At Struggletown Vets we can clip and bath your dog or cat. This service is available Monday to Friday.

Each groom also has their ears cleaned, their nails cut and is bathed in our Deluxe Hydrobath to come out squeaky clean and gorgeous.

Our grooming is done with clippers over the body, with the feet and face trimmed to an attractive look with scissors. Clipper blades have a variety of lengths. It is best to discuss the most appropriate length with our nurses when you drop off your animal.

Our grooms are what we describe as “comfort clips”, that is, they look cute and your animal will be comfortable and cool. They are not show quality grooms. Take a look through the photos on this page and see what you would like for your dog or cat.

The Procedure

We normally ask that you drop off your animal in the morning between 7am and 9am, then call us at around 3pm to find out what time you can collect it. Most grooms are ready to go home then but some may need a bit longer under the hair-drier.

Remember that as we are open to 11pm each weeknight, you can stop in later after work if it suits you better.

When you drop off your animal you will be asked to fill in a Consent Form. Alternatively, you can Download a Grooming Consent Form and fill it in before coming in. Please give us a number that we can reach you on easily during the day.

To Book

Please telephone on 9398 8000 or email us at reception@struggletownvet.com.au to book your animal in for grooming.

Usually we can book you in with just one or two days notice but leave a little more time during the very hot weather or just before Christmas.

Sedation

Some animals need to be sedated for grooming. Our policy is only to sedate those animals who are very stressed by the procedure or who are becoming aggressive to the groomers. This is only a small proportion of animals.

One of our vets will perform a full physical examination prior to giving the sedative. Once grooming is complete then sedation will be reversed.

It is worth noting that with old or sick animals, sedation may not be appropriate. In this case you should call speak to the vet when you book your animal in for grooming.

Animals who might need sedating should be fasted (no food intake at all) from 9pm the previous evening. Water should be removed on the morning of grooming.

Other services

If your animal needs a health check whilst in with us for grooming, this can be done at a reduced consultation fee. Please describe the problem when you drop off your animal and leave contact details. The vet will call you or request you book a consultation time that evening to talk about the problem.

Grooming Tips

Animals do not naturally enjoy the process of grooming. A great many animals need to be groomed on a regular basis due to the popularity of animals with continuously growing, and therefore non-shedding, fur. The more that we can do make them accustomed to the practice then the more they will agree to it being done.

Some tips that will mean grooming is more enjoyable for your dog or cat:

• Start the process at a young age. Desensitise your puppy or kitten to touch by regularly massaging their paws, touching their ears and opening their mouths. Follow this by a small, tasty treat so that they develop a positive feeling about grooming
• Gently brush your animal to accustom them to the sensation. Do not allow them to bite the comb as it will become a game and impossible to do! Long-haired cats need regular (daily) brushing or they become matted.
• Clip your puppies nails with some sharp clippers (eg “Tiny Claws”) – remember to remove just the very tips of the nails – about 2mm and no more. Follow with a treat.
• Take your puppy to training! If your dog learns at an early age to be more compliant, to be well socialised and happy for human contact then it will be much easier to groom (see Puppy School)
• If you would rather not have to groom your pet then there are many lovely and low maintenance breeds of dogs and cats that only need a minimum of hair care. Please call our staff to discuss this prior to your purchase of an animal.