Sherlock Bones Mobile Grooming

I always make sure it'll sound like a good fit. Finding the right pet groomer, there's a delicate balance where everyone needs to be happy, including the pet, the pet parent, and the pet groomer. 

When trying to understand you, the pet parent, I ask why you are wanting my services and what your experiences have been with previous groomers. I also ask if you have any questions or hesitations for me. 

When learning about your pet, I want to know what makes them tick. Do they get scared when there's a thunderstorm? Are they protective of you when you are holding them? Do they have any medical ailments that may cause them pain during the grooming process (such as arthritis or history of ear infections). 

And finally, I also like to know about your house. Because I'll be setting up in your home, I need a good place to work with adequate lighting, access to a three prong outlet, and a 6x6 area to set up, as well as a sink or tub to bathe your pet (and does that wash area have a hose/sprayer. )

I have been grooming for 11 years, I am CPR/First Aid certified, and I am in the process of getting my certificatation through the ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetology). 

I also give educational seminars around the country to fellow pet groomers about a variety of topics, and I just published a book about house-call grooming titled "A Practical Guide to House-call Grooming"

It has been nominated for Barkleigh Honors Award for "Best Book of the Year" in 2018. 

Pricing is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to: dog's breed, size, hair length, temperament/behavior, your location and coat condition. 

Prices for bath/brush only START at $55 (example breeds include chihuahua, dachshund) 

Prices for full grooming START at $75

I have been working with pets (dogs and cats) since I was 15 years old and worked my first job as a kennel technician. At first I went to college to become a veterinarian, but after I received first hand experience in the field, I realized that healthcare was not for me. 

I became a grooming assistant at Petco in 2003 and went to grooming school in 2007. I have worked in a variety of settings, including corporate grooming salons, veterinary offices, mobile grooming vans,  before opening my own house-call grooming business  in Austin, TX

I moved to Syracuse in the summer of 2018. 

Ask about their experience and if they attend routine continuing education conferences. Just like any other industry, grooming is constantly changing and we never stop learning new techniques and tips.

If their expectations of their pet's grooming meets the reality of what the pet can realistically handle/take. 

Many pet owners wait until their puppy NEEDS a haircut at 6 months to a year of age when their hair is in front of their eyes. These pet owners expect an all over haircut with shears and clippers and it to look perfect. What they need to understand is that puppies need to be taught that grooming is a good thing and isn't scary. 

Asking your pup to be still for a full haircut (which usually takes at least an hour start to finish) is like asking a 2 year old child to sit in the beauty parlor chair and get highlights and a perm. 

I usually like to start puppies out at 3-4 months old, and introduce them to all things grooming at their pace so they learn to accept it with minimal arguments. (because just like fussy children, puppies like to test the boundaries to see what they can get away with!)