VIP Pet Salon, at 11/152 Eleventh Avenue in Tauranga Central, is one of a group of dog and cat grooming salons, with salons in Whangārei and Gisborne as well. The business says it has more than 20 years of industry experience. Services include full and mini grooms, puppy grooming, cat grooming, de-shedding and breed-specific styling for breeds such as poodles and shih tzus. A standard groom includes a wash and dry with two shampoos chosen for the coat type, blow-dry, brush, styled haircut, nail clip, ear pluck and clean. The groomers also tidy the sanitary areas, under the paws, face and tail. Cat grooming is offered to reduce matting, shedding and hairballs. Groomers talk through each job with the owner and can advise on shampoo, skin problems and diet. Contact is by email.
Customers say the team does a great job, and describe the friendly staff and the VIP treatment. One owner's first groom for a puppy at seven months left the dog looking beautiful. Another brought in a hand-stripped schnauzer and says the groom was excellent. A shy dog that is usually hard to handle is said to be looked after with real patience and come out looking beautiful and not stressed. Pets by Design, 0.6 km away, is the other pet groomer nearby. Our pick in Tauranga for a puppy's first groom or a shy dog that needs patient handling.