Why We Choose #PetSmartGrooming

This post is sponsored by PetSmart ® and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but Daily Dog Tag only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.  

There are days that I can’t find time to brush my hair, much less worry about my dog’s hair, which can be a problem for a long haired dog.  Luckily for us, we live near a PetSmart ® that does an excellent job grooming Nelly.   Thanks to Alice G Patterson Photography for these photos!  

While some Maltese look very regal with long hair, I opt for a puppy cut because I think it looks cute, and it is practical for our lifestyle. Unlike Theo and Sophie, Nelly becomes somewhat of a hot mess when it has been more than eight weeks since her last visit to the groomers.

Annmarie groomed Nelly during her last session, and I have to say, she couldn’t have been nicer to Nelly or me.   Nelly is a Mama’s girl, and she whines if she can’t be close enough to me, so I tried to sneak some photos with my phone through the glass (please excuse the poor quality photos.  She spotted me right away.

I really liked the way Annemarie interacted with Nelly, talking to her in a calm and happy voice and using positive body language.  

I asked Annemarie to trim the hair on Nelly’s ears a little shorter than usual because they tend to get matted.  Nelly and our cat play fight together, and sometimes his nails get stuck in her mats.  Then it isn’t fun for anyone! 

I always opt for hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner for Nelly because she has allergies.  Her fur is soft and fluffy after she has been groomed.

I was thrilled to get this cute bandana and charm.  It is just enough for us, without being over the top. 

PetSmart Grooming offers a lot of fun extras including nail painting and stickers, stencils and feather extensions, but I didn’t think they were right for Nelly.  She’s a pretty basic dog.  Nelly also got a Pawgress report detailing what services she had and any findings or concerns.  It also has some coupons.  Nelly left the store wearing those cute pink bows, but she took them off as soon as she got home.

I learned the importance of finding a safe groomer the hard way. Eight years ago, I took my Keeshond to a small groomer in my neighborhood. The air conditioning in the building stopped working (it was over 90 degrees) and he kept my dog in the heated cage dryer without any breaks or water. She died of heatstroke because of his terrible judgment.  So you can bet that I am quite vigilant about finding a safe groomer for my dogs.  

PetSmart Groomer Training

All PetSmart salon associates acquire annual safety certification and take additional coursework where they learn about dog anatomy, signs of stress and common pet medical conditions. 

PetSmart groomers (those that give haircuts) receive an additional 400 hours of hands-on training.

Satisfaction Guarantee

PetSmart salons offer a “Look Great Guarantee,” which is their promise that you’ll be happy with your pet’s service, or they’ll do whatever it takes to make it right – including offering your money back.   In the  five or six years that we’ve been going to PetSmart, we  brought our dogs back two times for a touch-up.  Both times the groomers were gracious and understanding.

Appointments

You can book an appointment online (even choosing your favorite groomer) and get text alerts or emails notifying you when your pet is ready to be picked up.  If you want to have your pet groomed for the holidays, be sure to book your appointment early!  (If you are the Syracuse area, I highly recommend Annemarie in Camillus.)

Important Reminders

All pets need current rabies vaccinations and proof of vaccination from their vet.  

Rabies vaccination needs to be administered 48 hours before service.

Pets must be over 8 weeks of age.

Customers cannot go behind the double doors separating the Salon lobby from the grooming area. This is for the safety of both pets and associates.

Follow PetSmart on Instagram for lots of fun pet photos.

About Alice G Patterson Photography:  Based in Syracuse, New York, Alice specializes in dog photography, senior portraits and all the photography needs of small businesses.