Frequently asked questions
We offer a 1:1 grooming experience, meaning your dog receives undivided attention from start to finish—no kennels or crowded spaces. Once your dog is groomed and ready, they relax in a private, comfortable waiting room until pickup. With premium products, spa treatments, and personalized care, we create a happy, luxurious, stress-free experience tailored just for them.
We strive to maintain a safe, respectful, and stress-free environment for our clients, their pets, and our team. Behaviors that may result in a ban include:
Repeated same-day cancellations or no-shows, which disrupt our schedule and affect other clients.
Harassment or disrespectful behavior toward other clients, their pets, or our team members.
Aggressive or uncontrollable dogs that pose a safety risk to our groomers or other pets, despite our best efforts to manage the situation.
Yes, we’re happy to provide post-grooming care tips and recommend products to keep your dog’s coat, skin, and nails in great condition between visits. We carry a selection of high-quality products that we recommend for at-home care, as well as other goodies like high quality treats and accessories. Just ask a team member at drop off or pick up, and we’ll help you find the perfect products for your pet’s needs.
To ensure transparency, avoid double bookings, and confirm accurate availability, all appointments are scheduled directly by a Happy Buddy team member. Existing clients can request an appointment by messaging or emailing us. New clients must first fill out our New Client Form, and a team member will contact you to confirm your appointment. To help us find the time that works best for you, please provide your preferred scheduling times and days when reaching out or filling out the form.
We are an appointment-based salon, and our grooming sessions begin as early as 8:00 AM. Since we do not accept walk-ins, we recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Please do not attempt to walk in, as our salon operates with a door code that is accessible only to clients with confirmed appointments. For new clients, please fill out the New Client Form to get started, and a team member will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Depending on the services requested and your dog’s size and coat type and condition, grooming sessions typically take 2–4 hours. We prioritize quality and comfort, so we never rush the process.
We require 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid a penalty. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in a $50 deposit forfeiture. Same-day cancellations or rescheduling requests will result in a charge for the estimated full grooming service. This policy emphasizes accountability, as your appointment time is reserved exclusively for your pet, and our team dedicates that time to providing the best care possible.
To ensure a smooth experience for all clients and their pets, we have a late fee policy in place. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment start time or pickup time, a $20 charge per 15 minutes will apply. This policy is in place because our private waiting areas have limited space, and lateness can impact their availability for other clients.
To help you stay on schedule, we will notify you via text or call when your dog’s grooming is nearing completion, so you know when to arrive for pickup. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a seamless schedule for everyone.
For the safety of your dog and our groomers, we cannot allow clients to be present during grooming sessions. Having owners in the grooming area can distract both the dog and the groomers, which can lead to accidents or injuries. To ensure a safe and focused environment, we require drop-off appointments. However, we’re happy to provide updates and photos upon request so you can feel at ease while your dog is in our care.
We do not offer express grooming services, as we prioritize quality and a stress-free experience for every dog. Each grooming session is carefully scheduled to ensure your dog receives the time and attention they deserve. If you’re hoping for a specific day, we recommend requesting to be added to our waitlist—you’ll be the first to know about any last-minute openings! For the best availability, we recommend booking appointments in advance.
At this time, we prioritize nail trim services for existing clients who have previously booked bath or grooming appointments with us. This allows us to focus on providing the best care for our regular clients and maintain the quality of our services. If you’re interested in becoming a client, we’d love to welcome you and your dog for a full grooming session! Please fill out our New Client Form to get started.
We do not accept walk-ins, but existing clients can easily schedule a nail trim by messaging us at least one day in advance. Since nail trims are a quick service (under 15 minutes), we’ll confirm availability and get you scheduled at a convenient time. Please note that this service is only available to existing clients who have previously booked bath or grooming appointments with us.
If your dog has a routine vet visit scheduled around the same time as their grooming appointment, we recommend rescheduling the vet visit (if possible) to a few days after grooming. Dogs who get stressed at the vet may become uncooperative or anxious during grooming, which can affect their experience. However, if the vet visit is for an urgent issue, please reschedule your grooming appointment and bring your dog in a few days after their vet visit when they’ve had time to relax and recover. Your dog’s comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
Happy Buddy Cherry Hills prioritizes your dog’s comfort and health. Severe matting can cause pain, skin irritation, and even health issues if left untreated. In cases where the coat is heavily matted, a reset groom (shaving or cutting the coat short 1/4" or shorter) may be necessary to ensure your dog’s well-being and to promote healthy regrowth. Our groomers will assess your dog’s coat and discuss the best options with you before proceeding. Regular grooming appointments can help prevent matting and keep your dog’s coat in optimal condition.
Our groomers are experienced in handling anxious or senior dogs. We take extra care to ensure a calm, gentle environment and can accommodate special requests to make your dog feel comfortable. However, please note that we are legally unable to administer any medication (e.g., sedatives or anti-anxiety drugs). If your dog has been given medication before the grooming session, you must notify us before the start of the appointment for the safety and well-being of your pet and our team. If your dog requires medication for grooming, we recommend consulting your veterinarian beforehand.
Regular grooming every 4–6 weeks is essential for maintaining your dog’s coat, skin health, and overall well-being. Breeds with longer or thicker coats may need more frequent visits to prevent tangles, matting, and skin issues. For Poodles or Doodles who wish to maintain longer coats (greater than 1/2"), we recommend a minimum grooming frequency of every 2–3 weeks to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Consistent grooming also helps us catch potential health concerns early, such as skin irritations, abrasions, or parasites.
Yes, we use only premium, pet-safe products that are paraben and fragrance-free. Let us know if your dog has specific sensitivities, and we’ll tailor the products to their needs.
Yes, we love grooming puppies! Puppy grooming is a gentle introduction to the grooming process, focusing on creating a positive and stress-free experience. Perfect grooming or "puppy-cut" is not the objective for puppy visits—instead, the goal is to help your puppy get used to grooming tools like clippers, dremmels, blow dryers, and scissors in a safe and calm environment. We recommend starting early (around 12–16 weeks) to build their comfort and confidence for future grooming sessions.
To ensure a smooth grooming experience, please make sure your dog has had a chance to relieve themselves (pee or poo) before their appointment. Avoid feeding your dog directly before their session to prevent discomfort. If your dog has specific needs or sensitivities, let us know in advance.
While we recommend regularly brushing your dog’s coat to maintain its health, please do not attempt to brush out mats the night before their appointment. This can cause unnecessary stress, make their skin raw and irritated, and will not effectively remove the mats. Instead, let our groomers handle it safely and humanely during the session.
For new clients, please fill out the New Client Form so we can prepare for your dog’s visit. If your dog has been given any medication, notify us before the appointment.
Yes, we can accommodate dogs with special medical conditions, but we require advance notice to ensure their safety and comfort. Please let us know about any health concerns, allergies, or sensitivities when booking the appointment. For dogs requiring medication or with conditions that may impact their grooming, we strongly recommend consulting your veterinarian first. Clear communication helps us provide a safe and comfortable experience for your pet.
Our groomers are trained to handle anxious or uncooperative dogs with patience and care. If your dog becomes overly stressed or aggressive, we may pause the session and contact you to discuss the best course of action. While muzzling can be used as a last resort for safety, it is not a very effective solution and can cause even more stress for your dog. In rare cases, we may recommend rescheduling or consulting a veterinarian for advice on managing your dog’s stress during grooming. Your dog’s comfort and safety are our top priorities.
To ensure the highest quality grooming experience, we do not offer haircut-only services for dogs that have been bathed at home. Home baths before appointments are not enough for our grooming process, as they often do not fully remove dirt, oils, and tangles. Our grooming process is designed to provide a complete service, which includes bathing, drying, brushing, and grooming to ensure your dog’s coat is in the best condition for styling. This allows us to achieve a smooth, even cut and maintain your dog’s skin and coat health. We appreciate your understanding!
Our packages are designed to offer the best value and care for your dog. While we cannot remove or replace included services, you’re welcome to add any à la carte services to enhance their experience. For example, if your dog doesn’t need nail trimming, you can add teeth brushing or a spa treatment but for an additional fee.
Our pricing varies depending on the size of your dog, coat type and condition, and the specific services requested. For a detailed breakdown of our rates, please visit our Services Page . If you need more information or have specific questions, we kindly ask that you fill out our New Client Form. Once submitted, a team member will reach out to assist you further.
While we do not offer a multiple dog discount, we are happy to groom multiple dogs from the same household if they get along well. Each dog still receives a 1:1 grooming experience, as our groomers dedicate their time to one dog at a time to ensure personalized care and attention. This approach allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety for every pet. Our pricing reflects the time, skill, and premium care our grooming team provides to each individual dog.
Tipping is always appreciated but never required. If you’re happy with the service, a tip of 15–25% is a common way to show your gratitude to your dog's groomer. Tips can be added to your card payment or given in cash.
Yes, we still offer mobile grooming services for clients within our designated service area. However, mobile grooming is best suited for clients who can be home during the scheduled appointment time, as our groomers come directly to you. If you have a strict schedule or cannot be home for most of the day, we recommend visiting our store location for a more flexible grooming experience. Please contact us to confirm if you’re within our service area and to discuss availability.
