A shaggy goldendoodle is groomed on the table of a grooming salon.

How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

by BasicGrooming

No two pets are the same, so their grooming experience shouldn’t be, either! We base the cost of dog grooming on your pet’s breed, size, and coat type, plus any additional services they need to look and feel their best. 

Your dog’s first appointment will be a discounted price, depending on their size. Our first grooming orientation lets our team get to know your dog, introduce them to our salon, and help them adjust to the grooming process. Call (636)537-2322 to book your dog’s first groom today.

After your first appointment, our groomers will be able to give you an accurate quote for the cost of your dog’s next groom. Here’s how we calculate the cost of grooming.

Premium Baths

Our base grooming prices depend on your pet’s breed, size, and coat type (double coat, curly, wiry, etc). Premium baths include  bath with shampoo & conditioner, face and paw trim, nail clip or grind, brushing, and a bandana. Start at $43.

Spa Packages

Why not treat your dog to a spa day? We offer a variety of spa packages for dogs, including a Shedless Spa Package to remove loose hair and prevent further shedding, a mud bath with rejuvenating facial, and more. These spa packages start at $29. 

Add-On Services

Add an extra service to your dog’s spa day or just drop in for a quick nail trim. Visit our grooming page for a more extensive list of add-on services.

Book Now!

Want a more accurate quote for the cost of dog grooming? Give us a call at (636)537-2322 or click here to request an appointment. 

Petropolis groom special
A groomer trims a large, shaggy dog's face in a grooming salon.

How Often Should I Get My Dog Groomed?

by BasicGrooming

Keeping up with your dog’s grooming not only keeps them looking good, but it also helps them feel good! A dirty coat, matting, long nails, or dry skin can be uncomfortable or downright painful for your pup. How often you get your dog groomed depends on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle, but it all comes down to keeping your pup happy and healthy.

For most dogs, we recommend booking a grooming appointment every four to six weeks. Still, even dogs who are groomed this often need ongoing grooming at home.

How often should I brush my dog?

How often you get your dog groomed can depend on how much upkeep you do at home. Many dog breeds require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. But even short-coated dogs like labs need brushing at least a couple times a week to help manage shedding. 

How often should I trim my dog’s nails?

Every dog is different, but a good rule of thumb is to trim your dog’s nails every three to four weeks. The ideal length for a dog’s nails is just just short enough that they do not click when walking on a hard, flat surface. If your dog’s nails are overgrown, it may take several rounds of more frequent trimming to get them to this length. We always suggest consulting a groomer before trying to correct overgrown nails at home.

How often should I cut my dog’s hair?

This depends entirely on your dog’s coat type and style. A poodle might need trims every four to six weeks, but a golden retriever or Australian Shepherd could go much longer without a cut depending on the look you’re going for. It’s always best to ask your groomer how long you should wait to get your dog’s hair cut.

Book Now!

Call (636)537-2322 or click here to book a grooming appointment.

dog boarding vs. pet sitting

Dog Boarding vs. Pet Sitting

by BasicBoarding

The decision to invest in dog boarding vs. pet sitting can be difficult, especially if you’ve never left your pet alone before. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons before committing to either. 

Dog Boarding vs. Pet Sitting

Benefits of Boarding

More enriching. Boarding facilities offer activities and enrichment you just can’t find at home. Here at Petropolis, our boarding dogs get to play outside in our one-of-a-kind play yards, hang out with their favorite staff members, and participate in enrichment activities.

Safer. At a dog boarding facility, your pup should spend 100% of their time under direct supervision or in the safety of their private room. This leaves little room for door darting, accidental ingestion of toys, or scuffles with other dogs.

Emergency care. Unfortunately, even the safest dog daycare isn’t immune to accidents. But since many facilities staff highly-trained pet care technicians, you can trust that someone will be available to help your dog in an emergency.

Benefits of Pet Sitting

Cheaper. Leaving your dog with a friend or family member can be much more affordable than boarding. Still, you run the same risks that you would with any other pet sitter.

Better for extremely anxious dogs. If your dog is extremely anxious on car rides or in new environments, a pet sitter may be the best option. If you opt for a sitter, however, make sure they are going to care for your dog in your own home and that they get to know your dog ahead of time.

Other Things to Consider

Does your dog struggle with separation anxiety? If so, a drop-in pet sitter isn’t a good option. Instead, opt for a dog boarding facility that offers one-on-one attention as well as group play options. These will keep your pup enriched and entertained.

Will your dog require medical injections during their stay? Only trust a trained professional to administer injections. If your dog requires injections (such as insulin), ask your veterinarian if they can board your dog in their clinic or if they will suggest a skilled pet sitter.

Does your puppy require extra housetraining help? Leaving your new puppy alone for too long can disrupt the housetraining process (meaning more accidents). Find a boarding facility that offers special care for puppies, like extra one-on-one time and potty walks.

Can your dog get to know their caretakers ahead of time? Before you leave for vacation, introduce your dog to their caretakers and the environment where they’ll be staying. At Petropolis, we offer all dogs a free first day of daycare for just this purpose. We get to know our boarding pups before their stay, and they get to explore and adjust to our boarding facility prior to check-in.

Whether you decide to trust your pup with a dog boarding vs. pet sitting, make sure to do your research and prepare your dog for your departure. The more information you have about their caretakers, the more peace of mind you’ll have while you’re away.

A Samoyed puppy stands at the door in a dog boarding facility.

Is Dog Boarding Safe? What to Look For In a Boarding Facility

by BasicBoarding

At the right facility, boarding can be the safest option for your dog while you’re out of town. But since not all boarding facilities are the same, it’s important to do your research prior to booking.

When searching for a boarding facility for your dog, make sure it offers these things.

A Safe Dog Boarding Facility Should Offer…

Supervised Play

Play groups should never be left unattended. A staff member should be with the group at all times, and they should know how to spot concerning behaviors (like resource guarding). An unsupervised play group is a recipe for disaster, so make sure your pup will never be left unattended with other dogs.

Highly Trained Staff

Aside from knowing how to spot concerning behaviors, boarding staff must know how to redirect a dog’s attention, keep the group calm, and break up scuffles. We don’t believe in using pain or punishment with dogs, so we redirect dogs’ attention with recall games, treats, and our play features. In addition, a safe dog boarding facility will also staff someone familiar with canine first aid.

A Healthy Balance of Activity and Rest

All-day play sounds fun in theory, but it can actually get exhausting. Dogs need breaks! We break our play schedule into a morning and afternoon session, and then pups get to spend the evenings winding down in their private rooms.

Spacious, Comfortable Rooms

No one wants to leave their dog in a cramped, uncomfortable room. Ask to tour the boarding facility and see where your dog will be staying. A safe dog boarding room should have plenty of space for your dog to stretch out, get comfortable, and relax. And while no boarding space is silent, a boarding space broken into smaller bays is ideal for minimizing noise and stress.

More than anything, make sure you feel good about who you’re trusting with your dog. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and call to check in during their stay.

A tan pit bull lays on a dog bed chewing a bully stick in a dog boarding facility.

What does my dog need for boarding?

by BasicBoarding

Not sure what to pack for your pup? We’ve got you covered! Read on for a list of what your dog needs for boarding, or check out our complete Dog Boarding Checklist (complete with vaccine requirements, contact info, and more!)

What Your Dog Needs For Boarding

Food

We suggest packing the same food your dog usually eats at home. It’s also best to pack their food in pre-measured portions. That way, you know your pet has enough food for their stay and our team can easily feed them the correct amount at each meal.

Medication

If your dog requires medication, make sure to pack it in its original packaging. This way, our team will have the prescription and dosage information at their fingertips.

Toys

Don’t forget your pup’s favorite toys! Avoid anything you know your dog will tear up, rope toys, and rawhide (opt for a safer natural chew, like an antler!). Pack one or two toys to keep your dog occupied when they’re in their room for the night.

Bedding

Some boarding facilities provide bedding (like ours!), but it’s still a good idea to pack a bed, blanket, or pillow that smells like home. Even one of your t-shirts will do! A familiar object with your scent on it will help your pup get comfortable in their room.

Still have questions before your dog’s stay? Give us a call at (636)537-2322. We’ll gladly answer any questions you may have about your pet’s reservation.

A black, white, and tan puppy sits on a teal pet cot in a dog boarding facility.

How much does dog boarding cost?

by BasicBoarding

No two dogs are the same. That’s why we create custom packages for each of our boarding clients. When you book your boarding reservation, one of our New Client Specialists will help you build the perfect package for your pet and discuss the cost of their dog boarding reservation. During their stay, we’ll make adjustments to keep them happy and comfortable.

Read on to learn about our pricing structure, or click here to request a reservation.

Cost of Dog Boarding at Petropolis

Room Options

Both our Chesterfield and St. Charles locations feature standard and upgraded dog boarding room options. Our standard rooms start as low as $33 per night and are plenty large enough for siblings to room together.

Our upgraded rooms are perfect for more anxious pups or families who’d like to board together. Ask your New Client Specialist about upgrading for your pet’s stay.

Activity Packages

Whether you have a rambunctious puppy or a snuggly senior dog, we have an activity package that’s right for them! Our group play packages start at $26 per day for supervised outdoor sessions in our one-of-a-kind play yards. Plus, both locations feature covered play areas with fans and heaters for inclement weather.

For dogs who’d rather play with our staff, we also offer one-on-one sessions. These start at $15 per day and are perfect for more shy dogs or seniors who’d rather cuddle than ruff-house.

Special Care

We know some dogs need extra attention and care, so we’re more than happy to accommodate most medical needs. We also make accomodations for seniors (like non-slip flooring) and puppies (like extra potty walks to keep their house training on track). Talk to your New Client Specialist about any extra TLC your dog may need during their stay.

Book Now!

Call (636)537-2322 or click here to book your dog’s boarding reservation!

A golden retriever sits looking at the camera while in a safe dog daycare group.

Are dog daycares safe? How can you tell?

by BasicDaycare

Not all dog daycares are created equal. And as a pet parent, it can be scary taking your pup to a new facility not knowing if their dog daycare is safe.

When looking for a safe dog daycare for your pup, remember these must-haves.

A safe dog daycare offers…

Supervised play.

Play groups should never be left unsupervised, and daycare staff should take extra care to avoid resource guarding situations. This means being careful with any treats or toys in the yard and getting to know each dog’s quirks prior to placing them in a group. At Petropolis, toys are off-limits to many of our play groups. Instead, we keep dogs enriched with games and unique play features.

Plenty of time to rest.

24-hour daycare sounds fun, but in reality, it can be exhausting. Like kids, dogs need plenty of time to rest throughout the day. If they’re not given private time to relax, they get grumpy and bored. Our daycare dogs get an hour-long break every day around lunchtime to unwind in private rooms. We’ve found that this is just the right amount of time for dogs to get a bite to eat, have a nap, and recharge before afternoon play.

Highly-trained staff.

Don’t trust your furry best friend with anyone. Make sure the daycare staff know how to manage groups of dogs. They should be trained in how to redirect rough play, break up fights, and recognize the signs of an anxious dog. And because even the safest dog daycare isn’t immune to accidents, someone in the facility should know canine first aid. 

Curated play groups.

Not all dogs play well together, especially if they’re different sizes. We divide our play groups based on size, age, play style, and energy level. This keeps everyone safe and happy, from our most rambunctious puppies to our more reserved older dogs. Random or very large groups of dogs are risky, so it’s best to divide play into these smaller, curated groups to keep dog daycare safe.

Climate-controlled environment.

Missouri’s weather is unpredictable year-round! Indoor dog daycares offer protection from the elements, but they’re often louder. Barking and echoing can stress dogs out, especially over long periods of time. Outdoor dog daycares are quieter, but they’re at the mercy of the weather. At Petropolis, we have covered play yards, heaters, and misting fans to keep dogs comfy in all kinds of weather.

Keep these things in mind and never be afraid to ask questions when looking for a safe dog daycare. Your pup will thank you!

A chocolate lab puppy at dog daycare laying on a grey floor looking up at the camera.

Will my dog like dog daycare?

by BasicDaycare

There’s no way to know for certain if your dog will like daycare. We do everything we can to keep dogs happy and comfortable during daycare. But for some dogs, it’s just not their thing!

Here are a few personality traits and behaviors that could be signs your dog will like daycare:

Even if your pup doesn’t exhibit these personality traits, they may still enjoy daycare. At Petropolis, we’ve met plenty of older, more subdued pups who love the extra attention and outdoor time that daycare provides.

If you suspect your pup may enjoy daycare, call to speak to one of our New Client Specialists. They’ll ask about your dog’s demeanor, their history, and their health to determine if daycare will be a good fit.

After they visit, how will I know if my dog liked daycare?

Every dog goes through the same evaluation process on their first day. This process helps us get to know them, but it also helps them adjust to the daycare environment. 

During your dog’s first day, you’ll receive a Pupdate from our Canine Evaluator with photos and notes. When you pick your dog up at the end of the day, the Canine Evaluator will discuss your pup’s experience and how they adjusted to daycare. 

We love all dogs, but we also understand that not all dogs love us. That’s why we communicate openly and honestly with pet parents and never force a dog into daycare if they’re uncomfortable.

And if your dog did love their first day, we’ll tell you! There’s nothing we love more than helping dogs adjust and learn to love daycare.

dog daycare cost

How much does dog daycare cost?

by BasicDaycareDogs

Dog Daycare Prices

The cost of dog daycare at Petropolis covers either a full or half day of supervised outdoor play in our one-of-a-kind play yards. A half day of play costs $32.95, and a full day costs $42.95. 

Full Day or Half Day?

This depends on what your dog needs! Many of our younger, more rambunctious pups are happy to play the entire day away. Then, by the time they go home, they’re ready to snuggle up on the couch for the night.

Many of our older pups, however, prefer to nap through the afternoon. For these dogs, we may suggest a half day or move your dog to a low-energy play group where they can chill out.

No matter which package your pup prefers, we believe in the importance of rest. Just like children, dogs need to take breaks. Taking a break halfway through the day prevents our daycare pups from becoming overstimulated or too tired.

Loyalty Perks

Our daycare regulars get access to extended hours, valet pick-up and drop-off, and discounted day rates! Ask about a 10, 20, or 30-day punch card to take advantage of these perks.