About Us
House Call Grooming
We groom your pets INSIDE your home. We bring our equipment, tools, and table with us to your home. We set up in a convenient area and bathe your dog in the bathtub or sink. For 3 seasons of the year, we can groom outdoors. Concerned by the mess of the fur that will be in your home? There is minimal mess, the fur is easily contained, and we clean as we go.
**PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT A MOBILE VAN GROOMER**
We service the greater Kalamazoo, and surrounding areas.
We do NOT do Show dog cuts. We specialize in the more family/kid friendly fun hair cuts.
Who is House Call Pet Grooming Best Suited For?
House call pet grooming is usually the best option for most dogs.
Some dogs that will benefit the most are:
- Small dogs
- Senior dogs
- New puppies
- Dogs that don’t do well at a salon
- Owners who can’t or prefer not to leave the house
- Dogs with separation anxiety
- Special needs dogs that cannot be accommodated at a salon
Benefits of house pet call grooming
- It’s Easier for Your Schedule.
- No Transportation Worries!
- It’s Less Stressful for Your pet
- It’s More Comfortable.
- Your Dog Gets All of The Attention
- With all of that attention being devoted to your pet, the groomer is also less likely to make mistakes. They get to do their best work!
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F.A.Q.
Covid Concerns and Precautions
Please know that employees at Chewie's Pawsibilities have been fully vaccinated and have received a single booster covid shot.
If you, or a family member in your household is feeling ill, or have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, please call, text, or email us to reschedule your appointment.
Safety is concern #1 for us. For your benefit, and for ours as well.
Please feel free to wear a mask during your appointment, if you want your groomer to wear a mask, please let them know, and they will wear one.
We wash, sanitize and disinfect all grooming tools and equipment after each grooming session.
If you, or a family member in your household is feeling ill, or have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, please call, text, or email us to reschedule your appointment.
Safety is concern #1 for us. For your benefit, and for ours as well.
Please feel free to wear a mask during your appointment, if you want your groomer to wear a mask, please let them know, and they will wear one.
We wash, sanitize and disinfect all grooming tools and equipment after each grooming session.
Why are your prices higher than local salons?
Great question! Our pricing is higher because the service we provide is very different that a local salon.
We bring all our equipment to you. We groom your dog with full transparency in front of you, in your home (or yard when the weather permits). We provide 1 on 1 service, just the groomer and your pet. No strangers in the area, no strange dogs, no weird odors, no kennels. We give your pet our full and complete attention during the spaw treatment. This allows us to provide you and your pet with our best work.
When we come to you, you are no longer having to pack the kids up, pack up the dog, and travel to the salon. Only to wait half a day or more, to re pack the kids up, and travel back to the salon to pick up your pet. The convenience of having the groomer come to you is priceless.
This is perfect for senior pets, newly rescued pets who may not enjoy car rides, young pets, families with young children and so many more reasons.
We bring all our equipment to you. We groom your dog with full transparency in front of you, in your home (or yard when the weather permits). We provide 1 on 1 service, just the groomer and your pet. No strangers in the area, no strange dogs, no weird odors, no kennels. We give your pet our full and complete attention during the spaw treatment. This allows us to provide you and your pet with our best work.
When we come to you, you are no longer having to pack the kids up, pack up the dog, and travel to the salon. Only to wait half a day or more, to re pack the kids up, and travel back to the salon to pick up your pet. The convenience of having the groomer come to you is priceless.
This is perfect for senior pets, newly rescued pets who may not enjoy car rides, young pets, families with young children and so many more reasons.
Do you have a truck and trailer or a mobile van?
We currently do not have or offer mobile van services. We are house call groomers, meaning we bring our table and equipment to you. We set up in a room of your choosing in your house. During the spring, summer, and fall, we can set up outside. Please note, if your pet is getting a bath, and we are going to be drying it outside, we will need electricity to plug in the dryer.
What about winter weather?
During winter weather, we ask that before we arrive for your grooming appointment, you have a spot shoveled, plowed or blown out for us to park in. We also ask that you have a pathway shoveled out so we can safely get into your house with our equipment. The icy drives, sidewalks, porches and steps can be very slick and dangerous, posing a fall risk.
If we arrive at your house, and there is no safe way to enter, we will be forced to cancel your appointment and reschedule. If you are not able to provide us with a safe way to enter your home, please call at least 2 hours before your appointment so we can reschedule.
Our goal is safety, for you, for your pets, and for us. We are happy to reschedule to be sure that everyone is kept safe.
If temps are below 15 degrees, we will automatically reschedule your appointment. Again, safety for everyone is paramount to us.
Stay safe and stay warm out there everyone!
If we arrive at your house, and there is no safe way to enter, we will be forced to cancel your appointment and reschedule. If you are not able to provide us with a safe way to enter your home, please call at least 2 hours before your appointment so we can reschedule.
Our goal is safety, for you, for your pets, and for us. We are happy to reschedule to be sure that everyone is kept safe.
If temps are below 15 degrees, we will automatically reschedule your appointment. Again, safety for everyone is paramount to us.
Stay safe and stay warm out there everyone!
Why house call pet grooming?
Reduced Stress: Just being at home can reduce the stress of the grooming experience, for both dog and owner. There is no riding in the car, no cages, no other barking dogs, and no other people…just a quiet experience with the dog and the groomer!
Is there an extra charge to come to my home?
The mileage/fuel surcharge is included in the cost of your groom, so there are no extra fees to worry about. Pricing is discussed up front before the appointment begins.
Our home base is in the Westwood Neighborhood, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
We travel up to 15 miles from our home base. If you live outside our 15 mile radius, please contact us. We will still travel to you, however, there will be a fuel surcharge added to the cost of the groom.
Our home base is in the Westwood Neighborhood, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
We travel up to 15 miles from our home base. If you live outside our 15 mile radius, please contact us. We will still travel to you, however, there will be a fuel surcharge added to the cost of the groom.
How old should my puppy be before its first groom?
It is good to have your puppy become familiar with grooming as early as possible after the first set of puppy shots, usually 12-16 weeks of age. This will help him learn at an early age that grooming is a pleasant experience.
We offer a puppy grooming package, consisting of 4 visits. This will help acclimate your puppy to the sights and sounds of grooming.
We offer a puppy grooming package, consisting of 4 visits. This will help acclimate your puppy to the sights and sounds of grooming.
What do I need for my first visit?
FIRST TIME CLIENTS: You can click HERE to download the paperwork you will need to have filled out before the groomer comes to your first appointment. You will also need your pets current vaccine records.
The groomer can also bring the paperwork with them to the appointment.
After your first visit, the only paperwork you will fill out is for the current grooming services you want on the day of the appointment.
The groomer can also bring the paperwork with them to the appointment.
After your first visit, the only paperwork you will fill out is for the current grooming services you want on the day of the appointment.
Why do I need my pets vaccination records?
Dog groomers are legally required to check vaccination records for dogs before grooming them, as a means of reducing the risk of disease transmission between the dog and groomer, as well as between other dogs visiting the same dog grooming business.
Due to the individual health risks and considerations involved in the vaccine process, there’s no one-size-fits-all dog vaccination schedule. Your vet may have a customized vaccination timeline they recommend for your dog based on what’s best for his or her health. Regardless of the schedule you set for your dog, you will need certain essential vaccines administered before a groomer will provide services.
In general, these required dog vaccines will follow a set schedule:
Be prepared to show proof of rabies vaccination and other boosters and vaccinations as required by local law. You should also make sure your dog receives any additional required vaccines not listed above, which may be determined by your local government. Your local vet can make sure your dog’s vaccine record is in compliance with these requirements.
Your groomer cannot and will not make recommendations on when or how to get your pet vaccinated. We are not trained on that, and it is best left to your vet to make those calls.
Due to the individual health risks and considerations involved in the vaccine process, there’s no one-size-fits-all dog vaccination schedule. Your vet may have a customized vaccination timeline they recommend for your dog based on what’s best for his or her health. Regardless of the schedule you set for your dog, you will need certain essential vaccines administered before a groomer will provide services.
In general, these required dog vaccines will follow a set schedule:
- 6-8 weeks: Parvovirus and distemper vaccines.
- 10-12 weeks: DHPP shot, which includes vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. After this vaccination, your dog may be eligible to visit your local groomer for the first time.
- 16-18 weeks: DHPP booster and rabies vaccine.
- 12-16 months: DHPP and rabies boosters.
- Every 1-2 years: DHPP booster.
- Every 1-3 years: Rabies booster.
Be prepared to show proof of rabies vaccination and other boosters and vaccinations as required by local law. You should also make sure your dog receives any additional required vaccines not listed above, which may be determined by your local government. Your local vet can make sure your dog’s vaccine record is in compliance with these requirements.
Your groomer cannot and will not make recommendations on when or how to get your pet vaccinated. We are not trained on that, and it is best left to your vet to make those calls.
What if I live outside your 15 mile radius?
Great question! We still service areas outside of the 15 mile radius. The only difference is we charge a mileage fee. We charge the standard IRS rate for Michigan, and that is 65.5 cents per mile. This is charged in addition to the cost of the grooming service you will receive. Mileage is figured round trip, from our home base zip code of 49006, to your house, and back to our zip code.
What is the Groomers Promise?
A GROOMERS PROMISE
“HUMANITY BEFORE VANITY”
I will love your dog
I will care for your dog
I will be patient and kind
I will do what is best for your fur baby, no matter what
I will stand by the fact that comfort comes before vanity, ALWAYS
Do you work on aggressive animals?
Because safety for your pet, and for us, is first and foremost, we do not work on aggressive animals.
We have the right to work in a safe environment, therefore Chewie's PawsibilitiesLLC reserves the right to refuse any groom or treatment at any given time. If we feel we are unable to carry out or continue grooming, then we will stop immediately and you, as the owner are responsible for payment of the work completed up until this point.
If your dog has behavior problems, please let us know in advance. Please, also let us know if your pet has displayed any signs of aggression in the past. This includes aggression to other animals, people, or groomers.
There are behaviors that we can work around. We can use muzzles, and e collars. Before any of these are used, we will discuss the issue first and decide what the best approach will be. We do not like to use these tools if we do not have to.
Additional charges may apply for extra time required due to a dogs temperament and/or behavior during a groom or treatment.
You as the owner, agree to be held solely liable for any harm, injury, or damage caused by your pet and any costs thereafter incurred.
We have the right to work in a safe environment, therefore Chewie's PawsibilitiesLLC reserves the right to refuse any groom or treatment at any given time. If we feel we are unable to carry out or continue grooming, then we will stop immediately and you, as the owner are responsible for payment of the work completed up until this point.
If your dog has behavior problems, please let us know in advance. Please, also let us know if your pet has displayed any signs of aggression in the past. This includes aggression to other animals, people, or groomers.
There are behaviors that we can work around. We can use muzzles, and e collars. Before any of these are used, we will discuss the issue first and decide what the best approach will be. We do not like to use these tools if we do not have to.
Additional charges may apply for extra time required due to a dogs temperament and/or behavior during a groom or treatment.
You as the owner, agree to be held solely liable for any harm, injury, or damage caused by your pet and any costs thereafter incurred.
What days and times do you offer grooming?
We are open by appointment only. We do not have set hours, as we work around your schedule, as much as possible. Generally we are open for business Mondays thru Thursdays, and also Saturdays. If you require time outside of those days, just let us know and we will see how we can accomadate.
Is my pet to old to be groomed?
Older pets often need special care and attention. We recommend the style be kept short and easy to maintain to keep the grooming process to a minimum amount of time.
What is included in a full groom?
A full groom includes the following services
- Nails trimmed
- Paw pads trimmed and cleaned up
- Sanitary trim
- Scissor trimming of the hair around the feet
- Ears will be cleaned and plucked, if desired
- Full body trim/haircut
- Face trim
- High quality professional shampoo and conditioning
- Blow dry or Towel dry, based on your preference
- Full body brush
- Fun bandana
- Spritz of dog safe cologne, if desired
How do I schedule an appointment?
How often should I get my dog groomed?
Generally every 4-6 weeks.
Most dogs need frequent hair trims to keep their coats in great condition and to prevent matting. A short cut can last a dog two to three months, but if your groomer leaves more than an inch of fur on your dog at a cut, you should get your dog groomed every four to six weeks to prevent matting.
Dogs hair grows at different rates. Some dogs regrow their hair very quickly, while some not so quickly. If we put you on a schedule, and it needs to be adjusted, please let us know. We can make grooming visits more frequently and we can also extend them out.
Most dogs need frequent hair trims to keep their coats in great condition and to prevent matting. A short cut can last a dog two to three months, but if your groomer leaves more than an inch of fur on your dog at a cut, you should get your dog groomed every four to six weeks to prevent matting.
Dogs hair grows at different rates. Some dogs regrow their hair very quickly, while some not so quickly. If we put you on a schedule, and it needs to be adjusted, please let us know. We can make grooming visits more frequently and we can also extend them out.
What is matting and why is it bad?
Matting occurs when hair next to the skin gets knotted, tangled in clumps or masses. If un-brushed, the clumps attract more dirt and continue to get bigger, tighter and closer to the body. This may be simply caused by scratching, biting or lack of brushing. It may be because wet coats have not been brushed out, your dog has rolled and picked up any number of foreign matter such as sticks, burrs, fecal materials etc.
Mats cut off the air flow in your dog's hair and can trap moisture, which can cause irritation and sores on your dog. Even mild matting can be painful, but in severe cases, matting can cut off circulation to your dog's skin and cause hematomas.
Mats cut off the air flow in your dog's hair and can trap moisture, which can cause irritation and sores on your dog. Even mild matting can be painful, but in severe cases, matting can cut off circulation to your dog's skin and cause hematomas.
My dog’s hair is knotted. Do I need to cut the hair short before the appointment?
No.
If the hair is allowed to knot or develop “matts”, it is unhealthy for the dog’s skin. It may be possible to “dematt” the coat, if it can be done without causing pain to the dog. Unfortunately, the process is often painful or can cause irritation to the dog’s skin. If your dog is matted, we will discuss with you what can be done.
Matted coats can cause a variety of skin and health problems. When your pet is extremely tangled, matted, or densely coated there are increased risks of stress, trauma, and / or injury. If possible, we will carefully de-mat your pet’s coat.
If the coat is severely matted or we determine that de-matting would be in-humane for your pet, we will need to remove the coat with clippers. Please feel free to discuss your pet’s needs and our dematt policy with one of our pet groomers.
If the hair is allowed to knot or develop “matts”, it is unhealthy for the dog’s skin. It may be possible to “dematt” the coat, if it can be done without causing pain to the dog. Unfortunately, the process is often painful or can cause irritation to the dog’s skin. If your dog is matted, we will discuss with you what can be done.
Matted coats can cause a variety of skin and health problems. When your pet is extremely tangled, matted, or densely coated there are increased risks of stress, trauma, and / or injury. If possible, we will carefully de-mat your pet’s coat.
If the coat is severely matted or we determine that de-matting would be in-humane for your pet, we will need to remove the coat with clippers. Please feel free to discuss your pet’s needs and our dematt policy with one of our pet groomers.
Can you de-mat my dog rather than shaving it?
Perhaps. We have a lot of patience and skill for de-matting. The use of proper equipment and product helps quite a bit. We’re willing to try as long as your pet will tolerate it. However, if your pet shows discomfort or stress, we will not.
Most pets do fine given the de-matting techniques we use. This said, regular grooming is very important. We do not think it is a good idea to de-mat a dog two to three times a year rather than having it groomed regularly. Please note that de-matting requires additional fees as it takes a lot more time and product.
Most pets do fine given the de-matting techniques we use. This said, regular grooming is very important. We do not think it is a good idea to de-mat a dog two to three times a year rather than having it groomed regularly. Please note that de-matting requires additional fees as it takes a lot more time and product.
How will my dog be dried after the bath?
We towel dry dogs as much as they will tolerate, first. Next, we like to use a variable speed, high velocity dryer. This allows us to get a better finished look as well as gives us a chance to get a good look at your dog’s skin to asses any potential health issues.
Can you use the shampoo I bought for my dog?
Absolutely, although our top-rated product line is designed to promote a healthy coat and skin.
If your veterinarian has prescribed or suggested an alternate shampoo rather than our product line, we will gladly use it. Please note, many prescribed shampoos / conditioners require 5-10 minutes of contact time. If this is the case, our bather will stay with your dog and gently massage the product into their coat and skin. An additional fee will be added for this time.
If your veterinarian has prescribed or suggested an alternate shampoo rather than our product line, we will gladly use it. Please note, many prescribed shampoos / conditioners require 5-10 minutes of contact time. If this is the case, our bather will stay with your dog and gently massage the product into their coat and skin. An additional fee will be added for this time.
What are anal glands?
These are scent sacs found right under your dog’s tail. Some dogs empty them naturally, some do not. Please consult with your veterinarian. Many veterinarians prefer that groomers NOT express the glands, therefore we do not do this. We highly recommend visiting your veterinarian for this procedure.
Do you accept tips?
Absolutely, tips are always appreciated.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because we book on an hourly basis, cancellations can leave an empty block in the schedule that could have otherwise been used by another customer, we ask that any cancellations or re-scheduling’s are made at least 24 business hours in advance.
Any cancellations not made at least 24 hours in advance, will be charged a fee of $35 and will be payable prior to scheduling another appointment.
If you do not call to cancel and do not show up to your appointment, this is considered a “no call, no show”, and a fee of $35 will apply and is REQUIRED TO BE PAID before another appointment may be scheduled.
Any cancellations not made at least 24 hours in advance, will be charged a fee of $35 and will be payable prior to scheduling another appointment.
If you do not call to cancel and do not show up to your appointment, this is considered a “no call, no show”, and a fee of $35 will apply and is REQUIRED TO BE PAID before another appointment may be scheduled.
Do you sedate dogs to groom them?
No. We cannot and will not work with sedated pets as there is a risk of side effects from the sedation that we are not medically trained to handle. If you sedate your animal for the appointment and do not inform us of it, you understand that we will not be held liable for any repercussions related to the sedation. If we believe your pet has been sedated, we will stop all services and the appointment will be stopped immediately.
We do, however, work with veterinary approved medications. If your dog has been prescribed a low dose sedative, or tranquilizer to put them in a calmer state of mind for a groom, we will work on your pet. Please talk to us beforehand, so we can discuss how the appointment will happen.
We do, however, work with veterinary approved medications. If your dog has been prescribed a low dose sedative, or tranquilizer to put them in a calmer state of mind for a groom, we will work on your pet. Please talk to us beforehand, so we can discuss how the appointment will happen.
What do I do if I do not like something about the groom after it's finished?
Please tell us. We aim to satisfy. On the occasion where a haircut is not to your liking and it is a matter of a little more trimming here or there, the groomer can do it right away. In some instances, we may be able to come back on another day, and happily make necessary changes.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees. All prices are listed on the appointment booking page.
If your dog is aggressive or difficult during the groom, and we feel that we can continue the groom without extra stress on your pet, we will charge a difficult animal fee. The price varies dependent upon what the pets temperament is. For example, if we have to muzzle your pet, or need an extra person to help handle your pet, you will be charged extra. We will discuss options with you, before any actions are taken.
If your dog is aggressive or difficult during the groom, and we feel that we can continue the groom without extra stress on your pet, we will charge a difficult animal fee. The price varies dependent upon what the pets temperament is. For example, if we have to muzzle your pet, or need an extra person to help handle your pet, you will be charged extra. We will discuss options with you, before any actions are taken.
Is there an extra charge if I pay by credit card?
No extra fees. We now include credit card processing fees in the price of your dogs groom.
Do you groom cats?
We are starting to work on cats. Currently we are ONLY trimming cat nails.
To make an appointment, after checking out the services listed on the previous page, please call or text us, (269)529-8836. You are also free to email us, by clicking HERE.
To schedule your appointment online, please click HERE and you can make an appointment.
We are happy to get you scheduled!
To make an appointment, after checking out the services listed on the previous page, please call or text us, (269)529-8836. You are also free to email us, by clicking HERE.
To schedule your appointment online, please click HERE and you can make an appointment.
We are happy to get you scheduled!
How long does a full groom take?
There is no set amount of time a full groom takes. There are, however, many factors that determine how long it takes. The dogs temperment, the condition of the dogs coat, drying time, and several other factors will determine the amount of time it takes.
Drying- The drying process after the bath is crucial, your dogs coat needs to be completely dry in order to get the full length of hair and to make the cut as even as possible. Many dogs are scared of the sound the dryer makes, so we use a "happy hoodie". This goes over their ears to help dampen some of the noise. In some cases, we cannot use a dryer, especially if your dog is scared of it. In this case, we will towel the your dog the best we can. Please note, this will take extra time.
Drying- The drying process after the bath is crucial, your dogs coat needs to be completely dry in order to get the full length of hair and to make the cut as even as possible. Many dogs are scared of the sound the dryer makes, so we use a "happy hoodie". This goes over their ears to help dampen some of the noise. In some cases, we cannot use a dryer, especially if your dog is scared of it. In this case, we will towel the your dog the best we can. Please note, this will take extra time.
In all cases, we work at the dogs pace.
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Contact
- Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
- 269-529-8836
- Chewie@chewiespaws.com
- 10 am - 6 pm