Scrubadub Dog — Local services in Baltimore

I decided to arrive a few minutes before the groomers were done with my dog, to see how they handle the animals people trust them with. I waited outside the establishment and I had a clear view through their window of one of the groomers finishing up with my dog. While I did not see the groomer causing and physical harm, I was very surprised by the way they were handling my dog. I saw her becoming physically irritated with my dog, pulling her ears back, grabbing her head to hold her still. I am not a professional animal groomer, so perhaps these are techniques that are normally taught, but I do not think that it should be done so rushed and forcefully. On more than one occasion I saw the groomer become agitated and grab my dog and say “Stop!” with a raised voice, resulting in my dog looking as if she wanted to escape. That is the number one reason why I am giving a one-star review. Because the hair cut was nicely done and the nail clippings was sub-par (some of the nails were obviously chipped), but it is not professional to use such an aggressive tone with an animal that does not belong to you. Add that with the forceful handling, pushing my dogs rear down to make her sit, grabbing her by the neck to keep her still, that is not acceptable for an animal care worker. My dog is a rescue dog, who has suffered more than I can imagine before I met her, and she does not need to be around strangers, yelling words she can’t understand at her. She’s a dog, she doesn’t know what “Stop” means, and all she can hear is the angry tone. I watched this from outside their establishment. I could see and hear everything clearly. I do not intend on bringing my dog back to Scrub-a-Dub Dog.

Edited update: I spoke with Phil, the manager, on the phone. Receiving a phone call was greatly appreciated, and shows that Scrub-a-Dub Dog obviously values their customers. He explained that this is not standard behavior and while it is not excusable, the irritated tone of the employee was a special occasion that I unfortunately happened to witness. I thanked him for his call and checking in. I think it’s important to remember that we all have our struggles and stresses but it’s no reason to take it out on others especially animals, and especially customers. I know that things would be different if they knew they were being observed so always be mindful of what...

We just went to Scrub-A-Dub Dog today for the first time. Our dog is a chow chow shar-pei mix who has high grooming needs as well as being high anxiety. After going to another Baltimore groomer for 3 months after we moved here I noticed that her fur was becoming very matted especially around her chest and tummy. Turns out the other groomer wasn’t brushing out her under coat AT ALL. Phoebe was full of mats that I was unable to comb out myself. Scrub A Dub Dog took the time to brush out ALL of those months of mats and helped us to identify hot spots on her skin from the mats that need to be kept a close eye on until they heal. SADD was up front about the wounds on her skin that he uncovered by de-matting her and guided us to see the vet to make sure they don’t get infected.

If your dog needs grooming for their health, please do not opt for the cheaper option in town. You want someone who knows their stuff and will take care of your dog like their own. You want to take your dog to Scrub A Dub Dog.

Thank you so much, we will be back. It is well worth the drive. Please check out the pics of our happy pooch so proud of her new cut. She looks like a completely new dog.

Update (10/2022) we have been going here for a little under a year and it is so worth it. They do an amazing job and our doggo is always beautiful when she returns. (New pics of our chow added)

Update 2/2024. Still a loyal customer 3 years later!! Phil and his team do a...

Phil is the absolute best. I can not recommend him enough. My dog hates getting her nails trimmed and becomes reactive even after she's been given medication to help calm her during the process. Due to this, our vet started to refuse to cut her nails unless she was already under full sedation for another procedure which is not something that happens often so her nails were constantly overgrown. After scheduling appointments with other groomers and being refused service upon arrival I was feeling extremely defeated but figured I'd try one more place which luckily for us was Scrubadub Dog. Phil picked up the phone and was incredibly professional, understanding, and helpful. I was able to bring my dog in that same day and he was able to trim all of her nails in under 5 minutes without any problems. I was so relieved that I cried after we left because it felt so good to know that I found someone that we could rely on to not only get the job done but get it done faster/better than ever before. We are so...