The Dog Spaw

If I could give zero stars, I would. This establishment has been an absolute disappointment. The overall quality of grooming services they offer is far below par, leaving pets looking unkempt and unsatisfied. Its disheartening to see how little they seem to care about the well-being of the animals they handle.The owners behavior is nothing short of appalling. Their lack of courtesy and respect towards customers is truly disconcerting. They show a complete disregard for any concerns raised by pet owners, refusing to take responsibility for any mishaps and instead choosing to shift blame onto others. This kind of unprofessionalism is completely unacceptable.Numerous reports of dogs getting injured during grooming sessions have surfaced, and its deeply concerning that such incidents are treated lightly by the owners. They should prioritize the safety and comfort of their animal clients, but it appears to be an afterthought to them.Attempts to resolve issues with them are met with hostility and aggression. Rather than addressing complaints calmly and professionally, they resort to screaming and arguing, making the whole experience even more distressing for the already concerned pet owners.I urge everyone to stay away from this place, as it clearly lacks the competence and compassion required for a reputable grooming service. Instead of creating a safe and enjoyable environment for pets, they seem to prioritize their ego over the well-being of the animals and their human clientele. Save yourself the trouble and find a more caring and skilled establishment for your beloved pets.

We were scheduled to bring our 2 Old English Sheepdogs for all except trim (read: large dogs, thick coats). I did tell them they were trimmed down to 1.5” when scheduled. An hour in the female owner calls us and literally called us “dishonest” and asked why I lied to her (when I’m an extremely honest person, likely to a fault). Blamed me for telling her our one dog (who has show dog quality coat thickness and purebred/strong lineage) had under 1” coat when I for sure did not say that - in fact I had originally told her the reason I didn’t want her to trim today was because I trim them myself because I keep them at 1.5” which most groomers don’t have (she doesn’t, because I asked last time). Interrupted me anytime I tried to talk, then actually hung up on me! When I called back she quickly said I needed to talk to her husband because she was stressed (was crying) - then said she thought we had stopped talking so that’s why she hung up (I was mid-sentence when she hung up). Later said phone disconnected (?). Her husband was professional but kept saying he wasn’t with her so didn’t know what she was saying to me, tried to tell me she didn’t expect she needed to do so much today, and tried to say my dog is “extremely matted” and needed to be buzzed down all over (very much not true! She did have some mats which I specifically told her at drop off she could spot remove if needed - I brush her literally 1-3 hours every Sunday, this breed has a thick coat and she’s 2 so is active, she gets a mat like every 3 days). Told them not to do more and I was on my way to get my dogs if she didn’t have time to do what I had scheduled with her today. He calls me back several more times with a new story each time for what she “meant to say”, and said she apparently had surgery 2 days ago (so why are you caring for my dog right now…) and is “just really stressed” from “how the day has gone.” Tried to tell me she apparently was meaning to say that my dog’s groom would just take longer than expected and needed more things? But at that point I did not trust them, was not about to pay MORE, and I just wanted my dog back because was concerned for their safety. If you can’t control your emotions towards your (fairly new - this was our 2nd visit, 1st for one dog) human customers - how are you treating my dog behind closed doors? If she would have been emotionally controlled, professional, and not blaming, just professionally explained my dog needed more than expected - I would have gladly paid more for the care my dog needed or to schedule to bring her back because it’s why I brought her to a groomer versus continue to do it all myself, I needed some help, but was not about to give more business after how she spoke to me (nor did I trust her with my dogs at that point). Woman was trying to tell me that if I picked my dog up early she was charging the full price anyways (!) and I had to wait to pick up the dogs - red flags. Also I’m sure my dog was scared (and in hindsight, other dogs were crying when we dropped dogs off) because the woman was literally yelling and crying on the phone to me. Tried to then say they will now do her nails for me today (?) - which felt like they wanted to get more money from me. And said to wait and they would call me in 25 minutes to come, to which I said to do no more, I just wanted my dog back and to rinse her off (apparently she was in the tub) and dry her as much as they could until I got there and was on my way. No apology at pickup. Strongly recommend NOT taking your dog here! See other reviews saying similar things in recent times. This is probably the non-professional part of my review but I’m saying it to warn other dog parents - part of me actually wondered if some of their staff (including this woman) was on drugs (before we dropped the dogs off and had the above problems) - if this is true I genuinely hope they find support. My boyfriend had the same thought on a separate visit at this agency. I hope this woman finds the support she needs, but do not bring your dog here!!!

Kait groomed our shih tzu for the first time and she did an awesome job. We will be back. His groom definitely perked up my little old man!

I was attempting to schedule an appointment - initially on the phone with a man who seemed very nice, then placed on hold while waiting for the owner.When the owner joined the call, everything was different. She is extremely rude, aggressive, and overbearing. No customer service skills, whatsoever. I could not get a word in, and after the 3rd time being interrupted, I opted to take my business elsewhere. Definitely not worth your time, energy, or money at this place. This is the ONLY google review I have ever posted - this place is so bad, I had to share my experience so others could avoid it.To the owner, learn some patience. We are all overworked, short-staffed, and busy. When someone is speaking (especially after waiting on hold for 15 minutes), let them get their single question out, before you interrupt. Im sure you know these things, but dont care.

I really dont like leaving bad reviews, but I dont want anyone else to go through this! I was referred here expecting the best grooming and service. I was told when making the appointment it would cost in the $50 range, when I brought my dog in nothing was said beforehand about price, I told the groomer exactly what I wanted which was a trim, very little taken off but enough to clear the hair from my dogs eyes and keep the shape of his face round. (I have a small doodle). my dog was shaved down-everywhere and was left with random bald spots, and it looks very raw. its almost uncomfortable to look at, he has nicks all over his private parts. This took over 3 hours and I did not get a call at all during the appointment I had to keep checking in because the time was taking longer than usual. He has been groomed before and has very good behavior during, so it never has taken that long. I was charged $81 for my dog to be completely shaved and look incredibly sore. The owner insisted there were bald spots when I brought him in, but there was not-my dog had more hair than we knew what to do with. DO NOT waste your time or money. They do not care and did nothing to rectify I just got a well sorry. they may have received good reviews in the past, but this is what is happening now-VERY DISAPPOINTED!!

I do not typically rate businesses on line, however after the horrific encounter I had today with the owner of The Dog Spa I need to share my experience. I have had my dog groomed at The Dog Spa twice- both times the groomer (not the owner) did an amazing job with her and my husband and I were thoroughly pleased. When my husband picked our puppy up this last time, he did not make a future appointment. I literally called and left messages 7 days in a row and even sent an email asking for a follow up appointment. Granted on the message it does say they are short staffed and would get back to the caller. I NEVER heard a thing from them. Today- Wednesday 7/27- I called to make an appointment. The person on the phone told me that he could not make an appointment today- I told him that I didnt want it for today but 6 weeks from the last grooming. He handed the phone to the owner who then proceeded to tell me how rude I was, that I did not give the person who answered the phone the time to explain, that they werent open on Wednesdays, that they were having a very important meeting to find solutions for their shortness of staff and because I was so rude that she was not going to keep me as a client. I was not able to get a word in edge wise to apologize or to explain my frustration. After she told me I was no longer going to be accepted as a customer, she hung up on me. It is unfortunate as I really liked the groomer, however as a paying customer, I deserve more than not being communicated with for over a week, being verbally accosted over the phone and then being dismissed as a customer. I hope others have better success with communication with the owner of this spa then I did - because if she speaks to and dismisses customers as she did me, I dont think shell have a business.

I have had the honored opportunity to have had Kait and Chad of the Dog Spaw grooming my two dogs for over 13 years. I started with Kait well before the spa opened in East Rochester. Both she and Chad, not only care about the well-being of our dogs, but also care about the proper grooming of Belle and Angel. My wife and I will never go to any other groomer, because the knowledge, expertise and personalized care they demonstrate at the Dog Spaw, are second to none. You will never find a groomer in the Rochester area that will match them. We have been blessed to have such kind and considerate groomers that we can call “our dogs’ best friends.”

This place is even lucky enough to get one star. I had to because of stupid google. DO NOT TAKE YOUR ANIMALS HERE. The groomers left my dog half groomed and refused to take him back. Claiming they had a medical emergency and told me he could come back the next day and ignored my calls all day. Then when they answered, the owner would not let me get one single word in and screamed at me the whole time. They are terrible, ruthless, mean, inconsiderate people and should never be in charge of taking care of animals. SHUT IT DOWN.

The owner here is an absolute nut case. She has meltdowns frequently with customers and employees. She talks over people, yells like a banshee, and has horrific customer/employer service. She should NOT be operating a business with this kind of mentallity. There are far better groomers in the area, I highly discourage anyone from going here. Her drama and attitude is not worth subjecting your animals or yourselves to. Stay far away from this place and this insane woman.

Great place. Diamond looks so pretty when I pick her up.

I have a usual groomer I take my dog to and had missed an appointment, then re reschedule for it was too far ahead so I decided to look at different places to get him in sooner. I went with the dog spaw due to good groomers and the lady I talked to was very nice and accommodating. I had explained to her over the phone he was overdue for a groom and needed a full shave at this point, and she got me in the next day. However, when my family member went to pick him up the lady at the desk was extremely rude. She first started out by accusing us of neglecting him, and was trying to shame us. She also said they had taken pictures? didnt understand if that was a threat or not. The groomers did great, but will NOT be coming back here. when that was stated she also said “good youre not allowed back”. He is a very hairy dog that doesnt shed and mats easily. At his usual groomer he has shown up in the exact same state, and they did not address us or accuse us this horribly. They simply explained to us what mats were, and future consequences if they were left untreated (which his mats have NEVER been this bad), which prompted us to start scheduling his appointment ahead of time! There is a way of addressing customers. Basic etiquette. maybe this should be taught to front desk.

The staff is wonderful and they do an amazing job ! I wouldnt bring my dog anywhere else.

Like other reviewers, I had a frightening experience with the owner, Kate. I havent been treated so rudely in a while. Maybe she was having a bad day. Who knows. But what worries me is if she snaps at people so unexpectedly, how is she treating our pets when were not around?

They do an exceptional job grooming our giant schnoodle and have been flexible with us regarding scheduling changes. They do however book up quickly given how popular they are! Fairly expensive, but I think this is justified by the quality of their services.

I have Been taking my dog here now for a year and it’s well worth the cost (which is reasonable). My dog always comes out perfect the fur is less and nails are perfect and I don’t have to fight with her to trim her nails makes me so happy. Please go here if you’re looking for a place.

Lady got me in and was able to work with me on my crazy schedule and was able to explain how to take care of my dog groming needs and had my puppy back to me quickly and clean up. So Happy!

Years of experience with animals, and a passionate team, make for the most trusted of groomers at the Dog Spaw. My one and only choice and recommendation for groomers in the greater Rochester area.

Took our senior dog for a grooming. When we picked her up She could barely walk and has been unable to get up this morning. Do I think something happened to her at the Spaw? Yes, but no offer of explanation was offered aside from being told our dog was tired. The lady was acting very sketchy when my husband picked up our dog, likelike something happened. We think she may have slipped or fallen off one of the tables while she was there and no one wanted to own up to it. Never bringing any of our pets there again

Great caring staff that took extra time because our pets were very overdue for a haircut and had tangles and matting. Didnt even charge us extra. Maylee needed extra rest because of her knee surgery and they gave her resting time. Will be returning for sure!!

My lovely Standard poodle is a difficult groom, but she turns out GORGEOUS every time!

I have been brining my sweet yorkie to the same place for 10 years and they just closed, so based on the positive reviews I decided to try The Dog Spaw in East Rochester. Wow is all I can say I literally have no words for what a heartless place this is! Maybe it was the lady I was oh so lucky to encounter or maybe your experience was different than mine thank god, but I would NEVER recommend this place to anyone! I noticed they also took their negative reviews off of their Facebook page!

Absolutely love this place. My mini Schnauzer loves coming here. Ruthie is a miracle worker. We could not recommend them more. Fabulous staff and excellent grooming!!!

My golden doodle loves this place! She is always excited to go and comes home looking wonderful every time. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.

Kait the owner is so nice. She has given our dog Jack a great look and even takes time to give him a belly rub while getting groomed.

I honestly love coming here. I bring my bosss dog about once a month to Ruth and she is such a delight! Always friendly and smiling.

Always super friendly and professional. The dog love going there. Can not recommend enough.

My go to groomer. Staff is wonderful, Kait the owner is knowledgeable, friendly and loves what she does. It is not a job for her, its her passion!!!

Great place to bring your dog. Ruthy is great with all the dogs she does. She really cares about her clients.

Awesome groomers. We use them to keep our great Pyrenees/American bulldogs nails trimmed.

Always do a great job. The staff goes above and beyond. We wouldnt take our dog anyplace else

Very professional. Great grooming and always loving to the dogs. Exceptional service.

I have a great groomer here..very kind to my senior dog. Reasonable prices.

Great customer service.. My dog usually doesnt like her nails done but loves it here

Very good place to take your pets. Very nice professional people.

My dog is passed on now but they took very good care of my Jack Russell

They do a great job. Took great care of my dog.

Employees were very friendly. The groomer did excellent.

Very accommodating and did a great job!

Incredible service and so loving to our pet family!

Very patient and calm with my dog who was anxious.

Prompt, courteous and great service.

Good job reasonable prices

My go to place for my Shitzu!

Only place I take my dogs

My dog loves this place

Love it here!

One of the best

Truly dog people

I trust my dog implicitly with The Dog Spaw. I know Murphy is well-cared for, and they do a great job with his chow-like hair.