Canine Design - Frequently Asked Questions
What are your normal operating hours:
Tuesday through Friday starting at 9am, and closing after the last appointment has been completed.
In 2009 we will work only 1 Saturday a month ONLY for those clients that can not come durring the week. If you wish to purchase food or supplies on a Saturday, it would be best to call and make sure it is a day we are open. The Saturday we work will vary due to dog shows, horse shows and continuing education in our field.
Do I have to have an appointment to get my pet groomed or bathed?
Yes, you need to call or stop in to schedule an appointment. If it is your first time visiting us, it is a good idea to bring in your vaccination information, fill out your registration form and sign our Client Grooming Release. A copy of our Client Grooming Release may be printed off our website, it is located under 'Services'.
If you just need nails trimmed on your pet, it is best to call to make sure we have pleanty of time to tend to your pets needs, and to make sure we will be there if we have a light schedule for the day.
How do I make an appointment?
Call us at 860-599-4707, or email me at foxwell@cshore.com
Can I stay while my pet is being groomed?
We prefer that you do not stay. You are your pet's best friend, and obviously your pet will be distracted while you are there, and it will cause your pet to become stressed. Since grooming requies work with sharp equipment (scissors & clipper blades) it is much safer to leave and return at the time you are told the groom will be completed. If you return early, PLEASE DO NOT TALK TO YOUR PET, as it may become excited. You may sit quietly or wait outside or we may not be able to safely complete its groom. The full groom price will be charged in this situation.
What kind of bathing products do you use?
We use all natural shampoos and conditioners. Our main shampoos and conditioners are:
Best Shot
EZ-Groom
Eqyss
Natures Specialty
Chris Christenson
I do not have proof that my pet has been vaccinated. Can I still come in for an appointment?
To maintain a fair and healthy environment for all our human & canine clients, we need verification of vaccinations for Rabies & DHLPP, as regards your Vet's protocol, with either paper work that you
provide to us, or by contact from your veterinarian(s). Please advise us who your Veterinarian is and their contact numbers prior to arriving for your appointment so we may request them to fax your information to
us. Our Fax number is the same as our phone number, 860-599-4707, It is a phone-fax. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about these vaccinations
One of the most valuable means to protect your pet's health and to maintain a healthy environment at Canine Design is to have your pets properly vaccinated against disease. Canine Design and it's staff does everything in their power to provide a safe and clean environment for your pets, and we ask that you do your part by following your veterinarian's recommended vaccine protocol. We highly recommend the Bordatella vaccination.
What are your prices?
We do not post any set prices as each pet is very different in size, coat and upkeep even if it is of the same breed. It is difficult to quote a price without first assessing a pet's size, condition and type of coat, and their temperment. We base the price's of our services on the amount of time that we spend caring for each individual pet. For example, a geriatric pet or a bahaviorally challenged pet will require more time and extra hands. Our add on services such at Teeth Brushing, Medicated baths, Tick Removal, etc. require extra time as well as specialized products and/or procedures. The quality of our services and the individualized care for your pet is reflected in our prices.
How do we determine our prices? The same way any other business would - pricing is based on our expences at our location - to be able to remain open and provide the highest quality of service possible for our clients (i.e., costs may include, but are not limited to: rent, utilities, insurance, payroll, grooming products, education, equipment, repairs, etc.). We are doing our best to keep our expences as low as possible which is difficult when things keep costing more.
I have heard of the Furminator Shedless Treatment, What is it?
Our Shedless treatment includes a combination of shampoos, conditioners, drying and carding techniques that help remove your pet's loose hair and undercoat.
Will the Furminator Shedless Treatment keep my pet from shedding?
No, shedding is a natural and on going process for your pet. You may notice that your pet sheds more or less during different periods. These periods are often seasonal. We can only try to manage the coat that your pet is shedding at that time. However, a regularly scheduled bath with shedless service should help to alleviate the noticeable effects of shedding in your home.
How can I keep my groom pricing down?
You can help keep your grooming fee down by the following steps:
1) Make sure your pet does not have fleas/ticks by using a preventative (i.e. frontline, etc);
2) Make sure you walk your dog prior to it's grooming visit so it may relieve itself;
3) Keep your pet combed & brushed to remove tangles and matts;
4) Keep your pet socialized for handling of feet;
5) Keep your pet at its proper weight.
What if I am late to pick up my pet?
Your pet will be happiest if you pick them up at the time you are advised they will be ready, or if you have asked us to call when they are ready, please be prompt for pick-up. We understand that lives and schedules are not always that accommodating, however, we are not a day-care nor a kennel, and we do not want to keep your pet any longer than necessary as it is stressful to your pet. Please be aware of our time frame for pick-up when making your appointment, and plan other activities for that day accordingly.
Due to the increasing problem of late pick-ups, we have instituted a $1.00 per minute late charge which will began to accumulate 15 minutes after the time you have been advised your pet will be ready for pick-up. Canine Design grooms by appointment, which means we do not have set hours. We are finished for the day when our last groom has been completed. We advise each client when they will need to pick up their pet, and we expect that, unless some unforeseen accident happens, the pet will be picked up on time. We do appreciate a phone call if you are going to be late. There is a $50. charge if pets are picked up after we have closed for the day.
