This review is for Muse Dog spa. I wouldn't not bring your fur baby here. Owner beware: Literally paid $55 for them to not touch my dog and give him back to me. The first time I took my dog here I paid for the micro bubbles treatment due to his allergies. He came out looking beautiful and soft but as soon as I got him in my truck I realized his nails hadn't been done. I just figured they maybe forgot but he is very good with his nails and they didn't say anything. I literally took him to another groomer on the way home just to get his nails done. Which sucks paying for two grooms in one day. I decided to give them another chance. A few months later I booked an appointment for the next day. The first time I brought him in they loved all over him and really laid out the red carpet. The second time I didn't feel any of this the receptionist was really nice but other than that the groomers seemed like the couldn't be bothered. When I asked about doing his anal glands which on their website they say they do on request I was told they don't do them for a dog his size and he needed to go to a vet. This struck me as odd because the last time I bought him I asked for it and they said okay but didn't confirm with me that it wasn't done but they also didn't do his nails so I wasn't too surprised. The blonde groomer got very rude to my wife very quickly about why they don't do it. I was on the fence about canceling and then the groomer said she'd do them but it was apparent she didn't want to. I literally went out to my truck for under a minute then realized I didn't feel good about him being left alone there after her reaction that maybe she would take it out on my dog. I asked to get my dog back and they charged me $55! He'd been in there for under a minute. They said it was because of the last minute cancellation. I honestly don't understand this business they had it listed on their website that they do it. She was so rude to my spouse and then to charge me $55 on top of it because I didn't feel safe with them grooming my dog just feels ridiculous. All in all I don't recommend them. I've never been to a grooming salon that was so rude and unprofessional. My wife was literally crying they were so rude to her when I came back into the truck with our dog. Still can't believe they charged me for a cancellation when they were so rude to me about doing a treatment that is listed on their website. Hopefully they'll read this post and at least update their website and that this review prevents other pet parents from feeling like this. read more

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the owner Angela and her incredible staff. They are a delight to work with and will listen to exactly what you want. It was our pups FIRST cut and Angela did such a great job!! I showed her pictures of what we wanted and she made it happen! I also think it's really important to highlight that the staff and owner really love animals! I felt like our pup was being cared for and looked after. Scheduling was easy and my dog was done with his grooming exactly when they said he would be. Drop off was simple (even with COVID), I called when I arrived, and they came out and got him. When I picked him up, they brought out the card machine and I was out of there in 2 minutes. I am a client for life and will be spreading the word about how wonderful these folks are and the quality of their grooming! Thank you, Karen's Custom Grooming! read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I find that most groomers aren't " people "people". Not so at Karen's! The staff likes humans as much as dogs and are very caring and friendly. Our Maltese Terrier mix hates grooming, so we always put it off until the last minute. Karen's does an awesome job of cleaning her up and making her look great. Shout out to Angela who greeted us when we came in, she's one of the the reasons we will return ! Nina gives you four stars too! read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - She already took her bows out! But she looks great!! - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Again what a complete lie by muse !!! I came to pick up my dog 3 hours after I dropped him off I was not early I dropped him off at his appointment time at 11:00 and was told to pick him up at 3. I even have a credit card transaction after that time when I was forced to pay you before you gave me my dog back. When I said I'm not paying you and you can't keep my dog you said oh yes I can!!! To lie and say the safely of your employee? She wasn't even in the same room you sent her in the back with my dog and that's when I said give me my dog back I'll pay you the f-ing money!!! And then you walked back over from grooming another dog and forced me to pay before you would give me my dog . The fact that you would threaten me with keeping my dog from me until I payed you is just crazy !!!!! Yes I was visibly upset AFTER YOU RAN MY DOG BACK IN THE BACK ROOM AND SAID I COULDN'T HAVE HIM INTIL I PAYED!!!!! That's the crazy part !!!!!!! You care nothing about an owner and their dogs and the relationship.... For you to say oh yes I can keep him!!!!! I knew I had to pay you and get out!!!! I am upset that you would go on here and lie!!!! Better you say nothing than to lie! read more

Decided not to groom my dog because it had never been to a groomers before (it's 1.5 years old) and she didn't want to deal with the dog potentially being nervous on it's first groom. Another example of 'sure I'll have your business, but only your easy business'. She recommended I see a 'mobile groomer' (for my long haired lhasa apso, known to require speciality grooming...). I'm very happy to have discovered this now, as if I'd made the relationship with the groomer and later found out this was their attitude and my dog developed a medical problem or went a bit senile, I'd have been pretty devestated. I wouldn't trust my dog with a groomer who doesn't have the right level of empathy or confidence in their skill to cope with a dog's first groom. read more

This is my new spot. It was really convenient for me to drop off my dog curbside and have Angela, the new owner, take possession of my dog and carry her to get groomed. Upon picking up Charlie, she looked great. It was the best grooming she's had. I even said this 2-3 times to my roommate and my roommate agreed. I recommend supporting good local businesses. I will be with Angela for as long as I live in San Diego. Angela did a good job. read more

What a wonderful job Angela did on our little Sami. Shop is clean and friendly and my pup was ready within the time frame quoted. VERY reasonable prices too! I love supporting small business especially when they are this good. I'll be a lifetime client. read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - Perfect spa day for my pup' - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We had a great experience! Everyone was nice, welcoming and made my grumpy old guy comfortable enough to get his nails clipped without a muzzle. He's shiny, happy and CLEAN! read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Love this place everyone is super on it! The owner and groomers all very nice and really pay attention to detail. Hapa needs his ear hair pulled to avoid infections and the groomer takes care of that for us, we also like Hapa to have a "cute little beard" after all beards are in right? They are totally into it. LOL ..Five stars read more

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I thought I would try a new groomer that was very close to my home. Boy was that I mistake! Upon dropping my dog off, he was immediately uneasy. He is usually very happy to see new people and other dogs, but not here. The staff were rude on several occasions during the drop off and pick up. The place was filthy. hair and dust everywhere, even on the business cards at the front. When we got home, I noticed my dog's eyes were red. The next morning he couldn't open his right eye. After an emergency vet visit and an additional $200 bill, he was diagnosed with a scratched Cornea. Things that make you go, hmmm! Definitely not worth the $72 bath for my baby. Buyer's beware! read more

I travel to Carlsbad three or four times a year. When I am in town, there are times when I need to get my 4 pound Yorkie groomed. Each time I call they are booked months in advance, and even mention that their waitlist is very long, as well. Perhaps they should post on their website that they are not taking new clients, unless you are willing to wait months for an appointment. I'm very happy that their business is booming, but it makes it hard for us other pet owners who cannot make appointments months advance. read more

I found this place before I moved to Carlsbad while we were on vacation and they were really great and sweet. But when we finally moved to Carlsbad last year, I tried out some groomers that are close to our place and I don't know what they did but my dog has been so scared and hard(er)to groom. So I called Angela again, and am very grateful for her and Yvonne for not giving up on him. This is the best groomers and I love how they really care about your pets. Thank you! read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My son and I tried get info in order to bring my boy , and I'm standing there and there are 4 woman working and it's just my son and my self , no one have the gesture of just acknowledge we were there and I tried to make my self notice asking about a dog there super cute and they said his name was OLIVER, the older lady named Karen turn herself towards me with this hatred in her face and my son said , mom why is she looking at you very mad , and that was all the attention I had in this place , it's just amazing how they treated us with out any respect not even for my son read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - It's the closest I'll get , The older woman who is the said her name is Karen - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I have been going to Karen's grooming for multiple years now and they are great! All employees are so kind with my little 15 year old chihuahua and make him feel like he's going to the ritz carton each visit they even take note of me being a laker fan and dress him in purple and gold ribbon or neck scarf when he's done with his spa day! Absolutely love this place! read more

had an appointment for our dog Kody a week prior For 12 pm. 7/23/22. Got there exactly at noon. Nobody acknowledged me and Kody. I proceeded to explain to an employee of the establishment that Kody had a 12 noon bathe. She said ok, then the, I believe the owner stepped in and said that the lady who did Kody's bathe retired and no one else will do Kody because he bites. I said you should have told me over the phone. I wasted the morning to get Kody ready and drive a half hour for nothing. Kody does not bite, but he will intimidate you. He's very smart. I told her that. Not very professional and nice of what she did. I saw other reviews about Karen's Custom Dog Grooming and were the same as mine. She doesn't take responsibility of her actions. I gave it a 5 star review of the grooming shop last year. What a difference a year makes. That retired groomer that bathed Kody was great!!! read more

The very best!!! Whenever I am in town I bring Lola to Angela for a day at the spa!! She comes home rested and beautiful!! I have complete confidence bringing my girl there. read more

We tried Karen because of her proximity to our home. She was highly recommended by our vet, also in the same shopping center. Costumer service is a "take it or leave it" attitude. Show up late and your dog will be there all day. That was on us. Drop off at 8:00 am and you'll be fine. Second visit. Called to schedule an appointment: "to be honest your dog (puppy) was too much of a handful, we don't have any appointments available." Wow! Really? This is YOUR PROFESSION. Strike the profession part--Not Professional. read more

I love bringing my bosses doxens here. They always get me in last minute and I'm always happy with the results for these little guys and they are as well! read more

My dog always looked great after grooming, however, after requesting that they did not shave her lower belly/privates EVERY TIME we dropped her off, they still did so on several occasions. The first time this occurred, we had to take our dog to the vet. We informed them and continued to request that they not shave her in this way. We continued to work with them but it has been hit and miss. The last appointment will be our last one. After grooming, despite reminding the groomer we handed her to, they shaved her lower belly and privates very close. She would not go out for normal potty activities for 5 days after our last visit and kept sitting, instead of going. The area was red, puffy and irritated. Their location is convenient and grooming is good but a traumatized dog is not worth it! read more

Karen will give you exactly what you want when it comes to your dog's grooming needs and the style you wish to maintain. Recently, I had an unconventional grooming requests for my dog's breed, but Karen made it happen and it works perfect for the summer season. I believe Karen once worked as a veterinary technician so she has a keen sense of her client dog's health. A year ago, Karen identified my dog's weight and coat issues upon my first visit to her. While I thought the coat issue was a result of stress and climate change from Texas to California move, Karen pinpointed it to a deficiency in the diet. I took Karen's recommendation on the food she suggested and my dog's coat and weight exponentially improved. Not to mention, my dog still enjoys his food which has never been an easy feat to achieve. Karen saved me vet fees and wasteful spending experimenting with dog foods to remedy the issue. Thanks, Karen. read more

So thankful for Angela and her staff. They do such a great job every single time I bring in my two Persian cats to be groomed and shaved. As you can imagine, this is not an easy task and they do such a great job, my cats do not come home traumatized and Angela and her staff are so friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend them and so grateful for the wonderful service they provide. read more

First time here, I'm visiting from out of town and dogs needed grooming they managed to get me an appointment on short notice. They did a great job , super nice people, definitely will return . Thanks!!!! read more

WOW! What can I say bout Karen's grooming other than FABULOUS! my little "husband with fur" Louis is not the sweetest little guy to get groomed but Karen seems to do an EXCELLENT job! He actually gets excited when we get close to her shop! She can occasionally be hard to get into but thats because she does GREAT work and really does care about the animals! I'm very impressed with Karen and her friendly staff. I also find the shop to be very clean and in a great location! I highly recommend this place! Ive taken Louis there twice and never had anything but excellent experiences! read more

It was our first time. Other groomers told me I couldn't have my labradoodle hair long. She looks so cute . Best grooming ever, now she's fluffy read more

Thank you Karen's Custom Grooming! Our little Zoe needed some professional grooming. Now we get to see her sweet face. She has her summer cut so that she can enjoy the beach. We appreciate the care you gave her. Thanks again for accommodating us before the holiday! read more

Karen's Custom Grooming - Zoe, before and after - Pet Groomers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

So impressed with these guys. Guru is a long hair Cavapoo pup who was developing some some matting. I tried a few other groomers who really couldn't take the time of day to consider any options besides a buzz cut. The team at Karen's took their time to talk about exactly what our options were, keeping his comfort top of mind. I was amazed with the results. While the shop was certainly busy at drop off and pickup, they didn't have the same frantic vibe other shops seem to develop. They have a welcoming family feel here and we absolutely plan to continue coming back. read more

This has changed to Muse Dog Spa. She had been groomed her at least 3 times with no problem. I was unable to make an appt before 5 weeks and used Biosilk on her at least three times to avoid matting since I was unable to make and appt within 8 weeks because of her move to Muse Dog Spa from Karen's Dog Grooming. When she finally groomed her, she shaved her down to NO hair, avoiding that I had used Biosilk to avoid matting. Anyway, she groomed her down to NO hair, which must have taken 10 minutes and charged me $86. I had no idea this was going to happen and when I saw her the first time with no hair, I just sat down and cried. She showed me and my toy poodle NO respect as an owner and I simply cried, because I had never seen her groomed like this. She has been groomed for 13 years with no problems and no tears. When she came home she realized what had happened to her for the very first time and went into my dark closet and spent the day there. She knew what had happened as well as me. We were devastated because she did not tell us this was going to happen, never contacted me to warm me. Had she done that things would have been much different. I am absolutely devastated that this happened to my previous baby and I related this to her with absolutely no understanding on her part. read more

I brought my dog here for his first professional grooming and had such a great experience! Upon entering the place was very cute and and I was quickly greeted by the owner. I have a very nervous dog but all of the groomers were very friendly and he seemed to take to them. I returned a few hours later and he was ready to go. He looked great and his fur has never been so soft! Plus they put an adorable bandana on him that I loved. We will definitely be back! read more

This place has gone down hill, Karen is no longer the owner and the level of customer service has declined, appointments are made and canceled without notice. No matter what you request for haircut they cut them the way they want. My dogs all got ear infections. Don't think they will stay in business with this level of service. Time to find a new place for my dogs read more

Overpriced. My dog has gone here several times and we've given detailed instructions on his cut. Last time the groomer took it upon herself to shave his face extra causing him to look completely different than his usual cut. Pretty disappointing considering the price. read more

I chose Karens Custom Grooming because they came highly recommended. My experience was not 5 star at all. My dog came out looking ridiculous, like he had been shaved straight up the back in one spot like a skunk. I was so disappointed. I asked for about half the length taken off, but most importantly I wanted it blended. I'm not sure how many times I asked for blended but it was a lot. I also said if you need to go shorter thats ok, just blended! Picked up my dog 7 hours later and it was laughable. I couldn't imagine that this was the work of someone experienced. She told me to come back the next day and she will take it shorter which I reluctantly agreed to but she kept saying "if I take it shorter he will be bald". Well, I don't want bald either, so I called and asked for my money back (something I have never done). She told me I could come back right then and she would fix it, well no...I was just there she should have offered to fix it when I was there! I appreciate them giving me my money back, but based on my first experience with them I can not recommend them, nor will I ever be back. Took my dog to Sydneys and now he looks perfect, it cost $20 less and he was done in 3 hours. read more

The first time she groomed my little Yorkie she did s nice job. She's way to busy, hectic place this time it took from 8:00 am drop off to 2:20 pm which I had to call to get her because I had to get to an appt. She or whoever did her rushed finishing so one side of her face was longer then the other and the fan over the nose between the eyes, one side was cut jagged the other ok. Prices have gone up so maybe she won't be as busy, at least she's lost my business and referrals. read more

I have been a satisfied customer of Karen's for 12 years. My Lhaso just had her 15th birthday and Karen always does such a great job on Muffy. We also have another dog, Scooter, and he walks into the shop with his tail wagging. I drive from Encinitas to have them groomed. You can't go wrong here...Karen and her staff are real pros and will make your fur people look beautiful. read more

This place is great! We have been having our cocker spaniel/poodle groomed all over the country for the past 5 years and Karen's Custom Grooming is by far the best. The prices are very reasonable and the quality is awesome! We prebook our next appointment every time. read more

I've been using Karen's since 1998. No matter how soiled, matted or scruffy I let my prized poodles get, Karen's brings them back to form. Is she cheap? Nope. Is she fast? Nope. But, she is wonderful with the dogs (no fighting to get them in the door) and they come out happy, healthy and beautiful. Do they make ME feel good? Well, when my dogs are kept up, yes. When I bring them in looking scruffy - no. I don't bring the dogs to Karen so the staff can massage my ego; I bring them to Karen so the dogs thrive. If I want my ego massaged, I go to Nordstrom. If I want the dogs groomed to show ring perfection, I go to Karen. read more

I have been going to Karen for well over two years. I love the way she beautifies my Cocker Spaniel, Banjo. I get complimented every single day on his cut and have Karen to thank for it. Excellent and helpful whenever I have questions. I never have to worry about my dog getting hurt by clippers or anything else. I feel great recommending Karens Grooming. read more

I've tried mobile dog grooming as well as many others in both Encinitas and Carlsbad and Karen's is the best. They never just shave the dogs, they groom based on the breed and personality. The dogs are well cared for. I won't go anywhere else. They are very very busy which is a good sign that they do a wonderful job. read more

Super nice on the phone. Found a way to get my wife's dog clipped that day even with a busy schedule. Did a good job but it was more expensive than they promised because they said it was matted. They should have said something when I dropped off the dog. Happy overall. read more

Called for an apt and prices and the extremely rude lady on the phone was far from helpful. Must not care about new business.

Karen's Custom Grooming in Carlsbad, Calif., stands as a testament to canine coiffeur .Karen has groomed my white poodle, CiCi, for -- good lord, is it 14 years already! -- and CiCi still stops traffic in Karen's lion cut. She and her staff groom other breeds and cats, too. Karaen's customers rate her as the best groomer in Sa Diego North County. read more