What to Bring to Your Dog's Grooming Appointment: Everything You Need

To bring your dog to Super Pet Grooming Salon in East Falmouth, MA, you need: current vaccination records (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) and your dog on a leash. That is the complete list. Everything else, including shampoo, towels, dryers, and grooming tools, is handled by the salon. First-time visitors sometimes over-prepare. Here is exactly what to bring, what to skip, and how to make the day go smoothly for you and your pet.

The Only Thing You Must Bring: Vaccination Records

Super Pet Grooming Salon requires proof of three vaccinations for every dog:

• Rabies
• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
• Bordetella (kennel cough)

These requirements exist to protect every pet in the salon. Even though dogs at Super Pet receive individual, one-on-one care rather than group daycare, vaccination requirements are a standard of professional grooming practice across Massachusetts.

For your first appointment, bring a printed copy of the vaccination records or a screenshot from your vet's client portal. After that initial visit, Super Pet keeps your records on file. You will not need to bring them again unless your dog's vaccinations expire and are renewed.

What if vaccinations are expired? Reschedule your vet appointment first. Super Pet cannot accept dogs with lapsed vaccinations, and attempting to rebook without updated records will result in having to reschedule the grooming appointment as well. It is far easier to confirm vaccine status before booking than to cancel on the day of.

Bring Your Dog on a Leash (Or in a Carrier for Cats)

All dogs must arrive on a leash at drop-off. This applies regardless of size, temperament, or how calm your dog is at home. It is a basic safety practice that protects your dog, other clients, and the grooming team during the brief handoff at the front of the salon.

For cats, a secure carrier is required. Cats traveling loose in a car or carried in arms are a safety risk in transit. A hard or soft carrier keeps your cat calm and contained from home to salon and back again.

Both standard collars and harnesses are equally acceptable. Super Pet's team handles either without issue. If your dog pulls strongly on leash, a harness with a front clip can make the walk from car to door easier on both of you.

What You Do NOT Need to Bring

First-time grooming clients often wonder whether they should bring their own products or supplies. Here is a clear list of what to leave at home:

• Your own shampoo or conditioner. Super Pet uses professional-grade products selected for each dog's coat type and skin condition. Bringing your own shampoo is not necessary and may not be used if it conflicts with the groomer's assessment of your dog's coat needs.
• Towels or dryers. Everything for the bath and dry process is provided at the salon. Super Pet's no-cage-drying policy means your dog is hand-dried by Sabina throughout the appointment.
• Food or treats. There is no need to bring snacks or meals for your dog. A large meal right before the appointment can actually cause discomfort during handling. Let your dog arrive with a light stomach.
• Toys or comfort items. Familiar objects from home can be distracting or disruptive during a groom. Leave toys and blankets at home.
• Yourself, for the duration. You do not need to stay. Drop off your dog, go about your day, and wait for the call or text when your dog is ready. Pets groom more calmly when their owners are not in the room.

What to Do Before Your Dog's Appointment

A little preparation at home makes a meaningful difference in how smooth the appointment goes, especially for dogs that are new to grooming or tend to be anxious.

• Let your dog use the bathroom before arriving. A full bladder during a bath or handling session is uncomfortable for the dog and creates more work for the groomer.
• Avoid a large meal right before the appointment. Some dogs become nauseous or anxious during handling, particularly during bathing. A light stomach reduces that risk.
• Brush out surface mats if possible. You do not need to fully brush out your dog before a groom, but clearing visible surface tangles reduces the dematting time needed at the salon. Dematting is billed at $1 per minute, so even a few minutes of brushing at home can save money and make the appointment more comfortable for your dog.
• Take a short walk before drop-off. Physical activity before a grooming appointment helps reduce excess energy. A dog that has had a walk is generally calmer and easier to work with than one that has been in a crate or car for hours.

What Happens at Drop-Off at Super Pet

The drop-off process at 122 Teaticket Hwy in East Falmouth is designed to be efficient and low-stress. Here is what to expect:

1. Arrive at your scheduled appointment time with your dog on leash.
2. Sabina or a team member will briefly review the service booked, note any special requests or coat concerns, and confirm vaccination records on file for returning clients or collect them for first-time clients.
3. Your dog moves to the grooming area for individual, cage-free care.
4. You go on with your day. East Falmouth's Route 28 area has plenty of nearby shops and restaurants, and Falmouth center is just five minutes away.
5. You receive a call or text when your dog is ready for pickup. Most appointments run between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on breed, coat, and service. See our full guide on how long dog grooming takes for a detailed breakdown by service.

What If It Is My Dog's First Time at Any Groomer?

First-time grooming experiences set the tone for every appointment that follows. A calm, positive first visit builds the kind of trust that makes future grooms faster, easier, and less stressful for everyone.

Super Pet offers two services specifically designed for dogs that are new to grooming:

• Puppy Introduction (from $85): Designed for puppies under 12 months. This shorter appointment focuses on introducing your puppy to the sensations of bathing, blow-drying, and handling without overwhelming them. The goal is a positive experience, not a comprehensive groom. Read our full guide on a puppy's first grooming appointment for what to expect.
• Gentle Grooming (from $85): Available for adult dogs that are anxious, sensitive, or have had negative grooming experiences in the past. Sabina adapts her pace, handling, and approach to keep these dogs comfortable throughout. Read more about our approach to grooming anxious dogs.

If you are booking for a first-time adult dog and neither service applies, simply mention it at booking. The team will note it in the appointment so Sabina can plan accordingly.

How to Book Your Appointment at Super Pet

There are three ways to book a grooming appointment at Super Pet Grooming Salon:

• Online: Visit superpethome.com and complete the booking form. It takes a few minutes and confirms your slot immediately.
• By phone: Call (508) 524-3489 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. The team will confirm your service and give you a price estimate based on your dog's breed and coat.
• On Instagram: Reach out via @superpetfalmouth for availability and questions.

All bookings require a $25 deposit to confirm the appointment. This deposit is not an extra fee. It is applied directly to your total on the day of the groom. You pay only the remaining balance at pickup. See our full pricing breakdown in the dog grooming prices in Falmouth, MA guide.