Something To Bark About — Local services in Asheville

Eta I downgraded my review because I felt like I gave a very nuanced balanced and accurate review, and their response was so creepy and gaslighty, rather than being accountable tries to twist it to blame me for their unprofessionalism, lack of communication (average of 2 days to respond to their phone and literally only texting) not completing services (and not informing me they didn't) no one ever mentioned an injury to me, either. I really am not making this up it was that weird.

IDK man This was my first time trying to use a groomer but I had lost everything I own to Helene so I no longer have brushes and shampoos and conditioners at home and it's shedding season and I'm overwhelmed trying to rebuild my life

I asked for a deshed and a mini groom. I tipped generously because that's in my nature.

But My dog came back his face and ears weren't even touched, he needed his ears cleaned bad his nails were clipped which he didn't need, and it was done with the cheap type of clipper that leaves a sharp edge

But more importantly it didn't seem like he got de-shedded at all. It seems like this place did wash him but did they even use a conditioner? His hair felt grippy and not slippery, every deshedding conditioner I've ever interacted with makes their hair soft. He was not soft. So on my way home I had to spring for all the stuff that I was hoping to avoid purchasing: brushes, ear cleaner, shampoo,conditioner.

I haven't conditioned him yet mostly because I also don't have a physical space for it so I'm going to have to find time to rent a stall somewhere, but I did brush out a small portion of his butt and took a photo of how much undercoat I removed from a 6x6 square immediately after the "deshedding" Not the best pic but it was a cat sized pile.

(Eta I did just use a good deshedding conditioner at home and HOLY MOLY the hair been coming out in the most horrifying but gratifying clumps ever since. I was brushing outside and the neighbors were shook)

The stars I did give are because the humans involved that I did speak with were very nice. And it seems like their prices would be fair...if their services were actually completed?

Oh but they were also unprofessional, Don't respond to the phone, trying to cancel the appointment by text 20 minutes before the appointment when I was already enroute. And they took my dog's collar and forgot to return it which was going to majorly mess up my plans (I've since purchased an emergency backup)

It seems like nice people who might be new to the profession or something. I wasn't going to bother with feedback but I think it's important that they have the opportunity to learn and do better...

I have been taking my two chihuahuas here for over a year and am so grateful I found this place! My four year old chihuahua is a little difficult. He’s got alopecia, so he’s hairless and needs special care. He’s also not a fan of nail trims, to the extreme! And he has black nails, which makes it more difficult. Every single person that has cut his nails at Something To Bark About has been gentle and my dog has never struggled!! He just rests there in their arms, totally calm and accepting. Addie, the owner is an absolute angel. This place has this “we serve the local community” vibe which I really appreciate so much. They’ve made a lifelong customer of me! I recommend this place to everyone I know...

These guys are amazing. After parking I had to carry my trembling big boy to the door because he somehow knew we were at the new groomer, and I was worried he was going to have a rough time and be a real handful with his anxiety, but the staff at STBA immediately made him feel welcome and loved, and he quickly got comfortable enough to be his usual affectionate self instead of continuing to cower and shake! He even gave kisses to their awesome male groomer right away, which is major evidence of how great these people are with dogs because he’s almost always extremely skittish around new guys. He was happy and peppy instead of traumatized when I picked him up, and he looks perfect!...