Dog Business Reviews

PetSmart Grooming Review – Looking Sharp, Feeling Good!

Check out Charlie's amazing PetSmart Grooming before and after photos in our PetSmart Grooming Review
Written by Rachael Sando

This post is sponsored by PetSmart and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about PetSmart Grooming Salons, but MyDogLikes only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

It’s not easy to be a celbri-pup.

When you live your life in front of the camera, just a few bad hair days can make people SQUEE with delight. Lately, things have been looking a little “ruff” around here.

Before I knew it, my windblown hurricane ear hairs were all that people were talking about on social media.  

Our Handsome Dog Charlie

I’ve always found when dealing with the puparazzi it is best, to be honest. You know, address the questions everyone is dying to ask. So, let’s get it out of the way…

  • No, there is not a Wind Machine in my home that creates the “windblown” effect
  • No, I do not wear a wig.
  • Yes, my ears naturally flip inside out; I have not had any cosmetic procedures performed. There was however that one unfortunate procedure that I prefer not to talk about.
  • No, I did not fire my stylist (Mom). Truth be told, I am a bit of a wigglebutt and don’t like to hold still. With time and maturity (on Mom’s part) I have decided that she may brush me. Unfortunately, the rump is still a sensitive area that is far too ticklish for a Mom to handle.

Bad Press

Our Golden Retriever Charlie in desperate need of a groom!

When I started to get some bad press, I knew it was time to take matters into my own hands.

I mean let’s face it, Mom is great at a lot of things (belly rubs, treat giving, walkies), but she is NO grooming professional. I needed the full dog spa experience.

Calling in The Professionals

Charlie on the computer trying to find some deals on Full Moon Dog Treats!

I started my search online and quickly found several PetSmart® Grooming Salons nearby. I wanted to make sure I got the best so I read everything I could about the grooming services they offer

During my research, I found out some interesting facts about #PetSmartGrooming:

  • All PetSmart Salon Associates receive special coursework where they learn about dog anatomy, signs of stress, and common medical conditions. They also get annual safety certification.
  • PetSmart Groomers (those who give the haircuts) receive an additional 400 hours of hands-on training.
  • PetSmart even offers a “look great guarantee” which is their promise that I (and my many adoring fans) will be completely satisfied with the services, or they’ll do whatever it takes to make it right-including a refund if necessary.

Booking an Appointment – So easy my assistant can do it!

With a little bit of help from my assistant (Mom) I got on the internet and booked a Grooming experience with the professionals over at PetSmart!

Booking online was very easy. I simply entered in some basic information and chose my groomer.

Did you know about Petsmart Dog Grooming services? Click here to read more!

I liked that I could book the exact groomer that I requested. I went with Rachel, the name sounded nice, and familiar – although I can’t place why. I easily selected a package fit for a king.

  • Bath, Brush, Groom with Top Dog (Add-On) which included special oatmeal shampoo, teeth brushing (and extra kisses too).

Forget me Not

While it’s true that I never forget dinner or walkie time, occasionally, I have trouble remembering all of my appointments.

What we LOVED about PetSmart Grooming is that we received email and text reminders that we had an appointment! We love reminders in our house!

Looking for Dog Grooming Near Me? Did you know that PetSmart offers dog grooming services?

Charlie – Party of 1

When my spa day arrived, I was thrilled. There were a lot of people there when we arrived (apparently I am not the only dog who knows about PetSmart Grooming) but Check-in was a breeze.

To keep all dog friends and groomers/associates safe, PetSmart requires proof of vaccination. All of my paperwork was in order so getting through that step was pretty easy.

PetSmart groomers pass a rigorous round of training and testing before they can perform their duties.

Next thing I knew Rachel was petting me all over. It was a “wellness check” to look for any signs of skin irritation, hair matts, or lumps and bumps.

If you ask me, I think it was just an excuse to pet my adorable body all over.  

We were very impressed with the PetSmart grooming prices and the quality of services we received. Click here to read the official MyDogLikes review!

Rachel was thorough with Mom too. She asked her all sorts of questions about what she wanted me to look like to ensure that the outcome that we both wanted was clear.

There is nothing worse than getting a different haircut than what you expected.

Charlie from MyDogLikes visits PetSmart Dog Grooming to weigh in on their skills, services and convenience!

Mom – The Worrier

Mom always worries a little when leaving me someplace, but I felt comfortable and safe with my groomer, Rachel, right away.

I’ve always felt like I was a good judge of character, but Mom must have felt good about it too since she left me there while she ran errands (buying me things no doubt).

The Big Reveal

Charlie's dog grooming before and after photos!

When it was time to pick me up, Mom could not believe her eyes!

She said I looked FABULOUS! What do you think? I tend to agree – time to update my headshots?  

  • Report Card – Rachel wrote me a nice report card. She said I was “A good boy, Pleasure to groom”- Ha, so there Mom! I got my teeth brushed (which I am always a good boy for) and even got a little doggie toothbrush to take home as a reminder to take good care of my pearly whites!
Charlie's pet grooming report card from PetSmart
  • Looks – I mean seriously, did you look at the photos? I looked like a million bucks. I have a super fluffy butt and the crazy ears have been tamed. Beyond just looking good, I felt really good too! I couldn’t wait to get home and run after a Frisbee!
Looking for PetSmart Grooming Reviews? Golden Retriever Charlie volunteered his services for the cause!
  • Experience – When Mom picked me up, I was nothing but happy. I wanted Mom to be sure that she knew how much I liked Rachel so I was sure to give her some extra lovin’!

Why MyDogLikes PetSmart Grooming

Anytime something that takes as much skill, talent, and training as grooming is done on larger scale, it’s natural to wonder about the consistency and quality of the service.

We were skeptical about the whole process but felt so much better after learning about the extensive training that their groomers undergo and then meeting our groomer, Rachel.

You could tell that she was a great lover of furry creatures and made Charlie and I feel right at ease.

Charlie's PetSmart Grooming Services included a beautiful teeth cleaning!

As a busy pet mom, it was nice to have so many options and appointments available throughout the day and I was able to get in for an appointment so much sooner than in previous experiences with smaller groomers.

Things get busy around the holidays and getting the dog groomed and bathed is always one of the last things I accomplish from my To-Do list.

Overall, we could not have been more pleased with the end result.

Charlie looked so fresh, clean, and extra loveable!

Could your dog use a spa day of their own?

Still want to learn more? Follow PetSmart on Facebook!

About the author

Rachael Sando

Rachael is a School Psychologist with degrees from the University of Rochester and RIT. Though a lifelong dog lover, this passion has taken on a new direction through the utilization of therapy animals in her day job. Charlie, our Golden Retriever, works with Rachael as a school therapy dog in a local primary school where he brings comfort and support to students and staff on a daily basis.

7 Comments

  • You look awesome! Bailie says you two need to go together for an appt. (separate baths, though as she is still a respectable girl) and then have a nice date after with some dirt and other good stuff to freshen up in! Love your post!

  • You also had an oatmeal bath!!! SUGAR can relate about having curly fur – it’s tough to be Golden Beautiful! SUGAR just gave SUGAR an idea to make an appt online, BOL! Golden Woofs

    • Everyone assumes that all of this Golden beauty just comes naturally. While I must admit that most of it does, everyone can use a little sprucing up now and then!

  • Charlie looks simply MARVELOUS!! He really looks great! If memory serves me correctly, is that the PetSmart over in Webster? I always go to the one in Victor as it is closest to my house. So glad you had a good experience there. I will be sure to pass the word!

    • You’re right! This is the PetSmart in Webster, and we were so impressed with how well Charlie looked after his grooming! A Golden Retriever is definitely a bit of a challenge and we have had plenty of sub-par experiences with other groomers in the past!

  • Thank you PetSmart CH. My Hope has a smile on her mug. Thank you so much Gina, I love your work! We will be back. Best wishes, George W