Your Dog's First Grooming at Marie's: What to Send and What to Expect

Walking into a new groomer with a nervous dog and a vague idea of what you want is stressful for everyone. At Marie's Pet Grooming, we handle first appointments a little differently, and it all happens before your dog ever steps through the door. Here is what to expect if you are new to us in Fresh Meadows.

Why we do not take walk-ins

Marie's is a by-appointment shop. We do not accept walk-ins, and there is a good reason: every dog gets a block of time set aside for them, and the grooming itself averages two to four hours. A dog who arrives without notice has no time reserved, no paperwork on file and no vaccination records for us to check. Setting up everything ahead of time means your dog gets our full attention once they are in the chair.

What new clients send us

New clients start by email or text, not through the online booking page. Online booking through Square is for current clients only, so a new-client request there will be declined. Email mariespetgrooming@gmail.com, or text (718) 380-7387, and include:

• Your full name.
• Your dog's name.
• Your dog's breed.
• Your dog's approximate weight.
• Your cell phone number.

Along with that message, send the New Client Registration form, which is required, and your dog's vaccination records. If your dog is matted, send the Matted Release Form too. If your dog is eight years or older, we also need the Senior Release Form. Ask us by email or text and we will send the forms over.

Vaccination records matter

New York State law requires that dogs have current Rabies, Distemper (DHPP) and Bordetella vaccinations. We cannot accept a dog without proof of all three. Your vet can send the records directly or you can take a clear photo of them. It is worth checking the dates before you email us, since a vaccine that expired last month will stop the booking.

Booking two weeks ahead

We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. That is the time most clients need to get a spot that works for them. If you need a specific day or time, send it with your first message. After your first visit, you can book future appointments online as a current client, and there is a waitlist on the booking page if a day is full. You can also text us a day and time you would like.

If you have to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 12 hours notice. It lets us offer that time to another dog.

How to describe the cut you want

This is the part owners worry about most, and it is easier than it sounds. Words like "short" and "trim" mean different things to different people. A one-inch trim to one owner is a quarter-inch to another. Photos solve this.

• Text us pictures of your dog's current coat, from the side and from above.
• Send a photo of a cut you like. It can be your dog from a past groom or any dog with the look you want.
• Say what matters most. Is it keeping the ears long? A round teddy-style face? A shorter body for summer? A neat tidy-up with the length left on?
• Mention anything about your dog's coat or skin that we should know, such as tender spots, hot spots or a nervous reaction to the dryer.
• Say how you use the coat. A dog who runs through the park every day needs a different cut than a dog who stays mostly indoors.

One of our reviewers said she messaged us about an appointment, the communication was good, she received pictures of the final result, and her dog got the cut she asked for. That back and forth is how we work, and it begins with your first text.

What the visit looks like

A Spa Bath is a bath without a haircut. It includes a wash, dry, brushing, ear clean, nail trim and a tidy-up trim between the eyes and paws. A Full Groom adds a full body haircut. The VIP package, which we call The Works, adds a nail grind, teeth brushing and a bow or bandana. Anal gland expression is available by request on the main packages. Single services are available too, such as nail trims or ear cleaning, and you can call or text ahead for a quick appointment.

Plan for the day. Grooming averages two to four hours, so you do not need to wait around. We will let you know when your dog is ready.

A few extra notes

• Dogs who need extra time and attention because of their behavior may have a handling fee, a minimum of $25, decided case by case.
• We do not groom cats anymore. Marie's is a dog-only shop.
• Additional fees can apply for extras such as de-matting or flea and tick treatments, so tell us about your dog's coat up front.

Ready to start? Email mariespetgrooming@gmail.com or text (718) 380-7387 with your dog's details and photos. Once your dog is a current client, you can book future visits through /appointment-booking.