When can a puppy get groomed?
Once your puppy has finished the Distemper series and has had the Rabies and Bordetella shots, they're ready for a first groom. For most puppies, that's at around 4 months old.
What to bring
Please bring vaccine records for Rabies, Bordetella and Distemper that show the expiration dates. A paper copy or a photo on your phone both work. All three are required to book an appointment.
Our tip: start with a short visit
Before the first full groom, stop by for a quick walk-in nail trim ($15, no appointment needed, Tue–Sat 9am–5pm). It's short and low-stress, and your puppy gets to meet the groomers and sniff around the salon first.
What happens at the first groom
A full groom includes a bath, brush, nail trim, ear cleaning and sanitary care, plus a haircut if you book one. For most puppies we recommend our gentle Simply Cute style: it keeps the session shorter and helps your puppy build confidence.
We're a drop-off salon. Please allow about 3–4 hours for a bath & haircut, or 1.5–2.5 hours for a bath & brush. Pricing follows our regular services & prices.
A real first groom: Coton de Tulear puppy
This first groom was done at our sister salon, KOKONI, founded by the same owner, Wylie Shen. We kept the soft puppy fluff and only tidied the face, paws and sanitary area. A first haircut doesn't have to be short. The goal is a clean, comfortable puppy who has a good first experience.
How to prepare at home
- Turn on a hair dryer near your puppy so they get used to the air and the sound.
- Brush them gently, even if the coat is still short.
- Touch their face, chin, paws and legs.
- Give a treat with every step, so each one feels like a good thing.
Common first-visit worries, and how we handle them
- Scared of water or the dryer: we slow down and put cotton in the ears to soften the noise.
- Won't stand on the table: we gently help them up, never forcing it.
- Nervous about clippers or scissors: we let them see and sniff the tools first, then introduce the touch slowly.
Quick answers
- How old does my puppy need to be for a first groom?
- Usually around 4 months old, after the Distemper series and the Rabies and Bordetella vaccines.
- Which vaccines do you require?
- Rabies, Bordetella and Distemper. Please bring records that show the expiration dates.
- How long does a puppy's first groom take?
- We're a drop-off salon. Allow about 3–4 hours for a bath and haircut, or 1.5–2.5 hours for a bath and brush.
