Your First Visit to Totally Mutts
Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth, Stress-Free Experience
Welcome to Totally Mutts! We know that visiting a new grooming facility for the first time can feel a bit uncertain—you might be wondering what to expect, what to bring, or how to prepare your dog. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know!
Quick First Visit Checklist
- Know which service you want (self-service, grooming, or a-la-carte)
- Bring vaccination records for first full-service grooming appointment (no vaccination records required for walk-in services)
- Bring your dog's leash
- Arrive during business hours (Tue-Sat, 9 AM - 4 PM)
- Have questions ready for our friendly staff
- Bring payment method (cash or card)
- Optional: Photo of desired haircut (for professional grooming)
Choose Your Service Type
Your first visit experience will vary depending on which service you choose. Let's start by identifying the right option for you!
Self-Service Dog Wash
Walk-in, DIY bathing with professional equipment
No appointment needed
Read GuideSelf-Service Dog Wash Guide
Before You Arrive
✅ What to Bring:
- • Your dog (on leash)
- • Vaccination records (first visit only)
- • Payment method (cash or card)
- • Optional: Special medicated shampoo if vet-prescribed
❌ What NOT to Bring:
- • Towels (we provide them!)
- • Shampoo (we provide premium products!)
- • Grooming tools (we have everything!)
Pricing: Call (360) 831-6009 for current pricing information.
Step-by-Step Process
Check In at Front Desk
2-3 minStaff greets you, collects vaccination records (first visit), explains pricing, and shows you to a wash station.
Get Set Up at Your Station
2-3 minStaff demonstrates equipment—spray nozzle, dryer, products, and towels. Ask any questions!
Bathe Your Dog
20-30 minSecure your dog, wet thoroughly, apply shampoo, massage into coat, rinse completely, apply conditioner.
Dry Your Dog
10-15 minTowel dry first, then use high-velocity dryer. Brush out coat when done.
Cleanup & Checkout
3-5 minReturn towels, collect belongings, pay at front desk. We handle all cleanup!
💡 First Visit Tips for Self-Service
- • Bring a helper for large or energetic dogs
- • Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet!
- • Take your time—there's no rush
- • Don't hesitate to ask staff for help
- • Consider adding a nail trim service
- • Bring treats to reward your dog!
Total Time for First Self-Service Visit: 45-60 minutes
Learn More About Self-ServiceProfessional Grooming Guide
Before Your Appointment
📞 Schedule Your Appointment
Call us at (360) 831-6009. Available Tuesday-Saturday, 9 AM - 4 PM. We recommend booking 1-2 weeks ahead.
📋 What We'll Ask:
- • Your dog's breed and size
- • Age and temperament
- • Coat condition (any matting?)
- • Desired haircut/style
- • Any special needs or health issues
- • Preferred appointment date/time
📸 What to Bring:
- • Vaccination records (first visit)
- • Photo of desired haircut (helpful!)
- • List of special requests or concerns
- • Payment method
What Happens During Grooming (2-4 hours)
Pre-Groom Evaluation
Groomer assesses coat condition, checks for mats, skin issues, and plans approach.
Bath
Hydro-massage spa bath with premium all-natural shampoo & conditioner.
Drying
Towel dry, high-velocity blow dry, complete brush-out to remove all tangles.
Haircut & Styling
Professional clipping/scissoring, breed-standard or custom cut, face, paw, and sanitary trims.
Finishing Touches
Nail trim and buff, ear cleaning, final brush and fluff, cologne spritz, bow or bandana.
💡 First Grooming Tips
- • Start grooming young (8-16 weeks) for best results
- • Be honest about your dog's behavior and sensitivities
- • Bring photos of desired haircut for clarity
- • Ask questions during drop-off—we're here to help!
- • Stay calm during drop-off (dogs sense your anxiety)
- • Schedule next appointment before leaving!
Total Time for First Grooming Visit: 2-4 hours
Schedule: (360) 831-6009A-La-Carte Services Guide
Just need a nail trim, ear cleaning, or other quick service? Most a-la-carte services are available as walk-ins—no appointment needed!
A-La-Carte Services
| Service | Est. Time |
|---|---|
| Nail Clipping | 10-15 min |
| Nail Dremmel | 15 min |
| Ear Cleaning | 5-10 min |
| Paw/Pad Trim | 10 min |
| Sanitary Trim | 10-15 min |
| Face Trim | 10-15 min |
| Express Splash-n-Dash | 30-45 min |
| De-Shedding Treatment | 45-60 min |
Call (360) 831-6009 for pricing information.
Total Time for First A-La-Carte Visit: 15-60 minutes
View All A-La-Carte ServicesVaccination Requirements
For the health and safety of all pets, we require current vaccinations for all dogs. Here's what you need:
Rabies
Required by law. Must be current with proof of vaccination.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Must be current (within last 6-12 months). Protects against respiratory infection.
DHPP
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza. Also called '5-in-1' or 'Distemper combo'.
What to Bring for Vaccination Records:
- • Original certificates from your vet
- • Or: Photo of records on your phone
- • Or: Digital records from vet portal
- • We'll make copies and return originals—you won't need to bring them again!
How Your Dog Might React
(And That's Okay!)
The Excited Dog
Signs: Tail wagging, jumping, pulling toward facility
What we do: Channel energy positively, provide calm handling
Your role: Stay calm during drop-off, don't get dog more excited
The Nervous Dog
Signs: Hesitation, trembling, hiding behind you
What we do: Take extra time, gentle approach, positive reinforcement
Your role: Stay calm and confident, reassure your dog, keep goodbyes brief
The Resistant Dog
Signs: Pulling away, refusing to enter, barking
What we do: Patient approach, treats, gradual introduction
Your role: Be honest about your dog's behavior so we can prepare
The Calm Dog
Signs: Relaxed, cooperative, easy-going
What we do: Standard grooming process, reward good behavior
Your role: Just enjoy the easy experience!
Payment Information
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex
Debit Cards
All major debit cards accepted
Cash
Always welcome!
Tips are never required but always appreciated! All tips go directly to your groomer.
Special Circumstances
We welcome dogs of all ages and needs!
Puppies (Under 6 Months)
- • Puppies 8 weeks+ welcome (with vaccines)
- • Early grooming shapes adult behavior
- • We recommend Puppy Splash & Play for first visit
- • Short, gentle sessions with lots of praise!
Senior Dogs
- • Extensive experience with senior dogs
- • Extra gentle handling
- • Accommodations for arthritis, mobility issues
- • Shorter sessions with frequent breaks
Rescue Dogs
- • We specialize in working with rescues!
- • Extra time and gentle techniques
- • Positive reinforcement approach
- • May require multiple visits to build trust
Dogs with Special Needs
- • We welcome dogs with special needs
- • Please inform us of any conditions
- • We'll adapt our approach to your dog's needs
- • Call ahead to discuss: (360) 831-6009
First Visit FAQs
Ready for Your First Visit?
You're all set! With this guide, you know exactly what to expect. We're excited to welcome you and your furry family member!
Call Us
(360) 831-6009Visit Us
13714 NE 28th St #17
Vancouver, WA 98682
Hours
Tue-Sat: 9 AM - 4 PM
Closed Sun & Mon