The Dog Spaw
Contact Information
Address: 141 W Commercial St, East Rochester, NY 14445, USA
Phone: (585) 348-9231
Website: Visit Website
Business Hours
Location
Services
Reviews
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.
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 really don't like leaving bad reviews, but I don't 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. it's 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!!
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. It's 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 it's 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.