can also do specialty cuts upon request.

While we aren't able to accommodate specific groomer requests, our team works collaboratively to ensure every dog receives consistent, quality care. Detailed notes are kept on each pet in our system, so your dog's preferences and needs are always accounted for, no matter who is grooming them that day.

Preventing Matting & Why It Matters 

Though we know matting happens, we do want to provide some information on coat care & prevention, and why it's important. 

De-Matting Process, & Information About Matting for Pet Parents 

Do note: oftentimes, shaving is a necessary relief for matted pets, and we operate in a compassion-over-aesthetics manner. If we shave your pet, know it was for their own safety and health, and we'll work with you to ensure you're well-equipped to care for their coat as it grows back.

No, we don't. It's one service we refuse to provide as pup lovers who understand the role of the coat in a dog's temperature regulation and overall health, and we've provided information for you so you can understand, too.

Why You Should Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog: Health Risk, Coat Purpose, & Better Alternatives 

Our shortest clippers trim to 1/16th of an inch.

The longest length for a standard groom is 5/8th of an inch. Anything longer is considered a specialty cut, and needs to be communicated with your groomer prior to the appointment.

We offer hypoallergenic baths, but we do not have our own medicated products on hand. If your pet requires a medicated shampoo or conditioner, you are welcome to bring it to us and we will use them as instructed.

Yes, but only in certain cases, which are very rare. We love animals here and work with them at their own pace, but we also protect the safety of our employees and your pets by using the necessary restraints when needed.

We have lots of compassion for our nervous guests here at Ridge. We know this can be an anxiety-inducing experience for many pets, and we work with them and respond to their body language and communication to help make them feel comfortable and at ease. Sometimes, this means your pet's groom may take longer than anticipated or come with an additional charge for our time and extra effort.

In the case of aggression, we understand that your pet may respond to stress in this way. We're professionals and used to a little pushback here and there, and we make accommodations when we can. BUT, we value our safety and will not endanger our employees to groom your pet. We'll take it on a case by case basis, so please communicate with us and we'll try our best to provide services for your kitty or pup.

We provide a 20 minute heads-up text when your pet is almost ready for pickup. 

After a 30 minute period past the pick-up time we gave you, we'll charge a fee. Signage on our front desk explains this policy in greater detail. We don't provide supervisional care, and it takes attention away from the pets whose owners also paid and booked with us, which is unfair to both us and them.

Note: If you know in advance there is a scheduling issue of some kind, talk with us. We're pretty understanding around here and will try to work with you as we can.

We don't have a strict booking policy, we'll get you in when we can. However, typically our earliest availability will be two weeks out, so aim to book at least two weeks in advance.

Call or text us at our shop phone number. If you call and we can't reach the phone, leave a message via voicemail or text message with your name, your pet's general info (age, breed, size, and service(s) requested) and a return phone number, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Regular brushing!

One of the best ways to maintain your dog’s coat between visits to the dog groomers is to brush their fur regularly. This simple task helps remove dirt, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils throughout their coat. How often you brush your dog depends on their coat type:

Short-haired breeds: Brush 1-2 times a week

Medium-haired breeds: Brush 2-3 times a week

Long-haired breeds: Brush daily

Using the correct grooming tools for your dog’s coat type is essential. Consult with your dog groomers for recommendations on the best brushes, combs, and other tools for your specific breed. Generally, you’ll need:

Slicker brush: For removing tangles and mats in medium to long-haired breeds

Bristle brush: For short-haired breeds to remove dirt and loose hair

Comb: For combing out tangles and finishing the grooming process

We offer flea baths and remove ticks as we see them. Note, if there's an extreme case, we may have to charge extra for additional time and effort.

Yes! We give a 20 minute heads-up.

Yes, and on a case-by-case basis.

Nope!

Yes, but only for nail trimming!