I have been taking my dog here for nearly a decade and will continue to do so. Sandy is always so gentle with him and efficient with his grooming. He is a senior, he is timid and has various ailments that require gentle handling and she always does an amazing job. The new business owner is also very friendly and understanding. Overall great experience here. read more

Let me start by saying that if I could give zero stars, I would. We do not like to have our dog crated for lengthy periods of time. She is a rescue, found abandoned in the trunk of a car with her brother, beaten, and has issues with claustrophobia. I asked that my appointment be scheduled so that I could drop her off at the set time, and pick her up when the grooming was complete. I don't think that is unreasonable. When I arrived I was told she would be going right back and it would be about two hours, and they would call me 20 minutes prior so that I could be there to pick her up. My wife was very specific when she explained to the owner what we wanted done, and what to leave alone. We were not given an opportunity to speak with the groomer. I checked back at the end of two hours and was told that my dog had not yet been groomed. She was there a total of 4 hours, having spent 3 hours in a crate. Now for the bad part; the groomer sheared all of the fur off of her, and trimmed the feathers off of her ears and tail after being told to not touch those areas. We called and complained to the person left at the desk ( the owner was not available). We never heard back from anyone with an explanation or apology. We walked in today and spoke to the owner who acknowledged that he never passed our grooming requests on to the groomer, and said "Big deal! It's hair, it will grow back!" He also told me that I was doing my dog a disservice by not crating her more often. I asked what he would do offer some form of compensation, and he said....nothing. I will not go back, and cannot recommend this place to anyone. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. When we moved to Toluca Lake, this became out regular groomer, and my dog who is a little high strung- always seemed to like it. They did an excellent job grooming, and then when my dog was at the very end of his life, they were so incredibly kind and gentle and loving towards him. It is truly a wonderful and loving place for pets. They truly care about the dogs. read more

Captain Jacks is very close to my home. Convenience counts. Yet. The wet dog smell was a bit overwhelming. As for shampoo and cut, nothing special and on the high end of other groomers. Probably due to location. Knowing the rents on Riverside are astronomical that being said, the location for me is hard to resist. The personal are very friendly. There is parking in the back. I'm just sensitive to smells. My dog seemed happy and well cared for, for sure. I'd recommend Captain Jacks. read more

Best hand stripping by Sandy. My little Norwich loves it here! Thank you Sandy and Kevin

I don't normally leave reviews. Wish I could do zero stars. We took our Goldendoodle here for over a year, despite not always being happy with her cut, being patient and trying to figure it out. Then we picked her up and she had a GASH in her side, and nick on her belly. Not only were we mortified. They lied and said she had chewed on a mat, and did this to herself....see photo. Took her to the vet where they said that is 100% not the dogs doing. It's a gouge. Tried to talk to the owner and he never called or texted to even check in on her. No, no, and no. Just want to save others from having something terrible happen to their pup. read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

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I'm horrified... I left horrified and I'm still horrified. Her coat was probably 5 inches long, maybe more. Came in for a bath and an explained cut (showing a photo of her previous cut). Came because of all the recommendations, never in my life did I expect to see my dogs coat look like this. At least it will grow back, and I'll never go here again. Did I mention I was horrified? read more

So I will start by saying I know the owner. He loves dogs and cares deeply! I have never taken my pup into this location BUT I am a regular at the Sherman Oaks location. I can tell you, THEY CARE! I have never felt more comfortable with leaving my puppy with them and knowing she will be well taken care of! Every time, I leave her with different people and they all say my dog is so sweet. To add to that, there was a couple behind me and they were dropping off 4 dogs. The employee behind the counter knew all of their names, who does that? This is my heart, and she as just as sweet as she is beautiful! read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

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Such a great experience! Awesome staff, clean facility, very calm environment for pets and EXCELLENT results! Our pup looked fabulous! Just took my cat in to get groomed and I couldn't be happier!!!! She looks amazing and the groomer took such good care of her! One of the best haircuts she's ever had! read more

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LOVE this place! Moved into the area and tried several other places... NEVER again! Laurie and Sandy are both fabulous! Not easy getting in, but once you do, you're in going forward.. BOOK in advance! My dogs look great. Sandy is devoted and diligent.. ( I saw her patiently de-matting an Afghan!) One of the best parts is that Laurie doesn't leave your dogs in cages all day. She calls (sometimes SO quickly) to pick up within a couple hours. Can't beat that! Happy to have found this gem! read more

I can't give 5 stars to this place anymore. I tried to book an appointment with them couple times and they are always 1 week busy. So I've tried other places and I'm so glad that I did! It was much easier to book an appointment, the service didn't take so long and the price was even cheaper! Wow! Last time we've had our doggie at a la mutt, it took 4 hours before we could take him back and they were not even done when we came. They finished the haircut in a rush and I felt like he was just sitting and waiting there for 3 hours before that. I thought it's normal but other places were done in 2 hours max and the results were even better. Sorry to say but this is definitely not a 5 stars place. read more

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This business is under new ownership. Used to be called A-La-Mutt, now Captain Jack's. I buy pet food from here still, and Jack seems nice. I'd try him out. read more

WARNING: DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOG HERE! Okay I hate to start this off by sounding like a total Karen but seriously, DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOG HERE! Very upsetting experience with this place. I picked up my little Maltese from her grooming and as soon as I got her home and let her start walking around, her paw started bleeding. I examined her paw and saw that the quick of one of her claws was exposed (meaning one claw was cut way too short to the point that it was bleeding uncontrollably) I was unable to stop the bleeding myself, so I took my dog to an emergency vet clinic where they examined her and confirmed that her claw had been cut too short. Now, I understand that mistakes happen. However, the way that the owner chose to handle this situation is why I feel fully justified in leaving a one star review (I literally never review places but honestly just don't want anyone to have to deal with this.) When my dog's injury was brought to the owner's attention, he stated that since my dog started bleeding once she left the shop, it's really not their fault. He was also very condescending and said "You just don't understand how dog grooming works" and that "that's how you're supposed to trim their claws" and just maintained the fact that they did nothing wrong. By that logic, ALL of her claws should've had exposed quicks that were bleeding uncontrollably, but it was only one so clearly a mistake had been made. This is NOT the way this situation should have been handled. Had the owner said "Oh I'm so sorry, we didn't realize, what can we do to make this right?" or something to that effect, I would not be leaving a one star review. Absolutely terrible customer service and clearly no regard for the dogs. Also my dog was there for like 3 hours and they didn't even do a good job grooming her? My dog's grooming typically takes an hour/hour and a half and she looks much more professionally groomed than she did here. I noticed she had like a weird chunk of fur half hanging on? (pic attached) Seriously wild to pay $70 (not including tip!) to have my dog come home bleeding with scraggly fur. read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Chunk of random hair hanging off - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

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Been going to this place for years! They truly love animals are cater to every dogs insecurities. My dog is mortified of going to get groomed and they're so sweet to him. They know him by name when he comes in and have known his name since our second visit. They take excellent care before and post grooming. Other places have left my dog feeling shaken and nervous all day but when we go to a la mutt he's just fine! Please super this company!!! read more

I took my sweet almost 1 year old puppy who likes to PLAY with hoses to a la mutt. After the first visit, she was great! They did not say anything, all was well. Today, We took her and when we picked her up, they said she can not longer have a bath there because she tried to bite the hoses and it's not safe for the groomers. Mind you, my puppy has never bit anyone. Everyone that meets her, says she is just the most curious and sweetest girl. Nobody and nothing is perfect. To expect an easy being is impossible. I will be looking for a place that actually knows how to handle dogs, especially puppies. I've never heard of someone in a business giving up so fast, without any conversation. Also, her ears were not fully cleaned, I had to take care of it when we got home. Peace out! read more

This place cancelled an appointment with my dog via voicemail. Who does that? My business has been elsewhere. I'm sorry you don't remember my Maltipoo WILMA and this was a while ago but I was still a paying $$$ client, we were regulars. Wilma the one you wanted me to walk before grooming sessions, which is fine. And yes, you have cancelled on me and that was it for me. read more

I love this place! I just started taking my dog, Midnight, a few times before Covid and was always happy with how well my dog looked and the care they put into making sure everything went well! After my first visit they even called the following day to make sure I was satisfied with everything (I was!). I took him again recently and was just as satisfied again and they are following safety protocols. The staff is super friendly, professional and do a great job! I highly recommend them (my only reservation is the more people know about them, the less availability they have!) Thank you!! read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Before - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

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My 14 year old standard poodle is very skittish. Josh is amazing with her. I've observed while I've waited my turn to pay and everyone here is very knowledgeable and professional. Lucky to find amazing groomers:) Mona Lisa says.. more stars please! read more

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I love a' la Mutt!! Laurie is great. Always friendly and very accommodating when I call last minute. My dog hates having a bath but she loves going to see the staff at a' la Mutt. They're very sweet and gentle with her and she always bounds out of there feeling proud, smelling fresh and looking wonderful! read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Apple fresh from her grooming session - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

A' la Mutt is one of those gems you almost don't want to share. But here I go... i love this place! Super clean and super sweet people. I've been coming here since my dog was a pup. He's almost 9 years old. He gets excited when I pull up and I'm always excited to pick him up. Always looks gorgeous! Thank you Laurie and the amazing staff. read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

Hands down the sweetest people ever! I just had an awful grooming experience somewhere else so I was a bit hesitant to ever go to a groomer again lol. But I decided to stop by this shop to get my dog some treats and the ladies here are just so amazing and made me feel so comfortable about bringing my pup here. Which is really hard to find. read more

I have a very nervous, almost 17 year old Chihuahua named Mousse. I can always trust that Laurie and her team at A' La Mutt take the best care of my little old man. He sweetly goes into their arms, because he trusts them and knows they are kind and gentle. My little guy went in for his "Spa Day" today and smells so good! I am grateful to A' La Mutt not only for the fantastic job they do, but for being that wonderful neighborhood shop that treats their clients (humans and fur babies) like family. If anyone is looking for a new groomer, this is the place to go. I have been a client for years, and hopefully will be for many more to come! read more

I can't say enough amazing wonderful things about this place. I really enjoy Laurie as a human. She lights up the room and makes every dog feel special and at ease. There are little thoughtful things like fresh water in the dog bowls and nice grass to sniff. And Laurie has been top notch with navigating COVID procedures. As a new business owner to Toluca Lake I really appreciate her fun candor and professionalism. Plus my dog is so EXCITED going to Laurie's. He jumps three feet in the air when he sees her and his whole face lights up. He comes back all relaxed like he has been at the spa. The personal feel and care that this place does so well is what makes me feel at ease when I leave my dog with another person. As a new dog owner, they have been thoughtful guides and I trust them implicitly. Thank you amazing Ladies for the positive experience read more

This is an update to my partner's post (Carpe D.) our Great Pyrenees is now an older girl and can't tolerate regular grooming as her legs are too weak to stand very long. I thought I would make it easier on her and had a mobile groomer who said he could groom her lying down. Needless to say it was not a good experience for her. Laurie has been so wonderful with her and splits her grooming into two appointments so she doesn't have to stand very long. It had worked out well and all I can say is don't take your fur babies anywhere else. Laurie and crew are THE best!!! read more

My dog and I love A La Mutt! Laurie is one of the nicest shop owners around. I booked the appointment and it was super easy from there. I dropped my dog off, Laurie gave me a call once he was ready! He looked great, the groomer told me he did awesome and that he had no weird skin stuff going on (sometimes my dog does). Laurie's Shop has doggie bags, toys, food, etc... I now order my food through her, always convenient to pick up the food when I drop him off for a grooming. I can't say enough nice things about this place, and I'm glad I can trust them with my pup -- that's most important! read more

Went in for a nail trim for my GSD and they did an amazing job! Sandy actually cut her nails down to where her quick is instead of barely filing them like the last place I took her. She's also not used to going to the groomers so she was a little nervous, but the staff were great with her. Happy to report that her nails aren't clicking on hard surfaces anymore, thank you! read more

After a year of spending over $1000 at A la Mutt, this experience confirmed I would NEVER return. Just a note, I have a poodle mix and he gets matts in his hair, but not enough to be shaved down to nearly his skin on three separate occasions. I brought my dog in for a "tidy," where the groomer does a slight clean up. I mentioned then that he was due for a cut, but they told me that he was only scheduled for a tidy. I gave in and let them continue. Two weeks later, I returned for his haircut and spoke to Josh, one of the groomers. I asked him to call me if there were any issues, which he agreed to. After about three hours, the owner Lori called me letting me know he was just about ready. I didn't get a call earlier so I questioned if were there any problems. She mentioned they had to go a little BIT shorter, but when I arrived I saw a skinny dog on a leash sitting alone in the hallway. It was MY dog. He looked so different from his usual self that I could barely recognize him. A la Mutt had cut off 90% of his hair. I never asked for him to be shaved completely, and had been upset at the last two times they'd done this as well. When I told Sandy, another groomer, that I was very unhappy with the cut, she brought up that he was matted and made the decision to cut him shorter. Lori flat out told me that I should find another groomer! No professional should give advice like this, nevertheless do a major change to my dog's appearance without consulting me. When you hire someone who claims they're professional to do a service, it's not their job to overrule your direction. With the lack of communication and the fact that they made their own decision about my dog, I refuse to give this establishment my business anymore. read more

Called to schedule an appointment and the lady who answered was very impatient and rude! I had a puppy barking at me so I was trying to calm her down and the lady on the phone was asking me a question I couldnt hear so I asked her to repeat it and she asked me again In a very snappy way. I simply called her rude and hung up. read more

My cairn terrier had been groomed with clippers for years and had skin issues that were severe. Then I discovered a la Mutt and learned he needed to have his fur stripped and, sure enough, no more skin irritations and no more hair loss. The first grooming took all day but now every other month he goes for a trim and bath. Jack is 14 years old so he has arthritis and needs gentle care. He always leaves happy. So, I'm not only relieved but happy too. Very clean, on-time, and friendly shop. Reasonably priced. read more

Been taking my dog Nibbler here for a couple years now. The team here is always friendly and Nibbler comes home super clean and soft. My dog had problems with past groomers not cleaning her ear properly (she's a frenchton so she has huge bat ears) and she used to get bad yeast infections in her ears but since coming here we've had no problems. Nibbler loves Josh the most but all the staff is excellent. read more

A' la Mutt has been my go to since they've opened their doors. They're some of the most caring and dog friendly people I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. Over the years I've had my four dogs (babies) cared for by a' la Mutt. I don't give my trust out easily, so I know for certain that they've always taken great care of my girls. read more

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Best experience EVERY time... Most genuine staff & owner! You know your pets are in good hands. read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Papa Bear - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

10 stars and love and appreciation for a' la Mutt! My sweet, senior golden looks 10 years younger! They were the best ever and I highly recommend their grooming business and super cool store to anyone with a furry pet. Thank you read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - Ready for Valentine's Day!!!! They are the best!!!!!! My sweet senior Golden Retriever is looking and smelling great! - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

This pet shop is a gem hidden in Toluca Lake. The lady owner is very helpful, nice, caring and runs a great operation. They carry higher quality brands you may not find at big box pet shops such as organic treats. We try to feed our pets with treats that have only a single ingredient and A la Mutt has a great selection of pet food and treats. They also groom and trim pups! read more

I have been searching, searching, searching for a place to bathe my *very* easy to bathe dog. I think I have finally found THE PLACE. A place where my Bean was so happy to meet new people...and wasn't trying to run back to me, as she was being dragged behind the dreaded closed door. I actually felt comfortable leaving her there. Yes, I can wash her myself when it's needed, but sometimes you just wanna pay someone else to do the dirty stuff. The icky stuff that needs to be dealt with every month or two. If you have a dog you know what I mean. This is the third place I have tried. I saw all the 5 star reviews and thought "Well, this looks like a place that my 5 star baby might like." Yes, it costs a bit more that what I was paying. But my Josey is worth it...I also don't mind paying a little extra if it means that the things I can't do are actually getting done. She doesn't need haircuts, just a bath and the sanitary stuffs. Easy enough, right? Not so fast. This is the first time I have picked her up, and she was so happy! Her nails (every one of them even!!) were sufficiently trimmed (a first) her teeth were brushed, and wonder of wonders...the groomer actually tended to her anal glands, instead of just telling me that they did. And all the groomers that I spoke to were so nice. You can really tell that they love the dogs. Oh, and they use fragrance free shampoos and stuff, so she didn't come back to me smelling like a french hooker. Of course, if you like that kind of thing, they can do it for you. They forgot to give me my 10% off for our first time visit, but Laurie noticed (I didn't) and called me to tell me that she would put it in my file for our next visit! Really? Now that's service! We will be back. read more

The reality of the times--blogging is the internet equivalent of gossip: anyone can say anything about anybody with little thought of consequences. And verity be damned. Trash-talking celeb blogheads are commentating for CNN, fer crying out loud. But I digress... Having said that, you can take the review of my experiences at A la Mutt and file it in the recycle bin as well...but ask yourself: how many positive reviews has the place received versus the ONE negative piece? My female Havanese has survived life-threatening neurological conditions and brain surgery to correct them. After months of gentle, loving care, I have a dog again. It's been tough and, needless to say, I entrust her care to a mere handful of people. Her trust in the world has been hard-earned, and I would do nothing to risk breaking it. I had taken her to three groomers prior to finding Laurie and Paulina, and every time, I was called in to help calm her--grooming was not a pleasant experience for her. (One particularly nightmarish experience left my poor pup looking like she had been exposed to plutonium.) I told Laurie all about this, and asked her if I should stay--she said that Paulina had a way with animals and that it would be all right. When I returned, my girl was beautiful--and Paulina explained that she and an assistant took two-and-a-half hours to calmly and slowly groom her. That kind of commitment is indicative of the high caliber of everyone working at A la Mutt. On our second visit, my dog allowed Paulina to groom her all on her own--by the third, a firm bond of trust had been established. There is simply no way I would leave my animal with anyone capable of treating animals and behaving as described in the negative review. I count myself lucky every time I leave my dog at A la Mutt and know that she will be cared for as if she were in my own home--what a relief and a blessing. read more

Is it pricier than other places? Sure. Do you sometimes have to book far in advance to get an appointment? Sure. Do they deliver a superior service? Absolutely. Can they count on my repeat business? You bet. I've been bringing my Havanese to Jessica exclusively for two years. She's great with him and never disappoints. Lori always finds a way to fit us in her busy schedule. Our dog can be a little anxious when away from home but trusts the staff here and never has an issue with going for a grooming. A quality establishment heads and tails above the rest. read more

This place is so great! My Pomeranian always comes out perfectly clean and fluffed out. Everyone there is super friendly, and they are very knowledgable of each breed and their specific needs. read more

Captain Jack's Grooming - A surprise accessory for this girly girl - Pet Groomers Near Me - Toluca Lake, California

I'm being nice by giving 2 stars instead of 1. I used to bring my two dogs for their nail trimmed for about a year. I have never seen the owner Laurie smile ever! She hardly says hello when I come in with my two dogs and if one of my dogs happened to bark, she would give me a mean look and made me feel unwelcome. The only reason I came for the service as long as I did was because of the groomer. The groomer was nice and worked with my two dogs, however, the groomer changed his schedule and started working later morning, which made it difficult for me with my work schedule. I decided not to come back and look for a different place. I'm so glad I found a better place with a positive vibe! read more

The Sistine Chapel, Rome Italy... Machu Picchu, Peru... The Mountainside Temples in Bhutan... a' la Mutt in Toluca Lake... What do all of these places have in common? They're all awesome. Seriously... Awesome. A la Mutt is a perfect example of why small businesses are better than large, chain stores. The owner and her staff love animals and offer everyone who walks through the door a welcome smile and individual attention. Their prices are very competitive and they do a terrific job with the services that they offer. While the store is relatively small, they manage to stock all of the necessities and some very cool unnecessaries as well. The location is really convenient and I couldn't ask for a better overall experience. A la Mutt will be my groomer as long as they are around!!! read more