Pet Grooming in Newton

Newton'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 regulates 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 Newton, kennel licensing sits with the city clerk, since the law names the clerk of any municipality other than Boston as the licensing authority.

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 license

Newton's City Clerk licenses dogs. The clerk's page says that state law requires all dogs over 6 months to have a current license, that beginning April 1 each year all dogs six months and older must be licensed, and that proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided. Groomers will also ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Winter salt and summer heat

In winter, wipe your dog's paws after walks to remove melting salt, which can irritate skin, and ask the groomer to keep the fur between the pads trimmed. In summer, 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.