Debate continues around whether or not dog groomers are an essential service. Here are 12 dog groomers open in Vancouver, and the precautions they're taking to stay safe.
Since restrictions began as early as March to slow the spread of COVID-19, there has been a lively debate around what services are seen as essential to the community.
Hairdressers and nail salons shut immediately across Canada as, although they are something many see as necessary to looking and feeling their best, they are not deemed as essential services.
Many pet groomers argue that the service they provide is, in fact, essential, with many Vancouver dog groomers taking the necessary steps to remain open throughout the pandemic.
Nick Fabisiak, the owner of Dharma Dog Services in Vancouver, explains that pet hygiene is of crucial importance during these times, and why he made the decision to stay open.
"From a health standpoint alone, we are often the first detection point of skin issues, or spotting things like ticks or fleas,” Nick explains.
“Regular grooming includes ear cleaning, which helps prevent ear infections. Nail trimming on a regular basis is extremely important to prevent a negative impact on weight distribution, which will cause pain. It will also help reduce the risk of infection."
So if you’re looking for open grooming salons for dogs in Vancouver, here are 12 that have made the decision to stay open, along with what each of them have done to ensure you and your dog can still safely visit.
Woof Dog Shoppe
Woof Dog Shoppe, located in Kitsilano, are operating under a door service only, with no cash transactions.
Address: 1905 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1G7
Operating Status: Tues to Sat, 9AM - 4PM
Dharma Dog Services
Dharma Dog closed down during the start of the pandemic on March 21st. They just decided to re-open on May 1, with new requirements to ensure the health and safety of both employees and customers.
Address: 1434 E 57th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5P 2A9
Operating Status: Open Full Time, fluctuating daily hours
Sweet Paws Grooming
Sweet Paws have implemented all necessary safety precautions (divider at reception, consistent cleaning and disinfectant use) which has allowed them to stay open since March.
Address: 3531 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC V7E 5W3
Operation Status: Open Full Time
The Groom Room
The Groom Room have been picking up all the staff together, so workers aren’t forced to take public transit. They require customers to drop their dog off at the entrance, pay at the door or over the phone, and they use sanitizing materials consistently. They were closed in April for 2 weeks but are back up and running.
Address: 3728 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 2M3
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 9AM - 5PM
Metro Dogs
Metro Dogs didn’t close and are fully booked until June. They operate in a 5000 square foot facility so there is lots of room for social distancing. They are keeping 1 customer at a time in reception and taking extra precaution with cleaning and disinfecting.
Address: 4438 Dawson St, Burnaby, BC V5C 4B9
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 6:30AM - 7PM
Tina’s Pet Grooming and Pet Care:
Tina's is a Mom and Daughter run shop, based in Horseshoe Bay. They have managed to stay open by going down to half capacity. Tina, the owner does all of the dog grooming and her daughter manages the business side of things.
Address: 6410 Bruce St, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2G6
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 8AM - 6PM
Woof and Meow Spa
Woof and Meow Spa, based in East Vancouver, have a brand new system to ensure health and safety. Customers need to fill out waivers online, there is only 1 person in the store at a time and payments are done over the phone or online.
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 9AM - 5PM
Waggin Tails K9 Playschool
Waggin Tails have been implementing all the necessary precautions to keep customers and employees safe and healthy and have managed to stay open the whole time during the pandemic.
Address: 1329 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7P 2R6
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 7AM - 7PM
Ball and Biscuit Grooming
Ball and Biscuit’s owner, Carrie, decided to run the shop on her own to support social distancing regulations. They are accepting appointments online and being extra safe with cleanliness and distancing measures in place.
Address: 1078 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5V 3C6
Operating Status: Open by online appointment only
Success Dog Grooming
Success Dog Grooming had to shut down for a couple of weeks in March, but they are back up and running! They are making sure there is only 1 groomer per dog to keep employees safe, and requiring customers to drop off dogs without entering the shop.
Address: 259 1st St E, North Vancouver, BC V7L 1B4
Operating Status: Open Full Time, 8AM - 6PM
Pet Parlour
Pet Parlour is the newest pet store on Cambie Street. They are operating under a “curbside” drop off and pickup to limit the number of people in the shop.
Address: 3457 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W7
Operating Status: Weekdays 8PM - 4PM, Saturdays 9PM - 4PM
Spa Organics Dog Spa
Spa Organics shut-down to clean and sanitize their building from top to bottom on March 22nd. They opened April 7, and allowed grooming services to be booked via email or phone. They are operating with a contactless drop-off/pick up and payment process.
Address: 3471 Commercial St, Vancouver, BC V5N 4E8
Operational Status: Open with Limited Hours - appointment by phone or email only
What's your opinion on whether or not dog groomers should stay open? Share this post on Facebook, tag us, and let us know.
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Not into taking your dog to the groomers? Check out this recent article: Celebrate National Dog Mom Day With An At-Home Spa Day For You And Your Pup