1653 Union Street · Bangor, Maine 04401 · 207-945-6841

Grooming

The mission of the Green Acres' professional pet stylists is to make your pet look and feel its best. We groom all breeds of dogs and cats, including mixed breeds, in a kind, gentle manner.  A good groomer will have the eye of an artist, the hands of a skilled craftsman, the knowledge of a pet care professional and the patience of a saint. Grooming ability comes from a natural love of animals, a solid education and lots of experience. 

Grooming services offered at Green Acres include baths, clips, and nail trims. Green Acres uses only quality, professional grade shampoos and conditioners and an EPA registered flea shampoo, if a flea bath is necessary.

Although we do nail trims on a walk-in basis, appointments are required for all other grooming services. For your convenience, we have both morning and afternoon grooming appointments available seven days a week.

To ensure the health of all pets in our care, we will need to see proof of vaccination for rabies, and either proof of vaccination or proof of immunity for distemper for your pets prior to their grooming. Proof of immunity would require a letter from your veterinarian stating that titer tests are performed and that your pet has sufficient immunity. A day or two before your appointment, we will contact your veterinarian to request this information when possible.

If you want your pet to look and feel his best, give us a call and make an appointment. Both you and your pet will be glad you did.

 

Meet Our Professional Pet Stylists

 

Paula Alexander-5MAR12 200x301Paula Alexander has been grooming professionally since 1997 and has worked in both kennels and salons like Green Acres, as well as in a pet superstore. Paula first developed her love for all things canine while Paula and pup-31MAR12 319x300watching the Merv Griffin show and seeing the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show group winners make a guest appearance. After active duty in the Navy during the Gulf War, and several years employed in large corporations, the single mom needed to find more family friendly employment and apprenticed for four years and became a Master Pet Stylist in 1997. Today later Paula is every bit as passionate about the profession, the clients she serves and, of course, their pets. For many years Paula has bred and shown Standard Poodles under Tasseltop Kennels. Her last standard Vanna and her two feral cats, Pearla and Smidgeon, reside with her and her son. When asked what she likes best about grooming Paula stated "I love the end of my day when I get to watch the pets leave with a strut of pride, all happy to have wowed their pet parents with their new hair-do."

Amber Horr - 5MAR12 199x300Amber Horr graduated from grooming school in 2006 and has worked as a professional groomer in a kennel, a veterinary hospital and a pet superstore. While growing up Amber was constantly learning everything she Amber-Checking in a Groomer-1-31MAR12 329x300could about dogs and cats so a career in grooming was the perfect way for her to fulfill her love of animals. Amber is married and has two children and a Standard Poodle named TyTy and a miniature Schnauzer named Robin. When asked what she likes best about grooming Amber stated" It gives me an opportunity to help dogs and cats feel and look better. I love seeing how happy both the pet and pet parents are when I send them home after a grooming."

You can learn more about Paula and Amber from this two part podcast from the Woof Meow Show <part1 > & <part2>

 

Grooming Services for Dogs

Nail Trims

While some dogs seem to wear down their nails through activities such as digging or regular exercise on rough surfaces, these dogs are the exception not the rule. Most of our canine companions benefit greatly from regular nail trimming. Allowing your pet’s nails to grow unchecked can lead to broken nails, infections, as well as difficulty walking for your dog; not to mention the injuries that you and others can sustain from being scratched when jumped upon. If the length of your pet's nails affects their gait, it can contribute to arthritis and other joint issues.

Here at Green Acres, we offer nail trims on a walk-in basis, providing we have a record on file that demonstrates that your pet has a current rabies vaccination. Alternatively, you may bring vaccination records along with you. Nail trims are also included as part of a full grooming package or may be added on as a separate service if your pet is staying with us for boarding or daycare,.

Since we truly believe that dogs benefit from having their nails trimmed on a monthly basis, we wish to partner with you by providing an extremely economical way to accomplish this goal with our Pet Pedicure Pass [click here for more information on our Pet Pedicure Pass].  


Full Groom

Whether a Pug or a Poodle, a Schnauzer or a Saint Bernard, all dogs can benefit from regular grooming and bathing. Additionally, as a pet parent, you can relax knowing that your pet looks and feel their best (and smells better too!).

This service involves breed specific standards for coat care such as brushing out, clipping, hand scissoring, trimming and hand stripping*. All dogs will then be bathed with our standard shampoo, dried and given a final touch-up to obtain the look that you requested. Also included with the full groom package are nail trims, ear cleaning and trimming and a sanitary clip when appropriate. This is the ideal choice for any dog breed that requires frequent or extensive grooming, has a double coat or any pet parent that simply finds it easier to have a professional do the job.

*Additional fees may apply for dogs that require greater than normal time for dematting and brushing, scissoring or hand stripping.

 

Other Services

Bath – A bath only is a good option for those families who perform all of the other grooming aspects (nails, brushing, etc.) at home, but just do not have the facilities to bath their dog. It is imperative to understand that in order for us to perform just a bath, the dog must arrive in impeccable condition. Matts must be brushed out or removed before bathing. If you would prefer we do that for you, a full groom is your best option.

Nail Grinding - This is a specialty service that can be added on to a Nail Trim or a Full Groom. Grinding nails makes use of a specialized Dremel® tool which allows the groomers to smooth out the sharp edges of the nails. The benefits of grinding are many but do require that the dog be able to remain reasonably still for the process. Nail Grinding may be added on to other services for an additional $3.00.

Sanitary Clip – Not all breeds of dogs need a sanitary clip, but for those pets with longer hair, a sanitary clip can help remove the excess hair that urine and feces cling to, improving your dog’s health and making them smell better. Sanitary clips are included with full grooming for those breeds that require it or can be requested as a standalone service for $6.00.

Feet & Pad Trimming – As with the sanitary clip, not all breeds of dogs require trimming of the hair in between their toe pads and on the bottom of their feet, but if your pet does, it can make their feet look sleeker and prevent the collection of snowballs in the winter and decrease mud tracking in the spring. Feet & pad trimming is included with a full groom or can be requested as a standalone service or with a nail trimming for an additional $8.00.

Flea Shampoo – If you are aware of, or if we see evidence of fleas at the time of grooming, we will use an EPA registered flea shampoo to safely eliminate the fleas on your pet’s body, rather than use the standard shampoo. The additional fee for a flea shampoo varies from $2.00 to $5.00 depending upon the size of your dog. Please remember that flea shampoos will eradicate the fleas on your pet but you must still treat the environment and your pet may benefit from the further use of a good flea preventative. We recommend that you discuss flea preventives with your veterinarian so that they can help you choose the safest and most effective preventative for all of the pets in your home.

Specialty Shampoo – We offer a variety of specialty shampoos, from locally made Mutt Nose Best to Oatmeal Baths or Medicated Shampoos. You might request this if your pet suffers from dry flaky skin, is prone to hotspots or allergies, needs a hypoallergenic shampoo, or if you just wish to use a great shampoo and support the local economy at the same time. The additional fee for the use of a specialty shampoo varies from $1.00 to $4.00, depending upon the size of your dog.

Deskunking – Did your dog have an odiferous encounter with a skunk? Give us a call and we will use our homemade deskunking solution that works better than anything you can purchase over the counter at any pet store (including Green Acres!). We will follow this with a standard pet shampoo and grooming. The added charge for deskunking varies from $4.00 to $10.00 depending upon the size of your dog and the severity of the stink. [Click here for instructions on how to make this deskunking solution at home]

 

Grooming Rates - Dogs

Full Grooming

The price for a full grooming for your pet depends upon the actual time it takes for the grooming as well as the specific services requested. Several variables affect the amount of grooming time:

  • Breed - breed effects size, coat type and sometimes behavior.
  • Size in Relation to Breed Standard – Our base rates are based upon the norms for a breed, however many breeds vary widely in size; for example Golden Retrievers can range from 40# up to 120#. Obviously, the larger the pet, the more there is to groom and the longer it takes.
  • Coat Type - short haired pets are easier to brush, wash and generally require no clipping; double coated and long haired pets can take much longer.
  • Coat Condition – pets groomed regularly or that receive weekly home care will require less work, thus less time. Combing out matting can be an extensive process. While shaving out matts is quicker, it requires extra equipment and if a coat is dirty a groomer may go through several blades before the job is complete, thus increasing cost.
  • Age and Health - a pet needs to stand for much of the grooming process and some older pets or pets with arthritis find this difficult, meaning that the pet stylist may need assistance from another staff member to help support your pet during the grooming or may need to work more slowly to keep your pet comfortable.
  • Behavior and Temperament - a pet can be anxious, over-excited and wiggly, or angry and snappy. Our main concerns are your pet’s comfort and everyone's safety. Some pets will require two people during the grooming process or extra time and care to ensure safety and comfort.

While we can provide you with a base rate over the phone, final prices will be determined based upon the aforementioned criteria, as well as any additional services requested such as deskunking, nail grinding, specialty shampoos requested, etc. We cannot a firm quote without one of our groomers having the opportunity to meet your pet.

Stand Alone Services

Nail Trimming - $8 (additional charge may apply for challenging dogs that require more than one person)

Nail Grinding - $11 (includes trimming & grinding)

Pet Pedicure Pass - $75 [Click here for more information on our Pet Pedicure Pass]

Sanitary Clip - $6

Feet & Pad Trimming - $8

 

Grooming Services for Cats

 Nail Trims

While some cats readily shed their nails by scratching surfaces or climbing trees, this is not true for all cats. If your feline friend has a tendency to have fish hooks rather than nails, they may need to be trimmed. Allowing your cat’s nails to grow too long can lead to nails curling and embedding in pads; not to mention the injuries that you can sustain from being scratched when your cat jumps up and settles in your lap for its daily nap.

Here at Green Acres, we offer nail trims on a walk-in basis, providing we have a record on file that demonstrates that your pet has a current rabies vaccination. Alternatively, you may bring vaccination records along with you. Nail trims are also included as part of a full grooming package or may be added on as a separate service if your pet is staying with us for boarding.

Since we truly believe that cats benefit from having their nails trimmed on a monthly basis, we wish to partner with you by providing an extremely economical way to accomplish this goal with our Pet Pedicure Pass [click here for more information on our Pet Pedicure Pass].

Grooming Services

Here at Green Acres, we understand that each cat is different in their grooming requirements, and it is our goal to be able to meet your cat’s specific needs. Some cats may require a full shave down and a bath, while others may only need a brush-out, sanitary trim and a nail trim.

We use no sedation in our grooming salon, thus we will do our best to tailor the grooming to your cat’s tolerance level and comfort. It is our goal to make the process of grooming anxiety free for your cat so both of our groomers may work together in an effort to make the process move more quickly.

Due to the great variance in services required and performed on cats, we cannot give a pricing estimate for cat grooming. For a more detailed approximation of cost, please contact us at 945-6841.

Bath – While not a good option for all cats, for those cats that need a bath and are willing, the occasional bath can be very beneficial. It is imperative to understand that in order for us to perform a bath, the cat must be free of matting and undercoat. All matts must be brushed out or removed prior to bathing and there may be times that after the dematting process the cat decides that the grooming is completed for that day, in which case we may suggest a rescheduling to complete the process.

Brushing, Clipping & Dematting - Not all cats need a full grooming, and if this is the case with your cat, why put them through the extra stress of an unnecessary bath? If all your cat needs is some matts clipped out or a thorough brushing we are happy to oblige!

Safe Claws - This is a specialty service that can be added on to a nail trim or grooming. Safe Claws makes use of specialized plastic caps that go onto your cat’s nails after they have been trimmed. They are a great alternative to declawing for those cats that have a tendency to scratch furniture or live with individuals that are sensitive to cat scratches.

Sanitary Clip – For those long haired cats that have a tendency to have feces stick to their rear fur, a sanitary trim may be helpful, improving your cat’s health and making them smell better. Sanitary trims are included with full grooming for those breeds that require it or can be requested as a standalone service for $6.00.

Flea Shampoo – If you are aware of, or if we see evidence of fleas at the time of grooming, we will use an EPA registered flea shampoo to safely eliminate the fleas on your pet’s body, rather than use the standard shampoo. The additional fee for a flea shampoo varies from $2.00 to $5.00 depending upon the size of your cat. Please remember that flea shampoos will eradicate the fleas on your pet but you must still treat the environment and your pet may benefit from the further use of a good flea preventative. We recommend that you discuss flea preventives with your veterinarian so that they can help you choose the safest and most effective preventative for all of the pets in your home.

 

Grooming Rates - Cats

 Due to the great variance in services required and performed on cats, we cannot give a pricing estimate for cat grooming. For a more detailed approximation of cost, please contact us at 945-6841.

 

Pet Pedicure Pass

 At Green Acres we encourage regular, consistent nail trims for our canine and feline friends. This keeps their nails short and our furry friends comfortable. Additionally, by ensuring your pets’ nails are trimmed frequently, they become more accustomed to the process and hence more relaxed over time. We recognize that many of you prefer to have us trim your pets’ nails, which is why we are pleased to offer a monthly Pet Pedicure Pass.

Pet Pedicure Passes may be purchased for $75.00 and entitle your pet to one nail trim per month for twelve months. This results in a cost of $6.25 per nail trim and an annual savings of $21.00.

Pet Pedicure Pass Terms and Agreements:

  • Passes may be purchased in advance or at the time of the first nail trim and then used once a month for the next 11 months.
  • Clients may come in on any day of the month for a nail trim, except Holidays, unless the pet is boarding.
  • If a client does not come in on a particular month, the nail trim for that month is forfeited.
  • Appointments are not necessary for nail trims, but please be advised that there may be a slight wait during our busier times.
  • Clients are responsible for maintaining their Pet Pedicure Pass and it must be presented at the time of the nail trim, or the standard fee of $8.00 will be applied.
  • GAKS is not responsible for misplaced passes.
  • All dogs and cats arriving for nail trims must have proof of a current Rabies vaccination.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we need to bring with us when we have our pet groomed?

There are several things you should bring with you when you have your pet groomed for the first time.

  • If it is your pet's first visit, we will need to see proof of vaccination for Rabies, and either proof of vaccination or immunity for DHLP for dogs and FRCP cats. Proof of immunity requires a letter from your veterinarian stating that titer tests are performed routinely and that your pet has sufficient immunity, and currently does not need to be revaccinated. While we do not require the Bordetella vaccination for dogs being groomed, we do recommend it.
  • While not required, it is always helpful for the groomers to have a photo of what style you desire for your pet. The groomer’s ability to do a specific clip however will depend on the condition of your pet as well as their coat type and their behavior.
  • An emergency phone number where we can contact you or someone who can act on your behalf if we have questions or if your pet requires veterinary care.
  • If your pet will be picked up by someone other than yourself, please leave us with the name and phone number of the person(s) authorized to pick up your pet.  No pet will be released until your account is settled.

How often should my pet be groomed?

Most pets benefit from a grooming every 6-8 weeks. If your dog or cat has a long coat that becomes easily matted, and if you do not brush them several times a week, your pet would benefit from being groomed more frequently.

What if my pet’s coat is severely matted?

Green Acres’ groomers will try to comb or brush out any matts however, if they feel the animal is experiencing any discomfort, it will be necessary to shave the matt out with clippers. In very severe cases this may result in a shave down of the pet's entire body.

What if my pet has fleas?

Each pet that is groomed at Green Acres will be checked for fleas. Any pet found to have fleas or flea dirt will have a flea bath with an EPA registered flea shampoo.

How long does the grooming process take?

While length of time varies from animal to animal due to different sizes, style requested, coat condition, and behavior you can reasonably expect to leave your pet anywhere from 2 to 5 hours on average . The grooming process is generally a three stage sequence in which pets are first "roughed out," then bathed and dried, after which a finish is done. If you leave us with a phone number, we will be happy to call you as soon as your pet is completed with its grooming.

 

Requirements

Vaccinations

To ensure the health of all pets at Green Acres, we will need to see proof of vaccination for rabies for your pet, and either proof of vaccination or immunity for distemper. Proof of immunity requires a letter from your veterinarian stating that titer tests are performed on a routine basis and that your pet has sufficient immunity, and presently does not need revaccination. In an effort to make the check in process more efficient, a day or two prior to your pet’s arrival we will attempt to obtain this information from your veterinarian. Please note however, that not all veterinarians will release this information so be sure to have it available should it be needed.

Emergency Veterinary Care

If your pet should require veterinary care while with us, we will work with your veterinarian and the local Emergency Veterinary Clinic to provide the required care. Whenever possible, we will contact you or the person you designate at the emergency number you leave us, if such care should be required. Veterinary care is provided under the terms of Green Acres’ General Contract.

 

Green Acres General Contract for Boarding/Daycare/Grooming

All grooming clients must sign a grooming contract for each pet groomed, on an annual basis. A special contract, at the end of this one, is used for pets that we find to be severely matted.

(This copy of our contract is made available online for your review only. An actual copy will be need to be signed at our facility)

This is a contract for boarding, grooming and daycare services between GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP (GAKS) and the pet owner whose signature appears below (hereinafter called “Owner”).

  1. OWNER agrees to pay the rate in effect the date the pet is checked into GAKS, and further agrees to pay for all costs and charges for any special services requested or required, and all veterinary costs for the pet during the time pet is in care of GAKS. OWNER agrees that the pet shall not leave GAKS until all charges for boarding, daycare, grooming, medicine, veterinary services, playtime, etc. are paid to GAKS by OWNER. Any grooming or daycare pets not called for on the stated pick up date will be boarded at our normal rate. If the pet is not called for within 10 days of the stated pickup date, the pet will be sold for bills due or placed with a humane society or rescue group. OWNER shall be liable for any unpaid charges.
  2. OWNER is aware that if pet is found to have fleas or evidence of fleas, that GAKS will administer Capstar® (nitenpyram) or flea shampoo, at their discretion, before accepting the pet. Charges for any flea treatments will be added to the OWNER’S bill. Due to the nature of the pesticides used, there may be side effects which GAKS cannot be held responsible for. OWNER is aware that any such treatments are not guaranteed 100% effective.
  3. Owner is aware that grooming pets, if matted may require shaving or dematting, and that these procedures may have unpleasant consequences such as clipper burn, brush burn, or nicks and cuts resulting in temporary discomfort, including but not limited to, itching scratching and scooting. OWNER is aware that alopecia, the abnormal regrowth of hair, may occur in some instances. GAKS will use all precautions during these procedures but will not be held responsible for the aforementioned side effects.
  4. When requested, GAKS will board more than one pet of the same species, from the same household, in a single run, as long as both pets can move freely and be fed appropriately without supervision; however, GAKS reserves the right to place the pets in separate runs if they deem necessary. The single run rate will then apply for each pet.
  5. If pet is to be boarded any time over peak and holiday periods, as posted at GAKS, OWNER agrees to pay for ALL DAYS RESERVED, unless said dates are cancelled at least 72 hours prior to the day of the reservation.
  6. OWNER is aware of the hours GAKS is open to the public and understands that when boarding, the daily boarding charge applies the day you drop your pet off and each subsequent day the pet is here after 12 noon.
  7. GAKS will exercise due and reasonable care for pet and will keep its facility clean and properly enclosed.
  8. If pet becomes ill or if the state of the pet’s health is such that GAKS believes the pet requires veterinary attention, GAKS, in its sole discretion, may engage the services of a veterinarian or administer medicine, or a special diet, or give other requisite attention to the pet and the expenses thereof shall be paid by the OWNER.
  9. All pets are cared for by GAKS without liability on our part for loss or damage, from disease, death, running away, theft, fire, injury to persons, or other animals or property by said pet, fence climbing, or other unavoidable causes, providing due diligence and normal care and caution having been exercised.
  10. It is expressly agreed by OWNER and GAKS that GAKS liability shall in no event exceed the lesser of the current chattel value of a pet of the same species or the sum of $200.00 per pet. The OWNER further agrees to be solely responsible for any and all acts or behavior of said pet while it is in the care of GAKS.
  11. By signing this Contract and leaving your pet with GAKS, OWNER certifies to the accuracy of all information provided about pet, that pet is current on all vaccines required by GAKS, that pet has not been exposed to rabies or distemper within a 30 day period prior to receiving services at GAKS, and that OWNER is the legal owner of said pet, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and assumes financial liability for all payments called for in this agreement.
  12. This Contract, and the Group Play, Individual/Family Play or Shave Down addendum, if signed, contains the entire agreement between the parties for the Boarding/Daycare/Grooming of said pets. All terms and conditions of this Contract shall be binding on the heirs, administrators, personal representatives and assigns of the OWNER and GAKS.
  13. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, or as the result of any claim or controversy involving the alleged negligence by any party to this contract, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by an arbitrator may be entered in any Court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrator shall, as part of his award, determine an award to the prevailing party of the costs of such arbitration and reasonable attorney’s fees of the prevailing party.
  14. This Contract applies to this visit at GAKS as well as all subsequent visits.

I have read this agreement on this date, ___/___/___, understand its terms and signed it freely.


GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP SHAVE DOWN CONTRACT

This is a contract between GREEN ACRES KENNEL SHOP (hereinafter called “GAKS”) and the pet owner or agent whose signature appears below (hereinafter called “Owner”).

  1. OWNER agrees that this contract is a supplement to the previously signed GENERAL contract.
  2. OWNER understands that GAKS does NOT recommend shave downs except when medically necessary or when the pet is so severely matted that in our professional opinion the matts cannot be combed or brushed out without causing the pet unnecessary discomfort and distress.
  3. OWNER is aware that the shave down process makes use of electric clippers that may leave the pet’s coat no longer than a 1/16”, and authorizes us to “shave down” the pet.
  4. OWNER is aware that after shaved down, the pet may require sunscreen in order to prevent sunburn or a coat for warmth in colder months.
  5. OWNER is aware that these procedures may have unpleasant consequences such as clipper burn, brush burn, or nicks and cuts resulting in temporary discomfort, including but not limited to, itching scratching and scooting. OWNER is aware that alopecia, the abnormal regrowth of hair, may occur in some instances. GAKS will use all precautions during these procedures but will not be held responsible for the aforementioned side effects.
  6. This Contract applies to this specific grooming appointment at GAKS.

 

 

 

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