FAQs

Every dog is unique, and so are their owners’ questions. Here you’ll find clear, honest answers to the most common things I’m asked about my services, processes, and what to expect at Sapaws Grooming Studio.

  • Payment is currently by bank transfer. Full details will be provided when you book your appointment.

  • Yes - a £10 deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your appointment. This must be paid within 24 hours, otherwise the slot will be reopened. Full details can be found in my Terms & Conditions.

  • Until Sapaws is more established, I’m managing bookings personally to keep everything smooth and tailored. You can book by contacting me directly.

  • Yes - I’m fully set up to work with large breeds. Please note that prices vary depending on coat type and condition.

  • At the moment, I’m waiting to confirm whether my insurance will cover banned breeds. I’ll update this as soon as I have clarity.

  • I understand that life happens! If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give me at least 48 hours’ notice so I can offer the slot to another client.

    If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, your £10 deposit will be non-refundable. For no-shows (missing the appointment without notice), the deposit will also be forfeited.

    This policy helps me keep the diary running smoothly and ensures I can offer appointments fairly to all clients.

booking + payments

  • Yes - I trust owners to be honest about their dog’s vaccination status to keep all dogs safe in the studio.

  • Dogs should arrive flea-free. If fleas are discovered during a groom, I can treat them, but for the well-being of all dogs in my care, I expect owners to be upfront about this.

  • Yes - if grooming would be detrimental to a dog’s health or wellbeing, I won’t continue. Their safety always comes first.

  • Yes, I will always do my best, depending on the condition of the coat and the severity of the matting. In most cases of matting, the kindest and safest option is a full shave. This avoids causing pain or distress during the grooming process. You can read more in my full Dematting Policy

health + Safety

  • Poodle crosses come in many sizes and coat types, and often require specialist grooming techniques. Their pricing doesn’t fit neatly into small, medium, or large categories, so they’re listed separately to keep things transparent and fair.

  • I currently use Peanut & Pickle, a gentle, high-quality shampoo made with natural ingredients. Living in a hard water area, I’ve chosen products that lather and rinse well in these conditions, helping to keep coats clean and skin healthy. I regularly review the best options available and may switch brands if I find something even better suited to the dogs in my care.

  • It depends on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Most dogs benefit from daily brushing at home and a professional groom every 6–8 weeks. We’ll create a plan that works for your dog during your consultation.

  • It depends on your dog’s coat, size, and temperament. I’ll give you an estimate at your consultation, but I never rush - every dog gets the time they need.

  • Yes, but owners should understand it’s a gradual process. Building trust takes time. I have the patience to work with nervous or reactive dogs, using muzzles or protective collars only as a last resort if safety requires it.

  • Even if I haven’t worked with your specific breed before, I have experience across a wide range of coat types and can adapt my knowledge to suit any dog.

grooming + services

  • I’m fully qualified to iPet Level 3 in Dog Grooming & Salon Management and trained in Canine First Aid. This means I have been assessed on practical skills, theory, and welfare standards to ensure I can provide safe, professional grooming.

  • Every groomer starts somewhere, but my focus is on quality, patience, and care. With professional qualifications, up-to-date training, and a calm, one-to-one approach, I ensure each dog gets the time and attention they need. My priority is always your dog’s well-being - and as my client base grows, I’m committed to building long-lasting relationships with both dogs and owners.

QUALIFICATION + EXPERIENCE

  • In most cases, no. Dogs usually settle better without their owners present - a bit like children at nursery. In rare cases where it may help, I’ll let you know.

  • Regular brushing, handling paws and ears at home, and short positive visits to the studio can all help. I’ll give you tips during your consultation.

  • I’ll advise you on brushing, coat maintenance, and anything specific to your dog after their appointment. Keeping up with aftercare helps maintain their coat between grooms.

OWNERS + APPOINTMENTS

  • If you let me know within 24 hours, I’ll do my best to make any corrections. My goal is to build long-lasting relationships and ensure owners are happy every visit.

  • This shouldn’t happen as we’ll have a detailed consultation beforehand. If it does, I can’t reverse a short coat - but, it will grow back, and next time we’ll have a clearer understanding of your preferences.

  • If a dog becomes too stressed or reactive, I will always put their well-being first. In this situation, I’ll call you to collect your dog, and we’ll continue the groom at my next available appointment. I’ll always do my best to leave them looking tidy and presentable, even if the groom isn’t fully finished.

expectations + guarantees

  • Appointments can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan a few weeks ahead — especially around busy times like summer and Christmas.

  • Yes - I’ll confirm your appointment and can send reminders if requested.

additional info

Didn’t see your question here? Drop me a message and I’ll be glad to help.

For more details, please see my Terms + Conditions and Dematting Policy.