Frequently asked questions:
How much does it cost?
*Every pet friend has a base price that includes a shampoo and hydration system usingIV San Bernard products, a nail trim and ear cleaning.
*Every breed has a unique standard trim and the base price is set with the work it takes to bring the pet to this accepted standard.
*The base price covers a pet in good condition that is regularly groomed and has no age, health or behavioral issues. Pets with age, health, behavioral issues or are severely matted, thick with undercoat or have skin issues are considered “Special Needs” and require special handling. All cats fall into this category.
A fee may be added to the base price ranging from$5 to$50 depending upon the severity of these issues, The stylist will do her best to assess these fees during check-in, but some issues do nor present themselves until the pet is on the table or in the bath.
Every effort will be made to contact the parent of the pet so that the issue at hand can be discussed and the fee agreed upon. In the event we cannot reach the parent, we will do what is in the best interest of the pet in question, and add an appropriate fee for the work involved.
Why does it take so long?
A typical grooming establishment has an average turn around time of 4 hours or less. Within that 4 hour time period, a large quantity of animals are quickly bathed and then dried with no personal attention, no playtime on the floor, and most are left in a kennel or cage for the duration of their stay. Depending on the endurance of the bather, some shops service up to 40 animals a day with a total staff of maybe two bathers and one finish groomer. Animal family members are treated more like a commodity, or means to a paycheck than beloved friends.
Recent studies on stress levels in the work place have revealed that a busy grooming salon has a higher stress level than a human emergency room on a weekend.
Here at the Spa, maintaining a more personal and relaxed environment helps keep the stress level to a minimum. Animals sense our state of mind, through body language and pheromones we emit through our skin. We rehabilitate a large number of fear recovery and special needs babies and require the environment to stay calm in order to benefit our clients. A rushed, frazzled, frustrated stylist transmits these feelings to the pet and to co-workers, creating an unhappy and unfulfilling work environment, quite often leading to lost tempers which are then taken out on the frightened pet.
A calm state of mind creates a calm and secure energy, allowing the stylist to care for, nurture and enjoy the special spirit who is someone’s family member, as well as the camaraderie of her colleagues and pursuit of her art form. No pet friend is hurried through what should be a relaxing and wonderful experience.
We are a unique, no-muzzle, grooming and dermatological therapy facility, located within a state of the art, veterinary, surgical and diagnostic center. We care for all pet friends based on the “Mind, Body, Spirit” philosophy. Some factors that affect the health of the pet are environment, diet, disposition, emotional issues, and how the pet feels, Potty breaks, playtime, and a sanitary, relaxed, environment are essential to making the pet feel secure, loved, and willing to have feet and other tender areas handled and manipulated with a minimum of struggle. Every friend is given floor time and “emotional therapy” according to the individual needs of each. Soft music and aromatherapy soothe and relax. Pressure point massages are given in the bath. No one is pushed past their limits and we may require pets with issues or severe tangles be done in more than one session. Please be prepared for your friend to stay the day with us. If this is not what you are looking for, there are a multitude of salons from which to choose but we are the only facility in the country that offers these desperately needed services for the growing number of pets who are physically and emotionally damaged by indifferent or abusive caregivers. Express grooms and educational therapies are available after consultation and cannot be booked earlier than 10am.
Why won’t you shave my pet, even if that is what I want?
Harsh chemicals like dish liquid or even baby shampoo are very damaging to the skin of both dogs and cats. Our pets have a different ph balance (6.5 to 7) than humans (5,5). ISB line was formulated on exhaustive research which shows that the oil, or sebum, on canine and feline skin and hair is essential and necessary to protect them from bacteria, pollutants, and other environmental factors. If the pet is not cleansed regularly to remove dirt and toxic bacteria then replenished with a clean protective oil layer, problems such as dryness, itching, skin problems and systemic health issues begin to occur. The precious hair is what holds the oils that protect the body from disaster. We will not shave down a pet unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, and only after an initial consultation with Spa staff. The Spa reserves the right to discontinue serving clients that disrupt the flow and routine of the Spa environment.
What additional Services are included in the base price Spa treatment?
The Tender Paw Clean and Calm Retreat includes a cleansing, toning and re-hydration spa bath, nail trim, ear cleaning, simple brush-out, meaning no mats or heavy undercoat, finishing hydration spray and a sealant to retain hydration. This covers a pet that has been groomed within a 3 or 4 week period. Anal glands arenot included - this procedure is $22.36 in addition to any other charges and is performed by a certified veterinary technician only. For individual add-on services, please bring your friend in for a consultation. Please note that all prices are quotes only, quotes are estimates, not a firm price. Firm prices can only be confirmed by Spa management or by the stylist doing the work. If you require a firm price, please bring your pet in for a free consultation so that proper services and charges can be agreed upon.
Can I get a multiple pet discount?
The Tender Paw is a unique facility offering services based on the latest research and technology that is currently available. Each pet friend is given individual attention, cleansed, hydrated and renewed with Tender Paw therapies and Spa baths using human grade ingredients such as raw salts and clays from the Dead Sea, oil essences and herbals are hand-mixed for each pet by a Pet Aesthetician with 20 years experience. Iv San Bernard skin care products for pets are imported from Italy and are over 90% biodegradable, non toxic, and are the leading skin care line for pets in both Europe and Asia. Because of the high quality of the products we use and the unique approach to the grooming experience, we cannot offer discounts of any kind.