DC Petropolis — Local services in Washington

If you love your dog, you will love DC Petropolis!

I have known the owner for approximately 18 years; she is the best caretaker and groomer of dogs I have ever met. I first met her before I even had a dog when she and a business partner had a dog washing place in the alley near Naylor Court (close to DC Petropolis so she knows the neighborhood well) by a friend I used to visit. She was always there tirelessly grooming dogs in wash tubs all the while keeping them happy and calm in her simply magical dog whispering ways she possesses.

After we got a collie a few years later, I found out she was my neighbor and she also ran a dog caretaking business. She would watch our collie for us when we went away by caring for her in her apartment. She has an amazing ability to gently ensure she lets a dog know it is safe with her so it follows her control to ensure proper dog behavior. She loves dogs so much that when a client approached her with a dog with extreme behavior difficulties that the person could no longer control, she adopted the dog as her own now. She possesses an advanced degree related to conflict resolution I believe and that wonderfully aids her skills in ensuring a dog knows to listen and behave properly; her abilities instills great confidence knowing she knows how to control dogs gently but with the authority needed to ensure they stay safe in their behavior.

As our collie aged to 14, she was always there to provide care including carrying our collie as her legs eventually gave out in her final months.

With our collie’s passing, we rescued a teacup Maltese eight years ago. We now get both periodic daily care and overnight care when we travel out of town. We know our dog is fully protected and so well loved under her care that we even trust to have her picked up after we fly so our dog doesn’t even get any separation anxiety by seeing us leave with suitcases (and we get to be with her right up until we leave).

With the great serendipity that she is also our neighbor, our dog absolutely loves seeing her and desires to visit her apartment on our walks.

When we needed a place to stay during a renovation, she made her apartment available (on a sublet/sub market rate) as she knew our dog knew her place and that would lessen our dog’s stress.

It is this level of integrity and commitment to care she provides- a depth of character, compassion and empathy that she seamlessly delivers in every aspect of her work ethic.

Our dog immediately rolls over on her back when she sees her, indicating her alpha status acquiescence that our bossy Maltese rarely gives.

How lucky for us that she then opened DC Petropolis for grooming also.

Her shop is bright and clean and brand new in every way with sunny windows that face 9th Street NW.

Her shop is adjacent to an alley so drop off and pick up with one’s vehicle is easily accomplished and there is also almost always a spare street parking space right in front or immediately on the letter streets close by.

DC Petropolis grooming is always done perfectly for our dog by her, and even more importantly, our dog is happy in her care while there. The shop is nicely right sized so the dogs also there are not under stress. The acoustics are good so the dogs are calm so it is a restorative experience for them.

We know always when we place our trust of the care of our dog at DC Petropolis, not only is she safe and loved by her impeccable care, our dog is happy and enriched by a great grooming and fun ‘spa day’ there.

DC Petropolis also has wonderfully bargain rates for such great services rendered; she is the best caretaker we ever have had, and she is also now a forever friend beyond a client/customer relationship. It is absolutely wonderful that the reward of our commitment to earn the love of our dog I am now rewarded by having a lifelong commitment with my relationship with...

If you are looking for a groomer for your fur baby and you want someone who is professional, but also warm and easy-going; a salon that is bright, cheerful and super clean, but not stuffy and clinical; and an environment where pets will be safe and secure, but also seem to be having fun; then you need look no further than to Gabi at DC Petropolis on 9th Street, NW. I can’t sing her praises enough and my miniature Dachshund absolutely adores her.

I have been taking Buddy to DC Petropolis once or twice a week for about 6 months now. You might think that is a crazy amount to take your dog to the groomer, and I would agree with you. But Buddy has a skin condition that requires him to be bathed twice a week with a medicated shampoo and that shampoo needs to stay on him, lathered up, for 10mins. After several miserable attempts at home I finally took him to Gabi and she readily agreed to help. Initially, mindful that I was paying for something I had done myself for free, I resolved myself to one treatment a week. When Gabi learned that he was supposed to be bathed twice a week she offered to do 2 for the price of 1 every week. I couldn’t let her do that but we agreed on a price that is reasonable and fair and ensures Buddy gets the skin treatments he needs. Now bath time is much less stressful for both of us and he has a fun outing twice a week.

So, if you live anywhere close to 9th and O Streets, NW, and you need a groomer, run, don’t walk, to DC Petropolis for great service and a happy pooch. (And, quite frankly, even if you have to hop in the car to drop off your pet, you should do it.) You won’t be sorry and your little one with...

Oh my gosh, do I love Gabi, her practice, and her philosophy on the ultimate dog grooming relationship. She puts in time & effort in order to meet and form a solid dynamic with each prospective dog to ensure the temperament of each doggy client is sociable, calm, and happy. Having each prospective doggy client spend 2-3 hours with her and other dogs in the grooming studio a few times before accepting a grooming appointment is brilliant. This ensures your pup will be fully comfortable and even excited for their grooming appointments. You can also feel the delight your dog feels as basically going on a playdate with familiar doggy friends. Rest easy that all dogs allowed in this establishment are joyful and assuredly non-aggressive.

This one-of-a-kind establishment has such a professional neighborhood vibe. The dimensions of Gabi’s space is super unique and interesting. The exposed layout of the grooming studio is genius. You can check on your dog through the big wide windows, and you don’t have that awful typical experience of parting visually with your pup. You also never have to worry about what goes on behind the scenes at the groomer (is your dog waiting in a crate for too long, are the other dogs freaking out, etc). Because the entire operation is fully visible before you even walk in the glass door framed in vivid red.

Go here, meet Gabi, see for yourself. Everyone involved will have a great &...