Pet Grooming in Boston

Boston's groomers range from neighborhood salons and pet-store grooming counters to mobile vans that work from your driveway. A full groom usually covers a bath, haircut, nail trim and ear cleaning; most groomers also offer bath-only visits, de-shedding and quick tidy-ups between full grooms.

What Massachusetts law says about groomers

Massachusetts requires a kennel license for a "commercial boarding or training kennel", which its law defines as an establishment used for boarding, holding, day care, overnight stays or training of animals owned by others. The same definition says it does not include a grooming facility operated solely for grooming and not for overnight boarding. So a groomer that only grooms is outside the state's kennel definition, while one that also offers boarding or day care is a different matter: ask which license it holds. In Boston, kennel licensing sits with the police commissioner, the licensing authority named in the law.

Experience matters too

A license is not a measure of skill, so ask how long the groomer has worked, where they trained and whether they groom your breed often. Before the first visit:

• Tell the groomer about your dog's health, age and temperament.
• Ask how dogs are dried; if a cage dryer is used, someone should check the dog often.
• Ask which vaccines they require, and reschedule if your dog is coughing.
• If the coat is badly matted, ask about a short clip rather than hours of brushing out.

Your dog's city license

If your dog is older than six months, you need a Boston dog license before April 1 of each year, and you must provide a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering. Groomers will ask for proof of rabies vaccination too.

Winter salt and cold

Boston Animal Care and Control advises that if it is too cold outside for you, it is probably too cold for your pet, and says wiping your pet's coat and paws after being outside also removes melting salt, which is toxic and can cause burns. A groomer can trim the hair between the pads, where ice and salt collect.

Summer heat

Book early-morning appointments, never leave your dog in a parked car, and for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave: the undercoat protects them from heat and sunburn.

About these listings

Many listings here were added from public business data and have not been claimed by the business yet. Check hours, prices and services with the groomer directly. If you run one of these businesses, you can claim or correct your listing from its page.