Getting Your New Pet Groomed
By the As The Fur Flies team
You just brought your new dog or cat home, and you're so excited to get them cleaned up for the first time. Before you schedule that first grooming appointment, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind for making it successful.
The 3/3/3 Rule
First 3 days
Give your dog or cat space and time to get used to their new environment. Keep them in a quiet, comfortable room with their food, water, bed and toys. They may be overwhelmed, scared, or not want to eat.
After 3 weeks
Your new pet should be starting to settle in and feel more comfortable. They might have figured out their routine and environment, and you might even start to see their personality. You can start working on basic commands like "sit" and "stay".
After 3 months
Your furry family member should be completely comfortable in your home, and you should have built a strong bond and trust with them. They should be set in their routine and feel secure.
What does that mean for getting them groomed?
We advise giving your new pet 3 months to get used to you, your routine and your home before venturing out to be dropped off for professional grooming — particularly for rescues that may have an unknown background and be especially unsure of their role in your household.
For new puppies, we will check that they have all of their puppy shots. All pets over 16 weeks are required to have their rabies vaccines per the state of Texas.
Rescue dogs: the meet-and-treat
We do require any new rescue dogs to schedule a brief meet-and-treat appointment at the salon, where they can come in, meet the staff and get acclimated to our environment — and get some yummy snacks for their bravery. This allows us to assess their temperament so that we can most effectively get them scheduled.
You don't have to wait the full 3 months to schedule your meet-and-treat, but we do recommend at least waiting the 3 weeks.
What if my rescue is matted and needs care right away?
No worries. Get in touch with us at the salon and we can set them up for success by scheduling them with a groomer who is trained in handling newly rescued pets, at a time that will be quietest for their comfort.
Tell us everything
Our number one goal is to ensure your pet has a Fear Free experience in our salons, and good communication about their past and current living environment and experiences is critical to make that happen. Don't hesitate to reach out and let us know all the details so that we can schedule them appropriately and set them up for success.
Related reading
Why Should I Get My Pet Professionally Groomed?
Grooming is about far more than looks. What regular professional grooming actually does for your pet's skin, coat and comfort.
Do Short-Haired Dogs Really Need Professional Grooming?
No haircut needed doesn't mean no grooming needed. What short coats actually require, and why.
This article is general grooming information from our team. It is not veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, please speak to your veterinarian.