1. What is a mobile grooming van?
Our Waggin' Wheels van is a Ford Transit van which has been converted to the highest standard, creating a dog grooming salon (on wheels) with lots of space, comfort and natural light to ensure the health and happiness of all the dogs we groom.
The van also contains the best grooming equipment available, including a warm water tank to supply our deep cleansing and massaging hydrobath, a combi dryer and blaster, and a range of shampoos and conditioners to suit each dog’s skin and coat type.
2. Why choose mobile dog grooming?
At Waggin' Wheels we only groom one dog at a time to reduce the worry and stress which may be caused by other dogs around them.
Many dogs understand that they are only a few steps from their front door which can be very calming for them (and their owners!) who suffer from separation anxiety and distress.
We can also groom dogs who find it hard being left for a long time at a static grooming salon, particularly elderly or anxious dogs, and dogs that become stressed around other dogs. When we are finished grooming there is no hanging about, the dog goes straight back home, which significantly reduces stress.
Dogs with mobility or joint problems, and those who do not travel well, will also benefit from the mobile grooming service.
Many dogs enjoy being the “star of the show” and our personalised service means they are never left alone in a cage to dry or to be collected by their owner.
Another great reason to choose mobile dog grooming is that customers love not having to organise their whole day around drop off and pick up trips to a static grooming salon....and after our first meeting, you don't even have to be home!
3. What areas do you cover?
We cover North Belfast and Newtownabbey.
4. How long does it take?
Grooming time depends on the size, coat condition and temperament of your dog, as well as the grooming service required. Because we’re on your doorstep, however, you can just get on with your day without needing to worry about when we’ll be finished.
5. How much will it cost?
Charges will vary dependent on the breed of dog, the specified style and the condition of their coat. Please check our "Treatments & Prices" section.
We can give you a price which is based on a co-operative dog that is:
-Average size and coat condition
-Receives regular grooming
Additional charges may apply for:
-Matted coats
-Heavier dogs
-Difficult dogs
6. What days and times do you work?
We work Tuesday to Saturday.
Our customers are always our first priority and we will not leave a dog unattended to answer the phone but if you leave a message with your contact number and as much detail as possible, we will call you back as soon as we can.
Please note that it is unlikely appointments can be arranged for that day - please book early to avoid disappointment!
7. Do you use warm water?
We fill the van in the morning with warm water from home and have an immersion heater fitted to the water tank to keep the water at a constant temperature of around 35°C.
8. Are there any breeds you don't groom?
Due to their size and thick coats, we are unable to groom large dogs such as Newfoundlands, Goldenoodles, Malumutes, Huskies, etc.
We do not clip dogs with double coats, such as Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Collies, as cutting will ruin their coat texture and appearance.
These breeds only require a de-shedding treatment but we can tidy up their feet, tail and underneath, as well as remove any matts.
9. Does the groom include nail clipping and ear cleaning?
Every full groom includes nail clipping (if required) and ear cleaning or plucking (depending on the breed).
10. Can I stay with my dog?
We need the full co-operation and undivided attention of the dog and find that most dogs behave much better when their owner is not present as they may act as a distraction.
However, customers are welcome to come and have a look in the van and observe their dog for a few minutes at the beginning.
11. Will my dog be put in a cage?
We never use cages and always work one-to-one with each dog. We only ever groom one dog in the van at a time, unless they are from the same family and the dogs get on well.
12. When should I start getting my puppy groomed?
As soon as a puppy has completed its vaccinations it should start making regular grooming visits. There are lots of new experiences and noises for your puppy to discover and the younger they start the easier it is for them.
We provide puppy tidy-ups for pups aged 12 weeks to 24 weeks old and the price is from £20. This includes a wash, blow dry and trim around the feet, eyes, ears and tail. Nail clipping is an additional £5.
13. Is it possible to just get my dog washed and dried?
Of course, please let us know at the time of booking.
For certain long haired breeds we recommend “tidy-ups” between grooms to keep the coat in good condition and to help prevent matting. These involve a wash, blow dry and brush out.
14. My dog just needs its nails clipped; do I need an appointment?
Yes, however nail appointments are slotted in around grooming appointments and you may have to wait a few days until we are in your area to do this.
Nail clipping costs between £7 and £10 and only takes a few minutes.
15. What if my dog is nervous?
At Waggin' Wheels we are only too happy to try to work with nervous dogs and we will try very hard to build a good relationship with your dog so that they will trust us, but we never perform any treatments which will cause stress.
We've found that many dogs know they are just outside their front door and their owner is nearby which seems to have a calming influence.
16. If my dog is matted can they still be groomed?
Of course. Please let us know at the time of booking if your dog’s coat is matted as we may need to allow for extra time to groom them.
Any extra time spent de-matting may incur a surcharge.
17. What do I need to do?
All we need is a parking space and access to an electricity socket. We carry a 50 metre extension cable to reach a convenient socket and our equipment requires very little electricity.
You tell us exactly how you want your dog groomed, and leave us to it!
There is absolutely nothing for you to clean up afterwards as we carry out all the grooming in the van and take the hair away with us when we're finished.
THERE REALLY IS NO MESS, NO STRESS!
