Business of the Week: Groomingdale's

Groomingdale’s

Mobile Cat & Dog Grooming Service

(415) 233-0163 

What do they offer? 

Groomingdale’s offers mobile pet grooming at your doorstep or in your driveway, along with lots of TLC, because, owner Lorraine Joyce smiles, “I speak fluent cat and dog.” 

Her van has a bathtub, shower, fifty gallon fresh water tank, power for the hair dryer, and plenty of built-ins to hold grooming tools and products. There is a high fixed table with a leash where Joyce can stand upright and work on her “kids.”    

The services include nail clipping, ear cleaning, shampoo using natural bio-degradable products, conditioner, and dryer or towel drying.   

If the hair is matted, shaving is an option Joyce discusses with owners because combing to remove them can irritate the pet’s skin. If she notices flakes in the hair, there could be a problem with diet. Though she does not sell flea products, she is willing to apply them if her human clients desire. 

Because she is up close and personal with her clients' four-legged angels, Joyce has even been able to detect oncoming illnesses. If she sees or feels something unusual, she suggests the owners get their “babies” to the vet ASAP. 

“Most pets love to be clean” she says proudly. “After our session, they strut their stuff to show the owners how cute they are. On the other hand, sometimes they are so happy they roll on the ground and present their tummies.” 

Who are they?  

Born in San Francisco, Joyce grew up surrounded by animals who were rescued by her grandmother and mother.  

She told the story of Mrs. Beasley, a duck who had a harelip (well, a harebeak). Teased by her duckling siblings, she was rescued by Joyce’s mother. Mrs. Beasley had a lovely indoor/outdoor life and even enjoyed watching television with her new family. She lived to the age of sixteen, offering one egg daily except on Sundays.      

Mother and daughter are still involved in animal rescue. “There is no arguing in my house,” says Joyce who now lives in San Anselmo. “I have four cats, bunnies, guinea pugs, ducks, and dogs. Everybody gets along.”  

How long have they been here?  

Joyce has been grooming pets for twenty five years. She worked in several brick and mortar places before starting her own business in 1995. 

Wowed by the fully loaded van she saw at a groomers trade show, because it had everything she could possibly need and was large enough that she could move around inside, she bought it the same day.  

Groomingdale’s has a mascot, Joyce's thirteen-year-old dappled dachshund, Sugar Rose, who is "part cat" and with her 24/7. Even kitty clients are not bothered by Sugar's presence as she patiently observes Joyce ministering to her fluffy four-legged flock and naps in between appointments.    

Why are they business of the week?  

The very affordable price is $70 per hour, about the same as a storefront.  You stay in your own home and there is no trauma of transport.  

Most clients use Groomingdale’s service every two months, but Joyce has several regulars who are groomed monthly. Cats’ nails should be clipped every six weeks because they have a tendancy to curl under and become ingrown.   

In the summer, many people ask that their cats and dogs be shaved. This is especially good for dogs who like to swim in pools, and for cats whose fur coats get very hot in our Marin County weather. 

Joyce, a national certified master groomer, feels it is unfortunate that anyone can hang out a groomer’s shingle. She has a business license of course, and her national certification involved both a written test and the actual grooming of several animal breeds. The master title was an even higher achievement. In addition, Joyce has studied history and the psychology of cats and dogs, plus skeletal anatomy.  

Except for family and close friends, animals (Joyce calls them “kids”) are more important to her than people. When she asks new clients how old their kids are and hears about high schools and sports, she says, “No, I mean your furry kids.” 

While being pampered, Joyce said her four-legged “kids” listen to jazz on the sound system, though some prefer liberal talk radio even though they can’t vote.   

The photos next to the article are of Joyce grooming Zuzu, a San Rafael labradoodle, getting a “puppy cut” for the summer.