Frequently Asked Questions

Why mobile grooming?
Mobile grooming is a convenient service for pet parents, but for some pets, it's a necessity. It eliminates the stress of separation from home and family. There's no sitting in cages, no car rides, and pets receive the one-on-one undivided attention they deserve. It also reduces the risk of catching diseases or parasites from other dogs at a grooming shop. 

Do I have to be home for the grooming?
No, we can arrange to groom your dog(s) while you're away. However, we recommend that you be present for the first couple of appointments so everyone can get to know each other. As long as we have access to your pet, payment, and detailed instructions for their grooming, you don't need to be present for future appointments.

Can you come to my office instead?
Yes, we can come to your office or another location, provided it is reasonably close to our service area. Please note that your appointment day may change according to our routing and scheduling system.

Why does mobile grooming cost more than a shop?

Mobile grooming does cost more, but the benefits outweigh the extra expense. It's a premium service that offers convenience for you and extra care and one-on-one uninterrupted attention for your dog. 

Do you need to plug into my electricity or water?
No, our state-of-the-art mobile grooming van is a completely self-contained unit specifically designed for pet grooming. It has a generator for power and carries 50 gallons of fresh water onboard for a full day’s grooming. On rare occasions, during back-to-back appointments with large dogs, we may run low on water. In such cases, we may ask to fill a portion of the tank using a hose at your home. We appreciate any assistance you can provide. 

Do you reuse your water?
Definitely not. All used "gray water" is stored in a separate tank and properly disposed of at a facility each night. 

Is the van really a safe place for my pet?

Yes, absolutely! Our brand-new, state-of-the-art mobile pet salon is designed specifically for pet grooming by industry leader Wag'n Tails. It comes equipped with everything we need to groom your dog and ensure their safety and comfort. The salon is climate-controlled, has temperature-controlled running water, and even features a stereo to play soothing sounds. In our mobile salon, your pup can always expect a clean, calm environment to unwind and enjoy the process.

Am I allowed inside the van while my pet is being groomed?

Due to safety reasons, no one other than employees of Bow Tie Mobile Pet Grooming may be inside the van. On rare occasions, we might ask a pet parent to step in to assist with nervous or shy pups.

What type of products do you use?
We only use premium shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for pets. Some of the products we use include Tearless Blueberry Facial, Luxury Plum Silky, Soothing & Medicated Lav ‘n Derm, EZ Out, Flea and Tick, and Truly Hypo"Aloe"Genic, among others. Feel free to discuss options with your groomer. 

Can I provide my own shampoo or other products?
We can only use products labeled and designed specifically for your pet's type and situation, and strictly in accordance with the label's instructions. The same applies to any medicated products prescribed or provided by a veterinarian. Aside from that, we prefer to use our products to ensure the highest quality groom possible.

My pet has allergies, what can you do for them?
This is a common concern, and we are prepared for these special cases. We offer options for pets with allergies, such as Hypo"Aloe"Genic. Feel free to discuss your options with your groomer. It's also helpful to inform us about any special needs your pet may have when you book an appointment.

What can you do for pets with fleas?
We recommend a two-step process for pets with fleas. First, a bath with an environmentally-friendly flea-based shampoo, which eradicates present fleas and helps soothe skin irritation caused by flea bites. Second, a monthly flea prevention treatment, such as Advantix, Comfortis, Frontline, NexGard, etc. There are many good products available. We recommend consulting your veterinarian for advice.

What are your hours of operation?
8am - 8pm, Monday through Sunday. We are closed for the six major holidays of the year.

What areas do you service?
We proudly serve the following zip codes: 75013, 75024, 75025, 75093, 75033, 75034, 75035, 75036, and 75078. Additionally, we make an effort to accommodate customers outside our service area by suggesting meetings at shopping centers within our service area.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle. We also accept major credit cards, but a convenience fee of 2.9% will be added to the final amount. 

I'm a new client and want my pet groomed. What is the process?
We kindly ask you to check our service area and explore our packages. Then, fill out the quick quote/book form. After submission, we will contact you shortly to address any special needs your pet might have, provide you with an estimate, and discuss scheduling availability.

What vaccination does my pet need in order to book a grooming appointment?

Rabies is the only vaccine required for grooming clients. Additionally, we require that at least 24 hours have passed since your dog received any vaccines due to potential side effects and the possibility of negative reactions to vaccinations shortly after they are administered.

How does your pricing work? 

Our prices are determined based on the time required to complete the requested grooming service and the amount of products used. You can find detailed information on our rates and packages here. 

Why is my quote only an estimate, and can I get upfront final pricing?
We're quite good at providing accurate estimates based on prior services and our experience with similar breeds. Texting us a recent picture of your pet will certainly help. However, the final price may vary depending on factors such as coat condition (e.g., matting), and your pet's cooperation, as we don’t always know in advance how the appointment will go.

Should I tip my groomer?
Our groomers take great pride in providing exceptional care and service to your pets. If you wish to show your appreciation, gratuity is appreciated and can be conveniently added to your payment or given in cash.

Do dogs really need to be groomed?
Yes, absolutely! Regular grooming is critical to their health and comfort. Dogs have evolved over time to live with people and require our help to maintain their health. Without proper grooming, they will suffer ill health and discomfort.

How often should my dog be groomed?
Generally, about every four to six weeks. However, it also depends on the breed, lifestyle, environment (indoor/outdoor), activities, and how often they are brushed at home. We will work with you and your dog to develop a grooming plan that meets their needs.

How do I get my dog on a regular grooming schedule?
To get on a regular grooming schedule, simply let your groomer know your preferred frequency after the first appointment. Additionally, we offer latchkey appointments to further accommodate your needs.

Does frequent bathing harm my dog's coat?
No, veterinarians encourage regular grooming. We use high-quality shampoos and conditioners to help relieve dry, itchy skin.

My dog sheds a lot, what can you do to help?

To address shedding, we offer a specialized treatment called "The Shed Who Loved Me." This de-shedding service includes specialty shampoo, humane brushing before, during and after bathing with specialized tools, and an undercoat blowout. 

Do You Groom Cats?

At the moment, we only groom short-haired cats, offering a bath and brush package with a de-shedding treatment option. We also offer a ‘just-nails’ service, available at our location only on designated days. Please inquire for more details.

Do You Groom Senior Pets?

Yes, absolutely! As pets age or develop health conditions, they may not tolerate lengthy grooming procedures. We prioritize their comfort and safety, ensuring they are groomed in simple styles for cleanliness and comfort. We handle senior pets with care and compassion, making the grooming process as stress-free as possible.

What age is considered senior for my pet?

Dogs are considered seniors at different ages based on their breed size: Small breeds at age 11, medium breeds at age 10, large breeds at age 8, and giant breeds at age 7. Cats are considered seniors at age 11.

What if my dog has separation anxiety or separation distress and cannot be alone?

We might ask you to step inside for assistance. Please consider our husbandry grooming training and work with our groomers to help your dog overcome it. Additionally, consult a veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication. Once their separation anxiety is managed, you can schedule a regular grooming session. 

What if my dog takes calming or anti-anxiety medication for grooming?

Please remember to administer the medication on time and strictly follow the dosage instructions from your veterinarian. Typically, it takes about two hours for the medication to take effect, depending on the dog's size, medication, and dosage.

What if my pet is unable to be finished due to behavioral issues?

We have experience working with nervous and shy dogs and understand that pets need time to adjust. Our top priority is your pet’s well-being and safety. If your pet shows signs of distress or aggression, impedes the grooming process, or creates an unsafe situation for itself or the groomer, we reserve the right to end the grooming session and return your pet to you. In such cases, the payment for the scheduled service is still due to compensate for the groomer's time and efforts.