Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, appointments, policies, and pet care.
General Services
What pets do you provide services for?
We care for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets.
Bathing services are available for dogs and cats only.
Do you offer haircuts?
Our groomer for full-service haircuts relocated out of state. We are taking the time to find the right replacement who meets our standards for quality and safety.
Our highly trained bathers continue to provide Topher's Essential Care Bath, Topher's Pawfect Care Bath, nail trims, and upkeep services.
Do you bathe cats?
Yes! We offer cat bathing services.
Do you offer home or mobile grooming?
Not currently. Our mobile grooming van experienced an electrical fire in February 2025. Home services are paused for the foreseeable future.
How long have you been open?
Topher's Paw Co. began in 2020 and has continued growing ever since. Our team brings over 15 years of professional grooming experience to every service.
Appointments & Scheduling
Do I need an appointment?
Nail Trim Clinics: Walk-ins only.
At Our Shop: Appointments are recommended for nails and upkeep. Walk-ins may be accommodated when time allows.
Bathing: An appointment is required. Same-day openings are occasionally available.
What is a Nail Trim Clinic?
Our monthly walk-in nail clinics are held at partnered pet stores and humane societies. They offer an easy, appointment-free way to keep your pet's nails maintained.
Dates and locations are available on our Nail Clinics page.
How long do nail trims and upkeep services take?
Most nail trims and upkeep services take approximately 5–10 minutes. You'll wait while we complete the service.
How long does a bath take?
Timing depends on your pet's coat, comfort level, size, and drying needs.
- Short-haired dogs: 1.5–2 hours
- Long-haired dogs: 2–2.5 hours
- XXL breeds: Up to 4+ hours
Every pet is different, and their individual needs guide the pace of their appointment.
How do I know when my pet is ready for pick-up?
We'll send you a text message when your pet is finished.
Pick-up is requested within 30 minutes of receiving the message.
Pet Safety & Comfort
My pet doesn't do well for nail trims. Is that OK?
Absolutely. We'll always try, but we never force a pet beyond their comfort or safety limit.
If your pet becomes overly stressed or unsafe, we stop the service.
A special-handling fee may apply for extreme behavior or aggression.
Why can't I stay with my pet during their service?
Safety comes first. Many pets are calmer when they cannot see their owners during grooming.
Having an owner nearby may cause excitement, stress, or attempts to jump, increasing the risk of injury.
Our goal is to provide a focused, safe, and peaceful experience.
Why do some pets cry or scream during nail trims?
Some pets are naturally vocal and like to express their feelings during nail trims. Vocalizing does not necessarily mean they're being hurt.
If a pet becomes too stressed, we stop. Comfort and safety are our top priorities.
Will my pet's nail get quicked?
We take precautions to avoid cutting the quick, but it cannot be prevented 100% of the time.
Quicks vary in length and visibility, particularly in darker nails.
If a nail is accidentally quicked, we treat it immediately and work to keep your pet comfortable.
Will you use a muzzle?
Only when necessary for safety. Some breeds cannot safely wear a muzzle; in those situations, an e-collar may be used.
We always balance safety with compassion.
Do you require vaccine records?
Nail Trims & Upkeep: No vaccine records required.
Bathing: We must see your pet's rabies vaccination expiration date.
Bathing & Nail Care
How often should my dog be bathed?
Every 6–8 weeks is a good general schedule for many dogs.
Long-haired dogs may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their coat.
How often should my pet get a nail trim?
We recommend nail trims approximately every 4 weeks.
Cancellation & No-Show Policies
What is your cancellation policy for bathing?
- 48+ hours' notice: No fee
- 24–48 hours' notice:$25 per pet
- Same-day cancellation:$35 per pet
- No-show: 50% of the scheduled service total per pet
Repeated late cancellations or no-shows may require a deposit or prepayment. A credit card on file may also be required.
What is your cancellation policy for nail trims and upkeep?
Nail trim and upkeep appointments can be canceled or rescheduled without a cancellation fee. We appreciate advance notice whenever possible.
No-shows are charged 50% of the scheduled service total.
Business Information & Payments
Why didn't someone answer the phone when I called?
We're a small, hands-on team of three. If we're actively grooming a pet, we don't stop mid-service because doing so could be unsafe.
Please leave a voicemail and we'll call or text you back.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. We do not accept checks.
Do you sell gift cards?
We are not currently selling new gift cards.
What is your online shop refund policy?
All online shop sales are final.
If a product arrives damaged, we will exchange it for the same item with photographic proof of the damage.
Do you have a loyalty program?
Yes! We offer our Birthday Club.
Make sure your pet's birthday is on file. On their special day, you'll receive a birthday coupon directly to your phone.
