Pet Grooming in Saint Paul

Saint Paul'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 and Saint Paul require

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. Saint Paul, however, has its own pet grooming facility license for any facility that grooms dogs and cats and is not a pet shop; grooming at a veterinary hospital does not need one. The license expires a year after it is issued, and it requires inspection approvals from Fire Safety, Environmental Health and Zoning. Ask a groomer to confirm its license, and do not treat it 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's license

Saint Paul requires dogs to be licensed once they are over three months old, and a dog must be vaccinated against rabies before it can get a license. Saint Paul Animal Control sells the licenses. Groomers will ask for proof of rabies vaccination too.

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.