Expert Dog Groomers
in the Heart of
Boulder​

For your appointment, it’s helpful to bring a few essential items:

1. Proof of Vaccinations: Ensure you have up-to-date vaccination records for your dog or cat, as we require proof of vaccinations for the safety of all pets and staff.

2. Pet’s Health Information: If your pet has any health issues or allergies, bring a note or inform the groomer so they can adjust their techniques and products accordingly.

3. Favorite Treats: Bringing along some favorite treats can help keep them calm and make the experience more enjoyable.

4. Comfort Items: A familiar toy or a blanket can provide comfort and help ease any anxiety your furry friend may have during their session.

5. Leash and Collar: Always have your friend on a leash and collar when you arrive at the salon for control and security.

By preparing these items, you help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your pet.

The frequency of grooming your pet depends on several factors including their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and overall health. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Short-haired Dogs: These dogs may need less frequent sessions, perhaps every 8 to 12 weeks, as their coats are easier to maintain. However, regular baths and nail trims should be done as needed.

2. Long-haired Dogs: Dogs with longer fur typically require grooming every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent matting, tangles, and to maintain overall coat health.

3. Cats: Most cats are proficient self-groomers, but those with longer hair might benefit from professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent mats and keep their coat clean and shiny.

4. Special Needs: Pets with skin issues, allergies, or those prone to matting may need more frequent care. Similarly, active animals who spend a lot of time outdoors may need more regular bathing and brushing.

It’s also a good idea to establish a routine brushing schedule at home between sessions to keep your pet’s coat healthy and to reduce shedding. Feel free to ask us to provide a customized schedule that best suits your pet’s specific needs.

The duration of a typical session can vary depending on several factors, including size, the condition of their coat, and the specific services requested. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Small Animals: For smaller pets or those with short hair, a session including a bath, drying, and nail trimming can take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

2. Medium to Large Dogs: For medium to large dogs, especially those with longer or more demanding coat types, appointments can take between 2 to 4 hours. This includes more detailed work like hair cutting, de-matting, and styling.

3. Extensive Grooming Needs: Animals that require additional services such as deep de-matting, special skin treatments, or creative styling might need longer sessions, potentially extending over 4 hours.

4. Behavior: Behavior can also affect the duration of the session. Cooperative friends are quicker to groom, while those that are anxious or resistant may need extra time for the groomer to handle them gently and safely.

It’s always best to discuss your pet’s specific needs with your stylist to get a more accurate estimate of how long their session will take.

Ensuring the safety and comfort of your four-legged family member is our top priority at Boulder Barks & Bubbles. Here are several measures we take to guarantee a secure and pleasant experience:

1. Professional Training: All of our pet groomers are professionally trained and experienced in handling animals of all temperaments and sizes. They are skilled in gentle pet grooming techniques that minimize stress and discomfort.

2. Safety Protocols: We adhere to strict safety protocols which include using only non-slip surfaces on tables, ensuring all equipment is sanitized between sessions, and employing pet-friendly restraints when necessary to prevent falls or sudden movements.

3. High-Quality Products: We use only high-quality, hypoallergenic products that are specifically formulated for animals. This helps prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions, and ensures a gentle cleansing and grooming process.

4. Pre-Grooming Assessment: Each session begins with an assessment where we check your pet for any signs of skin issues, injuries, or stress. This helps us tailor our approach to meet any specific health needs they may have.

5. Pace and Breaks: We pace each session according to your pet’s comfort level. Regular breaks are offered, especially for older, anxious, or health-compromised animals, to ensure they don’t get overwhelmed.

6. Open Communication: We maintain open lines of communication with owners. We provide updates and immediately notify you if there are any concerns during their appointment.

7. Emergency Preparedness: Our facility is equipped with a first aid kit and we have procedures in place for handling emergencies promptly. All staff are trained in basic animal first aid.

8. Comfort Adjustments: We provide comforting measures such as calm music, soft spoken reassurances, and gentle petting throughout the process to help keep animals calm and reassured.

By implementing these measures, we strive to create an environment where your pet feels as comfortable and secure as they do at home.

Yes, our products are carefully selected to ensure they are safe for pets with sensitive skin. Here’s how we cater to the needs of clients with sensitivities:

1. Hypoallergenic Products: We use hypoallergenic products that are free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that could irritate sensitive skin.

2. Natural Ingredients: Many of our products contain natural ingredients known for their gentle cleansing properties and soothing effects, such as aloe vera, oatmeal, and coconut oil.

3. pH Balanced: All our grooming products are specifically formulated to be pH balanced for animals, which is crucial in maintaining healthy skin and fur.

4. Patch Testing: Before applying any new product to an animal with known sensitivities, we conduct a patch test to ensure there is no adverse reaction.

5. Consultation with Owners: We always consult with owners about any known allergies or sensitivities before their session. This allows us to customize the products and techniques according to the individual needs of each animal.

By using these specially formulated products and careful practices, we aim to provide a safe and comfortable grooming experience for all pets, especially those with sensitive skin.

Handling pets with anxiety or special needs requires a careful, personalized approach to ensure their comfort and safety. At Boulder Barks & Bubbles, we implement several strategies to accommodate these animals effectively:

1. Gentle Introduction: We start with a gentle introduction to our environment, allowing anxious friends to gradually acclimate to the sights, sounds, and smells before we begin the session.

2. Low-Stress Techniques: Our groomers use low-stress handling techniques, which include slow movements, soft speaking, and positive reinforcement to help calm anxious animals. We avoid forceful restraint and instead opt for comforting touches and reassuring presence.

3. Familiarity and Consistency: Whenever possible, we ensure that the same dog groomer works with your pet each visit to build trust and familiarity. Recognizing a friendly and familiar face can help to significantly reduce anxiety.

4. Quiet, Calm Environment: We strive to maintain a quiet and calm grooming area, minimizing the noise and activity that could be overwhelming. This may involve scheduling sessions during quieter times of the day or using partitions to create a more secluded space.

5. Breaks and Pacing: We pace the session according to the pet’s tolerance levels, providing frequent breaks if needed. This allows the animal to rest and reduces the buildup of stress.

6. Special Equipment: For animals with physical special needs, such as mobility issues, we use equipment like adjustable tables and supportive slings to ensure their comfort and prevent injury.

7. Owner Involvement: In cases where the pet’s anxiety is severe, we may ask the owner to stay close by or even assist in the process if it helps them feel more secure.

8. Professional Training: Our dog groomers are trained in recognizing signs of stress and anxiety in animals and are equipped to adjust their techniques accordingly to ensure a positive experience with us.

By implementing these thoughtful and compassionate strategies, we aim to make grooming in Boulder a positive experience for animals with anxiety or special needs, ensuring their well-being throughout the process.