Growing up, my neighbors next door swore by their Chihuahua’s weekly groomer appointments. But every time that tiny trembling Chihuahua returned, its big eyes screamed tales of grooming salon horrors.

It wasn’t just the uneven haircut that made it look like a startled squirrel; it was the sheer dread in the way it quivered.

That’s when I realized that not all groomers are fantastic. Some leave a lasting less-than-positive impact on dogs, turning bathtime into a source of canine anxiety.

Wanting to spare other pups from the ‘doggy therapy’-level trauma I witnessed in my neighbor’s dog, I asked the rest of the Top Reviews writing team to help me check out groomers in Hamilton that pet parents love. 

Here’s who made it onto our list of dog groomers that won’t leave your fur babies shaking.

1. Snuggle & Snip – Dog Grooming

We love that Snuggle & Snip’s home-based setup prioritizes your dog’s comfort first and foremost. For every salon appointment, the groomers make sure to allow time for dogs to get adjusted to their surroundings.

The intimate setup is especially appreciated by owners of small dogs. They said they found the experience less overwhelming than in larger, busier salons.

What we truly admire, though, is their one-on-one approach to grooming. The groomers are incredibly gentle, making it easier for dogs to trust and relax during the grooming session.

Another thing that impressed us was how meticulous these groomers are—from the hair wash to the cleanup. They also give dogs tummy tickles at the end of the session, which we found sweet and thoughtful.

We’ve also heard great things about their puppy desensitization service. They expose pups to nail clippers, dryers, and brushes while using treats to help associate grooming with something positive. This helps set pups up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming. 

The only complaint we’ve heard is that booking can be tricky due to the limited appointments. 

We just love the outcome

“Absolutely loved Snuggle and Snip today Billy had his first ever groom after several attempts from others and we just love the outcome”

• Janine Dominey, Google Reviews

Did a wonderful job and left her looking cuter than before

“This was my dogs first groom, she is a very energetic dog and had quite a bit of knots in her hair. Despite all of this Michelle did a wonderful job and left her looking cuter than before. Looking forward to our next groom!”

• Ina Wolfaardt, Google Reviews

2. Nails & Tails

Nails & Tails full-service grooming is refreshing for pet parents looking for a clear, tiered pricing structure based on dog size. We love how upfront they are with their prices—no guessing at all.

We also like how comprehensive their range of services is, from basic nail trims to extensive de-shedding. Their full dog groom service covers everything from sanitary and eye trims to dental maintenance and even anal gland expression. 

Many pet parents with dogs like huskies and German shepherds appreciate the de-shedding sessions. Several told us their dogs no longer shed mountains of hair in their homes.

What we love, though, is that the hourly price for de-shedding allows for flexibility as it’s based on the dog’s coat condition; you only pay for what you need. 

But the one common complaint amongst many was the horrible de-matting fees. So, if you have a dog that requires a lot of work, we suggest asking for a quote beforehand. 

Despite that, we appreciate how kind and patient their groomers are with each and every dog they handle. 

Good communicator; answered all my questions 

“What an excellent service by Minette, she’s a good communicator, answered all my questions and very good pricing. Our husky blew her coat and needed a good de-shed, nails and bath. Highly recommend Nail & Tails. Excellent service.”

• David Lee, Google Reviews

They love their outing to the Groomer

“Minette is a very friendly, enthusiastic and professional dog groomer. She loves her work and she’d been grooming our 2 doggies regularly over the past 2 years and we are always very satisfied with the outcome. They are always so excited and pleased to see Minette – they love their outing to the Groomer. Thanks for great service Minette!”

• Maryna Schaefer, Google Reviews

3. Animates Grooming Anzac Ave

Animates’ Grooming is thorough in all they do. We like how they handle it all, from basic baths to specialized breed clips. 

The advanced groom package covers everything from breed-specific clips to undercoat removal. We liked the inclusion of ear cleaning and nail trimming too. 

Several people with poodles raved about how their poodles’ lamb cuts and lion cuts came out looking very flattering and appealing to the eye. 

Others love their puppy introduction groom because the groomers are so gentle and positive with their pups. We like how this gentle demeanor extends to their other services, like flea and tick treatments and dog breath dental treatments. 

The one thing we weren’t so crazy about was the communication about extra charges. We think it could have been clearer. Some pet parents told us they were surprised by the combing and de-matting fees at the end. 

Favorite hang out for his DIY wash 

“my boiz favorite hang out for his DIY wash his monthly food shop and his treats from the super friendly team Your boi or girl will love Animates too”

• John Lorenzo, Google Review

Lovely friendly service

“Lovely friendly service. Great specials. Easy parking.”

• Sandy Rawlings, Google Reviews

4. Alex’s Fur Real Dog Grooming

We love how down-to-earth the groomers at Alex Fur Real Dog Grooming are. They are not only home-based but also prioritize a cage-free, relaxed environment. 

Owners of anxiety-prone dogs appreciate this, as the groomers build trust and rapport with each dog in a safe way. 

All the dogs we saw here were surprisingly calm. We love how the groomers’ one-on-one attention creates a comfortable and stress-free experience. 

But what we really like is that they use natural grooming products from Mipuchi’s pampering line. People raved about their dog’s coat being incredibly soft and smelling good for days. 

Grooming-wise, they cover everything from washing and blow-drying to nail trimming and ear cleaning. We liked the addition of teeth scaling, as it helps keep your pet’s dental care in check. 

The only real complaint we’ve heard about them is the prices. Luxury grooming comes at a luxury price, after all.

Amazing at making her comfortable and gave her a perfect groom

“My puppy is quite shy around humans and she hadn’t had a groom since we got her but Alex was amazing at making her comfortable and gave her a perfect groom!”

• Zaira Rohan, Google Reviews

Always gives her a great cut

“Alex does an amazing job at grooming my dog  Bonnie. Bonnie is a larger dog who has a really shaggy coat and Alex always gives her a great cut.  💜🐶🐕👍🏻”

• Claire Cameron, Google Reviews

5. Just 4 Paws

Just 4 Paws emphasizes professionalism and a caring approach, boasting over 18 years of experience. We found their focus on treating pets like family reassuring. 

Many of the pet parents we talked to said they feel completely at ease leaving their dog at the salon. The groomers clearly have a genuine love for animals, and that trust builds quickly when you see how they interact with dogs.

We like that they do a full range of services, including washing, drying, trimming, and de-matting. We especially love how thorough they are with de-matting—no stray knots left behind. 

People raved about their dogs coming back looking and feeling fantastic after a full groom. We’ve heard more than once how even the nail trimmings, which can be a nightmare elsewhere, are quick and stress-free here.

As far as their hair cut styling goes, we liked how the groomers do a “scissor finishing” detail for that clean polished look. That said, we do think the salon’s limited styling options might not appeal to everyone. 

Fantastic service, polite, friendly and professional

“Fantastic service, polite, friendly and professional. Best dog groomer by far, My Labradoodle Bear has been groomed at Just for paws for the last 6+ years and I have never had any concerns I Would highly recommend Bronwyn”

• Jolene Gill, Google Reviews

Came home soft and smooth and tangle free.

“Bronwyn did such a great job on our curly haired border collie. Rima came home soft and smooth and tangle free. a happy dog and a happy owner! Easy drop off and pick up and convenient location for me.”

• Jess Harris, Google Reviews

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