Whether it’s your pet’s first groom ever or simply their first visit to Uncanny Animals, there are a few little things you can do beforehand to help make their appointment as calm and successful as possible.

Here’s our handy list of what to do, what to bring and what’s best left at home!

✅ Secure Your Pet

Please make sure your pet arrives safely and securely.

Dogs should arrive on a secure collar or harness and lead, and cats must arrive in a secure carrier. Even if your pet has impeccable manners, remember that there are other animals coming and going from the salon who may not. Keeping everyone safely secured gives pets space from one another and helps us maintain a much calmer environment.

Please don’t allow dogs to approach or greet other pets in reception unless advised by our team.

Please also make sure any accessories, such as AirTags, council registration tags or name tags, are properly secured to your pet’s collar or harness. Collars and harnesses are removed for grooming, and loose tags can sometimes fall off and become lost.

✅ Toilet Your Dog Before Their Appointment

Give your dog plenty of opportunity to go to the toilet before coming inside.

Grooming can be exciting or a little nerve-racking for some, and sometimes that gets the bowels and bladder moving! A good toilet break beforehand means your dog can start their groom feeling much more comfortable.

✅ Bring Their Favourite Treats

We LOVE when you bring treats from home! Many pets have dietary requirements, allergies or sensitive tummies, and you also know better than anyone what your pet finds irresistible.

Think high-value treats. This means something your pet absolutely loves and doesn’t get all the time, rather than their everyday kibble. The more valuable the reward, the more useful it can be when we're building positive associations with things your pet might find a little tricky.

And if your pet doesn't take treats during their first visit, don't worry! Some pets are simply too distracted or unsure to eat until they've become more familiar with us.

✅ Give Your Dog a Walk Beforehand

If possible, take your dog for a walk before their appointment. It doesn't need to be a marathon! Giving them an opportunity to sniff, move their body and burn off some excess energy can help them arrive a little more settled and ready to concentrate. Just don't completely exhaust them. Grooming itself can be physically and mentally tiring, particularly for puppies, senior dogs or pets new to grooming.

✅ Bring Reference Photos

We LOVE reference photos! Pictures are one of the easiest ways to show us what you have in mind, particularly when words like "short", "fluffy" or "just a trim" can mean very different things to different people.

There is one important catch: the pet in your reference photo needs to have a reasonably similar coat type to your own pet.

For example, a haircut photographed on a thick, curly coat won't look the same on a fine, straight coat. Coat texture, density, colour, condition and your pet's anatomy all affect what we can achieve. We'll always do our best to take the elements you love from your inspiration and adapt them to suit the gorgeous pet actually standing in front of us.

And please, no AI-generated reference photos! AI can create pets with impossible coats, hair growth, shapes and finishes that simply can't be recreated with real fur and scissors. Real pets make much better inspo!

✅ Get Your Cat Ready Well Before Their Appointment

This one catches out more cat owners than you might think! 😂

Unfortunately, some owners go to put their cat in their carrier just before leaving for their appointment, only to discover their cat has hidden somewhere impossible to reach or has decided that today is the perfect day to disappear outside.

If your cat normally goes outdoors, we recommend keeping a close eye on them on the day of their appointment and making sure they're safely inside with plenty of time to spare. Allow yourself enough time to get them into their carrier calmly rather than turning it into a last-minute chase around the house!

Please remember that our usual cancellation fees still apply if you're unable to attend because your cat can't be located or placed in their carrier.

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And What Shouldn't You Do or Bring?

❌ Don't Bring Toys or Bedding

We know bringing something familiar can seem comforting, but please leave toys, beds and blankets at home unless we've specifically asked you to bring them. Personal items can become something pets feel the need to guard and can cause disagreements between animals. They can also very easily become wet, dirty or misplaced in a busy grooming salon. Treats, however, are very welcome!

❌ Hang Around Too Long at Drop-Off

Unless your groomer asks you to stay, short and sweet goodbyes are usually best.

Your pet loves you. That's the problem! 😂

We need their attention and cooperation during grooming, and we simply can't compete with their love for you. If they can see, hear or smell you nearby, many pets will spend their energy trying to get back to you rather than  being able to settle with their groomer.

Long, emotional goodbyes can also unintentionally signal to your pet that something unusual or worrying is happening. Think of it a little like dropping human kids off at daycare: give them some love, hand them over confidently and rip the Band-Aid off! Once you've left, you'll often be surprised by how quickly they settle and we can always update you if you request.