frequently asked questions
What makes Canine Aesthetics different from other grooming salons?
At Canine Aesthetics grooming is a one on one private experience in a peaceful, home based setting. I specialize in skin and coat wellness and tailor every appointment to your pet’s individual needs. Dogs are treated like family here with gentle handling, ample breaks, and a calming environment that supports their physical and emotional well being.
I maintain a full shampoo, conditioner, and auxiliary product bar of over 50 Iv San Bernard products that can be custom tailored to your pets specific skin and coat needs.
What certifications do you hold?
As of May 2025, I proudly hold the following certifications:
Pet First Aid & CPR
Difficult Dogs
Fear Free Grooming
Certified Canine Esthetician
I’m also an advanced student and active case study participant with the Pet Skin Academy,
where I continue my education in skin care therapies.
Why do you work out of your home? Are you a real professional?
There are so many benefits to my home based salon for not only myself, but the pets too! First and foremost having a private home salon allows me to work truly one on one, as I do not need to employ other groomers to help make an additional store front rent payment. Secondly it has afforded me the ability to utilize the top of the line equipment, product, and continued education that would have been unobtainable to me if juggling additional employees and expenses. Lastly, on a selfish note, I am a mother to a 1 year old and a 3 year old, and being able to see them between grooming sessions has truly elevated my work/life balance.
I was "certified" through a corporate salon in 2019, and proceeded to work in four different stores. While there is no official licensing requirements for pet groomers, I strongly believe in continued education and certifications. I hope to begin my IPG journey in 2026.
At Canine Aesthetics grooming is a one on one private experience in a peaceful, home based setting. I specialize in skin and coat wellness and tailor every appointment to your pet’s individual needs. Dogs are treated like family here with gentle handling, ample breaks, and a calming environment that supports their physical and emotional well being.
I maintain a full shampoo, conditioner, and auxiliary product bar of over 50 Iv San Bernard products that can be custom tailored to your pets specific skin and coat needs.
What certifications do you hold?
As of May 2025, I proudly hold the following certifications:
Pet First Aid & CPR
Difficult Dogs
Fear Free Grooming
Certified Canine Esthetician
I’m also an advanced student and active case study participant with the Pet Skin Academy,
where I continue my education in skin care therapies.
Why do you work out of your home? Are you a real professional?
There are so many benefits to my home based salon for not only myself, but the pets too! First and foremost having a private home salon allows me to work truly one on one, as I do not need to employ other groomers to help make an additional store front rent payment. Secondly it has afforded me the ability to utilize the top of the line equipment, product, and continued education that would have been unobtainable to me if juggling additional employees and expenses. Lastly, on a selfish note, I am a mother to a 1 year old and a 3 year old, and being able to see them between grooming sessions has truly elevated my work/life balance.
I was "certified" through a corporate salon in 2019, and proceeded to work in four different stores. While there is no official licensing requirements for pet groomers, I strongly believe in continued education and certifications. I hope to begin my IPG journey in 2026.
How does drop off work?
Most of the time I'm already waiting for you outside! Many times we chat on the front patio while your pup checks the latest "text messages" from the prior vistors. You are ALWAYS welcome to come in and view the salon if you'd like, please just say so!
How long does grooming take?
Grooming sessions typically range from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your dog’s coat type, condition, and comfort level. I will give you a time estimate at drop off, and I will always text you 15-30 minutes before pick up time!
I need to run some errands, can I leave my pet with you for a while?
Because I am private one on one and cage free, I ask that you schedule your pets grooming appointment at a time that you will be available for swift pickup. Out of respect for other pets, in case of an emergency and you are unable to retrieve your pet before the next appointments arrival, they will be kept with another family member in a private bedroom. They may be put into a 42" wire crate and monitored, if needed.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time I can accept Cash, Cash App, and Venmo.
Dogs on a 3 week schedule are offered special pricing. Please inquire.
Most of the time I'm already waiting for you outside! Many times we chat on the front patio while your pup checks the latest "text messages" from the prior vistors. You are ALWAYS welcome to come in and view the salon if you'd like, please just say so!
How long does grooming take?
Grooming sessions typically range from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your dog’s coat type, condition, and comfort level. I will give you a time estimate at drop off, and I will always text you 15-30 minutes before pick up time!
I need to run some errands, can I leave my pet with you for a while?
Because I am private one on one and cage free, I ask that you schedule your pets grooming appointment at a time that you will be available for swift pickup. Out of respect for other pets, in case of an emergency and you are unable to retrieve your pet before the next appointments arrival, they will be kept with another family member in a private bedroom. They may be put into a 42" wire crate and monitored, if needed.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time I can accept Cash, Cash App, and Venmo.
Dogs on a 3 week schedule are offered special pricing. Please inquire.
How often should my dog be groomed?
A dog’s skin cell turnover cycle is approximately every 21 days, which means that in an ideal world,
your pet would be bathed every 3 weeks to maintain healthy skin and coat. Haircuts are generally recommended
every 6 to 9 weeks, depending on the breed, coat type, and desired style.
That said, many clients find a monthly schedule easiest to maintain. A common routine alternates between mini grooms (bath, tidy, nails) and full grooms to keep your dog looking and feeling their best year-round.
A dog’s skin cell turnover cycle is approximately every 21 days, which means that in an ideal world,
your pet would be bathed every 3 weeks to maintain healthy skin and coat. Haircuts are generally recommended
every 6 to 9 weeks, depending on the breed, coat type, and desired style.
That said, many clients find a monthly schedule easiest to maintain. A common routine alternates between mini grooms (bath, tidy, nails) and full grooms to keep your dog looking and feeling their best year-round.
Do you offer "to the skin" shave down services?
In most cases, I do not recommend skin tight shave downs for healthy pets with coats in good condition. Hair shorter than 1/2" can interfere with the skin’s natural oil (sebum) distribution, increase the risk of sunburn, remove the coat’s natural cushioning, and potentially worsen skin conditions like dryness, flakiness, or excess oiliness. When a dog’s coat is properly maintained and in good health, it offers natural protection and is easier to manage than many pet parents expect.
The shortest length I offer for most pets will be 1/2", which is approximately a 2~3 week grow out from a "to the skin" length.
However, in situations involving severe matting, medical needs, or senior pets, I am open to using shorter lengths when it's in the dog’s best interest. Every case is considered individually with the dog’s comfort and health as the top priority.
I have a (wire coated, double coated, or sporting) breed, will you (blank)?
I have a special interest in providing the top of the line and correct care for your pets skin and coat. If you have a wire coated dog with a strippable coat, I will only offer hand stripping services. I will offer only light tidy outline trims of double coated breeds. At this time I do not service Setters or Spaniels as I have not been extensively trained on their proper coat care. I do not offer field clips.
There is no judgement if you want the above services, I am happy to make referrals to local salons that can help you!
In most cases, I do not recommend skin tight shave downs for healthy pets with coats in good condition. Hair shorter than 1/2" can interfere with the skin’s natural oil (sebum) distribution, increase the risk of sunburn, remove the coat’s natural cushioning, and potentially worsen skin conditions like dryness, flakiness, or excess oiliness. When a dog’s coat is properly maintained and in good health, it offers natural protection and is easier to manage than many pet parents expect.
The shortest length I offer for most pets will be 1/2", which is approximately a 2~3 week grow out from a "to the skin" length.
However, in situations involving severe matting, medical needs, or senior pets, I am open to using shorter lengths when it's in the dog’s best interest. Every case is considered individually with the dog’s comfort and health as the top priority.
I have a (wire coated, double coated, or sporting) breed, will you (blank)?
I have a special interest in providing the top of the line and correct care for your pets skin and coat. If you have a wire coated dog with a strippable coat, I will only offer hand stripping services. I will offer only light tidy outline trims of double coated breeds. At this time I do not service Setters or Spaniels as I have not been extensively trained on their proper coat care. I do not offer field clips.
There is no judgement if you want the above services, I am happy to make referrals to local salons that can help you!
Do you service large pets?
Yes, I welcome well mannered large dogs! As a solo groomer, I am only able to work with large pets who are tolerant of core services like drying, brushing, and clipping. That said, I’m always happy to meet your pet and assess whether my setup is the right fit for them
.
Yes, I welcome well mannered large dogs! As a solo groomer, I am only able to work with large pets who are tolerant of core services like drying, brushing, and clipping. That said, I’m always happy to meet your pet and assess whether my setup is the right fit for them
.
I have two dogs, can you take care of them both?
Absolutely, these are some of my favorite appointments! Not only does having two family pets together tend to decrease separation anxiety, it allows even more break time than usual. I happily bounce back and forth between pairs, whomever is not being worked on has free run of the groom room or main living room. They are welcome to be loved on by the adults of the household, or they may stay with me and their sibling. Most choose being spoiled in the living room!
I do ask that all siblings are good house guests. That includes no destructive behavior, inside accidents, or people aggression.
You are welcome to drop off the second when you pick up the first, if that is what you prefer.
Absolutely, these are some of my favorite appointments! Not only does having two family pets together tend to decrease separation anxiety, it allows even more break time than usual. I happily bounce back and forth between pairs, whomever is not being worked on has free run of the groom room or main living room. They are welcome to be loved on by the adults of the household, or they may stay with me and their sibling. Most choose being spoiled in the living room!
I do ask that all siblings are good house guests. That includes no destructive behavior, inside accidents, or people aggression.
You are welcome to drop off the second when you pick up the first, if that is what you prefer.
When and how many appointments do you take per day?
Appointments are available throughout the day, including evenings, with drop offs as late as 8:00 PM. To ensure a low stress, high quality experience for both the dog and the groomer, I limit the schedule to one to four pets per day. This allows each dog to receive unrushed, individualized care in a calm and focused environment.
Appointments are available throughout the day, including evenings, with drop offs as late as 8:00 PM. To ensure a low stress, high quality experience for both the dog and the groomer, I limit the schedule to one to four pets per day. This allows each dog to receive unrushed, individualized care in a calm and focused environment.
Do you express anal glands?
As a groomer, my focus is on the external care of your pet. Healthy anal glands will express as needed on their own. A groomer's external expression is incomplete (and potentially dangerous) and does not offer the same relief as a veterinarians' internal expression.
My goal is to support your pet’s comfort and refer you to veterinary care when it’s truly beneficial.
Do you pluck ears?
I will do routine plucking on healthy curly coated ears (poodle, doodle, etc) by request. Ears that show signs of infection will need to be seen by the veterinarian to be serviced, as opening the follicle with active infection can further perpetuate the issue.
As a groomer, my focus is on the external care of your pet. Healthy anal glands will express as needed on their own. A groomer's external expression is incomplete (and potentially dangerous) and does not offer the same relief as a veterinarians' internal expression.
My goal is to support your pet’s comfort and refer you to veterinary care when it’s truly beneficial.
Do you pluck ears?
I will do routine plucking on healthy curly coated ears (poodle, doodle, etc) by request. Ears that show signs of infection will need to be seen by the veterinarian to be serviced, as opening the follicle with active infection can further perpetuate the issue.
How do skin therapies work?
We follow the Iv San Bernard protocol for hair and skin restoration. We will begin with a consult where I can explain the process more in depth. Many times we will be working in tandem with your veterinarian who can treat any internal issue while I help the external skin barrier. Most therapy cases will need to be seen once or twice a week to start with the goal of progressing to 3-4 week maintenance baths.
Why HydroMassage Ozone Baths?
I started using ozone baths for my restoration cases, as it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and helps drive the product deeper into the follicle. What I found while doing these cases were dogs that were just that much cleaner, more relaxed, and in many cases for the seniors, more spry. Ozone is touted additionally to have anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits, and has been recommended for senior pets, pets with skin issues, and wound care. After seeing such improvements in the few dogs who required ozone, it wasn't much of a leap for me to decide that everyone should enjoy the benefits. That being said, at this time I am working on a tub solution for our large and extra large friends- for now if they are too large for our ozone tub they will instead receive a session of ozone infused drying.
Why Iv San Bernard?
I've known of the brand ISB for many years, it was often spoken of as outrageously expensive, unnecessary, and a "cult."
As I prepared for launch I trialed many different product lines, from entry level to typical "luxury" for most salons. I had settled with a product that did a fine job. On a whim I chose to take the first class from Pet Skin Academy. What I learned was eye opening- from the science behind skin, to proper bathing technique, to all the damage I had unknowingly done throughout the years. I took a gamble and placed a very large order utilizing their one time 50% off coupon, and the rest is history.
I have seen beautiful results since. Relief from chronic skin issues that had been unresponsive to oral treatment. No more dry flakey skin on dogs leaving (no more dry groomer hands either!). I watched my own poodles coat change from sad, limp and lifeless to textured, hydrated and strong just through routine bathing with the right product. Client dogs are becoming less maintenance even with longer coats! The list goes on and on. I am thankful every single day I took that gamble, because it changed my life.
We follow the Iv San Bernard protocol for hair and skin restoration. We will begin with a consult where I can explain the process more in depth. Many times we will be working in tandem with your veterinarian who can treat any internal issue while I help the external skin barrier. Most therapy cases will need to be seen once or twice a week to start with the goal of progressing to 3-4 week maintenance baths.
Why HydroMassage Ozone Baths?
I started using ozone baths for my restoration cases, as it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and helps drive the product deeper into the follicle. What I found while doing these cases were dogs that were just that much cleaner, more relaxed, and in many cases for the seniors, more spry. Ozone is touted additionally to have anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits, and has been recommended for senior pets, pets with skin issues, and wound care. After seeing such improvements in the few dogs who required ozone, it wasn't much of a leap for me to decide that everyone should enjoy the benefits. That being said, at this time I am working on a tub solution for our large and extra large friends- for now if they are too large for our ozone tub they will instead receive a session of ozone infused drying.
Why Iv San Bernard?
I've known of the brand ISB for many years, it was often spoken of as outrageously expensive, unnecessary, and a "cult."
As I prepared for launch I trialed many different product lines, from entry level to typical "luxury" for most salons. I had settled with a product that did a fine job. On a whim I chose to take the first class from Pet Skin Academy. What I learned was eye opening- from the science behind skin, to proper bathing technique, to all the damage I had unknowingly done throughout the years. I took a gamble and placed a very large order utilizing their one time 50% off coupon, and the rest is history.
I have seen beautiful results since. Relief from chronic skin issues that had been unresponsive to oral treatment. No more dry flakey skin on dogs leaving (no more dry groomer hands either!). I watched my own poodles coat change from sad, limp and lifeless to textured, hydrated and strong just through routine bathing with the right product. Client dogs are becoming less maintenance even with longer coats! The list goes on and on. I am thankful every single day I took that gamble, because it changed my life.