Frequently Asked Questions

Booking is easy! Click any "Book Now" button on our website, select your preferred package and dog size, choose your preferred time slot (Morning, Afternoon, or Evening), and submit your details. We will confirm your appointment promptly via text or email.

We recommend booking 3–7 days in advance, especially for weekends. However, we do accommodate same-day and next-day appointments when our schedule allows. For recurring appointments, we can set up a regular grooming schedule so you never have to worry about booking again.

Yes! We understand plans change. You can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours before your appointment at no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a $50 fee to compensate our groomers for reserved time. Just call or text us at (925) 430-6699.

Absolutely! Many of our clients book standing appointments every 4–6 weeks. We will send you a reminder a few days before your scheduled groom, and you can reschedule if needed. It is the easiest way to keep your pup looking their best year-round.

Our Essential Bath includes a warm bath with professional-grade shampoo, hand blow dry, thorough brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, eye wash, and paw trimming. Anal gland expression and ear hair removal are available upon request at no extra charge.

The Full Grooming Package includes everything in the Essential Bath PLUS a full haircut or breed-specific styling, teeth brushing, paw pad trimming, sanitary trim, fancy bow tie or bandana, paw and nose conditioning, and our signature Hug & Brush Magic Hydrobath treatment.

Never. The price you see is the price you pay. Our pricing includes travel to your home anywhere in the Bay Area. The only time additional charges may apply is for severely matted dogs requiring extra dematting time, or if you request services not included in your package.

Currently, we specialize in dogs only. Our mobile van and equipment are optimized for canine grooming. We may offer cat grooming in the future — follow us on Instagram for updates!

Of course! Bring a photo or describe the style you want, and our groomers will do their best to match it. We are experienced in breed-standard cuts, puppy cuts, summer shaves, and creative styling. Your groomer will also advise what styles work best for your dog's coat type.

Our fully-equipped grooming van arrives at your home at the scheduled time. We park in your driveway or on the street, and your dog is groomed one-on-one inside our climate-controlled van. No cages, no waiting with other dogs — just your pup and their dedicated groomer in a calm, familiar environment.

Nope! We bring everything we need — water, power, professional grooming tools, premium shampoos, and treats. All we need is a place to park our van near your home. You do not even need to be home during the grooming, as long as we have access to your dog.

Most appointments take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your dog's size, coat condition, and the services requested. Small dogs with simple baths may be done in about an hour, while large dogs with full grooming and dematting can take up to 3 hours. We never rush — quality takes time.

Mobile grooming is often ideal for anxious dogs because it eliminates the stress of car rides and strange environments. Our groomers are Fear Free certified and trained in gentle handling techniques. For dogs with severe anxiety or aggression, we recommend starting with shorter sessions to build trust. We will never force a dog through a grooming session.

While we understand you want to see the magic happen, we find that most dogs actually behave better when their owner is not directly watching (they tend to get excited or anxious). You are welcome to check in through the van window, and we will send you photo updates if you'd like!

We serve the entire Bay Area, California including Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Antioch, Brentwood, Martinez, Lafayette, Orinda, Pittsburg, Oakland, Berkeley, and over 25 other cities. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call!

Yes! As long as we can park our van within a reasonable distance of your building, we can groom your dog. For apartments with gated parking, we may need you to meet us at the entrance or provide a temporary parking pass.

We are open 7 days a week, 9am to 9pm. We offer Morning (9am–12pm), Afternoon (12pm–4pm), and Evening (4pm–9pm) time slots. Weekend slots fill up fastest, so book early!

Our van is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so rain does not affect our grooming at all. We groom rain or shine! In the rare event of severe weather that makes travel unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule at no charge.

Yes! All Monster Paws groomers are certified by the National Dog Groomers Association (NDGA) and undergo continuous training. Many are also Fear Free certified, meaning they use science-based techniques to minimize stress and anxiety for your pet.

Mobile grooming is often the safest option for senior dogs. There is no car ride stress, no slippery salon floors, and no waiting in cages. Our groomers are trained in senior dog care and take extra time with older pups who may have arthritis, vision loss, or other age-related needs.

Please let us know about any skin conditions, allergies, or sensitivities when booking. We have hypoallergenic and medicated shampoos available, and our groomers are trained to recognize common skin issues. For severe conditions, we may recommend consulting your vet before grooming.

Yes, Monster Paws Grooming is fully insured and bonded. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and all our groomers are covered by workers compensation. Your pet and property are protected.

We take hygiene seriously. All tools are sanitized between appointments using veterinary-grade disinfectants. The grooming tub and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, and fresh towels are used for every dog. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps every pup safe.