A boutique dog grooming salon at 17 Clarks Lane in Hobsonville, Tūi & Chief takes one dog at a time and has no cages. The groomer and director, Samara Sauer, does all drying by hand with a blow dryer, because cage drying can cause anxiety and overheating. The salon currently welcomes small and medium dogs, and the work covers breeds from Doodles to English Bull Terriers. A Mini groom takes about an hour, and a full Major groom for heavy or double coats can take up to two and a half hours. Extras can be added at booking.
Grooming days run Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, by appointment only. Online bookings open up to three months ahead and need at least four hours' notice, and urgent bookings can be made by phone or text on 021 207 3980. Pricing depends on the dog's size, coat condition and time, and the salon says there are no surprise fees. Cancellations need 12 hours' notice. The salon takes dogs only, and the business says most coats do best on a six to eight week cycle, which is why booking the next visit before leaving suits many owners.