New clients
Your first visit to Pawsh
Everything you need to know before your pet’s first groom: vaccines, what to bring, how drop-off and pickup work, and how we help nervous pets settle in.
Vaccinations
Required for every pet
To keep every pet in the salon healthy, we need proof of current vaccines from your vet before the first groom.
Dogs
Rabies, DHPP (distemper and parvo) and Bordetella (kennel cough), given at least 48 hours before the visit.
Cats
Rabies and FVRCP. Indoor-only cats need them too; it’s North Carolina law for rabies.
Puppies
From about 10 weeks, after their second round of DHPP and their Bordetella vaccine. Rabies once they’re old enough.
Checklist
Before you come in
A few minutes of prep makes drop-off quick and the groom easier on your pet.
- Email or bring proof of rabies, DHPP and Bordetella (cats: rabies and FVRCP)
- Take your dog for a potty walk just before drop-off
- Bring dogs on a leash and cats in a secure carrier
- Bring a photo of the haircut you like, if you have one
- Tell us about lumps, allergies, sore spots or anxiety
- Leave a phone number you’ll answer, so we can text you
On the day
Drop-off to pickup
1
Drop off
Arrive at your booked time. Check-in takes five minutes: we weigh your dog, look over the coat and agree the plan and price.
2
Groom
Your pet goes straight to their groomer. Breaks, treats and water whenever they need them.
3
We text you
You get a text, usually with a photo, as soon as your pet is ready. Most baths take one to two hours, full grooms two to four.
4
Pick up
Please collect within an hour of our text. You pay at pickup, and can book the next visit at the desk.
Questions
New client FAQ
What if my pet’s vaccines have expired?
We’ll need to reschedule once they’re up to date. Your vet can usually send an updated record the same day.
My dog has never been groomed. Where do we start?
Book a Bath & Tidy for your dog’s size. It’s shorter than a full groom and lets your dog get to know us. We’ll suggest a routine at pickup.
Can I stay and watch?
Most pets settle better once their owner has left, so we ask you not to stay. We’re happy to text you an update halfway through.
My pet has a health condition. Is that OK?
Usually, yes. Tell us in the booking notes about seizures, heart conditions, skin problems or recent surgery, and we’ll plan around them. We may ask for your vet’s OK first.
Do you take aggressive dogs?
We work with many nervous dogs. If a dog bites or is a danger to itself or our team, we stop the groom, call you, and charge only for the work done. Please tell us about any history so we can prepare.
Ready for a fresh, fluffy pup?
See live availability for every groomer and book a drop-off time that suits you. New dogs and cats are always welcome.