After the grooming procedure, most clients pick up their furry friends at the agreed time or as soon as they receive the message: “Your pet is ready.” However, there are cases when a dog or cat is picked up much later — sometimes an hour later, sometimes even more. While this may seem like a minor issue, for the salon it creates a chain of problems, and for the pet, it’s an unnecessary source of stress. Why is it so important to pick up your pet on time? Here’s a simple and honest explanation.
After grooming, a pet needs to recover calmly — at home, not in the salon
Grooming isn’t just “a quick wash and trim.” It’s a series of unusual experiences for an animal: the sound of clippers and a dryer, contact with a stranger, a new environment, and unfamiliar smells. Even with the gentlest groomer and the calmest dog, it’s still tiring and often stressful. Once the session is over, it’s essential for the pet to return to a familiar, safe space — to their owner, the scent of home, and their favorite spot. That’s where they can relax and recover properly.
Leaving your pet in the salon “just a bit longer” forces them to stay in an environment filled with constant changes — new sounds, smells, and other animals. For many, this waiting time becomes nerve-wracking, especially when they are already sensitive and tired after grooming.
Overstay is not part of the service — it’s an extra burden for the groomer
Clients often don’t see a problem with being an hour or two late, thinking, “The dog is already groomed, just sitting there.” But it’s important to understand: a grooming salon is not a hotel or a shelter. The groomer isn’t a babysitter; their job is to provide high-quality grooming service, not post-care supervision. When a pet stays after the procedure, the groomer must:
– monitor that it doesn’t chew itself, knock over the water bowl, lie on a wet floor, or make a mess around the salon
– calm it down in case of barking or stress
– ensure it doesn’t run out when the door opens for the next client
– keep an eye on it at all times, even while working with other pets.
This is unpaid extra work that can impact the quality of future appointments. That’s why many salons charge extra for overstay. It’s not “greed” — it’s fair compensation for time, attention, and responsibility that require real effort.
Groomers have schedules, next clients — and every minute counts
Grooming salons typically run on tight schedules: a dog at 10:00, the next at 12:00, and so on. Every appointment includes time for grooming, cleaning, tool prep, and a brief break for the groomer. If a pet stays too long, it disrupts the flow. Sometimes the groomer is forced to finish one animal, start on the next, and still watch over the one waiting to be picked up.
This creates safety risks, heightens stress in the salon, and exhausts the groomer who’s trying to give full attention to each pet. Imagine your dog being groomed while the groomer gets interrupted every few minutes because the previous dog wasn’t picked up — that’s not quality service, it’s unfair and unsafe.
Comfort, safety, and care — within a healthy approach
We all love our pets and want the best for them. But remember: comfort means stability — familiar surroundings, the owner’s face, the scent of home, and a predictable rhythm. Pets don’t understand why they’ve been left behind, especially after a stressful experience. Dogs may develop separation anxiety; cats may become completely disoriented. And the groomer isn’t there to soothe and cuddle — they’re preparing for the next client.
That’s why, if you’re running late — inform the salon. If you can’t make it on time — ask if extended stay is possible and if there’s an extra fee. Don’t take it personally if you’re reminded — this isn’t about money, it’s about professionalism and responsibility.
Conclusion
A grooming salon is not a hotel or a daycare. It’s a place where your pet receives quality care and attention, but afterwards, they need a calm return home. If you truly love your furry friend — don’t make them wait in an unfamiliar place longer than necessary. And don’t put the groomer in the role of a supervisor when their job is to create beauty, not manage someone else’s schedule.
At V.O.G DOG SALON, we genuinely care about every client, and it’s important to us that not just the grooming itself, but also the time afterwards, is pleasant for your pet. That’s why we always advocate for peace, clarity, and timely returns home.
