Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our grooming services

Booking & Appointments

How do I book an appointment?

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You can book an appointment by calling us at +40 31 028 57 50, sending an email to hello@lakechamplainpets.ro, or filling out the contact form on our website. We'll confirm your appointment within 24 hours and send you a reminder a day before your scheduled time.

Do you accept walk-ins?

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While we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability, we do our best to accommodate walk-ins when possible. Call ahead to check our schedule, as busy days may require you to leave your pet with us and return later for pickup.

How far in advance should I book?

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We recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons (spring shedding season, holidays). However, we often have same-day or next-day availability for basic services. For specialty services like creative styling or show preparation, book 2-3 weeks ahead.

What's your cancellation policy?

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We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows us to offer the time slot to other pet parents. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Services & Duration

How long does a grooming appointment take?

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Grooming time varies based on your pet's size, coat condition, and services selected. Typically: Small dogs (2-3 hours), Medium dogs (3-4 hours), Large dogs (4-5 hours), Cats (1.5-3 hours). We'll provide an estimated time when you book and call you when your pet is ready for pickup.

What's included in a full grooming service?

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Our complete grooming package includes: bath with premium shampoo, blow dry, haircut/styling, brush out, nail trimming, ear cleaning, sanitary trim, cologne spritz, and a finishing bow or bandana. You can also add spa treatments, teeth brushing, or other services.

Do you offer services for just a bath or nail trim?

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Yes! We offer individual services including bath only, nail trimming only, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and more. You don't need to book a full grooming package if you just need specific services.

How often should my pet be groomed?

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Recommendations vary by breed and lifestyle: Short-haired dogs (every 8-12 weeks), Long-haired dogs (every 4-6 weeks), Cats (every 6-8 weeks for long-haired, 8-12 weeks for short-haired), Active outdoor pets (more frequently). We'll provide personalized recommendations based on your pet's specific needs.

Preparation & Requirements

What should I bring to the appointment?

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Just bring your pet! We provide all grooming supplies, tools, and products. However, if your pet has special dietary treats, favorite toys for comfort, or specific medical needs (medications, special shampoo), please bring those along and inform our staff.

Do I need to provide vaccination records?

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For your pet's first visit, we ask for proof of current rabies vaccination. We also recommend (but don't require) that dogs have current bordetella, distemper, and parvovirus vaccines. This helps protect all pets in our facility.

Should I bathe my pet before bringing them in?

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No! We handle the bathing as part of our service. In fact, we prefer to bathe your pet ourselves using our professional products and techniques. Just brush out any major tangles if possible, and bring your pet as they are.

Can I stay and watch the grooming?

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We've found that pets often become more anxious when their owners are present, making the grooming process more stressful for them. We ask that you drop off your pet and return for pickup. However, we're happy to send photo updates during the session for your peace of mind!

Special Situations

My pet is anxious or aggressive. Can you still groom them?

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We have extensive experience with anxious and difficult pets. Our staff is trained in calming techniques and patient handling. Please inform us of any behavioral concerns when booking so we can take extra time and use appropriate methods. For extremely aggressive pets, we may recommend a veterinary grooming visit with sedation for everyone's safety.

Do you groom senior pets?

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Absolutely! We love caring for senior pets and take extra time to ensure their comfort. We use supportive cushioning, gentle handling, shorter session times, and work around any mobility or health issues. Please inform us of any arthritis, heart conditions, or other concerns so we can accommodate your senior pet's needs.

Can you groom a pet with medical conditions?

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Yes, with veterinary clearance. Please inform us of any medical conditions, medications, or special needs when booking. For pets with serious conditions (heart disease, seizures, etc.), we may ask for written veterinary approval. We're experienced in adapting our services for pets with various health challenges.

My pet is severely matted. Can you help?

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Yes, but severe matting often requires shaving the coat short or very close to the skin for your pet's comfort and safety. We'll assess the matting and discuss options with you. Be aware that removing severe mats can reveal skin irritation underneath that will need time to heal. We'll provide aftercare instructions and recommend a maintenance schedule to prevent future matting.

Do you groom puppies and kittens?

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Yes! We love introducing young pets to grooming. We recommend starting around 12-16 weeks of age (after vaccinations). Early grooming experiences are kept short, positive, and gentle to build confidence and comfort with the process. These "puppy/kitten introduction" sessions set the foundation for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.

Policies & Safety

What products do you use?

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We use only premium, pet-safe, hypoallergenic grooming products from trusted professional brands. All shampoos and conditioners are pH-balanced for pets (not human products). For pets with sensitive skin or allergies, we have special medicated and hypoallergenic options available.

How do you ensure my pet's safety?

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Safety is our top priority. We use: Non-slip surfaces on all grooming tables, secure but comfortable restraints, temperature-controlled bathing systems, sharp professional tools that are sanitized between pets, constant supervision (pets are never left unattended), and our staff is trained in pet first aid and CPR. We also maintain strict cleaning protocols to prevent disease transmission.

What if my pet gets injured during grooming?

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While injuries are extremely rare, minor nicks can occasionally happen (especially during nail trimming or mat removal). We have first aid supplies on hand and will immediately treat any minor injuries. For anything more serious, we'll contact you immediately and can arrange veterinary care if needed. We're fully insured for your peace of mind.

Do you use sedation?

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No. We do not use sedation or tranquilizers. Only veterinarians can legally administer sedation. If your pet requires sedation for grooming, we can recommend veterinary grooming options. Our gentle handling techniques and patience work well for the vast majority of pets without any sedation.

Cat Grooming Questions

Do cats really need grooming? They clean themselves.

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While cats do groom themselves, they can't remove mats, trim nails, clean ears properly, or prevent hairballs effectively. Professional grooming is especially important for long-haired cats, senior cats with mobility issues, overweight cats, and any cat with matting. Regular grooming also allows for health checks that can detect issues early.

Is the lion cut the only option for my long-haired cat?

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Not at all! The lion cut is popular because it's practical and reduces maintenance, but we offer many styles. Options include: simple trim (shorter but still fluffy), belly and sanitary trim only, brush-out and de-matting (keeping full length), creative styles, or customized cuts. We'll work with you to find a style that suits your cat and your preferences.

My cat hates being handled. Can you still groom them?

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Our staff specializes in feline behavior and low-stress handling techniques. We work patiently at your cat's pace, use calming pheromones, and employ gentle restraint methods. Most "difficult" cats do surprisingly well with our experienced groomers. For extremely fearful or aggressive cats, we may recommend shorter sessions or veterinary grooming with sedation.

Still Have Questions?

Contact us anytime - we're happy to address any concerns about grooming your pet

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