Dog Grooming

We have provided grooming since we opened in 1985. We have been very fortunate to have the same Groomer, Melanie Folsom the entire time. She provides full service grooming including cuts, trims, shave downs, nail trimming, and baths. 

Melanie uses tender loving care and patience when grooming your dog. She does not use sedation or anesthesia during grooming. Rates depend on breed, condition of the coat and if a second person is necessary to calm the dog during grooming. Melanie has 20 years of knowledge with dogs and 18 years experience grooming. She is a member of the New England Pet Grooming Professionals Inc.

Carrie Caldwell has joined Melanie as a second groomer at Bear Brook Kennel.  Carrie has 2 years experience as a Veterinary Technician and graduated from Dog Grooming School in August of 1999.

Carrie is owned by "Glory" a female German Shepherd, and "Trixie" a Miniature Pinscher. 

Vaccinations are required to be current. Appointments are required and run about a week in advance. Dogs are dropped off between 7:30am and 9am. You can pick your dog up by mid afternoon.

Some frequently asked questions that Melanie receives are:

Why should I have my dog groomed? I thought that only poodles needed grooming.
Most pet owners confuse "grooming" with "clipping." Clipping (which is commonly done to poodles, spaniels, terriers, as well as to mixed breed dogs) is only one procedure in the grooming process. Grooming also includes combing and brushing, clipping nails, plucking hair from ears, and parasite control. Although the most obvious result of these procedures is an improved appearance, the major benefits to your pet are increased comfort and social acceptability, and perhaps even improved health.

My dog doesn't smell bad, but I bathe him once a week.
Most dogs do not need to be bathed more than once a month. Some do not need to be bathed more than once every six months, unless they get extremely dirty. However, longhaired dogs should be brushed out properly at least once a week, in lieu of a bath.

What kind of brush should I use on my dog?
That depends on the type of coat. The staff at Bear Brook Kennel can help you find the right equipment which is right for your pet.

Should I bathe my dog before taking him to my groomer?
One of the worst problems that confront groomers is that of working on a dog which has been bathed without being brushed out completely. The result of such a practice is a coat which is so firmly matted that clipping is sometimes the only solution. Ask your groomer if bathing at home prior to grooming is recommended, and always brush your dog properly before bathing.

How old should a dog be before he has his first grooming appointment?
Even though a three-month-old puppy is not usually in need of grooming, he should be taken to your groomer to get him used to full grooming gradually. In this way, he will learn to accept grooming as a happy experience that he will enjoy.

Cat Grooming

We are unique and fortunate at Bear Brook Kennel to have Amanda Ireland, CKO to groom our cats. Amanda came to us March 16, 1993 as a kennel technician. Fourteen years later, she has not only become our Cat Groomer and Business Manager, but an essential part of Bear Brook Kennel. There isn't a position she hasn't taken on. She is a Certified Kennel Operator through the American Boarding Kennel Association, a member of the New England Pet Grooming 
Professionals, Inc, and has achieved the Veterinary Nutritional Advocate Award offered by Hill's Pet Nutrition.

New Grooming Room For Cats!

Our Feline friends now have their own "Bath and Beauty" department separate from the dogs! Full of comforting features to make them look their best.  A must see for the serious cat owner!!  We're always taking new clients and there is no waiting for appointments!

Amanda started grooming cats 12 years ago. Whether your kitty has gotten into something smelly, or she hasn't seen a comb for a while, we can help. Amanda does not use any chemical restraint. (Anesthesia).

Although cats themselves are very good groomers, sometimes they need some help. Owners of shorthaired cats know that their cats shed just as much, if not more than the longhaired cats. Brushing and combing regularly can also reduce those unpleasant hairballs caused by the cat swallowing hair she gets from grooming herself. Longhaired cats can get tangles that when left alone, can turn into tight, painful matts. These matts are difficult to get out. With patience and special techniques, Amanda can remove the matts and groom your cat. If you acquire a new kitten, be sure to start conditioning them to the grooming process early. It may not be necessary at this time, but the kitten will get accustomed to the daily routine and will enjoy the extra attention.

Please call or email for an appointment.  

From routine bathing to in-depth matt care, Amanda can offer tips on how to keep your cat beautiful year round.