Pet Grooming in Kansas City

Kansas City'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.

Ask about experience and licensing

Missouri's Animal Care Facilities Act requires a state license from the Department of Agriculture for a "commercial kennel", which the law defines as a kennel that performs grooming or training services, and licensed facilities are inspected at least once a year. Whether a given salon falls under that license is worth asking about, so ask your groomer whether they hold one and when it was last inspected. Then 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 license

In Kansas City, Missouri, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed with the city under Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances, according to the city's animal services page. You can buy a license at any KC Pet Project location with proof of your dog's current rabies vaccination, and some veterinary offices can process licenses too, though not all. Groomers will also ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Heat, winter salt and lepto

Kansas City summers can be hot and humid, so 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. In winter, wipe your dog's paws after walks on salted sidewalks, and ask your groomer to keep the fur between the pads trimmed so ice and salt do not build up.

In September 2024 the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City said two dogs had to be euthanized after testing positive for leptospirosis, and urged owners to vaccinate (KCTV5). Ask your vet whether the lepto vaccine suits your dog, especially if it visits dog parks or swims.

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.