This was my first time using Bubbles and Bow Mobile Grooming, and unfortunately I will not be using them again.
They arrived just a few minutes after the scheduled time, which was not an issue at all. The owner had a teenage trainee assisting her. My first dog was hesitant to go into the mobile grooming van, and I ended up having to pick her up and carry her inside myself. I had hoped that using a mobile groomer would make things easier for me, but I already felt like I was having to do more than expected.
That said, my first dog came out looking beautiful, smelling great, and wearing a cute bandana. I was happy with how she looked.
The experience with my second dog, Jasmine, is what really concerned me. Jasmine was scared and growled, so I handed her over to the groomer because I needed to get back inside to my children. I later sent my daughter outside to check on Jasmine. My daughter quickly came back inside and told me that the groomer was cussing at Jasmine, including calling her a "motherf***er" and "bitch."
I immediately went outside myself. Before she realized I was there, I personally heard her yelling at Jasmine, calling her horrible, and saying things such as "knock that shit off." The trainee then told her that the customer was at the door.
When she opened the door, I asked if everything was okay and told her that my daughter had heard her cussing at my dog and that I had just heard it myself. She explained that Jasmine had tried to bite when she touched her back leg and that she needed to muzzle her. I completely understand that groomers have to protect themselves and that some animals can be difficult or fearful during grooming. My concern is not that she used a muzzle for safety. My concern is the way she was speaking to and about my dog when she did not realize I was listening.
She assured me Jasmine was safe and apologized for cussing in front of my children. However, hearing someone speak to my frightened dog that way made me very uncomfortable.
There were also some organizational issues. Equipment had been put away after my first dog's grooming and had to be brought back out, which the owner blamed on the trainee. I also had my overweight cat's sanitary area shaved for hygiene purposes, and I had to hold my cat myself rather than having the assistant help.
For reference, I was charged $100 for my large dog's bath, $120 for my small dog's grooming, and $40 to shave my cat's sanitary area.
At the end she asked if I wanted to schedule another appointment, and I declined.
While my first dog looked great afterward, the way I personally heard my second dog being spoken to overshadowed the entire experience. Based on what I witnessed, I would not feel comfortable leaving my pets alone in this groomer's care. If your pet is fearful, anxious, or difficult during grooming, that is something I would strongly consider before booking. read more