Gone to the Dogs Pet Salon

On March 4, 2017, We took our 3 Shih Tzu Pomeranian, 9-month old, puppies to Gone to the Dogs, Stafford, Virginia, for grooming. This was their third time to get their hair trimmed (the previous two times, we went to another salon which did a good job, but a friend had really recommended Gone to the Dogs). I provided CLEAR directions when I called to establish the appointment, and again to the groomer, Crystal, who was to groom Bela. I brought a picture to the salon and Crystal and showed exactly how I wanted Bela to be groomed. I was very EXPLICIT in my instructions and MANDATED that Bela not be shaved. I equally was EXPLICIT and CLEAR that the other two puppies, Jamie and Bear, were to have their fur kept long and only trimmed around their faces, paws, and rear. Jamie and Bears fur were not easily matted and they had nice longer hair which we wanted to maintain. After we left, we received a call from the salon stating that the cost was not going to be approximately $30 each, but $60 each as they were not puppies any longer. I again used the opportunity to EXPLICITLY state that none of the dogs were to be shaved. The gal who called assured me that the salon understood.After receiving a call from the salon that the dogs were almost done (approximately four hours), I entered the salon and was both shocked and extremely upset. All three dogs had been shaved with hair barely long on their bodies. During the entire time we were gone, the salon never called, emailed, or contacted us in any way to let us know that they were contemplating shaving the dogs. They simply shaved them without permission against my EXPLICIT instructions and wishes. We took the puppies home and all three were obviously traumatized by the ordeal. They are normally running, wrestling, and playing constantly theyre puppies. They came home and were lethargic, shaking, and constantly seeking to be around our feet everywhere we went. They were completely changed from the experience. They refused to acknowledge their names, and had several accidents in the house when they are thoroughly house trained. After two days of no change in their attitudes and disposition, I contacted several dog store experts to determine what was wrong and what could be done. Each dog expert stated that this situation can be very traumatic for a dog, especially a puppy of 9-months, and recommended several calming sprays for their coats, oatmeal baths, shirts to compensate for the dramatic loss of hair, and possibly baby powder for clipper burn.On Monday after I had calmed down a lot, I called the salon to speak to the manager, Becky, who was not present on Saturday, March 4th. She immediately knew the situation when I told her I was calling about my three dogs on Saturday. I didnt even need to say anything about the situation. She stopped the conversation before it started and quickly got the salon owner, Jen, and had me talk to her. I began to discuss the situation from the beginning and Jen cut me off and got very defensive. She stated that a dog cannot be traumatized by a haircut, that using clippers cant burn the skin, and that it was poor communication and I was wrong. I asked how her salon could take my very EXPLICIT instructions with a very CLEAR message dont shave my dogs, and turn this into a situation where they could do whatever they wanted and the customer was wrong. I have before and after pictures which clearly shows the dogs with their longer hair, and then with almost no hair. Yes, their hair will grow back, but the experience my puppies went through is unforgiveable, especially when the salon owner got defensive and accepted no blame for the situationI will NEVER RECOMMEND this salon to any dog owner, and should you decide to use or continue to use this salon, consider this a warning they dont listen to what you want, and will do whatever they want. You will receive no clarification calls nothing! Customer beware.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for Making Buster look so stylish. Sarah, you did a outstanding job. I know how hard it is to make a Yorkie look great but you made him a real looker. All of the girls dogs in the neighborhood are whistling when he comes out. Thanks again.

Best groomers in Stafford County! My poodle is pampered and treated like he belongs to Kelley, his groomer! We've been to a few other places in the area, but no one treated him like Gone to the Dogs! Very professional and personable staff. Amina is a Veterinarian's Assistant, so she is very knowledgeable about our pets, sending us to see our vets whenever she thinks there could be a problem. On the other hand, she has kept me from spending unnecessary $$ at the vet when I thought something was wrong and there wasn't! Amina even trims my Guinea Pig's nails! I highly recommend them to everyone for all your pet needs!

I used to show dogs, and now do rally & agility, but that doesn't mean I don't want my dog to look it's best. I've tried a lot of groomers in Stafford, Fredericksburg & the surrounding areas & haven't found want I was looking for until Gone to the Dogs! Amina & her staff are WONDERFUL! The grooming is the best I've had in 20 years! Thank you for your caring, expertise.