Pet Grooming in Plymouth

Plymouth'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 Plymouth, kennel licensing sits with the town 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

The Plymouth Town Clerk says all dogs older than six months need a license from the Town of Plymouth, that licenses are valid for a calendar year and expire on December 31, and that a late charge applies if you register after March 31. You will need a current rabies certificate. Groomers will also ask for proof of rabies vaccination.

Beaches, summer heat and winter salt

Plymouth's Long Beach has seasonal dog restrictions in effect from April 1 to September 30, and the town says dogs must be leashed there. If your dog spends time on the shore, ask the groomer to rinse sand and salt from the coat and keep the fur between the pads trimmed. In summer, book early-morning appointments and never leave your dog in a parked car; for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave. In winter, wipe paws after walks to remove melting salt.

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.