Barbara’s Snip n’ Clip

After trying several other groomers & feeling let down we found Barbaras. Best groomers in the South Bay. Friendly staff & excellent work. Our dogs love them as much as we do.

This happened a while ago and I think I forgot to write a review.
Avoid this place, not worth your sanity — keep your cool. Bad Bad Bad customer service. I called to schedule an appointment (as a first time customer) — they took my information and said they would call me within a week. A week pass, 10 days pass, there was no call. So i called them back — my info was no where to be found. So we had to start from the beginning.
I asked them how much the grooming cost. The lady on the phone couldn’t give me a number. She couldn’t even give me a ballpark. She said we could tell you when the grooming is done!
Sound to me like a scam business but they are not!!! I didn’t want to show up and picked up my dog only to find, I owe them $ 350 for the grooming.
They have been in business for years — Hello… shouldn’t you have a price list or at least, know how much it will be based on your experience?
It seems like they operate their business based on «How I am feeling today» …Very very UNPROFESSIONAL!

I recently took my Westie to be groomed at Barbara’s Snip n’ Clip and when I picked him up I was astonished at the results. He was absolutely stunning — and I might add, relaxed. The length of the fur was perfect (he didn’t have the wavy look anymore) and his fur is still glowing, 5 days later! The level of detail they took to trim the face, ears, paws, etc., is truly a work of art. Westie cuts vary widely among groomers and I vote for Barbara’s! Also, his nails were trimmed very carefully and well too. A clerk at the Pets and More store suggested that I take him there and I’m soooo glad I did! The care and love they have for all the dogs is very noticeable and the place is spotless and smells clean. Barbara’s is a true gem!

I used to take my little 6lb pomeranian/​maltese mix here after a bad experience at petsmart based on good reviews several years ago. However, I’ve learned how to groom my dog myself and its been 3 years since we’ve been here. We used to LOVE Barbara’s Snip n’ Clip and i thought hey… If i take her here inbetween grooming services, and I will groom her every other time because it takes so long for me to do it myself then great! So I gave Barbaras a call and asked to make an appt, and also asked how much (expecting that their prices might have changed in 3 years, I think I used to pay $ 55 – 65) so when they told me $ 65 that sounded about right.
So, I take her in this morning (mind you she just had a bath 6 days ago and gets brushed daily).There are several young girls that I didnt recognize behind the counter and not a single one greets me. While standing there holding my dog I say «I’m dropping off Marina» they take her and leash her to the counter, and they don’t ask me how I wanted her hair cut or anything. I ask how they were planning on giving her a hair cut and i began to explain how I like her hair to be cut… then a woman comes up and handed me a pad of paper and says «put your information on here» I had to ask what information she wanted, «name, dogs name, and what you want» oooook. So I write down my info and i asked when I should expect her to be ready for pick up… and not a single one could give even give me a time range. So I said «usually she was ready between 3−5pm, is that about right?» they say «yes» and I leave.
Next, I get a phone call at 4pm saying that my dog is ready, and I’m very excited to pick her up and see her! I asked to confirm the price and asked if they took cards because I couldn’t remember if they did or not. she said it was $ 75, and its cash only. So I ask, Im sorry did you say $ 75? I was quoted at $ 65, and not only that, you guys have a Unilocal offer for $ 10 off with check-​in. She tells that it is only for first time customers (I haven’t been in over 3 years remember and it also doesn’t mention that in the offer they have posted) then she says to ask Barbara… barbara says to just pay the $ 65, and the $ 65 is usually quoted for «regular clients»…so which is it? Im not a new client, and Im not a regular client, so you aren’t going to honor the price you told me? Then she tried telling me that my dog ‘took longer, because she had mats” (she didn’t) Then she calls me back, and tells me she had me confused with another client that was there in November! OY!
I pick her up and SHE LOOKS ADORABLE, I WILL SAY, THEY DO A GREAT JOB… BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE SUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKKSSS… I’m not greeted, once again. I’m Handed my dog… and I literally stand there like, ok… is anyone going to check me out? I pay the $ 75 (i was expecting to tip, $ 65 for the service and $ 10 tip) but since it is cash only, that is what i brought with me. I mention to them, that they should state their prices and tell people if they have to spend extra time, we will charge extra, or at least look the dog over and let them know if they have mats and that will charge extra etc when they drop off. If they had to spend extra time, I would include that in the tip if my dog was difficult or she was matted…(but she wasn’t, and it sounded like excuses)
They tried telling me that they don’t expect tips. ugh confusing! so were they trying to include tip in the price they told me? .i also let them know that the Unilocal deal didn’t say anything about 1^st time clients and that they should really fix that too. I didnt get an apology or anything. It would have been nice to hear «I’m sorry for the confusion» or an attempt to fix the situation. I suggested that they are clear with their prices and look the dogs over before someone leaves if they are cash only so people can be prepared to bring the amount and their tipping policy. I know its only a $ 10 difference, but when I was planning on tipping AND they have a Unilocal deal for $ 10 off, it could have been a $ 20 difference. Their communication stinks and I am VERY disappointed with their lack of customer service. They were not friendly, welcoming or willing to fix the situation to be clear about their prices. Very unfortunate that things have changed way too much for us to ever go back.

My schnauzer has been to this clean, quiet grooming facility twice and when I took him in this time he became terrified, not nervous like at the vet’s, terrified and the employee who took care of him before made a negative comment about him. When I called to see if he was ready, I could hear this employee in the background complaining about him. I was told he was being difficult and I told them I would come and pick him up, done or not. I heard this person yelling at her own dogs the first time I went to this groomer and I feel horrible that I let myself leave him with her again. If a groomer can’t figure out how to successfully and lovingly care for someone’s pet, then say so but don’t take it out on the dog.

Barbara is the best. She has the cleanest well maintained up to date place you can have for grooming. Clean and smells better than most hair salons. Thanks for my 16old pug for taking such great care of her.

Barbaras is great. She doesn’t do a ton of dogs so it is not «dog mayhem» like another groomer in Campbell I won’t name. The staff are very loving and attentive to detail. I have a mini poodle/​terrier mix (poodle coat) and a large Aussie Shepard /​rottie retriever mix (Aussie coat). My Aussie has never been groomed better — she thinned out his undercoat marvelously and he is so thankfully sleek and clean in his hind quarters. my poodle Ish boy is well groomed — well above average cut and very reasonable priced
The atmosphere is the reason why I like it. It is very positive and both my guys seem at ease chilling on their beds (leashed of ourselves) when I pick them up. And they seem to like going there which was not the case at other places. At all.
Try them out in 2013! :)

We LOVE Barbara’s and all the employees who work there! I used to take my miniature schnauzer here when he was born, but then tried to find a groomer that was closer to me in Santa Clara. Bad mistake. I ended up going back to Barbara’s and she welcomed my dog, London, back with open arms. Every time I call they remember him and talk about how much they love him which really makes me feel good! You don’t want your dog, who is like your own child, to be handled by people who don’t love him! He always looks SO handsome after his pampering session and smells so good you just want to eat him up!
London doesn’t do well with strangers and starts to whine and whimper. Barbara’s said that we could bring his bff Kiko (who doesn’t get groomed because she’s a short-​haired dog) in and let her sit with London for moral support. How sweet is that!!!
She is popular so I can understand why it might be hard to get an appointment. We always book a few weeks out and try not to cancel because it’ll be awhile before you can reschedule. Treat it like a fancy restaurant and appreciate that you got an appointment. You won’t be disappointed.

Called twice. Was told both times I would get a call back. Guess who’s still waiting? Not cool Babs, not cool! If you don’t want any new patrons, just say you’re not accepting new clients! Doctors do it all the time! Lame.

Barbara’s is the best! She and her groomers really care about the dogs and really do a great job. They always ask how the dogs have been doing, if there’s anything going on with them that they should know, and generally want an assessment of their mood so they know best how to handle them with care and sensitivity.
I’ve been taking my dogs to Barbara’s for a few years now and yes, there have been a couple of scheduling snafus. But, I feel the snafus are nothing considering the care and concern that Barbara gives the dogs.
With regard to the actual cuts, they come out looking great! I ask for particular changes and often times get feedback that prevents me from making my dogs look like geeks. Barbara and her groomers know their breeds, what the breed cuts should look like, and how to cut them. If I insist on a change, they’re willing and ask questions/​draw pictures/​look in books until they clearly understand what I’m trying to achieve. They don’t leave anything to ambiguity.
Most telling, is that my Shih Tzu used to be groomed at a little place in Almaden. It got to the point where he would dig his heels in and cry to not go into the salon. I couldn’t take him in there anymore. I was told about Barbara’s. Sparky runs for the door with his tail wagging when we get out of the car. That speaks for itself.

I have about 6 Westie’s within my family and we bring 5 of them to Barbara’s. Barbara has been in business for over 50 years and her experience really shows.
This is the place to come if you are looking for an amazing groom for your pup. The dogs always look SHOW QUALITY when we pick them up. Anyone who’s ever owned a white dog knows how hard it is to get them pearly and I don’t know what they do but it is unlike any other shampoo/​condition I’ve ever known!
The staff is VERY friendly to me and my family. They even make an effort to get our dogs in on short notice. Even if it isn’t the same day (rarely).
It’s pricey but worth it.
PS Our 6^th westie used to come here but he was a bit unruly and actually bit one of the groomers so he was blacklisted. This place is exclusive so remind your dogs to be on their BEST behavior!

First, I have been a customer of Barbara’s for 15 years. Barbara has been in this business for over 50 years. Her business has thrived. She did not just shear and cut, but would groom my dog to the proper standard by hand and very gently. Barbara in her past was an AKC judge and she was married to a veterinarian, she knows dogs. She knows the proper standards for grooming. Her experience and care for her work is beyond reproach in her trade.
Before a review on Unilocal came out, THE ONLY way to become a client of Barbara’s WAS TO BE REFERRED by another client. Barbara would not work with people who were not referred. She also would not work with you if you allowed your dog to become so painfully matted that the dog would suffer. She would actually fire clients if they did not maintain their dog and/​or keep it groomed.
She does not advertise, she has never needed to. You have ALWAYS needed an appointment. If you miss an appointment the next available usually isn’t for weeks. AND this has been consistent as long as I have been sending my dogs to her in the past 15 years, long BEFORE Unilocal reviews which caused her business to explode even more.
Every time I had my dogs groomed (every 3 weeks) I would have an appointment card waiting for me at pick up for our next appointment. Her business was precise with incredible customer service and a very well run.
With that said, Barbara stays active grooming and caring for every ones beloved dogs, but as she is moving along in years, she has has to take this business which she has grown and maintained very successfully for over 50 years and passed the torch of maintaining the appointment books and some of the operations to someone else. By the sound some of these new customers on Unilocal,it is clear she needs to have someone help expand her business model even further. After being in the business for 50 years with a very proven and successful business model, she is going to have aches and pains with this growth.
As a long time customer and one of Barbara’s many die hard clients, I along with others I know still trust Barbara, and will support her as this new business model is developed through necessity. Her talents are unmatched, she has done a great job in training some apprentices to carry on her skill set when she is ready to step down.

I called Barbar’s Snip n’ clip in adbance to bring in my dog for grooming, and they said to bring in my pet anytime as no appointment was needed. When I arrived, there was no one there (during their regular business hours) and the phone was off the hook when I tried to call to get someone to open the gate. So I called shortly thereafter, and someone picked up the phone. I asked to make an appointment (I didn’t even specify what kind of service). The woman’s response was that they were booked for the next couple of weeks. She sounded out of it, as if she had just woken up. I am definitely going somewhere else. I would not waste my time with Barbara’s.

I wish I knew if this place was good.
I called twice in 2 weeks.. .they kept telling me they would call me back.. never did.. .who doesn’t want or need to business right now? oh well i found a great groomer in the process.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GROOMER! Sallie had her 3^rd appointment yesterday. When I got there it seemed a little chaotic. In the past we discussed and agreed on how Sallie would be groomed etc. This time they just took her. I figured they must have noted on her card that we agreed we were going to let her hair grow even longer with colder weather coming. I was surprised that Suzie was no longer there. My dog had bonded with Suzie who understood rescue issues/​fears, etc. They were a good match. They told me Suzie left to open her own place. [ I also asked who would be grooming my dog and the owner said she was.] I mentioned how dry her skin was and said I use oatmeal shampoo at home. Yes she could use oatmeal shampoo if I wanted but it would be a little extra — how much I asked — $ 7 — [whoa I think not]. anyway she said she would use something called highlight and not charge me extra. As soon as I walked in and saw my little girl on the counter, my heart sank. I held myself together but was nearly in tears when I got in my car — already knowing I was not going back. Her hair was the shortest it’s ever been. The white hair that grew straight up on the top of her nose — just cute little short hair was gone. She looked choppy and out of balance all over — her mustache had not been trimmed and the hair was in her mouth. Her ears are uneven. Need I go on? If I wanted a cut like that and an all day stay I could have gone back to the previous grooming place [actually no I wouldn’t have…] Barbara’s needed to wow me to earn my continued business and prove it was the shop that earned their previous reputation. My dog should have come out of there looking ready to show instead of all choppy and short — I was so disappointed, to say the least. In the past they gave me an appointment card as I left. Yesterday they didn’t and it’s just as well. I won’t be needing it. I can no longer recommend this shop. It’s really all about the groomer.
Suzie I know you read Unilocal so please get in touch with me if you are still in the area. My Sallie needs you.

This place is wonderful!!!
I’ve been taking my handsome boy maltese here since he was 3 ½ months. Now he’s currently 1 year & 1 month old. He gets groomed every 6 weeks and I’m always excited to see him after he gets his haircut. They literally take their time and do an excellent job on grooming him. Barbara is very sweet! And she’s always complimenting about how good and cute of a boy Joobie is!
Thank you Barbara for the many haircuts and more future haircuts ahead! :)

I called to schedule an appointment for my dog and got one the next day. The place is very, very clean and open which made me feel comfortable leaving my dog there. They also told me that they’d take all day to groom him because they don’t do it all at once.
When I first arrived, they took my dog into the yard to let him play with other dogs. It was like he got doggy day care AND a day of pampering. It’s also a kennel, and I’m thinking of boarding my dogs there the next time I leave town. The price for my dog ($ 65) is very reasonable.
The ladies working here are very sweet. I think Barbara lives right next door to the shop. I would definitely bring my dog back.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! After my best friend and I called a bunch of places we chose to bring our pupplas to this one for its price and the staff. The lady we spoke to on the phone sounded so cute and pleasant. It’s small and cozy.
I was so worried because this was my dog’s first trip to the groomers, but when I went to pick Paisley up she seemed to have enjoyed herself, happy and jumping around. I was happy to see that because of all horror stories I heard of other groomers. I was TOTALLY happy with Barbara’s place.
However, they could use some improvement in the organization of their appointments but over all they are great.
I totally recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a groomer.

After reading all the great reviews from Unilocalers I was very excited to get my little boy in to Barbara’s to get a good wash and brush. I live within 2 minutes of the shop so it seemed like a great idea. I called early on a Saturday morning to see if by any chance they had any appointments that day (maybe a last minute cancellation) or when they would have an available appointment. Here is how the phone call went:
ring ring…
Lady at Barbara’s snip n clip: «Hello»
me: «Hi… (a little confused), is this the groomer?»
Lady: «Yes, who is this?»
me: «Well I was wondering if you were open today?»
Lady: «No. One of my groomers didn’t show up, so we are closed. Did I call you?»
me: «No, you didn’t. I didn’t have an appointment for today, I would like to schedule an appointment with you for my chihuahua.»
Lady: «Oh, you’re new? We can’t see anyone new for at least 2 weeks.»
CLICK. and she hung up!!!
In this economy, I find it hard to believe anyone would feel the right to treat customers that way, whether they are new or returning. I understand it was a little far fetched to expect an appointment for my dog the same day on a Saturday, but at the very least I would have liked the option to schedule an appointment for my dog, even if was two weeks out.
I also understand that staff not showing up can be a stressful experience, but please don’t take out your frustrations on people who want to pay you for your services and leave their beloved animals with you. Sorry to say that I will NEVER call this groomer again… even with all the great reviews, I refuse to support someone who lacks a professional and courteous demeanor.
Jennifer at Dogs N Suds returned my email promptly (within 5 minutes!) and gave me some appointment times and options within the next couple of days.

After seeing a news segment about what’s really going on at groomers, I was terrified to take our little guy anywhere. Especially after a horrible incident at Madeline’s, (whatever you do, don’t go there!!!)
I’m thrilled and relieved! The ladies working here, as well as Barbara herself, couldn’t be nicer.
They are such lovely women, and they truly seem to care about the dogs entrusted to them.
They did a beautiful job on my pooch Quincy. As cute as he is, they were able to make him even more adorable.
When you walk in, you are able to see the everything going on, and all of the dogs.
On the day I was there, none of the dogs were in crates, nor muzzled. Just hanging out, waiting for their parents.
I truly can’t express enough how happy I am to have found them!
Although they are literally around the corner from me, I would probably never have noticed them.
Thank you Unilocal dog lovers!