I love Dogma. The owner is super nice and the groomers are amazing. They groomed our furry senior dog who is 72 lbs and has weak back legs so he can be prickly. He came home so handsome and smelled so good. They price was super reasonable and I am so grateful for the excellent salon experience for Cam and our family. read more

They were awesome with our cat. He was matted and had fleas. They shaved and bathed him with no problems. Highly recommend Dogma!

I've been taking our dog here for almost a year now and I never want to go anywhere else! They are always super kind and informative, they know their stuff. They really make sure that the products they are selling are top quality and the best thing for your pups. Highly recommend!!! read more

We used to love coming here. Juniper loved it too. Unfortunately, we had to look elsewhere for grooming services because the groomers cut off some of her tongue. We had been going to Dogma since Juni was a pup. She's friendly, wiggly, and loves people. We always felt good dropping her off for grooming because the front-of-house staff was so friendly! They really love dogs and they loved Juniper. There were, however, a few red flags we should have been paying better attention to. Even though we came in monthly and asked for the same service each time, we were never charged a regular amount and her grooming was inconsistent. At first, it was ~$30 for the basic package. Then it became ~$50 for the same package despite her being a consistent 20.5 lbs. They would add services they thought she needed despite us being clear at drop off what we wanted to pay for. Then they buzzed too close to her little puppy parts and left a rash. Next, we found fleas on her immediately after pick-up. Then, one of her sanitary cuts went south and she was given a Brazilian. She had a full to-skin shave from her puppy parts to her bum. She's a Mini Aussie with a curtain for a butt, it looked awful. We expressed we didn't want that in the future and the front of house was very understanding and it never happened again. After that, there was an issue with her paws. She wouldn't let us near them anymore. Again, right after grooming. It took us a long time to get her used to her paws being touched again. They then forgot to let us know that she was ready for pick up. I dropped her off around 8:30-9 am and never received a call. At 4:30 I checked in and they said they had forgotten to let us know she was ready. The final straw was the TOUNGE CUTTING: It was a normal Saturday pickup. I paid the hefty $50+ fee despite asking for fewer services that month and took her to the car. That's when I noticed blood. Every time she licked her lips she left a bloodstain. I checked her mouth and found a curled cut on her tongue that created a separate flap. My partner went with me back inside to ask what happened. The front-of-house staff had no idea what we were talking about. Someone went to check with the groomer. Meanwhile, one of the employees was trying to soothe me saying it "looked worse than it was," "it didn't hurt her," and "in a day it will look better." They did offer to help in any way they could, but at the time I just wanted to make sure she was ok and find out what had happened. Turns out the groomer cut her tongue and decided not to let anyone know. They said she "licked the scissors." I understand this is possible, and accidents happen, but that was no scissor lick! If it was, isn't it their responsibility to make sure dogs don't hurt themselves around sharp objects? Also, Juniper wasn't supposed to get any sort of haircut other than a sanitary cut around her bum! When we got her that day (again charged more than last time despite asking for less) we noticed they had also cut her whiskers and ear hair. They shouldn't have been near her mouth with scissors regardless of whether she licked them or not because we hadn't approved a haircut. My biggest issue is that they made it seem like it wasn't a big deal, that she didn't feel the pain (she did, she didn't eat normally for several days and kept licking her lips), and most importantly that the groomer didn't feel it was important to let the front know that they had hurt her. They still charged me the full amount and didn't offer a refund until after I left an email. They did offer to do everything they could to get her back in there, but as a dog mom, I honestly felt like I let her down allowing her to keep going back to this place despite a few flags along the way. I still love the front-of-house staff there and love their idea, but we can't bring our little girl her again. She's still terrified to walk down that street months later. HEALTH UPDATE: The dead part of her tongue fell off. She got colitis from the stress and pooped bloody diarrhea for a few days. She's finally eating normally and back to normal weight and did great at her new groomer, Critter Wash. She is now permanently missing a piece of her tongue and we can no longer show her. read more

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If I could give Dogma 0 stars I would. Dogma killed my dog a couple years ago. Today it is heavy on my mind and I can't stop thinking about the torture that occurred that day. I took my beautiful Australian Shepard to Dogma for a simple haircut for summer, nothing drastic. A light trim is what I asked them for. When I came back to pick up my dog, Mac, he was completely shaved. My Aussie had never been shaved in his life and went into a spiral I'm assuming from the shock of it. He immediately began to lose his mind over the next few days and eventually died. His last days were brutal because of the people at Dogma who did this to him. When I picked him up, I was shocked and upset but calm asking them why they would do this to my dog. They told me this : "get him a sweater". I couldn't believe the insensitivity and cruel response. My dog never needed a sweater in the first place, he had a beautiful coat of fur that was never meant to be fully taken from him. I only wanted a trim for him for summer time. This was a couple years ago and his unwarranted death haunts me to this day. Please, please, listen to this story and NEVER bring your dog to Dogma. I never write reviews, but the thoughts of my dogs death has haunted me so much, I couldn't bare to not let others know. No dog deserves to die this way. No owner deserves to have their dogs life taken from them. It was an awful awful event that I will never forget. Please be aware. After writing a review on Google, I went through more reviews and was so saddened to see this isn't the first time a dog has been wrongfully scalped. the other dogs it happened to survived, but mine didn't. Please dont take this lightly and spread the word if you or anyone you know goes to this terrible and soulless establishment. read more

I have a service dog. They took a walk in and we only had a 15 minute wait for a nail trim. They came out and did her nails right where we were. I appreciate that they did that. My dog is very calm, she can get nervous is too much is going on, but all went very well. Calm relaxed clean vibe. It was my second time here. I would go back. read more

As a rescue, our elderly dog still has anxiety issues. As a result, I was anxious about my friend taking her in for a much needed haircut. I could no longer manage trimming her at home. Dogma was outstanding! Sadie returned home happy and looking gorgeous with her new do! She will be much cooler in the heat and easier to manage. Thank you Dogma for giving Sadie just what she needed! read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Looking good Sadie, thanks to Dogma! - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Great spot for grooming and reasonably priced. They did a great job with my Aussie doodle. My only recommendation would be to book out as early as you can be they fill up their spots way in advance!! read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Always have a great experience at Dogma! The staff is great and super friendly. They do an awesome job with Poodle cuts! 10/10 highly recommend. :-) read more

We took our dog in to Dogma since our other groomer has been experiencing some staffing issues and we were really pleased with the result! We have a small dog, but she gets super nervous at grooming appointments, and I think they did a really great job on her haircut. She came back looking very spiffy and not to shaken up despite hating grooming appointments, so that's a win in my book! :) We'll definitely be back! read more

We had a great first experience here this week. They were friendly, clean, organized, and super sweet with our dog Penny. She came home gorgeous and with a little bandana, which I love. The way they do scheduling and pickup is convenient for folks working during the day and the price was fair. We will be seeing them again for sure! read more

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After going to the same groomer for 9 years I was very concerned about finding someone that would take as good of care of my girl as the last one. Dogma did not disappoint!! They are so friendly and welcoming and they seem to truly enjoy what they do. read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I go semi frequently for nail trims for my dog. Every time they are super quick, knowledgeable, and complimentary to her. They also have toy options you don't find at a petco or petsmart. I personally don't love how they do their scheduling for grooming and would love to be able to drop her off at the time of the appointment instead of the beginning of the day. read more

We buy dog food here. The staff is so nice and accommodating. They always carry the heavy bags out to my car without asking. They also have a frequent buyers program--buy 12 bags, get one free. With three large labs we go through a lot of food so we appreciate the savings! Big shout out to Jeffrey and Jennifer for great customer service! read more

This is the only place in Richmond where my dog will allow someone to clip her nails! I've tried petco, petsmart and a few other places but she doesn't do well being on a table and in a restraint (completely understand why). Dogma goes above and beyond to make my girl comfortable and calm. They never put her on a table and they have someone petting her on the ground while another person clips her nails. Not to mention they have a very cute selection of items for purchase while you wait! Highly recommended! read more

This place is the best! After having such a bad experience at petco, It was nice to have a pleasant experience here. The staff were really friendly and took the time to understand what I wanted done to my dog. The did such a good job with my pup and for such an affordable price. I definitely will a returning customer here! read more

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I've been bringing our dogs to Dogma for grooming for nearly four years, and I highly recommend Dogma. I bring our three dogs, a Chow mix, a Gordon Setter mix, and a West Highland White Terrier, in regularly for baths, cuts, and nail grinding. The staff are great welcoming us into the shop, gathering leashes and special shampoos, and taking the dogs to the grooming area. I leave with great peace of mind, assured that our dogs will be well taken care of while at Dogma. When I pick them up, they smell good, their cuts are always as expected, and the staff give them a caring sendoff. In addition, I like that I can schedule their visits all at once at the beginning of the year, and the staff call me the day before each visit as a courtesy reminder. Thank you for taking care of our dogs! read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Dogs groomed at Dogma. - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

My dog and I both love Dogma. She's (my dog is a girl) actually excited when I take her in for grooming. The staff is friendly and helpful. I can't think of a better place to take your dog and I've tried quite a few! read more

Since my last review, which posted on August 7, 2021, I've had phone conversations and apologies from both the manager, Jennifer and groomer,Rhi in their lack of communication and the handling of the previous situation regarding services rendered. I accepted their apologies, and have taken Max back for grooming. I in no way was trying to bad mouth the business or the groomer. Things happen that need to be addressed and handled properly. Special attention is being given because of Max's needs as a senior dog. I'm now very satisfied with their services. read more

Dogma does a great job! Leaves my doodle matte free, fluffy, and they're so kind! I recommend to all my friends. read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I love bringing my little Shih Tzu mix to this salon to get his regular de-fluffing. Their team is always so friendly and knowledgeable, and we get a great cut every time. read more

I have brought my dogs here for years. They do a good job and my current dog likes going there. It seems they are under new management which has resulted in decreased flexibility in scheduling and increased prices. I really liked several of the former employees, not so much the new hires. read more

If had to make a one word review it would be...Stellar! Dogma has proven itself for years, by far the premier local grooming and pet needs shop in RVA! I take my dogs regularly for nail trimmings and bath/brush/grooming. What has impressed me over the past few months is the attention to their retail shop. You won't find big box food brands or unhealthy treats. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive. It's refreshing to know they show as much love and care as I do for our furry family members. Educating me with dietary guides, organic, and holistic approaches that provide a healthy lifestyle for our pets. It's noticeable they have increased the amount of options and products on the shelves. Anyone will notice, Dogma and it's staff want to insure you and your pets are part of their family! RVA should celebrate that fact, Dogma has proven itself...year after year as a locally owned/operated staple of the community. I recommend them for anything needed to help your pets live a long, love filled, happy life! read more

Dogma Grooming & Pet Needs - Home - Pet Stores Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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We had a very positive experience coming here, in both the store area and getting one of our doggos groomed. We have a small Bischon Poodle mix and he was looking pretty rough, but they took really good care of him and even called and told us how well he behaved. We came a different day to check out the store and see if we could find a specific flea and tick spray you hook up to the garden hose. They didn't have it, but said it was going to be ordered and in stock. They did have the small spray bottles we we bought a couple. The staff was very friendly and helpful and gave suggestions on multiple items. We will come back again for sure. read more

I called to be certain that they had a specific type of dog food. I drove over an hour after told yes. I got there and not only did they NOT have it the worker didn't even apologize she just walked away! read more

It really saddens me to post this today. I have been an extremely happy and very pleased customer for 10 years. Me and my Aussie's have always been treated wonderful and with kindness. I'm really not sure what has happened, but I dropped by the store to get "Sammie's" nails cut and talked to "Daniel" about the possibility of bringing her in the following week for a TRIM and no bath because she's getting over a broken leg. He, as always, was very sweet and said I could bring her in for the TRIM several days later. When I dropped her off we discussed again for her to get a TRIM overall since she's been laying on one side. He repeated it back to me twice. I came back 45 minutes later and she was SHAVED. I paid and left because I was so upset that I couldn't breath. She's recovering from the leg break, now winter is coming and she's shaved to her skin. Two areas look like rug burn. My friend called and asked to talk to DeeDee and was told she was out of town until 11/17/20, Tuesday. I had to go back a day later to get her flea collar and the sweet person at the register had made a goodie bag and apologized by following up that DeeDee would be in touch. It's Thursday and I still have not gotten a phone call, email...NOTHING. I'm not the customer who complains but I feel this is not to be overlooked. I believe in local business but I will never recommend or go back to a place who can't contact a loyal customer read more

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Very accommodating to my difficult dogs! We are in and out in a jiffy and nobody shames me or my dogs for their anxious behavior. My one dog squirms and cries while getting his nails done. I have had MULTIPLE groomers give up and suggest I go to the vet to get him sedated. The vet is expensive and honestly I cannot imagine sedating my dog every month for a nail trim. Dogma has him in and out in a matter of minutes. My other dog is super high anxiety and bombards the public with barking whenever we take her out. They are so calm and loving with her. Because they do such a quick job, she doesn't have to suffer through the stress of being out of her comfort zone for an extended period of time. Love them- highly recommended. read more

Thank you for providing a great walk in nails service. Great staff & environment. They genuinely care for pets

Dogma's staff is great! Didi is absolutely fantastic and truly cares about the dogs that come into Dogma (she even remembers not only your name, but your dog's too!) It takes a few weeks to get your first appointment, but once you're on their books, they will set up a year's worth of appointments. My miniature golden-doodle, Larry, has soft, wavy hair that needs a cut every 6 weeks or so. Dogma is wonderful about making any adjustments to the type of cut or fur length every time he goes in for his appointment. As a first time dog owner, I was very cautious about choosing a groomer to leave my little guy with. At first, I tried another shop in the area, but left without getting Larry groomed because I was uncomfortable with the woman running the shop. After trying a 2nd groomer near my office with "eh" results, I found Dogma and it's the only place I will probably ever take my pup. read more

I started taking my dog here in December of 2011. I preferred them over Petsmart because they seemed like they were more patient with the animals. My dog has had 1 haircut with them and has had his nails trimmed on several occasions. Until yesterday, I hadn't had any problems with them. I brought my dog in for a summer cut (I got his last summer cut at Petsmart and hadn't had any issues). I knew he was a matted some, but this isn't anything new as they had cut his hair before. I had a bad feeling when I dropped him off but just ignored it until I received the phone call that he was ready to be picked up. The woman was very hesitant on the phone and just wanted to 'warn me' that they had cut my dog's neck and then glued a chunk of hair on top of it so he looks 'differen't.' I just sat there thinking she would offer a discount or apology and got neither. I went to pick him up and I got nothing but excuse after excuse. I looked at the spot and there was blood around the cut, which obviously means they cut deep enough to draw blood. The woman actually had the audacity to tell me that my dog didn't feel it. Are you kidding me?! How does she know that?! A cut that deep would be VERY hard to ignore. She then proceeded to tell me on several occasions that he was sweet but not the easiest dog to groom. Um, this was the first of me hearing something like that. Plus, aren't they supposed to be trained in knowing how to handle all types of dogs? She also told me that he would probably get cut again next time. Awesome. Definitely will NOT be bringing my dog back to this place. All I was looking for was an apology and all they did was try to place blame elsewhere. It's one thing if your dog walks out of there with a bad haircut, but an entirely different thing when they harm your animal. I saw a review below that stated a similar occurrence. I only wish I had seen that before I took my pup in this last time. I would not recommend Dogma to anyone who has a dog that won't sit 100% still during a haircut. God forbid they get cut too. read more

The store front is a little cramp, but they have quite a bit for their size. Their dog food selection is all of the highest quality and the toys and collars are unique. What they really excel in is their grooming. I've taken 2 of my dogs here and they have come back good as new. Really, they looked great and didn't seem as stressed here. I also give them kudos for donating their grooming services to the SPCA. I've seen them turn beasts into beauties. Thanks guys! read more

I love this place. So a warm and wonderful vibe. They have an obvious affection for the animals. They even cut my rabbit's nails and have for several years. I can't say enough good things! read more

I took my dog here this morning and was really excited-- I had heard great things and it was voted one of the best in the Richmond area. I don't like how it's not by appointment though...I dropped my dog off at 8 this morning and he wasn't ready until 4. When I finally was able to pick him up, I was SHOCKED! I like his hair long and asked them to just trim him up.... Instead they SHAVED him. I asked why he was shaved and the owner couldn't give me a real reason. After I told them how very unhappy I was and I could not believe they shaved my dog when I specifically had asked them not to, the owner tried to turn it around on me ! It was ridiculous and I am extremely disappointed. If you have a dog who's breed requires a little more attention for grooming then do NOT take him to dogma. read more

We use Dogma for trimming our dog's nails. Being too timid to cut them, we leave this to the experts. Not only does the staff tell us how adorable our dog is (duh), they are super nice. We have never noticed any issue with their work and our dog is always happy to get her nails done. Too many places can cut them too short, but not Dogma. Dogma also offers food, toys, treats, and all critter accessories you could need. read more

My dog's favorite place in Carytown...every time we approach the intersection, she pulls towards the shop. Staff is very helpful, playful with the animals, courteous, and the shop is clean. Pricing is also very competitive. I use Acana brand dog and cat food and their pricing is lower than other local shops, especially those within walking distance of my home. Bring your pet in a let them decide if they enjoy it. read more

if i could give them a -0 they rush you in and out of there! my first visit at dogma complete disaster do not waste your money!! went back to talk to manager today to show them how they completely ruined my springers grooming and asked for a credit not a complete refund but a credit... she said that is how it is supposed to look!! anyone considering professional grooming do not use this place apparently they just hired all new staff and dont train them well!!!!!! read more

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The retail section is fine/nothing special. I have never used them for grooming. I originally went to Dogma when I was looking for a new food for my dog. Every food I had tried made her sick. The woman who I assume is the owner/manager (she's always there) suggested a food, and I bought it. She told me that if it did not work for my dog, I could bring it back. How nice! The food made my dog sick, and I brought it back. The same woman was there, and she acted like I was trying to rob her by bringing this food back. She told me she has "TEN YEARS of experience selling dog food" and there was absolutely no way this food irritated my dog. Yes, she may have taken a loss by accepting the return. However, the product I was buying was dog food--obviously something I am going to buy again in the future. If she had taken the return, given me great service, and helped me find another food, I would have been a repeat customer. She did take the return, but she made me feel so bad about it that I just order dog food online now. By the way, when I switched to a grain-free food, all of my dog's upset stomach and allergy symptoms went away. read more

I have a cat with rather long hair and finding a groomer who takes cats can be difficult. I was excited when Dogma said they take cats too. I got up rather early to drop Ferguson, my cat, off for a cut and wash. I trekked through the snow and dropped him off at 7:30 before work. The two people there were very friendly and seemed to interact well with him. I received a call around 11:30 informing me that they had been unable to get Ferguson out of his crate. To be fair, I know that he doesn't like dogs (which I warned them of when I made the appointment), but they assured me that he would be fine. So from 7:30 to 11:30 he was stuck in his crate. I didn't want him to be in there too long so I had to leave work early to pick him up at 2:30. At that point he had been in his crate for 7 hours. When I arrived the manager explained that he wouldn't come out of his crate which is unusual for him (because his crate is on the small side). She also said that he attacked them, which I can't say he didn't, but he's never attacked anyone before. Even at the vet he doesn't get that angsty. She informed me that if cats are reluctant they don't push them because they're "more dangerous than German shepherds," which I find incredibly hard to believe. I just expected professional groomers to be able to coax a cat out of a crate. To me that seems to be part of the job especially since he has been groomed before with no issues. Overall this was a frustrating experience for me. I expected to get a service that I didn't receive, my cat was stuck in a crate for 7 hours, and I had to give him a bath myself since he was stuck in a crate for 7 hours and had peed. I would have been better off never booking the visit. Maybe this place is okay for dogs, but if you have a cat I definitely wouldn't recommend it. read more

They are very friendly and accommodating. I have been very pleased with the grooming they have provided for our Maltese. He is always happy when we pick him up and looks absolutely adorable with the haircut they give him. read more

I took my dog there, and they did a decent job, but there were still some mattes left in her hair, she had come home with three more fleas than when we dropped her off (for the record, she had had zero), and her nail was bleeding from over-trimming. When I called Dogma, they were extremely rude and offered no customer service or apology. In fact, they made it sound like their poor-handling was all my fault. They did say I should take her back in the following Saturday and see what could be done. When I took her in, they claimed they had no idea I was planning on bringing her back in, and were very defensive. They said they could see no mattes, and that she probably got fleas in their parking lot. When I told the manager that we use a flea collar as well as the skin cream, she claimed that the collars generally don't work, and she questioned the last time I had applied the cream. She also said that over-trimming was very common so that wasn't their fault... Instead of offering any apology, they were attacking and completely rude. They clearly don't care they lost a customer. I will certainly never go back there. read more