Dog Groomers

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Dog Groomer in Oakland

June 2012

I have a very hairy 70 lb mutt. She had a fuzzy undercoat and I'm looking for a groomer who loves dogs, is nice, and can shampoo AND brush her thoroughly. The past reviews go back to 2008, I'm looking for something more recent. Also, any idea what I can expect to pay? Thanks! Dawn

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I *highly* recommend Paws and Claws in Oakland. It's in the Dimond district. We live in North Berkeley, but we schlep our 45-pound wonder mutt down to Paws and Claws because they're prompt, love dogs, and do a great job. Our dog is normally pretty nervous around clippers, but he always seems relaxed there. They don't use kennels or anything. If you call and tell them what you're looking for, they'll tell you what it will cost. Ruth

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I love Alfonso at Broadway Grooming Clinic. His number is 510-444-1159. He is located at 1004 Jefferson St. in downtown Oakland. He is training to be a vet tech so has limited hours, and you need to make an appointment. He is very sweet, and loves animals. I take my Chihuahua to him to get her nails clipped regularly. She is a total drama queen when it comes to this, but with Alfonso she barely fusses at all! -dog mom

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Our groomer Paws and Claws, in the dimond district just off of Fruitvale, is the best! We go to Jeannie, but I know that they have at least one other groomer there. They schedule appointments and keep the schedule right on time, so you don't have to leave your dog there for hours on end in a crate. If they are running late or early they give me a call to let me know how much time I should leave to get back in time to pick him up. Its about $75 for our 50# dog, and we always add a tip. They are gentle and caring and very thoughtful. Best groomer I've used in the bay area, hands down! anonymous

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Groomer for standard poodle

June 2010

I'm looking for suggestions for a reliable groomer for a standard poodle, not too far from north Berkeley. Also, anyone I should stay away from? Thanks, Merrie

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Try Kutz for Mutz in Albany, on San Pablo Ave. Darryl (I think that's his name) is a real 'dog person' and is patient and gentle. My nervous scaredy dog does well there, as does my very hard to handle bulldog. He is reasonably priced and does and excellent job. Anon

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I highly recommend Doggy Dog Grooming. I have a small rescue dog who hates being groomed. Other groomers have had no success, but Shanika did a great job. She is very kind and patient. She's at 12718 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond. Her phone number is (510) 233-0500, and you can get more information at www.DoggyDogGrooming.com Jane

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Dog Groomer for poodle mix

April 2010

We just adopted a poodle mix that will require grooming. Any suggestions for a good and affordable dog groomer in the Berkeley area? Trish

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Darrell Brewer at Kutz for Mutz in Albany does a nice job, is kind to the dogs and not as pricey as a lot of the surrounding groomers (many of whom are also nice and accomplished). His address is 924 San Pablo Ave, just south of Solano Ave and his phone is 527-1788.

If you haven't had a dog that requires grooming before the key to keeping it economical is doing a good job brushing the dog on a regular basis. Groomers charge extra if they have to brush out matts. Also taking the dog in for grooms on a regular (every 4-6 weeks) basis saves you money over waiting 4-6 months! It's also easier on the dog. Eileen, Owner of three high maintenance dogs that need grooming

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Before I moved, I used to take my dogs to Lena for baths and grooming. She's great! And, she's a poodle expert, so she should do well with your newly adopted family member. Check out her website photo gallery for pictures of Lena and all the dogs she has groomed. http://www.allaboutthedogue.com/photogallery.cfm Lena at All About the DOGue Salon and Spa 3850 San Pablo Ave., Suite # 105 Emeryville, CA 94608 510.653.1691

Laurie

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I love glamour Paws in Montclair. Reenie

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Non-Expensive Dog Groomer in Berkeley Area?

April 2010

I'm shocked at the amount of money some groomers now charge to wash and clip my 12-pound dog. Can anyone recommend a skilled, gentle groomer in the El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley/Emeryville area who charges under $50? (I'd prefer to go to an independent, rather than a chain pet store.) Melanie

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Try Hayley at Paws and Claws on MacArthur in Oakland. http://www.pawsnclawsoakland.com/grooming.ihtml Lisa

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I highly recommend Anat Lev at Pinole Paws' Pet Grooming in Pinole. I know she is not based in the area that you specified, but she is talented and loves her pet clients! 971 San Pablo Ave Pinole 95464 510-724-8785 Daphne Try Doggy Dog groomers on San Pablo in Richmond (near El Cerrito border.) They are fairly new I believe but we have had great luck with their grooming services. They are a small shop-nice people-and it costs $45 to groom my 12 lb poodle...They also give $5 off for first timers as well as for referrals. (The first time I referred someone to them they actually called me to say thanks! can you imagine Petco doing that?) Tell them I sent you! gretchen

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Dog groomers in East Bay

Jan 2010

I have a Tibetan Terrier who needs regular grooming, and frankly don't take him because of poor grooming techniques. I need a recommendation for a groomer. Apart from ''Wizard of Paws'' which is a bit of a trek for me, can someone recommend a groomer who is conscientious about avoiding ear infections, capable of grooming this breed, and hopefully doesn't cage the dog for most of the day. Is this asking too much?

The recommendations on BPN are over 1 year, and I would appreciate an update since I've been to 5 groomer's with not much success. I recently was back East, and they did a fantastic job with my dog, affording him the best cut he's ever had, and he arrived home with no ear infection. I've begged my last groomer here in the East Bay to place cotton in my dog's ear to no avail. diana

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It would be good to know who the groomers are that you have used and were NOT happy with. However, I have two recommendations for you. The first is Dogs by Dianne. They are on the higher priced side but Dianne knows dogs well and is a great dog groomer. She has been breeding dogs for years and is very knowledgeable about every aspect of dogs. I believe the cost is $70? If that is too expensive for you, I can recommend a new place called Doggy Dog. They are in Richmond on San Pablo right at the El Cerrito border. I have taken my small poodle to them once upon the recommendation of someone I met on 4th street whose dog had a great haircut. They did a good job and it was only around $45 or so. Other than that, I would to on Yelp and see what people have to say. good luck.... dog lover

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We've been sending our Tibetan Terrier to Kutz for Mutz, on San Pablo in Albany, for about 10 years. He's never had an ear infection after his visits there, but I have no idea if he puts cotton balls in his ears. When he was a puppy, Darrell (the owner) used to let him do some roaming around, but I think he's in a cage most of the day now. However, he'll call me to pick him up as soon as he's done (if I'm available). One disclaimer: we don't go for the showdog look. We only bring him in about 5-6 times/year. Sometimes for a summer shave and sometimes just a wash, brush & trim. Kutz ph# is 510-527-1788 Paula

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Just the other day we took our newly adopted dog to Paws and Claws. He arrived with some mats and tangles and little sticky things from living outside. He is a frisky little rascal. Well, he came back looking like a new person, uh, dog. They are enthusiastic, provide personal service and have an artistic touch. They are also near Farmer Joe's in the Dimond district. Here is their info. www.pawsnclawsoakland.com 2023 Macarthur Boulevard Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 336-0198

Stu

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Diana - I saw your query, and thought immediately of ''Paws&Claws'' here in the Dimond district (Oakland - of Peets/FarmerJoe's/La Farine 'fame') I pinged them on your behalf, and the response was this: ''Yes, Yes, and Yes! I would love to talk or email 'Diana' about speaking with our groomer, could you pls. let her know our services are kennel free, and I know Haley is always conscientious about avoiding ear infections, she grooms a couple of Spaniels who used to have that problem, no longer, since seeing Haley. Her direct phone number is 510-336-0198, or she can try the store 510-336-0105; her hours are Tue-Fri. 10-7p, please suggest Diana give Haley a call, or have her check out our website www.pawsandclawsoakland.com

 --Love my Neighborhood, 'the Dimond'

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August 2008

I would appreciate hearing about your good or bad experiences with specific dog groomers (especially mobile groomers) in the El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley area. The recommendations on the website all seem to be several years old, although the names that seem to come up frequently online are Dogs Best Friend, Dogs by Dianne, Kutz for Mutz and Lena Swann. Any thoughts on these or other groomers? -Mom of a skiddish dog

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My dog isn't particularly skittish, but I will offer my whole-hearted recommendation for Lena Swann grooming in Emeryville. She has groomed my large, very hairy golden retriever a few times and done a wonderful job.

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Try Wizard of Paws in Berkeley near Fourth Street. Carol, the owner, is terrific and she has a great staff. anon

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Oct 2006

Does anyone have a good dog groomer in Alameda, or nearby? We have a standard poodle and have been driving her out to Lafayette for grooming, which is just too far. I checked the BPN archives, but there was nothing recent on this topic. Thanks! Monica

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Kay-Cee in San Leandro does a great job and is reasonably priced. Her phone number is 510-569-1167 Amy

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Our 2 Portuguese water dogs are groomed at Four Paws grooming in Walnut Creek(2818 North Main) phone#925-287-8131. The positive: the owner, Sarah Weyland owns and shows water dog and does a wonderful job grooming our dogs. The negative: the dogs stay at her ''salon''the whole day and are generally caged. I assume this is because she is so busy. The fees are similar to what I have paid in the past. CS

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March 2005

Can anyone recommend a good dog groomer for a puppy? It'll be her first grooming experience and we hope for it to be a good one. Also, what are the rates like? And lastly, has anyone tried bringing their dog to PetSmart or PetCo? What was their experience like? How did you like it? Thanks!

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I take my dog to a fantastic groomer, Lena Swann, in Emeryville (right at the Berkeley border). Her love for dogs is obvious, in fact, her storefront is set up more like a day care center than a grooming shop. She charges $35 to groom my toy poodle. I've paid up to $50 other places. Her address is 1331-B 61st St, Emeryville. Her phone is 510-653-1691. Jan

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We've used Petco-El Cerrito a couple of times for grooming for our one-year old dog. I think it costs $35-$40. Our dog seemed out of sorts after the first grooming. We had different groomers each time, and neither did a great job. So we feel ambivalent at best about Petco. I think we'll try someone in Berkeley who runs their own grooming service next time. I look forward to seeing other recommendations from your posting. Phil C.

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I've taken our chocolate lab to Petco, Wizard of Paws, Dogs by Dianne and Dog's Best Friend. He gets groomed once each month. We generally take him to Petco because it's the cheapest and the easiest to get an appointment. However, I think Dog's Best Friend is the most professional and does the best job. It's like night and day when we get our dog groomed there. We've even taken our cats there! How much you will pay depends on the size and breed of your dog. We haven't been to Dog's Best Friend in a long, long time (we always call at the last minute and they are booked early), but when we did, it was about $40 and we also give a 20% tip. Our dog is big, but doesn't require any fancy cutting and styling. We pay about $30 at Petco. They do a pretty good job. Dog's Best Friend really is excellent. They are on San Pablo in Albany, just south of Brighton Ave. Anon

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We take our older dog (not a puppy any more!) to Dogs by Dianne, who is in Richmond, on the Arlington. She and her staff have been great with our dog. I have also had my cats and dog groomed by The Cat's Meow/Dog's Best Friend on San Pablo in Albany. I don't remember how much it cost to have the cats groomed. The dog, who has poodle-like hair and requires a lot of grooming, runs anywhere from $55-75 depending on how matted and long her fur is (price varies due to the amount of time it takes to brush/clip the dog). Dog's Best Friend was okay, but it seemed pricier, and I was always able to get an appointment when I needed one from Dogs by Dianne, which wasn't the case at Dog's Best Friend, so we've become regulars with Dianne. Once several years ago, when desperate, I went to a PetSmart. It was cheap, but the cut wasn't the greatest. Think SuperCuts for dogs... I think that if you find someone you like there, then it can work for you. I was a little nervous about leaving my dog at PetSmart, as I couldn't tell how well attended she was in my absence, while at the groomers, I knew that there was always staff around and that they seemed to pay a lot of attention to the dogs. Donna

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May 2004

Good and kind dog groomer wanted Please recommend a good groomer who is both good at what he/she does and sweet to dogs. I have a large mix long hair dog. I appreciate your recommendation or any input. teresa

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I am a professional dog handler who shows poodles and know Nancy who owns ''DOG's BEST FRIEND'' on San Pablo. She has a fantastic reputation as a groomer, if not the best in the Bay area. Her shop number is 526-7762 Mike

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Dec 2003

Does anyone have any experience with dog groomers ''Kutz for Mutz?''. They are on University Avenue in Berkeley. I do not see any reference to them on the BPN. Thanks Harlan

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I have been using Kutz for Mutz to groom my two terriers for the past year. I've been very happy with Kutz for Mutz--my dogs look great, it's not difficult to get an appointment, and they're always ready on time. I switched from another groomer after ten years because it was always too difficult to get an appointment, the dogs were never ready on time (and would be stuck in a kennel from 9 in the morning until 6 at night), and the customer service was poor. Ivy

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May 2002

I'm looking for a gentle dog groomer in the El Cerrito/Albany/No. Berkeley area for my long-haired small therapy dogs. I've already checked groomers on the website but need different suggestions. I'd like to avoid long kenneling time, harsh grooming techniques or excessively busy locations. Perhaps an independent groomer? Price is less relevant than the right person. Smiley's people

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I take our dog to Wizzard of Paws in Berkeley (just off 6th Street). Carol, the owner, is very nice. She has a fenced yard which reduces the amount of crate time. My dog has had some strong reactions to other places, but he does just fine at Wizzard and Carol always makes him look great. Wizzard of Paws: 526-2115. Jen

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I highly recommend Dogs by Dianne. My dog is not difficult to groom, but Dianne is good about getting her out early in the afternoon. My friend took in her Welsh terrier, which has special grooming needs, and said Dianne did a great job. Dianne is not in her shop every day, so you might want to schedule on a day that she's there. The shop is on Arlington Blvd. in Richmond and the phone number is 236-0588. Nancy

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2001

Anyone have any recommendations on dog groomers? This will be the first time going to the dog groomers and I don't know what to expect. I've got a medium long haired dog with an undercoat. What should I expect to pay and how long does the dog stay at the groomers? My dog doesn't like to be brushed much but tolerates it when coerced/bribed to hold still. Will this be a problem? Especially interested in the Castro Valley and El Cerrito/Albany/Berkeley areas. I checked the Parents web site for info, but there aren't any recommendations for the Castro Valley area and few for Berkeley.

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I highly recommend Wizard of Paws in BErkeley. I have a long haired, thick furred, large, arthritic dog and they look after him fine there (don't force him to stand for too long). I've tried other places and Bearly has come back smelling like smoke, sore from standing, or with an uneven cut. I pay 75$ for Bearly's cut...it's a lot but is comparable to other places and the quality and care at Wizard of Paws is top-notch. Expect to drop your dog off in the morning and pick him or her up in the afternoon. Nancy

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We have been taking our cocker spaniel to Dog's Best Friend and the Cat's Meow on San Pablo in Albany for a couple of years. Their rate is based on time spent on the animal so they will not give a price up front. Our dog is usually about $48, but dogs with a lot of tangles may be about $60. The owner's dog is a national show champion and the owner's husband is a veterinarian. They are very thorough with our dog: bath, fur cut, nails, ears, rear end.

We also took our dog to a woman in Richmond named Lindy who only charged only $25 and did a great job on the dog, but because his ear canals are bad she didn't want to touch them -- good judgement but then we still had to take him somewhere else to have his ears cleaned. I don't have Lindy's phone number with me but maybe someone else has used her. H.D.

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I have a golden retriever that I have been taking to Dogs By Diane (524-9779) on Solano Ave. in Berkeley for several years. Because my dog has so much hair and sheds so much, I decided to pay to have someone else groom her on a regular basis.

I like Diane, the owner of Dogs By Diane, very much. She does a good job and is personable. Given Diane's many years of experience, I'm sure that she knows how to handle dogs that don't want to be groomed. Your dog most likely will be at the groomers for several hours, especially if you take your dog on a Saturday.

Probably you can expect to pay $30 to $50 depending on the size of your dog and the condition and length of your dog's hair. Diane _is_ closing her Solano Ave. shop and moving to a shop on Arlington Ave. in El Cerrito some time this summer.

There are a couple other places in Berkeley/Albany that I have no experience with. One is Solano Pets on Solano Ave. in Berkeley. And the other is on San Pablo Ave. in Albany, next to BlockBuster Videos. I forget the name, but probably you can find it in a phone book. It offers both full grooming services and also a place where you can bath and dry your dog yourself. I have taken my dog there (to bath her myself), but it's really hard to get her in the tub (she weighs 75 lbs). But if your dog is not too heavy, and if you don't mind bathing your dog yourself, you might consider it because you'll save money (I think it's still $15 to use their facilities), and won't have to worry about clogging your plumbing with your dog's hair.

Plus you can use a dryer to dry your dog after bathing it.

jsjacobsen

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expect to pay about $40.00 in the Berkeley area for grooming a medium sized dog with an undercoat (approximately like a chow or keeshond) cturtlesrus

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To the person looking for a dog groomer, I can wholeheartedly recommend Dianne at Dogs by Dianne on Solano Ave. in Albany. She has been wonderful--kind, loving, yet firm--with our rather difficult dog, Buster. She feeds him a liver treat after each toenail clipped! We started going to Dianne after a terrible experience with someone at Dog's Best Friend on San Pablo. Good luck! Barbara

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2000

I'm looking for recommendations for a dog groomer. We have a long haired dog and get her trimmed about every 3 months. I have been to some groomers who insist on bringing her in every month. Thank you kindly.

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Brian
I've been taking my dogs to Dog's Best Friend for the last 15 years and have nothing but good things to say about them. Nancy, the owner, is one of the best groomers around and has only the best folk working for her. The store is on San Pablo Ave in Albany close to the El Cerrito border. Phone number 526-7762.

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Becky
Without hesitation, I recommend WIZARD OF PAWS in Berkeley. It's behind a house in a little alley off Jones Street below 6th. Telephone 526-2115. Tell Carol that Freckles sent you!