Penny and the Pets: A Grooming Salon in the Midlands
What Penny and the Pets offers
Penny and the Pets is a full-service grooming salon located in Midlands, South Carolina, specializing in dog and cat grooming. The salon provides bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and full grooming cuts tailored to breed standards or owner preference. They also offer services like de-shedding treatments and sanitary trims for pets with specific needs.
The salon operates as a local, independently owned business focused on hands-on care rather than high-volume processing. This means your pet typically spends time with the same groomer across visits, which can reduce stress for anxious animals and allow groomers to learn your pet's temperament and coat condition over time.
Key Takeaways
- Penny and the Pets handles grooming for both dogs and cats, with services ranging from basic baths to full breed-standard cuts.
- The salon is independently owned and operates in Midlands, making it a local option for residents in that area of South Carolina.
- Groomers at the salon work with individual pets across multiple visits, which can help reduce stress for animals that are nervous about grooming.
- You should contact the salon directly to confirm current hours, pricing, and whether they are taking new clients.
Services available at the salon
Beyond standard grooming, Penny and the Pets offers specialized treatments depending on your pet's coat type and condition. De-shedding services work well for double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds that shed heavily. Sanitary trims are useful for long-haired pets or those prone to matting in sensitive areas.
The salon can work with breed-specific cuts if you bring a photo or description of the style you want, or they can recommend cuts suited to your pet's coat and your maintenance ability at home. This consultation approach means you are not locked into one standard look.
How to contact and schedule
To reach Penny and the Pets, you will need to contact them directly by phone or visit in person. The salon's exact phone number, hours of operation, and current booking availability change seasonally and can fill up during peak grooming months (spring and early summer), so calling ahead is important.
When you call, ask whether they are currently taking new clients and what their typical turnaround time is. Some salons can groom your pet the same day if you call early; others book weeks in advance. Knowing this helps you plan, especially if your pet needs grooming before a specific event or season.
What to expect during your first visit
On your first appointment, arrive a few minutes early so you can fill out any intake paperwork and discuss your pet's grooming history, any skin sensitivities, behavioral concerns, or medical conditions with the groomer. Let them know if your pet has never been groomed before, is fearful, or has had a bad experience at another salon—this information helps the groomer adjust their approach.
Bring your pet's vaccination records if requested. Many salons ask for proof of current rabies vaccination and other shots as a safety measure, since grooming involves close contact with other animals. If your pet is on medication or has a skin condition, mention it so the groomer can use appropriate products or take extra care in those areas.
Pricing and payment
Grooming costs at Penny and the Pets vary based on your pet's size, coat condition, and the services you choose. A basic bath and nail trim costs less than a full grooming cut. Matted coats or pets that require extra handling time may incur additional fees. The salon can give you a price estimate over the phone or in person once they see your pet.
Ask about payment methods when you book—most salons accept cash, card, or both. Some offer discounts for regular clients or package deals if you book multiple appointments in advance. Tipping is customary in the grooming industry and is usually given directly to the groomer or added to your bill.
Preparing your pet for grooming
Before your appointment, brush your pet at home if they have a longer coat. This removes loose hair and helps the groomer work more efficiently. If your pet has mats or tangles, let the groomer know—they may need extra time or may recommend a shorter cut if the matting is severe.
Keep your pet calm the night before and the morning of the appointment. A calm pet is easier to groom and has a better experience. Avoid feeding a large meal right before grooming, as some pets get anxious on a full stomach. If your pet is very nervous, ask the groomer whether a shorter first appointment might help them adjust to the process.
Why choose a local groomer
Local salons like Penny and the Pets often provide more personalized attention than chain grooming facilities. Your groomer learns your pet's individual needs, preferences, and quirks over time. They can spot changes in your pet's skin or coat that might signal a health issue and alert you to them.
Supporting a locally owned business also means your money stays in the Midlands community. Local groomers often have relationships with local veterinarians and can recommend other pet services in the area if you need them. The smaller scale also typically means less wait time and a calmer environment for your pet compared to high-volume facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my dog be groomed?
It depends on your dog's breed and coat type. Dogs with short coats may need grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, while long-haired or curly-coated breeds often need it every 4 to 6 weeks. Your groomer can recommend a schedule based on your pet's specific coat and your maintenance routine at home.
What should I do if my pet is anxious about grooming?
Tell the groomer about your pet's anxiety before the appointment. They may recommend a shorter first visit to build your pet's confidence, or they can use calming techniques during grooming. Some pets do better with a groomer who has experience handling nervous animals. Consistency—using the same groomer each time—also helps reduce anxiety over time.
Can I stay in the salon while my pet is being groomed?
Most salons ask owners to leave during grooming because pets often behave better without their owners present, and it allows the groomer to work without distraction. Ask Penny and the Pets about their policy when you book. Many salons will call you when your pet is ready for pickup.
What if my pet has a skin condition or allergies?
Mention any skin issues or allergies when you schedule and again when you drop off your pet. Bring documentation from your veterinarian if your pet needs a special shampoo or has restrictions on products. The groomer can use hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos if you provide them or if the salon stocks them.
How long does a full grooming appointment take?
A full grooming typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on your pet's size, coat condition, and the services requested. Small dogs with short coats may finish in an hour; large dogs with thick coats or mats can take 3 hours or more. Ask for an estimated time when you book so you know when to pick up your pet.