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Early grooming experiences play an important role in helping puppies feel comfortable and confident with grooming throughout their lives. We recommend bringing your puppy in around two weeks after their final vaccinations, once they are cleared to safely visit the salon.
A puppy’s first visit is focused on gentle introduction and positive exposure, rather than a full haircut. Your puppy will be introduced gradually to the sights, sounds, and routines of the grooming environment in a calm and supportive way.
Clipping is not usually performed during the first visit, as coat development varies by breed and age. Instead, we assess your puppy’s coat and temperament and recommend a grooming routine that supports healthy coat transition and stress-free future visits.
This early, positive approach helps set the foundation for confident, relaxed grooming as your puppy grows.
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on coat type, lifestyle, and at-home maintenance.
To support coat health between full grooms, we often recommend adding a bath or tidy service around the 3-week mark, followed by a full groom at around 6 weeks. This routine helps maintain the coat, reduce matting, and keep grooming visits more comfortable for your dog.
To help your dog have a comfortable and positive first grooming experience at Happy Dogz, we kindly ask that you check the following before your appointment:
Taking these small steps helps us provide a safer, calmer, and more positive experience for your dog from the moment they arrive.
Absolutely. We have a special place in our hearts for senior dogs and dogs who require a quieter, more considered grooming experience.
We strongly recommend booking first appointments in the morning or the final appointments of the day for elderly dogs, as well as for dogs with medical needs, anxiety, behavioural sensitivities, or those who prefer minimal interaction with other dogs. These times allow for a calmer environment and a more relaxed pace.
Please let us know as early as possible if your dog would benefit from this type of appointment. Clear communication helps us plan the day carefully and ensure your dog’s comfort, safety, and wellbeing.
Our goal is always to provide a grooming experience that respects each dog’s stage of life, personality, and individual needs.
We kindly ask that dogs are walked and given an opportunity to toilet before arriving for their grooming appointment. This simple step helps dogs release excess energy, feel more relaxed, and start their groom comfortably.
Arriving with a dog who has already toileted also helps maintain a clean and safe salon environment and allows us to begin the groom smoothly without unnecessary stress for your pup.
A short walk beforehand can make a meaningful difference to your dog’s experience and helps set them up for a calmer, more enjoyable visit.
Every dog is unique, with different coat types, sizes, and grooming needs. For this reason, grooming prices can vary depending on factors such as coat condition, coat type, size, behaviour, and the service selected.
We aim to provide fair, transparent pricing and the best value for your dog’s individual needs. You can view our detailed price list on our website, and if you are unsure which service is right for your dog, please contact us and we will be happy to guide you.
The best way to reach us is by text message on 0402 163 822. We work in a busy, and sometimes noisy grooming environment, so texting allows us to respond as soon as we are able.
You can also submit a booking request form through our website to share your details, your dog’s information, and preferred dates. Our team will then contact you to confirm availability or offer alternative options.
We endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours, and in most cases much sooner. Please note that submitting a booking form is not a confirmed booking. Appointments are confirmed only once you have heard back from our team.
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure a day and time that suits you best.
Appointments are required for all grooming services. Nail clipping does not require an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome for this service.
To help ensure ongoing availability for your dog, we strongly recommend setting up recurring bookings. A common routine is full grooms every 4 to 6 weeks, with bath or tidy services in between. This approach helps maintain coat health and reduces the risk of matting while ensuring your dog always has a place in our schedule.
Payment is due at pick-up. We accept cash and credit or debit card payments.
We kindly require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling.
Cancellations or changes made within 48 hours may incur a 50% cancellation fee of the booked service, as this time is reserved specifically for your dog. No-show appointments attract a 100% fee.
We fully understand that life and emergencies can arise. In genuine and unforeseen circumstances, cancellation fees may be waived at our discretion, and we aim to approach these situations with understanding and transparency.
In the same way, there may be rare occasions where Happy Dogz needs to reschedule or cancel an appointment due to circumstances beyond our control, such as staff illness or unexpected emergencies. When this occurs, we will communicate as early as possible and work with you to arrange the next suitable time.
This policy is in place to ensure mutual respect for time and circumstances and to allow us to continue providing consistent, thoughtful care.
We understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you are running late, we kindly ask that you contact us as soon as possible on the day of your appointment.
Early communication allows us to adjust where we can and helps us care for all dogs safely and fairly. We are flexible and will always aim to accommodate reasonable delays or changes when possible.
Please note that arriving significantly late may affect the service length or require rescheduling if there is not enough time to complete the groom safely. Clear communication helps us avoid this and ensures the best outcome for your dog.
Pick-up time will depend on your dog’s size, coat type, behaviour, and the service provided. As a general guide, most full grooms are completed between 1 to 3 hours, although timing can vary depending on your dog’s individual needs.
Once your dog’s groom is complete, we will notify you straight away by text. We kindly ask that dogs are collected within 30 to 45 minutes of being notified, as we have limited space and do not offer daycare services.
If a pup needs to remain at the salon for an extended period beyond the arranged pick-up time, an additional holding fee of $20 may apply.
We understand that special circumstances can arise. If you have a medical appointment or time-sensitive commitment, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your request. As always, early communication helps us provide the best possible experience for your dog.
At this time, Happy Dogz provides grooming services for dogs only. This allows us to focus fully on canine care and ensure every dog receives the time, attention, and handling they deserve.
If this changes in the future, updates will be shared through our website and social channels.
Yes. Happy Dogz offers a range of optional add-on services that can be requested alongside your dog’s grooming appointment and are charged separately.
These services may include teeth cleaning, ear plucking, anal gland expression, and the use of medicated or sensitive-skin shampoos, where appropriate.
Teeth cleaning is a popular add-on and a great way to support your dog’s ongoing oral hygiene between veterinary visits. Many clients choose to include this service regularly as part of their dog’s grooming routine.
All additional services are provided by request only and are assessed on the day to ensure they are suitable for your dog. If we believe a service is not appropriate or that veterinary care may be required, we will discuss this with you before proceeding.
If you are interested in any add-on services, please let us know in advance so we can allow enough time and provide the best possible care.
We genuinely value feedback and encourage open communication. If something does not feel right, or if you are not happy with an aspect of your dog’s cut or service, we kindly ask that you let us know at pick-up, or reach out as soon as possible after your appointment.
On rare occasions, small details such as nail clipping may be missed. If this happens, please contact us and we will be happy to resolve it as soon as possible. We take genuine pride in the care we provide and want every dog to leave feeling comfortable and well looked after.
It is difficult to address concerns we are not aware of. Clear and timely communication helps us understand your expectations, improve where needed, and continue delivering care that meets and exceeds them.
We believe thoughtful grooming can have a lasting impact. By caring for dogs with patience and respect, we help support positive experiences that extend well beyond the salon.
