Pet Grooming in Chicago

Chicago's groomers range from neighborhood salons and pet-store grooming counters to mobile vans that park outside your building. 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.

City licenses and clean tools

In Chicago, any business that grooms dogs or cats needs a City of Chicago Animal Care license, and Chicago Animal Care and Control inspects the premises before the license is issued. The city code also requires groomers to keep grooming areas apart from where animals are housed, and to sanitize cages, tables, tubs, brushes, combs and clipper blades after every animal. A license is not a measure of skill, so also ask how long the groomer has worked and whether they groom your breed often.

Your dog's registration

Every dog four months and older in Chicago must be registered with the city and have a current rabies vaccination. Registration is done through the City Clerk, for one or three years to match your dog's rabies shot. Groomers will ask for proof of rabies vaccination, and many boarding and day care businesses ask for the registration too.

Winter salt and summer heat

Chicago winters bring snow, ice and heavily salted sidewalks. Wipe your dog's paws after walks, and ask your groomer to keep the fur between the pads trimmed so ice and salt do not build up. In summer, Chicago Animal Care and Control advises exercising dogs in the early morning or late evening and never leaving them alone in a parked vehicle, where heat stroke can set in quickly. Book summer grooms early in the day, and for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave.

Before the first appointment

• 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.

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.