VIP Grooming

4.5 star rating
41 reviews Rating Details

Category: Pet Groomers  [Edit]

4299 24th St
(between Diamond St & Douglass St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
(415) 282-1393
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41 reviews in English

  • Review from Jordy D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2011

    I could go on for hours about this place! I've been to probably 10+ different groomers in the city  and my dogs always came back scared or even worse once a groomer cut my dogs penis the lied and said ihe was peeing blood to avoid being blamed.

    Anyways VIP grooming always does an awesome job on my two poms muffin & cookie. They never come back stressed or frightened and their lion cuts I get on them are probably the best in the city. On a side note sometimes they can take a little bit to get you in for an apt but I completely appreciate that as they go for quality not quantity.

  • Review from Lena J.

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    • 14 friends
    • 37 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    I started bringing my two dogs here a couple months ago.  They do a great job taming the unruly Sheltie mane!  Friendly but no-nonsense when dealing with me and super sweet towards all of the dogs... because its really about the pups!  I like that the dogs are not kept in cages (unless its warranted) and are free to socialize.    

    I had been worried about the shop not accepting new customers but they are.  If they were not, I wouldn't have given a bad review - I appreciate a small business, in a small workspace, knowing their limits.

  • Review from Angela J.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Bruno, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/27/2011

    I love Lancy and VIP Grooming. I started coming here about 8 years ago with my previous poodle and now my current two poodles visit every 6 weeks. Everyone who works there is very gentle with the dogs and I really appreciate that you can see how each person cares for each dog in the open space. My dogs are escape artists and the staff are always watchful of them when they are out on the floor (or even in the crates on the wall). My pups always come home fluffy and happy and beautiful.

    In the end, I knew that I really loved this place when I went to pick up my dogs (on an unusually quiet day) and one of the staff was cuddling and loving them up on the side. It's just always nice to know that other people treat your pets as well as you do.

    If you can get on the waiting list and be patient- this is well worth the wait :-)

  • Review from Liz S.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/9/2008

    This tiny business is professional, reasonably priced, and staffed with people who clearly care about dogs.

    What I was used to was going to grooming places that do everything in the back room - you see nothing, just a pristine waiting area.  The last time I took my Lucy to one of these places, she came back to me with cotton balls still in her ears - which I did not discover until the next day.  Not good!

    VIP was nice enough to fit me in the same day I called - and when we arrived, I was amazed to see how open it is.  The wind blows and it's like a dog-fur snowstorm!  This place is not trying to be pretty, but I didn't mind - it's for dogs, after all, not Disney princesses!  Lucy wasn't sure about being handed over the counter like a pot roast, but soon she was gently placed in a crate and was happily drinking water.  The vibe I got is that  they are totally in control, and all of the dogs look calm and cared for.  

    The exchange is casual and no-nonsense, just like I like it.  I would say that depending on the service, your dog may be there for 2-3 hours, and they call you when it's pick-up time.  There is a nice little park across the street, perfect for a little stroll after your pup's beauty treatments.  There is also a pet store on the same side of the street as the park - a handy location for supplies or indulgences, all in the name of keeping it local!  Love it.

    Lucy emerged squeaky clean and soft, smelling fresh (not perfume-y or artificial), and they did an excellent job on her nails.  In addition, I paid $15 less than at other groomers.  Red carpet ready for not a lot of cash!  We'll be regulars here for sure.

    Thanks, Yelp, for leading me to VIP.

  • Review from JJ J.

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    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    El Cerrito, CA

    1.0 star rating
    9/20/2008

    I have to agree with Therese's review of 9/13/08.  I too have loved Lancy and the fabulous grooming she has done in the past.  I have been going to her for nearly 12 years and never, ever had reason to complain - until recently.  I don't know what's going on but the last two appointments (including today's) have been disappointing to say the least.  When I went in today to pick up my dog I was told there would be an additional $5 fee for shaving his feet, which I never asked for.  I had requested they give him a "poodle foot" shave last visit because we were going to the coast, but that was a one-time thing and they didn't charge me $5 for it then, so why now, especially when I didn't request it?

    The appointment prior to today's was also a mess - my dog's fur was cut unevenly, too short in places and too long in others.  I assumed one of the other groomers had done it since Lancy has always done an absolutely fantastic job so when I called her imagine my surprise when she said she had groomed him herself and if I was unhappy about it, then it was my fault because he had a lot of "mats", (which was totally untrue - he has gone to her every 6 weeks for the 4 years of his life and I brush him besides) -  and she should have charged me MORE for the job done.  Then she said she hadn't had time to do the finishing touches because I was coming to pick him up too soon, although I had told her I'd pick him up at 4 and they called me at 3 to say he was ready to go!  

    So there I am, apologizing to her for her crappy grooming job and even telling her I'd pay more whenever she felt it necessary because I trusted her judgment!  ENOUGH.  Today was my last visit - she refused to say hello to me today or acknowledge me in any way - rude and juvenile.

    Lancy groomed my beloved dog Phoenix until she died and then my little Maltipoo until now.  I guess she doesn't care at all for her clients who have been loyal to her throughout the years .  I'm a hair stylist and believe me, I DO understand client loyalty and am grateful for my clients who have given me the privilege of serving them over the years.

  • Review from Megan G.

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    • 83 friends
    • 436 reviews

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2007

    No longer taking grooming/haircut clients, so says the answering machine.

    Must be good.

    How many stars do I give it?!?!

    Hire more haircutters!!!

  • Review from Marty E.

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    • 69 friends
    • 35 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/15/2009

    I have looking for a new groomer closer to where I live so I called up VIP Grooming to set an appointment for my adorable Akita/Husky mix breed.
    The gentleman on the phone, after asking me if I was a "new" customer and my dogs breed, told me:

    "Sorry, we don't take Akita mixes, they are too much trouble."

    Well, I didn't know what to say!  So I said thanks, I'll go someplace else.  And I did.

    Be warned, they must have more business they can handle to turn away good new customers.

  • Review from Amanda C.

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    • 17 friends
    • 81 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    2/6/2009

    Not taking new clients? In this economy?

    Plus the fact that when I called I could not HEAR a word they said do to all the background noise. How unprofessional on many levels. Good luck.

  • Review from Catherine B.

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    • 26 friends
    • 107 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/16/2007

    This is the ONLY place that I will take my dog. They are nice and do a great job. It is has been difficult to find a place that is gentle with my small doggie.

    I highly recommend them!

  • Review from Mina D.

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    • 11 friends
    • 13 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/10/2011

    Really nice staff! They loved my dog and treated her so well...she's a nutcase and gets freaked out easily. However, they managed to keep her calm and she was even wagging her tail! I've only taken my dog for nail trimming but want to try the other services they offer.

  • Review from Aquableu C.

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    • 2 friends
    • 37 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/31/2008

    Hard to believe...they say they have a 30 dog waiting list..
    See ya! and Good Luck.

  • Review from therese s.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/21/2008

    I wrote this review 7/11/08 and somehow it was removed.  All reviews should remain posted, otherwise what is the point of this site.

    I was such a big fan of VIP .  I could drop off my 10 pound  LITTLE dog and when I picked her up she always looked so great.  However things CHANGED drastically my last visit there in may 2008.  I had a friend drop  off my dog  for a hair cut and a bath.   When I arrived home and saw my dog  I could not believe my eyes.  My dog was shaved under the neck ,on her shoulders and on her back legs, but hair was left every other place on her body.  She was a MESS.  They decided to shave out all the matted hair and leave the rest even though the dog  would have  patches of hair left all over her body and looked ridiculous.    I had to travel by plane the next day with this dog and was SO--OOOO embarrassed.  

    I called  the next day to complain and ask if there were any problems with the person who dropped  the dog off. They always do such a good job that  I was thinking that perhaps the dog was picked up to early by my friend and she didn't have enough time to finish  or maybe a new staff was being trained or something  but nothing like that happened.  I  got no legitimate answers and only  a LAME EXCUSE.  

    Basically, I was told they did the best they could because the dog didn't have an appointment.  (I was told when I inquired about an appointment that she would "fit" me in on that date)  They admitted to doing such a bad job, specifically stating that  the dog was a "MESS"  but they did the best  they could , did not offer to finish the job  by giving her a puppy cut , said goodbye and hung up the phone.  

    I was very disappointed  with the return phone call I received.  They have  always been so nice and reasonable that I would have never expected this treatment.  Now that they are so busy and not accepting new clients  it appears they care very little for their old clients and may even have the attitude of "I don't need you anymore so who cares what your dog looks like."  So Beware if you have a small dog.  Maybe they are  busy and don't need your payment of $60.00 because they can make twice that amount on the big dogs but  no one should be treated this way .  It really makes for bad business.  Honesty is the best policy, if you are to busy to take a dog, SAY SO.  Being greedy  and doing a crappy job never got anyone anywhere

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      9/13/2008

      I wrote this review 7/11/08 and somehow it was removed.  All reviews should remain posted, otherwise… Read more »

  • Review from Michael M.

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    • 5 friends
    • 39 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/27/2008 1 photo

    I dropped in (no appt) and my pooches go the best "stress-free" mani-pedi.

    I like that they BOTH clip with a nail cliipper and then also dremmel.   We have one dog that has longer nails and they were able to really get them a bit shorter.

    $15 is high for nails only, but  all in all worth it!

  • Review from Victoria F.

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    • 21 friends
    • 16 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/18/2008

    Lancy is the coolest, hippest, sweetest and most talented puppy nail trimmer in this world.  VIP Grooming embodies all of Lancy's warmth and there is always lots of love put into each nail!  :)

    Great, efficient and timely service!

  • Review from Kent T.

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    • 25 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/22/2009

    VIP is one of the best!

    I am hesitant to talk about how great VIP is. If everybody finds out I will never get my usual 'last minute' appointments. BUT to be fair the truth is they are great. Every time I bring my boys in they come home fluffed and puffed to perfection! With Lucy and the team it is always service with a smile.

    And best of all, after a day at the doggie beauty parlor - getting a wash and set, mannie-peddie, my boys are beautiful and clean and extra happy to see me!  What could be better?

  • Review from Jeff G.

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    • 34 friends
    • 24 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2009

    I've been going to VIP Grooming for the past 6 years and Lancy Woo and her staff are TERRIFIC!!!

    I have consistently received phenomenal service.  The space is small, and a bit cramped, but these 4 or so folks makes it work.  They treat each dogs as if they are family.  Me and both of my dogs have consistently had great experiences at VIP.

    Lancy loves animals, not big profits.  VIP is only opened 4 days per week (over the summer) and they generally don't accept new clients - for Lancy, it's not about making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, it's about doing a great job for your pet.

    VIP is a 5 star business - but don't get your snickers in a bunch when you attempt to get your dog in, and can't.  They often don't accept new clients...

  • Review from jay j.

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    • 2 friends
    • 18 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/3/2007

    these guys are the absolute best -- they are super friendly and do an excellent job

    Bernie loves going to VIP

  • Review from Misha C.

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    • 55 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/19/2010

    My partner and I have been taking our Shih Tzus to Lancy and VIP Grooming for nearly 11 years since our first Shih Tzu was a tiny pup. And I took my previous Shih Tzu there several years before that. I love that everything is visible - you know how your dog is being treated - previous places we went with my first dog, the dog was scared and shaking and did not want to go inside. Not true with VIP Grooming - they love to hang out even with the big dogs - seems to me they feel safe and loved there. I hate to even tell anyone about VIP cause the only drawback is when they get booked up they get booked up fast and it is hard to get in.

  • Review from Ed A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/5/2010

    I've been taking my dog to VIP for the last six months, and everything has been spot on.  

    The cuts have been exactly what we asked for, and the pickups and drop offs have been easy.  Yes, I'm a fan!

  • Review from Lisa Y.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2011

    I LOVE VIP GROOMING!  Lancy and the VIP Grooming team have been taking care of my shiba inu, Akahi,  for 4-5 years now and is the only place I'll bring him.   Everyone that works there is kind, gentle and great with the dogs.   If you can get on the waiting list to get in, I highly recommend you do.  It's worth the wait!!

  • Review from Fariba E.

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    • 5 friends
    • 5 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/1/2011

    I love this place!  They do my boxers' nails once a month.  They all love dogs and are very accommodating.  Couple of times they took them in for a same day total grooming.  Can't get any better service!

  • Review from Meredith H.

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    • 14 friends
    • 64 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/31/2006

    I just talked to a girl on the phone (who was rude to me) and she said they don't do cats.

  • Review from Micki S.

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    • 15 friends
    • 51 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/24/2005

    This is the first groomer that Kisha actually enjoys going to. The folks that work here are wonderful with the dogs (a special compliment since they are able to get my water-fearing pooch to get a bath!), and they do a fantastic job with grooming. Kisha has some feathering on the back of her legs, and they always keep that trimmed so the feathers are even--and not too long or too short.

  • Review from ordulph o.

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    • 1 friend
    • 20 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/6/2006

    VIP Grooming on 24th street has been wonderful with both our dogs.  They do a wonderful job of cleaning and trimming both the fragile, older dog and the rambunctious younger dog.

  • Review from Pat T.

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    • 6 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2007

    Lancy Woo, who owns and runs VIP Grooming, is someone with whom you can trust your beloved dog(s).  She has been running VIP for many several years and I feel lucky to have found her and her shop.  It is a low-key grooming salon in Noe Valley.  The staff is extremely patient and competent.  All of the dogs seem to enjoy their day of primping and I always feel that it's also good social time for the dogs to interact and primp with one another.  They are extremely busy and you need to book 4-5 weeks in advance for "the works" - bath, cut, everything else.  I highly recommend it - everyone there knows dogs very well and I've come to trust them so much that I call with general dog questions as well (and they are also kind and generous with their advice).

  • Review from Peter H.

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    • 48 friends
    • 139 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/10/2010

    Big fans! Staff is all very nice, flexible scheduling and are great with Cecil.

  • Review from Furry Z.

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    • 5 friends
    • 82 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2008

    I drop my Z off in the monring, they clean, cut, and call me up when she's done. Awesome service. I found the staff friendly and never had any problems.  Weekends are pretty busy and you'll have to book weeks in advance for an appointment for Sat. I have a friend wanting to bring her dog there and she's been on their waiting list for almost a year.

  • Review from Don N.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 67 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/1/2008

    2nd and 3rd visits as good as the first... Sylvia rocks!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      9/25/2007

      Our little woofer comes back looking like a well-heeled chap.  Soft, fluffy, smelling great (sans… Read more »

  • Review from Tom F.

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    • 38 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2009

    Fit my dog in on short notice, excellent customer service.  Top notch grooming.  Even pointed out an ear infection that my dog was already being treated for, but still A+ for attention to detail.  Highly recommended and my partner is a high maintenance veterinarian!

  • Review from Edie C.

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    • 17 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Boulder, CO

    5.0 star rating
    8/23/2007

    I think that they do a great job at VIP Grooming. I especially like that it is a smaller facility, which is helpful for my miniature schnauzer. We used to go to Little Ark which did a fantastic job of grooming, but Hana was always a bit traumatized as there were a lot more dogs there. I would recommend VIP for anyone whose dog is a little bit sensitive.

  • Review from Adonica W.

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    • 13 friends
    • 29 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2007

    VIP Grooming is the only place for George.  He always looks so good when I pick him up.  The people at VIP are the best and really care about their clients.

  • Review from C. W.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 48 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/20/2008

    Lancy rocks!  After moving accross town, I tried several other groomers that were closer to home, as I don't have a car.  In the end, I found it worth renting a car just so my dog can get the care and attention that only VIP can deliver.  Unlike other groomers, my little man never comes back with skin irritation, harsh perfumes or a haircut that is anything less than perfection.  I can't say enough wonderful things about VIP.

  • Review from Carole M.

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    • 14 friends
    • 11 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/3/2009

    The information about not taking clients is outdated. I have always been able to make same-day arrangements to bring my pug in. VIP was highly recommended to me by a friend who trusted them with her elderly fragile beagle. They are terrific. No other groomer has been able to get my extremely shed-dy pug so clean, smooth, and shed-free. I know she is well cared for when I drop her off.

  • Review from Daniel K.

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    • 2 friends
    • 8 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/28/2008

    Simply the Best!

    Our dog Rupert is treated like a member of their family and he loves going there.  We have been using Lancy and her crew for many years and would never go anywhere else.  The team love animals and it shows.   Very gentle and our pooch always comes home smelling like a dream.

  • Review from Peggy M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/31/2010 1 photo

    I've been taking my dogs to  VIP since 2005 and always been happy with the service.  Lancy knows the business and trains her staff well.  She is smart to limit new business - she knows what she's doing and prefers to control quantity along with quality.  It's a small shop & I like that.  I don't want to take my dog to a big shop.  Put your name on the waiting list - it's worth the wait.

  • Review from Steven B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/24/2008

    Orion has been a loyal customer of VIP for at least 3 years.  He adores Lancy and Keith, and always comes back looking and smelling wonderful.  5 paws!

  • Review from Lisa S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/14/2009

    I love VIP! I used to have to drag our dog to the groomer's, but she absolutely loves going to VIP. Our Lucy practically bounds through the door to get inside to meet up with her favorite lady who works there. She immediately flops down for a good belly rub. There is no other place where the dogs seem so happy and relaxed. I believe it's the least stressful grooming shop you can find. I don't feel guilty taking her there which I always did with other groomers. And they take care of all the dog-related business that I seem unable to do, so I am very grateful for that. And she smells fabulous, has perfectly trimmed nails, gorgeous teeth and is so silky smooth.

    Yes, it's noisy when you call, but that's because they're in a room full of dogs! Yes, it's sometimes difficult to get an appointment, but I really believe that it's because they're that good and the people who've been taking their dog there for years don't want to go anywhere else!

  • Review from Jeff L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/3/2011

    I was hesitant to call for a grooming appointment as previous reviews indicated they were not taking any new appointments.  However I took a chance and was able to schedule an appointment for our Golden Retriever Jake within one week.  Jake was ready at the time they indicated he would be and when we picked him up noticed what an excellent grooming job the staff did.  When I told Lancy the owner that I hesitated to call she indicated they had added more staff and were able to accommodate more dogs.  The fee they charged was reasonable and the location was convenient.  We will certainly bring our dog Jake back again to VIP Grooming.

  • Review from Cindy C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/15/2008

    Always friendly and professional - they work hard to squeeze my dog in even when I haven't planned ahead!  I have an old sweet Rottie who loathes having her nails cut -- she growls something fierce when people try to cut them.  VIP Grooming has never turned us away; they have always managed to cut all 10 nails (not even the vet can pull that off); they have never needed to muzzle her; and my dog has improved over time because she has grown to trust them.  They are great with pets AND with people.  We love VIP.

  • Review from Maggie S.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/12/2008

    I love this place.  The people are professional and kind.  I started using them after I suffered an injury that prevented me from grooming my own 4 Goldens.  They have done a beuatiful job with them.  They always look beautiful and happy when I pick them up.

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