General questions

What services do you offer at WOOOF?
We offer a range of dog grooming services, including a luxe wash and dry, tidy groom, deshedding and dematting, full grooming, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and breed-specific styling. There are some services such as anal gland expression and ear plucking that we don’t offer as we believe these are best dealt with in a medical environment. See our services page for more details.

How do I book an appointment?
If it is your first visit to WOOOF, you will need to fill in an online booking request where you will have a chance to tell us all about your dog and view our customer agreement. You can book an appointment online through our website, or call us on 02 61696116. Walk-ins are also welcome for an express wash, nail clipping, teeth cleaning or a quick fringe trim, but we recommend booking in advance.

What are your operating hours?
We’re open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM.

Where are you located?
Our grooming salon is located at 1/19 Bougainville Street Griffith ACT. You can find detailed directions and parking information on our Contact page.

What types of dogs do you groom?
We groom all breeds and sizes of dogs, from small puppies to large breeds including giant breeds such as Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Our groomers are trained to handle dogs with different temperaments and grooming needs however, we may not accept dogs that show obvious aggression or have a history of aggression towards groomers. 

The grooming process 

How long does a grooming session take?
The duration depends on the service and the dog’s size and coat condition. On average, a full grooming session takes 2 to 3 hours for a small to medium-sized dog, while a Luxe Wash and Dry can take as little as 45 minutes. Our receptionist will give you an estimate of the comptetion time when you drop your dog off and we try to contact you 15-30 minutes before they are due to be ready for pick-up.

Do you use hypoallergenic products?
Yes, we use high-quality, hypoallergenic products that are safe for all skin types. We have developed our own range of 100% natural shampoos and conditioners and have them formulated in Australia from therapeutic-grade essential oils. If your dog has specific allergies or sensitivities, please let us know.

Can I stay and watch while my dog is being groomed?
For the comfort and safety of your dog, we recommend not staying during the grooming session - when your dog sees you they will think it is time to go home and can become tricky to groom. However, you're welcome to tour our facility beforehand.

How often should my dog be groomed?
It depends on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Generally, dogs should be groomed every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Here are some usual frequencies:

• Short-haired breeds that get stinky quickly (Pug, French Bulldog, Basset Hound, etc) - 4 to 6 weeks

• Oodles that grow like weeds (Cavoodle, Spoodle, Groodle, Labradoodle, etc) - 6 to 8 weeks

• Double-coded breeds that shed like snow (Border Collie, Samoyed, Husky, etc) - 8 to 12 weeks

We also have a program called WOOOF+, designed to help busy dog owners maintain healthy coats between grooms.

What if my dog has special needs or anxiety about grooming?
We have experience working with dogs with special needs and can adjust our approach to make the grooming experience as stress-free as possible. In our Manuka salon, we have a specially designed quiet space that minimises contact with other dogs and reduces noise to keep your anxious dog calm. We also recommend booking a 15-minute met-and-greet session where you and your dog can tour the salon, building up a level of familiarity that will better ease their next visit.

What’s the difference between an Express Wash and Dry and a Luxe Wash and Dry?

An Express Wash and Dry is a simplified service WOOOF created to enable clients  to wash their dogs more often in between their full groom appointments without breaking the bank. The service is discounted 20% and is not suitable for dogs having a full groom as it includes a single wash process using an ALL-IN-ONE shampoo and conditioning treatment so the service time is reduced

What’s the difference between this wash and the WOOOF+ wash in between grooms?

The Express Wash and Dry is discounted by 20% and use an all-in-one shampoo and conditioning treatment. Appointments can be made whenever your dog needs a wash.  

WOOOF+ is a loyalty program that is booked a year in advance. The program includes a Luxe Wash and Groom and  in between washes are also book a year ahead booked in between grooms are discounted by 50%.

Health and Safety 

Are your groomers certified and trained?
Yes, all our groomers are fully trained and experienced in handling dogs of all breeds and temperaments. WOOOF is the only Hieniger Academy-certified training facility in the Canberra Region and teaches a Certificate III in Animal Care Services (dog grooming). We have two trainers who are former salon owners and all of our staff receive a range of certifications in bathing and grooming skills.

How do you ensure the safety and comfort of my dog?
We prioritize your dog’s well-being by using gentle handling techniques, high-quality grooming tools, and maintaining a clean, calm environment. Dogs are never left unattended or unsecured while being groomed. Importantly, we also know when to abandon a service if a dog is not coping and can spread a groom out over several visits if required. Additionally, our staff undergo canine first-aid training to ensure we can respond to incidents rapidly and effectively should they arise.

What happens if my dog gets injured during grooming?
Dogs can behave unpredictably during grooming which poses a risk for accidental injury. Accidents are rare and while we take every precaution to avoid injuries, they can happen for a range of reasons. In such cases, we will immediately inform you and provide appropriate care. Refer to our Customer Agreement for more information about our approach and 

Do you check for fleas and ticks during grooming?
Yes, during the grooming process, we inspect for fleas, ticks, and any other skin issues. If we find anything, we’ll let you know and recommend treatment options, including a flea and tick wash that we can administer.

What should I do if my dog has a health condition?
Please inform us about any health conditions or medications your dog is on before the grooming session so we can tailor our services to their needs. It’s also important to follow your vet's instructions about anxiety medication - if it is not administered correctly that may mean we can’t perform the grooming service as booked.

Additional services and policies  

Do you offer any packages or discounts?
Yes, we offer two discounted packages - a Puppy Program for young dogs and the WOOOF+ program for busy dog owners.

What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a fee of 50% of the service cost. If you need to cancel or reschedule a booking, reply to the confirmation SMS we sent you, call us on 02 62696116 or email us at hello@wooof.com.au.

Can I request a specific groomer?
Yes, if you have a preferred groomer, let us know when booking your appointment, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Do you offer mobile grooming services?
No, we only offer in-salon services in our Manuka salon.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, and electronic payments through your bank if your card is not working. Payment is due at the time of service.