Phone calls

I am noticing I am not receiving a lot of the phone calls coming in!  I do apologize and I am already working to resolve this issue with me cell phone provider!  I have a new phone that should be coming within the week.  Please feel free to text me at the same number.  Or email me at photogal314@aol.com  I had received a phone call this evening that I was right by my phone.  I noticed after the call I had a missed call, it never rang on my end!  Luckily this potential client texted me and was able to reply back.  I am sorry for any frustration or confusion this may cause.  I am hoping once I get a new phone in, this issue will be resolved!  Thank you for your patience!

Phone

When you call my number it is my personal cell phone, NOT a business phone.  Please do NOT be rude when leaving a message!  I will not return your call if you are rude!  Sorry, but I don't have time for that.  I may not always answer the phone.  Between grooms and taking care of a baby, I do stay pretty busy.  Your call is just as important to me as another call.  I will give you a call back as soon as I am able too!  I will NOT call back numbers that do not leave a message.  So please leave a message if you want me to call you back.   Please leave your name, number, what kind of dog(s) you have, what kind of grooming services you are seeking and if you are wanting to schedule and appointment/ inquiring of pricing.  This will make things a bit smoother when I give you a call back.  I am happy to say I am getting busy!  I groom 4 days a week out of my home!  Depending on what I have scheduled on any given day, I take 2-6 dogs a day.  With it being winter, I am going to be limited on the larger breeds I can do.  Also, keep in mind, since this is out of my home, I ask that you respect your appointment time.  Please be on time!  If you cannot keep your appointment, CALL or text me to let me know!  With that said, yes, you can text me!  Sometimes, you'll get a quicker reply from me for texting! 

Just keep Grooming...

It's been about  months since I started this business venture! WOW!  I can't believe it's already been 6 months!  It is slowly building, but I am excited about that!  I am starting to see some repeat customers and that is even more exciting to me!  Rose, my Bichon and "Salon Manager" sometimes greets at the door, with tail wagging!  She isn't happy, though, about me giving other doggies attention, but she makes sure I do a good job!

For those new to checking out this blog on my grooming business, let me take a moment and introduce myself!  My name is Deanna and I am the owner/ groomer here at Pampered Pups & Pals!  I've been grooming now about 6 years!  I started off as a Bather at Petsmart for about 2years.  I bathe, brushed, nail trimmed/ filed, cleaned ears, and shaved paw pads.  After 2yrs, I went to Grooming Academy!  After grooming academy, I spent time still training doing different breeds and different haircuts to fully be certified as a Groomer!  It took a few months to complete 100 dogs, but I did it!  I've been cutting hair and helping dogs look and feel great ever since!  I now groom out of my home and love it!  I still get to see my baby and spend time with her, while still working!

After your first visit with me, I give every new client a business card!  Don't lose this card!  The reason being, is that on the back of each card you earn a stamp after each visit!  On your 6th visit to me, you will earn for your doggie a FREE teethbrushing! I also offer specialized shampoos, conditioner, shedding treatment, flea & tick shampoo, nail filing.  These add-ons are an additional fee, but worth it!

When you come for an appointment

Here is what to expect when you come for a grooming appointment:

When I am checking in a dog.  I check over every dog with the Pet parent standing right there.  I am checking the skin and coat condition, head, tail and paws.  I make sure that we are on the same page as to what you, the Client is wanting out of the groom.  I will ask, some times multiple times, what are you wanting from the groom. If I see fleas on your dog, I will automatically give your dog a flea & tick shampoo bath.  This will be an added fee and I will call you to let you know. 

• Do you want the dog just bathed? 
• Are you wanting the dog's hair cut?
• How long or short do you want the haircut to be?
• Do you want a Breed Specific haricut?Schnauzer haircut, Clean face/ Clean feet on a poodle,& so on.
• Do you want teethbrushed on your doggie?
• If your dog's skin is dry, have you considered oatmeal shampoo and/ conditioner
• Do you want whitening shampoo to brighten up your dog's coat?
• If your dog is matted, there may be little I can do.  I may be able to brush some knots out, but I may have to shave short.  This is a case by case deal and you will know before you leave my house on what to expect out of the groom.  
• If you dog's coat is in good shape (little to no knots), I will be able to do whatever groom you wish
• If my dog needs some type of haircut, do you want an outline trim (face, feet, & rear) or do I want an all over hair cut
• Just because you want a full haircut, does NOT mean you have to shave short.  Like I already mentioned, if your dog's coat is in good shape, I can do as short or as long (up to 2inches) as you wish.  

ALL grooms come with the basic bath package.  This basic bath package includes: Bath, anal gland expression, nail trim, nail grind (as long as dog allows it), ear clean, and a good brushing.  The next level is an "Outline Trim" and then the most involved package is the "Full Haircut"

One thing I ask, if you see something off at check out, please let me know and I'll be happy to fix it before you leave.  If you notice something off in the next 48hrs, give me a call or text to let me know and if you want me to fix it, I'll be happy to fix it.  I try my best to do the best job I can!  I want you to be happy with the groom and I would love for you to come back!  

No call/ No show

It is not polite to not call and to not show up for a scheduled appointment!   Please, if you cannot make it to your scheduled appointment to call or text me you are not able to make it.  I have held that spot for you, so be considerate of me and my business!  If you are a repeat offender of not calling and not showing up, you will be billed for half of the cost of the groom.  I've had to many no call/ no shows in the past week.  I am running this out of my home and when I am expecting a client, I am no able to leave the house.  I appreciate your consideration of me, my business and my home! 

On a similar note, if you are running late, please also get in contact with me.  Sometimes I still may be able to take you, but there could be times where I will need to reschedule your appointment.  This is a case by case situation.  I will typically give a grace period before I try to make contact with you, if you are late.  After that time period, which is typically 15min, I will then call you.  If you do not answer, I will leaving you a message.  I will say the time, how much time I have before I can no longer take your grooming appointment and that I'd be happy to reschedule your for another time and day.  I am usually pretty understanding.  I understand situations come up and we can't keep an appointment. 

 

When Calling for an appointment

If you are calling me from groupon...YAY!  I'm excited about that!  When you call me, you are calling my personal cell phone!  As I am not that busy yet, I am not going to get a separate business line just yet.  So I may not always answer.  It could be I am taking care of my family, I could be grooming another doggie, or I could be out taking care of things.  Don't worry though, your call is important to me, and I will return you call ASAP!  PLEASE leave a voicemail when calling to inquire of my grooming services or to schedule an appointment.  I only return calls to those who leave me a message!  Feel free to text as well!  Also please keep calls and texts for grooming between the hours of 9am and 6pm!  I appreciate the consideration! 

Clarification on Groupon Deal

There has been some confusion about the deal I have on groupon!  I had put details on for the deal, but Groupon, decided not to put all the information it required for me to put in there.  I have different prices based on breed of dog and what services your wanting for your dog.  I recommend on giving me a call to get an estimate on what you need done for your dog before purchasing the groupon deal! 

The groupon says $12 for $22 worth of Pet Grooming.  That means, what if you pay the $12 for $22 worth of grooming, you'll get $22 taken off the total of your bill.  So, let's say you have a Shih, Tzu, and your groom came to $36.  I'll subtract $22 for the groupon, and you'll owe $14.  If you get anything additional, it'll add on to what the remainder of the bill is.  This was just an example to help clarify any confusion you may have.  If you have any questions any or want to book, my contact information is located on the page of my groupon deal.  Please keep the phone calls between the hours or 9am and 6pm.  I appreciate that! 

Sunday

Happy Sunday everyone!  Yesterday was a busy day for me!  I am excited about that!  I had two grooms and several phone calls about grooming!  Please be sure to like my facebook page to stay up to day on the happenings with my business!  Pampered Pups & Pals

Occasionally I will post a "Pet of the Month"  That pet will get a FREE upgrade on their next visit!  Right now, with every First visit, you doggie will 2 get treats to take home and you'll get a business card!  Don't lose this card, because on the back is a way for you to earn FREE toothbrushing! 

All grooms MUST have an appointment, this includes those just wanting a nail trim.  I'm usually here, but I would hate for you to come by and I'm not here.  This is a business that is run out of a home!  It is located in a subdivision, not a shopping plaza!  The phone number for my business is my cell number, please understand that I may not always answer, BUT I will get back to you ASAP!  If it is past 6pm, I will wait till the next day unless you let me know otherwise.  Please call between the hours of 9am and 6pm to schedule your grooming needs! 

I do accept cat grooms, but as bath appointments only.  I will spot shave, but currently not accepting shave downs for cats. 

GOfundme.com

My grooming shop

I now have for clients! I'm happy about that and looking for more.  If you live in the O'Fallon, MO area, contact me for grooming prices!  I groom dogs and cats!  If you don't live in my area, I could still use your help!  I am still trying to buy equipment and tools for my shop.  I'm currently bathing dogs outside, but come this Fall and winter, that is not going to be an option.  I need a good dog tub.  I am also needing to buy new shears, sharpen shears and blades, need more shampoo, advertisment, promotional items, uniforms, and more misc. items to make my business successful How can you help?  Well, I have created an account on gofundme.com to help with business expenses.  Once I have a good business coming in, I am going to move into an actual shop.  I'm hoping to do this within a two year time period!  If you know someone in the O'Fallon, area have them contact me about grooming their dog or cat!

Gofundme.com link: Pampered Pups and Pals

My Facebook Link to contact me: https://www.facebook.com/deannadogcatgroom?ref_type=bookmark

Update

I've officially named the business "Pampered Pups & Pals"  I added the "pals" because I am welcoming cats into my small salon!  I just ordered business cards today!  I'm excited about this!  I hope to one day, be able to rent a storefront space.  I have 5 clients now and am thrilled about that!  I am accepting new clients still!  First groom with me, your doggie will get FREE toothbrushing!  On the back of my business cards, I have a spot to where you'll earn free toothbrushing after 5 grooms!  Email me for pricing information!

photogal314@aol.com

Flea & Tick preventatives

Be sure to treat your furry family members for fleas & ticks! Research the products out there! The cheaper the product is, the less effective it is going to be and the more likely it will wash off your furry friend!

I know this can get expensive, I have a Bichon. I presonally use and love the product Revolution. It is available for cats and dogs! It is a flea preventative and heartworm preventative in one. It does not protect against ticks though! So if you aren't worried about ticks, this is a good product. I've been using it four years now and don't think I'll ever switch! If you need a product that protects against fleas & ticks, I recommend Advantix. You would still need a heartworm preventative.

Like I said, make sure to do your research and even possibly talk to your Vet on preventatives. Happy Friday all! Grooming appointments available through the weekend. The last appointment for Sunday will be 12! Have a great weekend!

Help!

There are some tools & equipment I still need to purchase for my grooming business!  I started a funding campaign on gofundme.com and I am giving rewards with donations! PLEASE help me out and make a donation!   When the campaign is complete, I will send out the rewards!  Please spread the word too!  Much appreciated on ANY help that is given!
http://www.gofundme.com/8s5o60

Ready for Grooms

I now have everything I need to start grooming!  So excited!  I have my grooming table, dryer for the doggies, shampoos and blades for my clipper!  I had to get a new clipper, because in our moves, my old one got lost.  Oh well, it's grooming time!  If you live in the O'Fallon, MO area, send me an email to make a grooming appointment! 

photogal314@aol.com

First dog

I'm excited to say I have my first groom of this business booked!  It is a little Schnauzer!  I am looking forward to this groom and hopefully many more!  If you know of someone in the O'Fallon/ STL area looking to get their dog groomed...please refer them to me!  As I am just starting out, word of mouth is going to be my best friend!  I appreciate any and all help!  For now, I will just leave my email address for contact, as I don't need people from all over calling.  I will give my phone number then if they are in my area and serious about needing a dog or cat groomed.  My email address is photogal314@aol.com

Moved in!

Well I am all moved into my new house where I am going to be doing the dog grooming!  I am working on getting everything put away and locating all my grooming equipment!  My grooming table and dryer has arrived!  I have also bought some shampoos! Including a tearless doggie facial scrub, oatmeal shampoo and a nourishing conditioner for upgrades!  I can't wait to get my first customer!  The first 5 grooms will get a FREE upgrade on their shampoo!  Also, the first month, each dog will get a goodie bag for being the first customers to be groomed!  I'll be making some homemade doggie treats that will also be for sale! You'll have to let me know when you are making appointment that you'll be wanting treats!  If you are just wanting treats, please give me 1 week to fill your order!  I appreciate that!  I am super excited to get this going.  From time to time, I'll be providing tips on home grooms and care to improve your pet's overall being!  Stay tuned!

Flea & Tick preventatives

Please, when you decide to take your dog to the groomer, especially a home based business such as mine, to have your pet on a flea & tick preventative!  Not only does it benefit your pet, but it'll help in reducing other pets becoming infested.  It is best to do your own research on what will be best for you and your pet and to consult with your Vet.  I have my Bichon on a product called Revolution.  I love it!  She has never had a problem with fleas.  It is a topical treatment that also helps in preventing heartworms!  Which is great for me, because it's a 2 for 1 treatment.  I HIGHLY recommend staying away from flea collars.  Why?  Well, it's outdated for one.  Two, it only keeps fleas away from the head.  Which means, your pet's body can still become infested with fleas.  Pretty much making that product useless!  Third, and not really that important, but worth mentioning, it stinks!  Keeps a not so good odor on your pet..who wants that?  I know I wouldn't for my pet.  Also, you get what you pay for.  Pay $20 for 6 month supply, don't be surprised when your pet has fleas.  Pay $60 for a 6 month supply and it's more than likely to work better for you.  Most pet stores do carry topical treatments for flea &/ tick preventative.  Not all preventatives prevent against ticks.  Read the packaging to make sure you are getting what you are wanting to prevent.  Revolution, which is what I use, does not prevent against ticks, but I am okay with that.  I don't take my dog into wooded areas.  If you take your dog on hikes in the woods, I would recommend using a preventative with protection against ticks.  Like I said, when I started this post, do your research.  Don't just go off of what I am putting here.  Also, consult with your Vet. 

When treating with a topical treatment, treat 2 days before getting your dog groomed, no matter if it's just a bath at home or at a groom shop.  This will give the treatment time to settle in and make sure it won't be washed off.  If you are waiting to treat till after the groom, wait two days.  Why is that?  Well, when your dog gets a bath, their natural oils are stripped off of them.  It takes about two days for those oils to come back.  The oils is how the topical treatment spreads throughout their skin and is the most affective for your pet. 

Dog Grooming

Business will be located in O'Fallon, Missouri!

I've decided to get back into dog grooming!  I stopped for a year, but I have 4 years grooming experience!  I will be grooming out of my home, so appointments will be a must!  I am not open for business just yet.  I will open sometime mid-March.  Once I order the last of the necessary grooming equipment, I will be able to provide an Opening date!  I am super excited about this!  I do not have any crates, so if anyone has dog crates of ANY size they would be willing to donate, I will either offer you a discount or a free upgrade on your dog/ cat's groom!  Yes, I will be bathing cats.  I will NOT be shaving cats, unless there is knots on the cat that need to be shaved out.

I am doing a contest to name my business.  Email me at photogal314@aol.com with suggestions on what I could name my pet grooming business.  I will pick a winner on March 10th.  The winner will receive a FREE Bonus Spa package for their dog!  That will include upgrade on shampoo, conditioner, teethbrushing and decorative bow or bandana!

What comes in a basic groom package?  There are several options.  The first is the Basic Bath, with that... Your pet will receive a bath with the basic shampoo, blow dry, 15min of brushing and nail trim.  The next option is an Outline trim.  You'll get the basic bath package...PLUS 15 min of scissoring.  I'll neaten up areas on your dog but not take length off.  Then the LAST option is the Full hair cut option!  Includes everything in the Outline option, but this package I will be taking hair length off your dog.

Want more for your dog?  I offer nail filing, extra brushing, dematting, teethbrushing, extra scissoring, special shampoo, and conditioner!

Due to no dog crates at this time, I cannot hold your dog for long after groom is complete!  I am implementing a 30min completion policy.  This means, once I notify you, that your pet's groom is complete and he/ she is ready to be picked up, you must pick-up within 30minutes or there will be an additional $5 pet sitting fee for every 30min you are late, after the 30min period.  So if I call you at 3pm, you have till 3:30pm to pick up your furry friend.  Also, if you do not show up for a scheduled groom, you will be billed for at least 1/2 the price of the basic groom package you were requesting.  So, PLEASE when making your appointment, make sure you are going to be able to drop off and pick up in a timely matter.  That will be greatly appreciated!