Pet Grooming in Rochester

Rochester'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 Minnesota requires

Minnesota's kennel license law says that no one may operate a kennel or dealer business without a license from the state Board of Animal Health. But the statute defines a kennel as a place where dogs or cats are kept if they were obtained from municipalities, pounds, auctions or ads for unwanted pets, and the definition does not mention boarding or grooming. The City of Rochester's animal control page lists permits for chickens, ducks and pigeons and a breeder's permit for keeping more than nine animals, and does not mention groomers. Ask a business what approvals it holds, and do not treat a license as a measure of skill.

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 in Rochester

Most dogs do not need a city license in Rochester; only dogs deemed dangerous or potentially dangerous are licensed. Dogs, cats and ferrets over the age of four months must instead wear an ID tag with the owner's name and a valid telephone number, or be micro-chipped with current contact information. The city also says all dogs, cats and ferrets over four months old must be vaccinated against rabies, and groomers will ask for proof.

Winter salt and subzero days

Road salt and de-icers irritate paw pads. After winter walks, wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth, and ask your groomer to trim the hair between the pads, where ice collects. In a deep freeze, ask about drop-off times so your dog is not waiting outside.

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.