Frequently Asked Questions

Most grooms take 1.5–3 hours depending on size, coat, and add-ons. First visits may take slightly longer as we get to know your pet.

We serve Frisco, McKinney (East), Plano, Prosper, and The Colony. Not sure if we cover your area? Check our Service Area page for the full list of cities and ZIP codes.

On the edge of our service area? Contact us — we may be able to accommodate you!

Visit our Get a Quote page, tell us about your pet (breed, size, services needed), and we'll text you available times and confirm details.

We require 24-hour advance notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Same-day cancellations are charged a $75 fee. No-shows are charged the quoted service price. See our Cancellation Policy for details.

In-home dog grooming means a groomer brings portable equipment into your house — typically setting up in your bathroom, kitchen, or garage. They groom your pet inside your home, which creates mess, uses your utilities, and disrupts your household.

Mobile dog grooming (what we do at Bow Tie) brings a fully-equipped, self-contained grooming salon to your driveway. We groom your pet in our climate-controlled van with professional equipment, fresh water, and proper drainage. When we're done, we drive away — no mess in your house, no hookups or cleanup required.

Bottom line: Many pet owners searching for "in-home grooming" actually want mobile grooming but don't realize there's a better option.

Yes! Mobile grooming offers significant advantages over traditional in-home grooming:

• Zero mess in your house: Hair, water, and grooming products stay in our van — not on your floors, counters, or bathtub.
• Professional equipment: Our mobile salon has hydraulic grooming tables, high-velocity dryers, and commercial-grade bathing systems that can't be replicated with portable equipment inside your home.
• No cleanup for you: We handle all wastewater disposal and sanitization between pets.
• Climate control: Your pet stays comfortable in our temperature-controlled van, regardless of weather.
• Self-contained power and water: No need to provide outlets or access to your plumbing.
• Dedicated grooming space: Purpose-built for pet safety and comfort, with proper ventilation and temperature control.

You still get all the convenience pet owners love about in-home grooming — no driving, no salon waiting rooms, appointments that fit your schedule — without the mess and hassle.

We offer something better! While we don't groom inside your home, our mobile grooming service brings a professional salon to your driveway in Frisco, Plano, Prosper, McKinney, and The Colony.

You get all the benefits pet owners love about in-home service:

• No driving to a salon
• No waiting in a lobby with other animals
• One-on-one attention for your pet
• Grooming in a familiar environment (next to your home)
• Appointment times that fit your schedule

...but without wet floors, hair everywhere, or disruption to your household.

Yes, we offer mobile cat grooming too! Our experienced groomers understand that cats are especially sensitive to new environments, which is why our mobile approach works perfectly for feline clients.

With mobile cat grooming, your cat only needs to be carried a few steps from your door to our van — no car ride, no carrier stress, no waiting in a salon. We use specialized cat-friendly equipment including:

• Super sudser bathing systems for gentle cleaning
• Low-noise dryers that won't frighten cats
• Happy Hoodies to reduce stress and anxiety
• Calm, patient handling techniques

Many people search for "in-home cat grooming near me," but our mobile cat grooming service is safer and less stressful — your cat avoids travel anxiety, and the grooming happens in our professional space designed for their comfort.

Mobile grooming (the professional alternative to in-home grooming) typically costs more than discount salons because you're paying for personalized, one-on-one service delivered to your door.

However, when you factor in the time saved, reduced stress on your pet, professional equipment, and zero cleanup, most pet owners find mobile grooming to be exceptional value.

At Bow Tie Mobile Pet Grooming, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Every service includes our complimentary Bow Tie PETCHECK™ wellness scan — a gentle nose-to-tail check that spots concerns early so you can follow up with your vet if needed.

For personalized pricing based on your pet's size, breed, and services needed, visit our Get a Quote page or check our Rates & Packages.

Mobile grooming (our professional alternative to in-home grooming) is often the safest choice for puppies, senior dogs, and pets with health concerns. Here's why:

• Reduced stress: Minimal travel and no exposure to other animals in a waiting room
• One-on-one attention: Your pet is never left in a cage or rushed through the grooming process
• Gentle handling: Our groomers specialize in calm, patient techniques for anxious or elderly pets
• Climate control: Temperature-controlled environment prevents overheating or chilling
• Health monitoring: Our PETCHECK™ scan helps spot issues early so you can follow up with your vet.
• Schedule that works for you: Flexible appointment times to fit your day

For puppies experiencing their first grooming, our cage-free mobile environment is much less overwhelming than a busy salon. For senior dogs with mobility issues or health concerns, the short walk from your door to our van is far easier than a car ride and salon visit.

If you have a specific reason why you need grooming to happen inside your house (such as an extremely large dog who can't use steps into our van, or a pet with severe mobility limitations), please call us at (469) 636-5549 to discuss your situation.

However, in our experience, 99% of pet owners who think they need in-home grooming find that mobile grooming is actually a better solution. Our vans have:

• Hydraulic tables that lower to ground level for easy access
• Ramps between grooming table and bathtub for dogs with mobility issues
• Hydrobath system for comfort and low-noise dryers to reduce stress
• Climate control to keep pets comfortable year-round

Most mobility or size concerns can be accommodated with our equipment — feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss your pet's specific situation.

Yes, for your first appointment. We'll meet you and your pet, discuss coat needs, and answer any questions. After that, many clients provide gate codes or access instructions so they don't need to be home. We'll text you when we arrive and when your pet is ready.

We park in your driveway or on the street near your home. Our van is about 20 feet long, so we need a spot with enough space and a level surface.

Street parking: We'll find a safe, legal spot as close to your home as possible — typically within 50 feet.

Limited parking? Let us know at booking and we'll work with you to find a solution.

No hookups required. Our mobile spa is self-contained with water, power, and climate control — keeping your pet comfortable year-round.

Safety first! In severe weather, we may need to reschedule at no charge. We'll contact you as early as possible to find the next available time.

Light rain? No problem — we're equipped to handle typical Texas weather and will keep your pet dry during handoff.

For everyone's safety, we require current rabies vaccination and recommend Bordetella (kennel cough) and DHPP. Please have them up-to-date before your first appointment. If your pet has medical issues, please let us know — we can discuss accommodations.

Absolutely. One-on-one mobile grooming is calmer than a busy salon. We work slowly, use quiet-mode tools, and take comfort breaks as needed. Anxious pets may take a bit longer — and that's completely okay.

Yes! We specialize in senior and special-needs pets. Helen has extensive experience with aging pets, including those with collapsed trachea, mobility issues, and medical conditions. We use specialized techniques and gentle handling to keep senior pets comfortable and safe. Many groomers turn away senior pets — we welcome them.

A complimentary wellness check included with every groom. We examine your pet's skin, coat, ears, eyes, and nails for anything unusual — lumps, hot spots, ear issues, overgrown nails, or other concerns.

Note: We're not veterinarians, but our experience helps us spot things you might want your vet to check. If we notice anything, we'll let you know so you can follow up.

This also helps us customize the grooming approach for your pet's specific needs.

Yes — our Ultimate De-shed Treatment plus thorough blow-out helps reduce shedding for weeks.

This is the proper way to manage shedding for double-coated breeds — not shaving. Shaving damages their coat and makes them hotter, not cooler. See our Double-Coated Breeds policy for more info.

We assess your pet's coat condition first.

Light to moderate mats: We offer dematting (starting at $30, varies by severity) to gently remove tangles and preserve the coat.

Severe matting: Requires a full shave-down for your pet's safety and comfort. Severely matted coats cause pain, skin damage, and put pets at risk during grooming.

You're responsible for extra time required for matted coats. See our full Matted Coats policy for appearance expectations and pricing.

Prevent matting: Regular grooming every 4-6 weeks keeps coats healthy and appointments shorter.

We check every pet for fleas and ticks before grooming.

Light infestations: We'll treat with flea/tick shampoo ($45) and sanitize the van ($75) to protect other pets.

Heavy infestations: We'll refer you to your vet for comprehensive treatment and charge a $75 trip fee. Heavily infested pets require veterinary care — not just grooming.

See our Van Sanitation & Parasites policy for full details.

We use premium, pet-safe products including hypoallergenic, conditioning, and specialty formulas for sensitive skin.

We're also happy to use vet-recommended products you provide.

See our full Skin & Coat Treatments page for details.

We estimate pricing based on your pet's breed, size, and services requested, using our experience with similar breeds and coat types. For more details, please visit our Rates & Packages page and review our Pricing & Quotes policy.

We accept cash, check, Apple Pay, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle. Payment is due at the end of service.

Tips are never expected but always appreciated. Many clients tip similarly to salon services (10-20%).

Yes! We offer monthly grooming plans with up to 20% off every groom, plus priority scheduling. Discounts range from 10-20% depending on the service package (Bath & Brush, Trim & Tidy, or Cut & Style).

Note: You're not locked into one package. Many clients alternate between packages based on their pet's needs.

See our Monthly Grooming Plans for full details and pricing.