Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We love rewarding our customers! 🐶💖
First-Time Client Discount: Enjoy $10 off your first grooming appointment as a welcome treat for joining the Brush & Bubbles family!
Multi-Pet Discount: Have more than one pup? Book grooming for two or more dogs at the same appointment, and you’ll receive $5 off per dog!
It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us to keep your pets looking and feeling their best!
On the day of your appointment, we will arrive within a 30-minute arrival window to allow for travel. Our fully equipped mobile grooming salon runs independently using its own power system so we can provide a warm bath, professional drying, and full grooming services right at your home.
When we arrive, we’ll briefly start our generator to power the salon and warm the bathing system so everything is perfectly comfortable for your pet. We’ll then come discuss any grooming preferences, and perform a quick coat and wellness assessment to ensure we provide the best care. Your dog will enjoy a one-on-one grooming session inside our quiet, climate-controlled mobile salon.
Once the grooming session is complete, we’ll bring your pet back to you fresh, clean, and looking their best!
Weight & Age Limits For the safety and comfort of your pet, we currently serve dogs weighing 45 lbs or less and under 15 years old. If your pet falls outside this range, we’ll be happy to recommend a trusted groomer.
Breed Restrictions For the safety of both pets and staff in the confined space of a mobile grooming van, we are unable to accommodate certain large or strong breeds that may be difficult for a single groomer to safely control. While many of these breeds already fall outside our 45 lb weight limit, we want to be transparent about this policy to avoid any confusion.
This includes (but is not limited to):
Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Presa Canarios, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dobermans, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Chow Chows, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands.
This policy applies to these breeds regardless of current weight or age, as they quickly develop the strength and handling needs that can be unsafe in a mobile salon.
Service Limitations We do not offer cording or handstripping services. Breeds requiring these specialized grooming techniques (such as Komondors and Pulis) cannot be accommodated.
Species Currently serving dogs only.
If you are unsure whether your pet’s breed can be serviced, please reach out before booking — we’ll be happy to guide you to the best option for your pup.
In accordance with Iowa Department of Agriculture regulations, all pets must be up to date on Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo vaccinations. Vaccinations must be given at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment to allow time for recovery from any mild side effects, such as soreness or fatigue. Appointments without confirmed records will be cancelled.
We require official written documentation from a licensed veterinarian located within the United States. This includes a signed Rabies certificate and clear records showing the administration of required vaccines (Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo).
We do not accept breeder-administered vaccines. All vaccines must be verified by a licensed veterinarian, and we must be able to contact the veterinary clinic directly to confirm the records if needed.
To ensure the highest level of safety for your puppy and our grooming environment, we accept puppies 4 months and older who are fully vaccinated for Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo.
Vaccines must be given by a licensed U.S. veterinarian, and records must be provided before service. Puppies younger than 4 months or without complete vaccinations cannot be accepted at this time.
Yes. An adult (18+) must be present at the residence for the entire duration of the appointment.
Unfortunately, for the safety of all pets in our care, we cannot accept pets that are unable to be vaccinated, even with a veterinarian's note. In these cases, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian about grooming options that can be done in a clinical setting where your pet's needs can be better accommodated.
No we do not accept vaccine titers in place of vaccines.
The all inclusive package prices listed are base estimates. If your pet has a dense, high-maintenance coat (like doodles, cocker spaniels, or double-coated breeds), or if their coat has mats, tangles, or excessive shedding, extra time and effort may be needed.
These adjustments are only applied when necessary, and we’ll always communicate any additional charges before or during your appointment. Listed below are the potential add on costs that may be applied.
Flea & Tick Treatment – $15 Includes medicated shampoo and full sanitation of the grooming van.
Extra Handling Support – $15 flat fee Applied when two groomers are needed to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety.
Coat Care (Dematting, Excessive Brushing, or Extended Scissoring) – $12 per 15 minutes Charged for pets with mats, tangles, or heavy coat maintenance needs. Multiple increments may apply for extensive work.
Travel Fee – $15+ Applies to clients outside our standard service neighborhoods. If you are near our service areas we may be able to accommodate you at our discretion. Exact fee varies by distance.
Cancellation & No-Show Policy A valid credit or debit card is required to be kept on file for all appointments.
We kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a $50 non-refundable cancellation fee.
No-shows—when we arrive and are unable to complete the service—will be charged the full price of the scheduled appointment.
We understand that life happens; however, last-minute cancellations and no-shows significantly impact our small business, as that time is reserved exclusively for your pet. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our time.
Yes. We are closed for all major holidays including New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
We take the safety of your pets and our staff seriously. If local schools are closed due to weather conditions, we will not be able to provide services that day. This includes closures related to snow, ice, extreme cold or heat, wind advisories, etc.
If roads are partially covered but still passable, we'll do our best to make it to your appointment; however there may be a delay. If we anticipate being more than 15 minutes late, we will contact you to let you know.
If we are unable to safely reach you, we will notify you as soon as possible and work with you to reschedule your appointment promptly.
Most grooming appointments are completed within an hour to an hour and a half. However, some pets may take up to 2 hours depending on factors like coat condition, drying time, size, and temperament.
If you have multiple pets in the same household, the total appointment will be longer, as each pet is groomed individually with care. We always prioritize your pet's comfort and safety while working as efficiently as possible.
Mobile grooming offers a personalized, one-on-one experience and is ideal for pets who benefit from a quiet, low-stress environment. However, it may not be the right fit for every situation. Mobile grooming may not be suitable if:
Your pet cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons
Your pet requires sedation or veterinary supervision during grooming
Your pet is aggressive, extremely anxious, or has a bite history
Your location has limited parking access, steep driveways, or other obstacles that prevent our setup
Your pet does not tolerate hand-held drying and requires kennel breaks between steps
You're looking to skip standard grooming services (like nail grinding or teeth brushing) in exchange for a lower price
Our pricing reflects a full-service, premium grooming experience that includes everything your pet needs for both health and comfort. We may not be the best match for those seeking minimal or individual add- on grooming options.
Our grooming packages are all-inclusive, meaning the price is the same whether or not certain services (like nail grinding or teeth brushing) are performed. These are complementary wellness services included at no additional cost and are part of the complete, premium experience we provide.
If your pet doesn't tolerate a particular step, we'll always prioritize their comfort and safety— but the overall rate remains the same, as it reflects the time and care reserved specifically for your pet.
Mobile grooming is a great option for owners looking for a convenient, low-stress alternative to traditional grooming salons. It's especially ideal for:
Pets who are anxious, elderly, or don't do well in loud, busy environments.
Busy owners who prefer the convenience of the home service
Pets who benefit from one-on-one attention without being kenneled or waiting long hours
Families with multiple pets, saving time and extra travel
Owners who want a full-service, premium grooming experience with consistent personalized care
If you're looking for calm, professional grooming right at your doorstep— with less stress for both you and your pet— mobile grooming could be the perfect fit!
We currently groom dogs up to 45 pounds. At this time, we do not offer grooming for larger dogs or cats— but larger dogs may be available in the future, so stay tuned!
While medical events during grooming are rare, your pet's safety is always our top priority. If your pet shows signs of distress or experiences a medical issue, we will stop the service and contact you immediately. In the event of a serious situation, we may seek emergency veterinary care if needed.
We do our best to groom carefully and safely, but please note: minor skin irregularities like warts, skin tags, or scabs can occasionally be irritated or nicked during grooming— especially if hidden under thick or matted coat. These are common and not considered medical emergencies, but we will always inform you if anything like this occurs.
If a minor nick or irritation is noticed after your appointment and you believe it may be related to grooming, you must notify us within 48 hours and seek veterinary evaluation within that timeframe in order for us to review and consider responsibility for related expenses.
Please let us know about any known health conditions before your appointment. We do everything we can to provide a calm, safe environment— but mobile grooming is not a substitute for veterinary care if your pet has medical needs.
We do not perform extensive or aggressive dematting, as it can cause significant discomfort, skin irritation, and even injury. Severely matted coats often pull tightly on the skin, and brushing them out can be painful and unsafe for your pet.
In these cases, we will safely shave the matting to give your pet relief and start fresh. Our priority is always your pet's comfort, safety, and well-being.
If we discover fleas during grooming, we will perform a flea bath, which incurs a $15 additional charge. This is because it requires extra time and a full sanitization of our grooming unit afterward.
Fleas are not always visible at check in— they may only be noticed during bathing or drying. Please note: flea baths only kill the fleas currently on your pet. While some shampoos may offer short-term deterrence, they do not prevent reinfestation. For long-term protection, we recommend apply a vet-approved flea and tick preventative a few days after your grooming appointment.
If 10 or more ticks are found, we will need to stop the appointment and refer you to your veterinarian. Tick removal can be medically complex, and certain ticks may carry Lyme disease or other health risks, which require professional care.
Helpful Tip: If your pet has had fleas or ticks, its important to also wash their bedding, clean any blankets, and vacuum your home thoroughly— especially carpets, furniture, and areas where your pet spends time. Fleas can live in the environment and reattach to your pet after grooming if the area isn't treated. For ongoing protection, speak with your veterinarian about placing your pet on a flea and tick preventative.
We understand that some pets may feel nervous during the grooming process. In rare cases, we may use a muzzle temporarily (for no more than 20 minutes) to safely complete tasks like nail trimming. Our priority is always your pet's safety, comfort, and emotional well-being— and prolonged restraint is never our goal.
If a pet shows signs of excessive reactivity, aggression, or requires constant restraint, we will stop the service and recommend grooming in a veterinary setting. We are a low-stress, one-on-one grooming service, and our top priority is ensuring the experience is safe and positive for your pet— and for us.
For brachycephalic breeds (such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies, etc.) we use safe alternatives like basket muzzles or cones (only if necessary) that allow for safe breathing and panting. Your pet's comfort and safety always come first.
We do not accept pets who are already muzzled when we arrive. For safety and welfare reasons, we must be able to verify how long the muzzle has been on, and ensure it's applied appropiately.
If you're unsure whether your pet is a good fit for mobile grooming, feel free to reach out— we're happy to discuss it with you!
At check-in, we must be able to safely examine your pet from head to tail, including lifting and checking all four paws and nails, assessing the coat and skin, and gently handling sensitive areas like the checking ears, teeth, and face.
If your pet shows aggression, excessive resistance, or does not allow safe handling during this process, we may decline or postpone the appointment. This is for the safety of both your pet and the groomer, and to ensure we can provide a calm, low-stress grooming experience.
If you're concerned about your pet's tolerance for handling, feel free to reach out before booking— we're happy to talk through it with you.
For your pet's safety and comfort, we do not groom pets with stitches, open wounds, or active skin infections. Grooming in these cases can delay healing, cause irritation, or increase the risk of infection.
If your pet has recently had surgery (such as spay or neuter), we require a minimum of 2 weeks of healing time and that all stitches are removed or fully dissolved before scheduling a grooming appointment. Your pet should be fully healed and cleared by your veterinarian before resuming grooming services.
For the safety and well-being of both mother and puppies, we do not provide grooming services for dogs that are pregnant or currently nursing.