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Soggy Paws
Categories: Pets Pet Services Pet Groomers Pets Pet Stores Pet Groomers, Pet Stores [Edit]
1925 S Archer Ave(between State St & Dearborn St)
Chicago, IL 60616
Neighborhood: Near Southside
(312) 808-0768
- Nearest Transit:
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Cermak-Chinatown (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 5 pm
About This Business:
Paw Naturals is committed to the health of your pet. We pride ourselves in carrying the most natural, least processed dog & cat foods and treats on the… read more »
60 reviews for Soggy Paws
60 reviews in English
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Review from Judie S.
Chicago, IL
11/16/2011
Love this place!
My pittie boy has lots of allergies and thus needs lots of baths (aka one per week). I've tried to do it at home but bending over the tub and using a bucket to rinse him as he squirms and shakes every ten seconds is not my idea of a good Sunday morning. However, Soggy Paws has changed our Sunday morning routine for good.
The staff is friendly, the prices are fair and the only service I've had done there, nail grinding, went exceptionally well (cost is $12, self-wash baths are $18).
I do wish that I could get a discount, even something small like $2 or $3 since I bring my own medicated shampoo and am not using theirs, nor does my dog get the complimentary face wash due to the allergies.
Free parking, also a PLUS! -
Review from Kirsten A.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/12/2011
My second trip to Soggy Paws was really great. Trish was able to help me with new food for my puppy and gave me a free starter bag of Fromm's since I was switching from Science Diet, along with great tips for helping ease the transition. They also have a great food reward program, where you buy 12 and get one free. I was also able to get some extra squirrels for my puppy's favorite tree/squirrel toy.
The give your dog a bath and leave the mess here is great as well! Aprons included!
Very knowledgeable, friendly staff. Trish is fantastic! Definitely worth a visit with your doggie.Listed in: My Neighborhood - The South…, Puppy!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/6/2011
Checked out Soggy Paws today with my new puppy and was pleasantly surprised. The staff was super… Read more »
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Review from fabiola b.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
Awesome place! I have a mean dog and I have problems taking him to regular.groomers. so I found soggy paws online, I stool my german shepherd. Ylthe staff is very friendly and helpful. The place is very clean and I went on a weekday morning totally empty perfect enviorment for my dog. He actually did pretty good. They give u everything need for ur bathing needs. I recommend this place for anyone
Who has difficulties with groomers. -
Review from Leang E.
11/2/2011
I stop in pet shops from time to time just to check them out, but Soggy Paws is the preferred spot that I shop at for all my doggie needs. We happened to be in Chinatown, so this was convenient for us to stop in and grab some more dog food. I believe they have the best prices on dog food. The staff here is friendly and helpful as the other 2 locations that I have been to as well. I ended up picking up some treats and some doggy breath freshener. This one seems to be the smallest of the 3 locations, but I believe all services are available too.
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Review from Laurie O.
South Loop, Chicago, IL
7/9/2011
I called last minute to get our Yorkie, Jazz, groomed. They were able to accommodate me on short notice. Very friendly staff. Our groomer did an AMAZING job on Jazz. She listened to me on how I would like him groomed. We picked him up after receiving a courtesy phone call that he was ready. Jazz looked very cute sporting his new look.
This is our new groomer for sure!!
They also have do-it-yourself bathing stations (good for our pugs and beats bending over the tub). They sell cat and dog food; higher quality food. Dog and cat accessories and treats. -
Review from Ashley C.
4/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
After watching him play around in the muddy grass, I decided that it was time to give Michael Jackson a bath. I like the idea of having a place to go that allows you to get their stuff dirty and then just leave it for them to clean.
I usually take him to the groomers at PetSmart, like Anne N. but I do sometimes wash him myself in between grooming sessions. Truthfully, I take him to PetSmart so they can do all those things I don't want to, like expressing his anal glands, trimming his nails and giving him a haircut. If I did and messed up the signature mohawk, I'd probably not be able to do anything BUT beat myself up. At least with PetSmart, if they mess it up, I can blame them.
We got there, and Michael was not too thrilled. He actually was more interested in exploring the store and walking around instead of getting inside the wash basin. After having a worker place in a tray that MJ could sit on, and hooking him it so he wouldn't be able to get free, we were ready. She asked for permission to put a waterless wash on his face, and while she did that I got an apron and was ready to get some major scrubbing going.
After washing him with shampoo, and getting him clean with the temperature controlled water, I got some conditioner and scrubbed him down. Though he was pulling and desperately trying to climb onto me, he was patient enough to stand still for all this. However, when the dryer came out, he went absolutely NUTS trying to get away from it. Finally, I got him dry enough to let him air dry, and his attitude immediately got better.
After getting MJ back on lead, we went to pay and instead of being charged the $18 that I thought I'd be, turns out MJ is small enough to get the tiny discount so I only had to pay $10. I was so happy about that I almost felt like I'd hit a mini lotto. For that value, I'd definitely bring him here instead of washing him at home. The ONLY reason I don't give them five stars is because I am not a fan of the tray that they sit in the tub for the smaller dogs. It makes the lead attachment seem like it's stretching too much and had MJ in a bit of a fit. But then again, he's used to cuddling right next to me as I wash him. So maybe he's just spoiled. -
Review from David P.
Chicago, IL
9/16/2011
Great Service! Took the little one in for a bath and haircut. They did an awesome job. They were also really fast. 4 stars because it's a bit expensive but I'm a big fan of Soggy Paws.
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Review from Patrice P.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
I am very particular about where my Little Duke Piper goes for grooming. My maltipoo has a skinny bod and a big head, so if he isn't trimmed up "just right" then he looks like a little weirdo. Piper has been going to Soggy Paws for a year now. They are consistently friendly and he consistently comes home looking like the dapper little fella he is. Generally, his ears are a tad matted, because the lil weirdo loves to roll around on his sides and creates a mess. The good people at Soggy Paws take care of it with no problem.
During one of my visits, a young lady suggested that I purchase a duck-based dog food to assist with Piper's chronic dry skin. Unfortunately, the food was too rich for The Duke and his tummy couldn't handle it. At my next visit they told me to bring back the food if it didn't work out. They have a FAB return policy, and I was able to return the food a month later even though only half of the bag remained.
Kudos to Soggy Paws for a job CONSISTENTLY well done! -
Review from Anne N.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I used to always take my dog to PetSmart to get groomed, BUT now that I discovered Soggy Paws, I won't be going to PetSmart anymore! It's a do it yourself dog wash, so if you don't like clogging up your tub, cleaning up the hairy mess, don't mind getting wet when your pup shakes, and refuses to pay twice as much to have someone else groom your dog, then definitely head over to Soggy Paws. You don't have to bring anything as they supply everything for you. The staff are also EXTREMELY helpful and nice, and you can tell they love dogs. They helped distract my pup while I was drying him :)
So, if you're looking to save a little bit of money and add another bonding time with your dog, I recommend trying Soggy Paws. -
Review from Kyle K.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2010
My wife and I have been taking our dog here for two years now. We have always had great experiences. The staff knows our names, knows the dog's name, and knows our food choices for the dog and the cats. It could not be easier.
When it comes to washing:
Our dog is a giant breed with excessively long hair and a tendency to shed every second of every day. To help us manage his coat better during our self-washes, the staff let's us borrow the groomer's tools, including the high-speed K9II dryer (without it takes him over 4 hours to dry and with the dryer it takes less than 20 minutes)
We also get all of our food for the dog and 2 cats at Soggy Paws. I called dozens of stores in the Chicago area and not one had a cheaper price for the food. If a particular food is ever out of stock at one location, they get it as soon as possible, place it on hold, and even carry it to the car.
I have also purchased a fair amount of toys from their shop with great results. They have some very good choices in terms of products that are durable, environmentally friendly, and affordable.
As far as treats go, they have an absurdly large variety of bits and pieces of animals for which dogs will go crazy -- chicken feet, deer legs, buffalo hooves, beef esophagus, duck necks, and who knows what else. -
Review from Sabrina M.
IL
4/4/2010
I could belabor this with all the gory details of why I, sadly, cannot wholeheartedly recommend this place. I'll spare you and boil it down to this:
For self-washing your dogs, it's a good facility. Affordable, accessible and all supplies provided by the facility.
For grooming, it sucks. Period.
In fact, I was refunded the cost of the "groom" for one of my dogs just last week but not before enduring an unfortunate exchange with one of the owners.
In short, the teachable moment for business owners: Never call a Black woman who is a paying client expressing concern about services she just paid for "uppity." It can and will ONLY go downhill from there.
Fortunately, my money was returned. And, fortunately, there are numerous other dog-grooming options for about the same price in the South Loop.
EDITED TO ADD: The "flipness" of the owner's response (I knew he'd be chiming in) and his unwillingness to be truthful about my actually VERY clear instructions about the manner in which I wanted my dogs groomed says it all. As I told him in my last email to him before telling him never to contact me again -- the refund of the groom for the dog in question, as well as the gratuity was the only appropriate part about the entire transaction. Absolutely nothing else -- including the nasty and disrespectful responses, like this one -- was.
Oh, and be forewarned that if you complain or write an unflattering review on Yelp, you will get nasty emails from Paul, like I just did on Yelp. Lovely.
That is all. Proceed with caution, dog owners. -
Review from Erica R.
Cicero, IL
8/12/2011
Katie took great care of my cat, Sandy. She acknowledged the fact that it was her first time at the groomer and took it slower on her. Sandy smelled great when I picked her up and was in a better mood than before I brought her in. I got a ton of free samples for my 3 kitty's to try and she advised me on how a good diet helps to relieve coat issues.
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Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2008
Boyfriend says Soggy Paws costs too much. He says we save by washing the dog at home. Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit to you, the true cost of washing my sweet, docile Rottie-muttweiller-mix at home:
1 big bottle of "natural" (does neon coloring occur in nature?) dog shampoo from Petsmart: $10.00.
Use of my apartment bathtub: free.
1 new, replacement hairdryer (broken while chasing the dripping, fleeing dog on wet, hardwood floor): $14.00.
Cost to see chiropractor to adjust my back (seriously f#(ked when I fell chasing dog with the hairdryer): $45.00.
1 bottle generic drain-clog-clearing Drano: $3.40
Cost of an additional bottle because the first didn't work: $3.40
Cost my freaking out on Boyfriend when he use the good towels to dry still-wet dog: free.
Cost to use apartment complex communal washer and dryer to clean good towels: $2.00.
Cost of mop to clean the STILL wet floor: $12.00.
And don't get me started on toenail clipping. Don't even. This is where I do the talk-show "Talk to the Hand" thing. My dog too. Talk to the paw... It takes three people to trim those claws. One to hold the Muttweiller down, one to hold the leg, the other to do the trimming. It is a circus, only more expensive and injury-prone.
Oh, the lack of teamwork to wash dog. This sucks!
Is he using my Fekkai hair products on the dog?!? That's it! My back hurts. Ow. Mommy! Painkillers please!
From now on we are going to the professionals, because I like my apartment intact, Princess likes them and it really, truly is better for all of us!Listed in: Spoiled Puppy Princess!
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Review from Anna W.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2011
I will highly recommend this place to anyone!!! I went there on a Tuesday right after they opened in the morning. Me, my 6 year old son, and our super hairy sled dog. The front desk lady got my son a apron, and preceded to take such amazing care of not only myself and the dog, but also keeping my little boy entertained when washing the dog became boring to him.
My dog was a hairy mess!!!! We destroyed the tub, and his hair was rolling around the place... in quotes from my son "it's like cotton balls momma" The front desk woman just giggled and said "that's what we're here for"
Even better, when I was in, I had asked for a nail trim, they were't able to do it then. Not a big deal to me. But i received an email from the manager today apologizing for not being able to fit me and then gave me a free nail trim on my next visit!!!!
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! -
Review from Erin B.
1/3/2010 1 photo
Of course, my first review of 2010 has to do with my dogs, and I'm so glad that it goes to Soggy Paws!
I came here after boarding my two pups overnight at a secret establishment, and dummy me, I forgot to ask them to give them an exit bath. Needless to say, after romping around with a bunch of dogs for two days, and sleeping with each other...I had two stinky pups on my hands!
Staff was super nice, and helped me set up the tub for two "I hate being wet" cavaliers! :-) Soggy Paws has everything you need for a great doggy bath, from combs, brushes, shampoo, a preset hose (which makes the water a perfect temp--no messing around with water temps that are too hot/cold), towels, and a blow dryer.
I should also mention that they have a grooming service here as well, if you don't feel like washing your dog yourself. Also, they have off street, and a parking lot for your car!!
We'll all be back for sure! -
Review from Katie C.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2008
I had really mixed feelings about soggy paws.
Their self was program is really great! Clean up is easy and they provide really great doggy hair products.
However, when I experience their grooming program I was a bit disappointed. I left very specific instructions on how I wanted my pup cut and those instructions were not followed. I was disappointed but thought it was worth the effort to call Soggy Paws and see what had happened. I ended up speaking to one of the owners who was very understanding and admitted to the mistake immediately. Although it was totally unnecessary, my grooming charge was refunded.
As someone who works in customer service I was really wowed by this whole situation. Soggy Paws turned an unfortunate situation into a great opportunity to show their commitment to their customers!
Thank you Soggy Paws for setting the example. -
Review from Kristin P.
Chicago, IL
11/18/2006
Great self-wash and full grooming store! Knowledgable staff that really cares about animals. They carry all sorts of natural foods and treats, as well as toys, collars, etc.
The staff is so helpful, and their shampoos smell fantastic. I highly recommend the doggy face wash - we bought our own bottle to keep our dog's face smelling nice.
Free parking behind the building.
Really affordable, especially for big dogs. I cannot emphasize enough what a great experience we had here. We will definitely be back!Listed in: Places by me.
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Review from Christa F.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2007
This place is very convenient if you have a muddy dog from the dog park and can't imagine having them step one paw in the house. Their "self" dog wash is very easy. No lifting of your dog necessary as they walk easily right into the bath. They have water proof aprons for you to wear so you don't get wet. They hand you the shampoo and conditioner and on the way you go with the easy water sprayer and then dryers too. The cost is $18 (which I do feel is a little bit expensive but worth it to keep your house clean).
They also have a nice little store in the front with food, toys, treats, etc.
Oh yeah and how can I forget, convenient free parking in the back.Listed in: Four Legged Friends
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Review from Joe S.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2007
I live in this building so it is very convenient for us. Even if we did not live in the building we would go here. Paul and Kevin are great, hysterical. They always have product and the self wash is very nice.
We hate washing our dog in the house cause it is just a mess. This makes it SOOOOO easy.
They have new staff there and they are just as friendly. Great place, highly recommendListed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Christine T.
Chicago, IL
7/6/2011
Our first time to Soggy Paws SoLo and loving it.
I usually take my golden retriever to Petsmart a few times a year for the seasonal groom, but then otherwise just bathe her in our bathtub at home. The self washes we used to go to in Lincoln Park no longer makes sense now that we live in Printers Row.
This place is very clean. The towels are freshly laundered and stain-free (you can use as many as you need!). They have a couple of different types of shampoo/conditioner depending on your dog's needs. Hair brushes, ear solution and cologne spray are also available. The staff is super friendly and was happy to help getting my pup in the tub and getting the hair dryer set up without much asking at all.
I didn't have to wait and no appointment needed (I went on a Wednesday afternoon). You can stay for as long as you want! It was a fun bonding time with me and my crazy hairy golden; we picked up some treats on the way to check-out and I did none of the post-bath clean up! -
Review from Nisha E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/12/2009
A million more cool points for the loving people that work here who love pups and are advocates for rescuing animals!
Any of these reviews saying that these employees don't care about animals are SO wrong. They really do have huge hearts here....I don't think the owners here would even hire anybody that didn't have love for animals.
And, my dog is a good judge of character and loves everybody there :)Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2007
We love love love love Soggy Paws :) So glad they opened up in the South Loop....we used to goto… Read more »
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Review from Corrine N.
IL
4/11/2009
Wow, this place is a gem. My boyfriend and I walked here with our pup without knowing the cost. The place was so beautiful and the employee was so bubbly and helpful I would probably trust her to nanny my child! We went to the granite topped tubs and my boyfriend and I wondered how expensive it was going to be. I checked. Ten dollars!!! Yaaay, us! We also had our boy's nails trimmed and bought him a bone.
Our dog is terrified to go to a traditional groomer, but he seemed much calmer with the two of us there to keep him calm. We also had a blast to boot!
This place is immaculate, the staff is 'smack your grandma good', and the prices are looooowwwww.
Enjoy!
P.S. I am in no way affiliated with this place. I teach second grade. So there, negative review guy! -
Review from Murphy G.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2010
Soggy Paws is fantastic. We stop there regularly about every two weeks after a trip to the dog beach, and when you purchase 5 self washes at a time the discount really is substantial (~$14/wash). You can't beat that when you compare it to a wash and dryer load of 6+ towels and sand/hair clogging your drain at home.
They were set up at the PAWS Run for Their Lives event at Montrose doing facials and comb-outs today too -- it is wonderful to see that they support so many local shelters and rescue groups. .
The staff is fantastic too and very knowledgeable. Definitely five stars. It is funny to see that the only "one star" review they have, the reviewer received a full refund ....one star seems a little harsh for a business so devoted to customer satisfaction. -
Review from J H.
Chicago, IL
7/31/2007
Fritz and I have been going here for over a year. Kevin and Paul and their staff are so sweet and patient. I recommend this place to everyone I know who has a dog in the city.
VIVA Soggy Paws! -
Review from Sarah T.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2011
I am very impressed with Soggy Paws.
Rita did a great job grooming my dog, a golden retriever mix in for a summer cut. Despite my poor explanation of what I wanted, she practically read my mind and gave my dog the best haircut she's ever had. I definitely felt that she cared about my dog, and when I asked her to cut the fur on her tail a bit shorter after she was done she did so without hesitation and no attitude. I will definitely go to her exclusively.
Also, there was a minor customer service issue in the retail area that the management responded to quickly and effectively. It was handled in the best way possible and they have won my business. Give them a try, they're great! -
Review from Ivy C.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2010
Glad this is right around the corner from where I live!
I come here for grooming services for my Bichon. All the groomers that have serviced us have done an awesome job with cuts. The price for a full package is still reasonable (hoping it'll stay this way) compared to other groomers I have visited.
I also pick up my high quality dog food from the store. The staff is always friendly and very helpful. When they stopped carrying the bag of food I usually buy, they ordered the same item from another one of their stores and had it shipped so I could pick it up. -
Review from Drea E.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2010
I never considered using one of these self serve dog washing places, opting to wash my dog at home. And then spend an hour cleaning the house up.
Now I know better. $18 is a small price to pay to show up, wash the dog and leave. They have everything you need and they take care of the clean up.
I'm so glad we stopped in this weekend. -
Review from Elizabeth M.
Houston, TX
10/25/2008
We tried a bunch of groomers last year when we moved to Chicago and Soggy Paws was the only one we felt truly satisfied with. We have two small dogs, both long haired breeds (a maltese-shih tzu and a lhasa apso). The maltese has an eye condition and needs her face trimmed very short, but she fights it, hard! We can't get near her with scissors. Our lhasa has a phobia of having his feet touched, and turns into a snarling mess when anyone tries. However, the groomers at Soggy Paws have handled them like pros and return them smelling amazing and feeling soft. They've gotten harder to book appointments with as their popularity has grown, but it's worth it and we go with a rotating every 5 weeks appointment.
For breeds that don't need haircuts, they do baths and a variety of treatments (like a de-shedding treatment that sounds like a good idea). You can also bring your dog in and use their tubs and equipment to give him/her a bath for a very reasonable price - and avoid the mess at home.
I love their boutique items - particularly their treats. Overall a great place. I like the north side location too- although apparently they just opened 2 more shops. -
Review from Phil Z.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2011
Yeah, i went here a few times and must tell you that I never appreciated their snarky attitude. They told me my dog was fat (frankly because we weren't buying their food) and were constantly giving me unsolicited dog care feedback. Glad to have found a great new store without the guilt that I'm not a good pet owner.
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Review from Tracy M.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2009
I am writing a review again because of the false implications that my review on the Armitage location was done by an employee which I am not. Wow who would guess in Chicago that someone might take a slightly different root home?? The location is slightly off the beaten path of the train but right on the bus. If anyone has any concerns about this I can direct them to my work email, which is not affiliated with Soggy Paws. I will still express my love for having an animal place near my home. If you have little beast you would know how valued it is when you have to run out and grab food, treats, and boots.
I love that the employees are super nice and helpful and it is nice to be able to go into a store and chat about products. Plus its not a total zoo in the place. -
Review from andy a.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2008
We have two little rescued Brussels Griffon (as seen in the film "As Good As It Gets" - the dog so cute it won Nicholson an Oscar) from a small dog rescue. They have long hair which becomes an equation like this:
Small + Long Hair + love-of-anything-stinky-and-gross = Two Balls of disgusting that can jump up on everything, including you!
So, they need cleaning, and cutting, because you can't comb out the nicotine gum they found at the bottom of the trash, chewed just long enough to gain super powers, then dropped and rolled around on it.
Soggy Paws! Their prices ended up being much cheaper than the even lamer-named "Doggone Fun." just down the street.
The cut was actually better, and there was less BS, than at "Doggone Fun," where I feel they take the "Fancy Feast" marketing plan to the extreme, offering aromatherapy, hot stone massage, and yoga for your bulldog. Okay, they don't actually, but it feels that way.
Soggy Paws leaves you be a little more, and you can wash your own dog there, and they have a doggy hair-dryer... trying a much more practical sales approach than their nearest competitor.
They also have more hi-end snacks, specialty food and treats than I've seen anywhere else. You want to find a special carob bonbon for your rat terrier? Well, you can find it here. And the prices only seem marginally gougey, whereas most places you feel like you literally deserve to have people point and laugh at you when you leave with your doggy looffa and pheasant bites, 150 bucks poorer...
The sales and grooming people are top notch, they are good at handling dog disputes and different temperments... my rescued dogs have more issues than Brittney and Paris put together, but they came back looking and smelling like animals you'd be proud to own, not embarassing creatures that might be some form of infestation -- kinda expensive -
Review from Anooj T.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2009
What can I say other than that this place is absolutely fantastic!
Are you a dog lover? Well, you'll be in good company here. The staff is just great and they adore animals, especially dogs. Its a real treat for us and our dog when we go to Soggy Paws.
We vist Soggy Paws about once every three weeks with our 2 yr. old golden retriever, Boomer. We love washing him ourselves in their huge doggy tubs. Its a great bonding experience for what can otherwise be considered a terrifying afternoon for your pooch. Boomer also goes to Soggy Paws about once every 3 months for a proper grooming appointment. We've never been disappointed with the service here and the treats/toys/leashes/collars they sell are all classy and high end without being over-the-top expensive.
Overall, a great dog groomer, self wash and store. We will definitely be coming back for as long as we live in the neighborhood. Keep up the good work Soggy Paws! -
Review from Sherryl W.
Chicago, IL
8/8/2009
I heart Soggy Paws. My yorkie Sasha stops there during her walks just to say hello. The staff is generous, friendly and clearly loves animals.
*Note, I tried to cheat once and took her to Petco for a puppy trim and they gave my Sasha a flat top. Plus she had a cut on her toe. Never again. That was my punishment from straying away from Soggy Paws. -
Review from Cerene P.
Updated - 7/19/2010
Visited for a second time this weekend. I still have nothing but good things to say. My dog and I made a huge mess but the staff didn't seem to mind. He acted a little better this time so hopefully the more we go he'll behave better.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/13/2010
I took my collie mix - Dash, here on saturday afternoon for a bath. We had a great time. The staff… Read more »
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Review from Morgan O.
Chicago, IL
9/11/2010
I have mixed feelings about Soggy Paws. My rescue dog's coat was completed matted and as a result, Soggy Paws had to shave her completely (I totally agree with this decision - there was no other option - she needed to be shaved) but the groomer kind of ignored my requests to avoid a "foofy" tall and a giant ball of fur on the head. My dog also ended up with a pretty decent sized bloody slice along her neck - ok, not so cool, but not enough for me to hate you. My dog wiggles, and given the state of her coat, this is not entirely out of the realm of permissible. The BIG no-no was when I went to pay and the nice man at the register said to the groomer, "$50?" and the groomer said "no, $60." with a roll of her eyes. I don't mind that I'm being charged extra for a dog with a very matted coat, but get the "haggling" out of the way BEFORE your customer comes up to pay.
The reason I threw out 3 stars instead of 2 was because the staff helping me pick out food, toys, treats, etc. were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of quality products and really gave me some great insight.
Cliffnotes version: not the best grooming experience, but rockin' on the store products. The + and - balance themselves out to a 3.Comment from Paul R. of Soggy Paws 9/22/2010
We regret that Morgan did not enjoy her grooming experience… More » -
Review from Bri M.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2010
this place is a gem for your pet, I highly recommend it.
We've had our Rescue washed here twice, and they did an excellent job. their staff is very friendly and will spend time with you if you have questions, concerns, or are just looking for advice.
Katie has helped us immensely and I can't thank her enough.
We will be using this shop for all our pet needs.
SUPORT LOCAL BUSINESS -
Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
8/13/2010
I only take my pups here for a bath, which I give them, but it has been a pleasure every time. The staff always stops to check in and offer suggestions for shampoo and different bathing tools. My pups are always clean and love getting their special treat when we leave. They also have a great selection for their retail products. Always recommend this place!
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Review from Norma C.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2007
I love Soggy Paws. My dogs are on the fence because they're not big fans of bathing, but I try and buy them a new treat or toy when I go to make up for the wash. Paul and Kevin: much props to you both for having a cool place to wash my dogs Sammy and Diesel. Gio says thanks you too. Doreen is the best groomer ever and can get booked for weeks in advance, but she's the only one I trust with my Cocker Spaniel. Also have a wide selection of healthy treats and toys. Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable.
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Review from Deb H.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2007
The staff were extremely helpful in discussing what we needed before picking up our new puppy. Their knowledge of healthy diets and tips on everything from grooming to treats have been invaluable.
We went today for our labradoodle's first grooming and the groomer was wonderful. He listened to what we wanted -- a true short summer cut all over instead of the usual labradoodle look -- and achieved it on a 4-month old pup. Our puppy will be so cool and comfy now and we'll look forward to a true labradoodle look in the fall! When we picked up our dog, she was calmly being cuddled in one of the staff's arms.
All four people who have served us at Soggy Paws have gone out of their way to help us make this transition to being urban dog owners and we're very grateful!
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Review from Anastasia Beaverhausen I.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2011
As a pet lover, i always want the best for my pets. So when a golden retriever was left abandoned in my neighbors apartment along with a cat, ...i couldn't bare to see them be taken away and split up at the pound. Though a great addition to my two other dogs, who knew golden retrievers multiplied in the form of balls of hair left everywhere!! Not to mention the long hair cat. I tried giving the golden a bath in my bathtub and a month later, i kept finding golden hair popping up everywhere. So a friend of mine suggested this place after my groomer told me that to give the golden a very needed spring cleaning , would cost me 65 dollars. I had to come up with something. Bathe him in the back yard? use that mini hair dryer my mom gave me?? how many towels???? SOGGY PAWS to the rescue! In all honesty, i had fun. My dog was more than willing to get cooled off with a bath and the staff was amazingly helpful and friendly. They explained what to use and how to use it, and would check in on us periodically. I took as long as i wanted and they provided me with all sorts of "cleaning supplies" that my loyal pup deserved. I even got an apron to limit the extent of getting wet , though after several pictures of my dog wet behind the ears, ...i really didn't care. They were even so kind , that they gave my golden a little treat , even before i was planning on buying him a cookie for being so good. Its bonding time people, its cheap, and you feel closer to your pet. WIN-WIN-WIN in my book. Sorry dog groomer, i found my niche
