9/19/25 I took my 8 yr. old samoyed to the Flying Fur Palace located at: 15 AVON RD BRANFORD, CT. OWNER: LAURA GIARDIELLO This groomer does not even deserve 1 star....totally incompetent. After nearly 6 hours in the groomers' "care" I picked up my Samoyed (Noelle), a champion show dog of high pedigree. I was devastated to see what the groomer had done to my dog. (See attached photos) and documentation) WITHOUT MY CONSENT she completely shaved Noelle. I did not even recognize my dog upon entering the groomers' basement. I was beyond devastated. After 4 hours the owner, LAURA GIARDIELLO texted me saying: "All done with grooming... had to shave her.....the matting was too much for me to de-matt". In reality, she was too lazy to properly groom a double-coated dog. The ONLY reason to completely shave a double-coated dog is due to a medical/surgery issue. I was appalled when she didn't even offer an apology nor explanation for her careless act. At this juncture I am seriously considering taking legal action against this groomer and THE FLYING FUR PALACE business. Be cautious of pet groomers who work from their private residence who "work from home" (their basements) as they allegedly are not monitored closely or or supervised by town or state officials. Note: Groomer's comment to me prior to leaving her shop: "It's OK, you don't have to pay me". Final thought: Groomers in private practice: NEVER shave a double-coated dog.... Also carefully read the 1 and 2 star reviews on The Flying Fur Palace and do your extensive research on local dog groomers read more

See all

I have boarded my dog with Flying Fur over the past two years and it has been reassuring knowing that my dog was left in good hands. The owner and staff are amazing. Dropping off my dog feels like I'm leaving him with family. Captain loves staying at the Flying Fur and playing with all his friends. With the location being right next to the airport make it very easy to catch that flight. Their services are affordable and convenient for your every need. I highly recommend their services. read more

The Flying Fur - Captain - Pet Groomers Near Me - Windsor Locks, Connecticut

Our beloved chihuahua, Peanut, was mauled to death by a pit-bull (possibly an entire group of larger dogs) on or around July 17, 2018, at The Flying Fur. Not a word about this incident has been mentioned in the media, or to the other pet-parents that use the facility. We are spreading the word, so that others become aware and don't make the same mistake we did. The Flying Fur is a popular top-rated dog and cat daycare/boarding facility, which is conveniently located just down the road from Bradley International Airport; the major commercial airport in the CT/Western MA area. Flying Fur has attempted to deceive us about what really happened. The Windsor Locks (CT) Police Department's investigation is still ongoing as of this date (08/11/2018), so I have yet to receive complete details or a report, but police investigation thus far has revealed evidence of wrongdoing on Flying Fur's part. I will gladly share more details as more information becomes available. We feel a profound grief and sense of guilt over having left our pet-child in the care of these strangers. Peanut used to go everywhere with us, and everyone knew him, even our coworkers. This was the first time in his life that we did not take him with us, as we couldn't take him on this trip, and we couldn't find anyone to care for him for the six days we would be away. We decided on Flying Fur but did not first do a walkthrough of this facility, and it's a mistake we can't take back. read more

Don't come here if you're disabled and have a service dog. I had an appointment for my service dog to be groomed. I normally go to The Pet Spa in East Hartford but needed a groom quick because my dog blew his coat early and was getting dirty on his behind. I had told the woman on the phone when I made the appointment that I had to wait for him because I cannot function properly without my dogs help. I was told that wasn't a problem and made it appear it would be quick. When I came in today the "supervisor" told me I'd have to wait 4-5 hours for him to be groomed. 4-5 hours? My normal groomer takes 1 and a half hours tops for him(an Aussie) while I wait. The woman made up all sorts of excuses as to why I would have to wait that long. Don't go here. Their front office has a terrible smell too to boot. Like a super dirty rodent cage. Very strange. Also when I searched for this place looking for Yelp I found out they killed a dog. I'm going to keep going to East Hartford regardless of the drive. read more

This place literally almost killed my German Shepherd when we brought him there for grooming shortly after they opened. When I confronted the owner all I got was an " I could care less" attitude. Needless to say we never used their services again. These people deserve all the bad they can get... read more

We stopped using this kennel after concerns that there were way too many dogs. There never seemed to be a cut off of how many could be kenneled at once and it made us very uneasy to see our small dog with much larger dogs in the open inside play area. It also made us uneasy that tours are not offered of the facility, as many others DO. Why the lack of transparency? The owners/workers were always really nice to our dog but at times, arrogant when we would call to schedule appts. We had hoped things would improve, given they service a lot of dogs but the recent news of a dog death there is disturbing--more so, how the death was handled. Cremating someone's dog without their consent is a display of extremely poor decision making skills on the part of these business owners. read more

I've had great experiences at the Flying Fur. I boarded my cat there for a week and routinely bring my three dogs there for nail clippings. Everybody is very friendly and the service is fast. It's nice to have a place like this so close with so many services. read more

The. Best. Doggy Daycare. Ever. I cannot believe there aren't more reviews of this place. It's family run (and I mean grandpa comes on a holiday at 6am to feed the pups who are boarding.) Alexa is the owner and main groomer. She is so genuine and her entire team simply loves dogs. She grooms really well. They cut nails perfectly too. My dog has been going here for 2 years now, every since I moved to CT. He has boarded there 10+ times I think. Before I moved to CT my dog had been to several other kennels. Since moving here, he had been to 2 others prior to this place. (brief review of one of the places below) This is really the best place. Flying Fur: GREAT location. Closes at 6pm. Dogs play and play right up until you pick them up, until 6pm if you come then. The puppies play area has huge open window to the parking lot, so everyone can see the dogs playing, having fun. Also, at previous kennels, my dog would consistently be returned to me smelling profusely of pee mixed with cleaning spray. Not here. He smells like when I left him there in the morning. How? No idea. He does play with upwards of 15 dogs in one day. Brief side review: Day Hill Kennels...they not only close down right at 5:30, they put the dogs in kennels starting at 3:30 to start cleaning. What's that about? Doggies are typically most energetic in the late afternoons. Also, not the nicest people in my opinion. read more

This is a terrible place with owners that hide the truth and outright lie. There have been many incidents that I heard about first hand. My daughter also got her right hand mauled while working there. They had the nerve to blame her for not following protocol. There were no protocols. they were severely understaffed for the amount of animals they put together. I was and continues to be a nightmare. When she went back, they yelled at her and fired her after a couple weeks. I wouldn't brink a rat into that stinky place. read more

The absolute WORST grooming my dog has ever had. They shaved him so close on his butt the poor guy doesn't even want to sit down and he has a horrible rash.. (razor burn?) Would never go back. and come to think of it, the place does smell. read more

I have been to a few groomers with my dog in the past 8 years. The people here are friendly, the hours are great, the prices are great. This is the ONLY groomer I have ever been to that I would recommend to anyone. They are kind to my animal and considerate of me and my feelings as well. A++++ read more

The Flying Fur - Pippy right after her grooming at Flying Fur - Pet Groomers Near Me - Windsor Locks, Connecticut

We are now at 4 years of using this facility for all our pet needs. Bi-weekly grooming, daycare and long stay boarding when we are away. We couldn't have picked a better facility to take such great care of our 4 family members! Dogs are happy! They take great care of our senior dog as well as the 3 juvenile pups! Grooming is meticulous! We never worry when we're away on trips which is several times a year. Our babies come back happy! Thank you for all you do ! Highly recommended! read more

The Flying Fur - Happy Flying Fur Clients! - Pet Groomers Near Me - Windsor Locks, Connecticut

These people are arrogant. The place stinks to high heaven. The father, Marc, is nothing but a big mouth and a know it all. The daughter (head groomer) is just as bad. I'd take my dog to pet smart or Petco before leaving them there. When you call there, you are made to feel as though you're unconvincing them. The grooms we have seen come out of that place aren't the greatest. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence and this group has crossed the arrogance line with no point of return. read more

I really wanted to love this place since it's so conveniently located, but after 3 grooming attempts, we have decided to look elsewhere. Grooming is really inconsistent. Last time, overall my dog looked great, but this time was really bad. We can see shaving lines on her fur, and her cut is really choppy and uneven. In fact, it's nothing at all like we had asked for. A bad hair cut, I could live with since fur obviously grows back... But my dog acts very strange when coming here and actually tries to run out the front door when we drop her off. We often take her to doggy daycare and the vet and this behavior never occurs. Also.. They ask for a tip and payment before you can see your dog. Weird. Anyways.. Will be looking elsewhere. Other people seem to have raving reviews but not us. read more

This is by far not a 5 star rated dog grooming business. The comments on this page are not legitimately posted. Anyone can go on and give ratings but doesn't mean that they are necessarily legitimate. I can post anything I want to say on here but it doesn't mean it's true. Do they have any awards, have they ever been nominated for anything? That's going to tell you the truth, not the owners friends that can go on the site and post anything to help boost business. read more

The Flying Fur is a caring and safe place to bring your pet. They even do daycare which has helped my dog's behavior so much, she's exhausted by the end of the day and I feel good knowing she was exercised, socialized and well taken care of. Highly recommend! read more

I have been bringing my dog Tank to Flying Fur for grooming & daycare for just over a year. I LOVE this place! Tank is not an easy dog, but the employees are always happy to see him and work with him to make sure that he has a great time at daycare. Whenever he is groomed he always looks amazing! I would recommend this place to anyone! read more

My dogs and I love you guys! If you want a happy and caring groomer, come to The Flying Fur. Great prices. Five star customer service to you and your pups (or kitties). read more

If I could give zero stars I would. Recently an awful story has been circulating on social media regarding the death of another dog. My dog was hurt there too. I regret not being as vocal on social media as I should've been. But, after the tragedy of Peanut I feel I have to speak out. My dog (a six month puppy at the time) went in perfectly fine and came out with fractures down both sides of his hips. They did not take any ownership or responsibility for it. The short story is that my dog went in perfectly fine and came out not able to walk for 8 weeks. They did not say anything to me. When they first brought him out to me I realized he was walking weird and I asked why. They replied "he was probably just sore". I walked him to the car but picked him up to put him in because I could see he was uncomfortable. I got home (5 min down the street) and just didn't feel right, and called The Flying Fur immediately. They stated that they didn't see anything happen and again said "it's normal for puppies to be sore after doggy day care". Went to the vet for xrays, and that's when we learned about the fractures. When I went in to speak with Alexa (who is the daughter of the owners) she was completely unapplogetic and unprofessional. She even stopped me to say "sorry I smile when I'm nervous". During our conversation she had admitted that there was a time where the dogs are left outside with NO SUPERVISION while they "have to clean the inside". This is one of the same excuses she used in the awful situation with Peanut the chihuahua. This story is much longer and has more detail but the Flying Fur is just a terribly run place and should not be allowed to stay open. I am thankful enough that my dog healed. But unfortunately, that wasn't the case for Peanut. I wish I had spoken out sooner. I know so many others who have had bad experiences with them as well, and wish others would also post their experience. Don't risk your pet's health and safety. read more

Staff was nice but the scissor cuts on my silky terrier were very poor and choppy. I had to touch some up when we got home. My mom has a yorkie and her dog looks beautiful after grooming - no choppy marks and uneven cuts. Will have to find a new place to go. $58 for a poor cut. Not happy. read more

My dog love it here! We drop her off in the morning and pick her up after work and not only am I assured I she's been around animal lovers but I know she's having the time of her life playing with all the other pups and jumping in those water troughs! Great for boarding too! Super friendly staff and great prices, I'd recommend Flying Fur to anyone who asks. read more

Koda loves coming to Flying Fur! And her mom loves it too with it being so conveniently locate next to work!

I would not go back & will not recommend. It smelled amazingly unpleasant-- more than any other dog grooming, daycare or boarding place I've ever been to. And they kept our little guy HOURS past when he was supposed to be done and wouldn't explain why it was taking so long. It was nerve wracking. And the staff were stand-offish (I have to agree with others who say they seem arrogant-- like they'll do whatever they want and you can do nothing about it). The grooming was also one of the worst he has had-- very uneven. He is normally very happy, tail wagging and excited at a groomers. Not here. We scheduled at the Flying Fur on the recommendation of a friend/neighbor at a time we couldn't get an appointment at his regular groomer in Suffield. Next time we'll trim him up ourselves or let him go a little longer if he can't get in at his normal place. He will only be going to his regular groomer now. read more

So incredibly sad to say I cannot go back to the flying fur after all these years. I asked for a specific groomer on the phone a week ago when I made my ASAP appointment. During the conversation I asked if the groomer would be there 2x. The person on the phone explained nothing of that he may or may not be there in fact states that he would be calling them after our phone call. I also explained that I would like to drop them off at 8am they said nothing about it being too soon, or that a 10.00 charge would be applied if I did, also never told me that I would be scheduled for 3 hours later. I walked in and I don't have the groomer I have always requested I'm asked 2x for my rabies papers when I said I had them the first time, but as nothing was correct I had more questions than was typical so I didn't rush to get the paperwork when it was asked of me so they became irritated with me. I felt Also the facility was over full perhaps. Full of loud barking dogs. It never sounds liked that before just normal dog chatter. Also more fees, I was over charged once and they refused to adjust it. Ok fine I let it go. So sorry to say 3 strikes and you're out. I have been coming for years always tipped 20.00 and never had complaints with staff, nor had I ever been uncomfortable leaving my dog there. I don't know what happened I loved this place!! read more