Pet Grooming
Pet Grooming
Because They Deserve to Look and Feel Their Best
Let’s be honest — there’s something deeply satisfying about a freshly groomed pet. That post-bath fluffiness, the clean coat, the little strut they seem to have afterwards. But grooming isn’t just about appearances. It’s one of the most practical things you can do for your pet’s overall health and comfort.
At Rafiki, grooming is part of how we care for the whole animal — not just an add-on service. Our team handles every pet with patience, gentleness, and a genuine love for what they do. Whether your dog needs a full groom or your cat is due for a tidy-up, you’re in good hands.
More Than Just a Bath
A lot of people think grooming is just washing and drying. It’s actually much more than that — and when it’s done well, it tells you a lot about your pet’s health too.
During a grooming session, our team gets up close with your pet in a way that doesn’t happen during a regular day. That means we often notice things — a lump under the fur, a skin irritation, an ear that doesn’t look quite right, nails that have grown into the paw pad. These aren’t things you’d necessarily catch at a glance, but they matter. And we’ll always let you know if we spot something worth looking at.
Good grooming is quiet, preventive care. And we think that’s worth doing properly.
What’s Included in a Grooming Session
We tailor every session to your pet’s breed, coat type, temperament, and what they actually need — not a rigid checklist. But here’s a look at what we typically cover:
Bathing & Drying
A proper wash using gentle, pet-safe shampoos suited to your pet’s skin and coat. We’ll choose the right product for your pet — whether they have sensitive skin, a thick double coat, or anything in between. After the bath, they’re thoroughly dried and comfortable before anything else happens.
Brushing & De-shedding
Brushing isn’t just about looking neat. It removes dead hair, prevents painful matting, improves circulation, and keeps the coat healthy from the inside out. For heavy shedders, a proper de-shedding treatment can make a huge difference — for your pet and honestly for your furniture too.
Haircut & Coat Trimming
Whether your pet needs a full breed-specific cut or just a light trim to keep things tidy, our groomers work carefully and skillfully. We take our time — especially with pets who aren’t used to scissors or clippers — and we’ll always check with you on the style and length before we start.
Nail Trimming
Overgrown nails are more than a cosmetic issue. They can alter the way your pet walks, cause joint pain over time, and in bad cases, grow into the paw pad — which is as painful as it sounds. Regular nail trims are a small thing that makes a big difference to your pet’s comfort.
Ear Cleaning
Ears are a surprisingly common source of problems in pets — especially in dogs with floppy ears or those who swim a lot. We clean them gently and thoroughly, and flag anything that looks like it could be the start of an infection.
Eye Area Cleaning
Tear staining, discharge, and buildup around the eyes are common — particularly in certain breeds. We clean the area carefully to keep things comfortable and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Teeth Brushing
We include a basic teeth brush as part of our full grooming sessions — a small but meaningful step towards better dental health between professional dental cleanings.
Anal Gland Expression
Not the most glamorous part of pet ownership — but an important one. Blocked or full anal glands are uncomfortable for your pet and can become a real problem if left unattended. We handle it as a standard part of the grooming process so you don’t have to worry about it.
Every Pet Is Different — And We Treat Them That Way
Some pets absolutely love being groomed. They walk in wagging their tail and leave looking like they own the place. Others are a little more nervous about the whole experience — the sounds, the smells, the unfamiliar handling.
We get it. And we work at your pet’s pace.
We never rush, we never force, and we never use harsh handling to get through a session faster. If your pet needs extra time, extra reassurance, or a slightly different approach — that’s completely fine with us. Our goal is for them to leave feeling good, not just looking good.
If your pet has had a bad grooming experience somewhere before, please tell us. We’ll take extra care to rebuild that trust, one gentle session at a time.
At the Clinic or At Your Home
Just like all our services, grooming doesn’t have to mean a trip to the clinic.
Our mobile grooming service brings everything to your home — the products, the equipment, the expertise. For pets who find travel stressful, or for owners who simply prefer the convenience, it’s a brilliant option. Your pet gets pampered in a familiar environment, and you don’t have to go anywhere.
How Often Should Your Pet Be Groomed?
It really depends on your pet’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle — but here’s a general guide:
- Short-haired dogs and cats — every 6 to 8 weeks for a bath and tidy-up
- Medium to long-haired breeds — every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent matting and keep the coat manageable
- Heavy shedders — more frequent brushing sessions, especially during shedding season
- Nails — checked and trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks for most pets
- Ears — cleaned regularly, especially for floppy-eared or water-loving dogs
Not sure what’s right for your pet? Just ask us — we’re happy to put together a grooming schedule that works for your pet’s specific needs.
The Grooming-Health Connection
We want to say this clearly because it often gets overlooked — regular grooming is a genuine health investment.
Matted fur can trap moisture and cause painful skin infections underneath. Overgrown nails change your pet’s gait and can lead to joint problems. Dirty ears become infected ears. Buildup around the eyes causes irritation and ulcers. These aren’t rare edge cases — they’re things we see regularly, and they’re almost entirely preventable with consistent grooming.
When you book a grooming session at Rafiki, you’re not just booking a wash and a haircut. You’re giving us the chance to keep a close eye on your pet’s overall condition — and that matters more than most people realise.
A Few Things People Ask Us
- Do I need to book in advance? Yes — grooming sessions are by appointment. This makes sure we have enough time set aside to give your pet the attention they deserve without rushing.
- My pet is really anxious around strangers. Can you still groom them?Absolutely. Just let us know when you book. We’ll take extra time, go slowly, and do whatever we can to make the experience as comfortable as possible. In some cases, we may suggest starting with a shorter session to help your pet get used to us gradually.
- Can you groom cats too?Yes, we do. Cat grooming requires a different kind of patience and a gentler approach — and our team is well experienced with feline clients who would rather be anywhere else. We’ve heard it all and we still love them.
- What if my pet’s coat is heavily matted? We’ll assess the matting first and let you know what’s possible. In some cases, matts can be carefully worked out. In others — particularly severe ones — shaving is the kinder option, as trying to brush out tight matts is painful. We’ll always explain the situation and get your input before proceeding.
- Do you use products that are safe for sensitive skin? Yes. We use gentle, pet-safe products and we’ll always ask about any known skin sensitivities or allergies before we start.