Pet Grooming in Silver Spring

Silver Spring'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 approvals

We could not confirm a public list of the county or state approvals that a groomer needs, so ask a groomer what it holds, and visit the shop if you are unsure. Montgomery County Animal Services can be reached at 240.773.5900. Whatever the answer, 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 county license

Montgomery County says that, by law, dogs and cats over 4 months of age must wear current rabies and pet license tags. The county's page names only Rockville and Gaithersburg as cities whose residents license with their own city. Your veterinarian's rabies tag is not your county license, and the county issues a license only with proof of rabies vaccination. Groomers will ask for proof of rabies vaccination too. If you are not sure your address is in Montgomery County, check with the county before you apply.

Summer heat

Montgomery County's heat guidance says never to leave pets alone inside a vehicle on a warm day, even with the window cracked, and to walk pets in the morning or evening when it is cooler. Its hand test: if the sidewalk is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws. Book early-morning grooming appointments, 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.

Winter salt

Road salt irritates paw pads. After winter walks, wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth.

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.