Wags & Whiskers

This place deserves NO STARS!
Just got my Golden Doodle and Bischon back from being groomed (or should I say butchered) at Wags and Whiskers. I have never seen them look so hideous! Neither dog was groomed appropriately for their breed. They were simply shorn so short that they don’t look like the same dogs. What was more worrisome was that they both threw-​up when they got back home.
Never again. We are stopping payment on our card.

We love taking Roxy and Sofie to Wags & Whiskers. The place is nice and reasonably price. We appreciate the friendly staff and grooming services too. They have a doggie boutique if you want to pick up something special for your pet. We’ve looked at competitors in South Bend and just couldn’t find anyone that seemed as good.

I would never leave my dog at this place. I visit New Buffalo every summer and wanted to let my dog play at their daycare for a day or two. She loves it at home. A friend and I both took our dogs in and ended up walking out. It took forever for someone to notice we were there and when they did it was completely disorganized – we just needed to leave our name/​number/​address – no proper paperwork, barely a glance at my dog’s medical records. But, my most pressing concern was the facility and treatment of the dogs. We asked to see the play area and all of the dogs, regardless of size or temperament were grouped together. We were told there was a staff member in there watching the dogs, but we couldn’t see anyone. The dogs all ran to the gate were were standing behind and started barking and lunging at us and our dogs. No one told them to stop or to stop barking. No one corrected this inappropriate/​aggressive behavior. We asked to see the outdoor area and it was nearly empty, hot sun, no shade, and no water anywhere for the dogs to drink. We also didn’t see a specific potty area. When the employee told us that we needed to leave our dogs and that we couldn’t watch the temperament test, that was the last straw. Anyone that won’t let you watch something they’re doing with your dog isn’t trustworthy and something isn’t right.
The whole facility was noisy and the overall atmosphere was poor. No one seemed at all interested in our dogs or happy to be at their job. At the playcare in our town, you can tell the owners/​employees are true animal lovers. There is an employee nearly every few feet in the play areas and all employees work on manners with your dogs. I’ve never heard barking when arriving at my local playcare. I wouldn’t let my dog stay at this place if someone paid me to. You can find better, proper, safe care for your dogs.

When I’m in the New Buffalo/​Michigan City area and my little one needs some TLC in the grooming department, I’m sure to setup an appointment at Wags & Whiskers. Actually, I avoid having to go anywhere else for grooming because I’ve always been so satisfied with my experience at Wags & Whiskers.
Check-​in is smooth, friendly and quick. I’m a little particular about how I like my dog’s hair groomed, so they take notes with my specific instructions. I’ve been to many groomers that just smile and nod and then do the opposite of what I say, so I appreciate that the people at Wag & Whiskers take the time to listen to me. Not only that, they do a great job with my Yorkie (and their rates are very reasonable). She always comes back smelling and looking great — with a cute bow to top her off! For those of you that have a dog that sheds, they offer the FURminator Shed-​Less Treatment.
In addition to grooming, they have a great shop with many wonderful products. They also offer doggie daycare. I haven’t had the need yet, but a family member of mine uses their service frequently. She and her dogs love it!
I can’t say enough how thankful I am that I found a place that I feel so comfortable dropping the smallest member of my family off at.