A fully equipped, purpose-built grooming van comes directly to your home. Less stress for your dog, no waiting rooms, no unfamiliar kennels. Expert grooming in familiar surroundings across Carmarthen and Carmarthenshire.
Hair of The Dog is a professional mobile dog grooming service based in Carmarthen. We bring a fully equipped, purpose-built grooming van directly to your driveway, so your dog never has to leave the comfort of home.
Traditional grooming salons can be stressful for dogs. The journey, the unfamiliar smells, the noise of other animals, the waiting — it all adds up. With mobile grooming, your dog is seen on a one-to-one basis, without distractions or the anxiety of a shared environment.
We offer a complete range of grooming services to suit all breeds and coat types, from a quick bath and brush to a full groom, hand stripping for wire-coated breeds, and careful de-matting. We also offer gentle puppy introduction sessions to help young dogs build a positive association with grooming from the very start.
Your dog always has our full, undivided attention throughout their appointment.
Qualified, passionate, and committed to making grooming a positive experience.
Salon-quality equipment, heated water, and specialist grooming tools on board.
We take the time your dog needs. No rushing, no cutting corners.
A complete range of professional grooming treatments, all delivered at your door across Carmarthen and the surrounding areas.
Our most comprehensive service. Includes a thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment, blow-dry, breed-specific or owner-requested clip and scissor finish, ear cleaning, nail trim, and final presentation. Ideal for regular maintenance appointments.
Includes
The correct method for maintaining the coat of wire-haired breeds such as Border Terriers, Airedales, Wire Fox Terriers, and many Spaniels. Hand stripping removes dead hair from the root, preserving the proper texture and colour of the coat.
Suitable for
A thorough wash with quality shampoo, followed by a conditioning treatment, blow-dry, and a full brush-out to remove loose hair and leave the coat looking its best. A great option between full grooms to keep your dog fresh and tidy.
Includes
Tangles and matting can be uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can restrict movement and cause skin irritation. We use specialist tools and patient technique to carefully remove matting while preserving as much coat as possible.
Our approach
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and alter the way your dog walks and stands. Our nail trimming service includes careful clipping to an appropriate length, followed by gentle filing to remove sharp edges. Available as a standalone service or as part of a full groom.
Service details
The first grooming experience can shape how a dog feels about grooming for life. Our puppy introduction sessions are gentle, pressure-free, and designed to build trust and positive associations. We take things at your puppy's pace, every time.
What to expect
Booking your dog's groom is simple. From first contact to a freshly groomed dog, here is what to expect.
Contact us by phone, text, or via the booking form on this page. Let us know your dog's breed, coat type, and what service you are after.
We will agree a date, time, and location that suits you. We will also confirm pricing and any preparation needed before the appointment.
On the day, the grooming van arrives at your address. All equipment, water, and products are on board — nothing is needed from you except your dog.
We let you know when your dog is ready. Step outside to collect a freshly groomed, happy dog — often within just a few metres of your front door.
Many dogs find car journeys to unfamiliar places unsettling. Mobile grooming removes that stress entirely — your dog stays in familiar territory throughout.
Your dog is never left in a kennel or cage between tasks. They have our undivided attention from start to finish, with no other animals present.
Dogs that struggle in busy salon environments often cope significantly better in a quieter, one-to-one mobile setting at home.
No need to drive anywhere or rearrange your schedule around a drop-off and collection window. We fit around you.
Older dogs with joint issues, mobility challenges, or medical conditions benefit enormously from the gentler, less demanding mobile experience.
Dogs are most relaxed in surroundings they know and trust. Mobile grooming takes advantage of that, delivering a genuinely better experience for your dog compared to a traditional salon visit.
When a dog is calm and at ease, grooming becomes easier, quicker, and more thorough. A stressed dog will resist handling, making the experience uncomfortable for everyone involved. By coming to your home, we start every appointment with your dog already in their happiest, most familiar environment.
The fully equipped van means there is absolutely no compromise on equipment or professional finish. Salon-quality tools, heated water, and proper grooming tables come directly to your driveway.
We groom dogs of all sizes and coat types, from smooth-coated breeds needing a freshen-up to heavily coated breeds requiring thorough attention. Below are just some of the breeds we regularly see.
Labrador Retriever
Bath & brush, shed management
Golden Retriever
Full groom, coat trim, bath
Cockapoo
Full groom, puppy cut options
Cavapoo
Full groom, de-matt, bath
Springer Spaniel
Full groom, hand strip option
Border Terrier
Hand stripping specialist
Yorkshire Terrier
Full groom, scissor finish
Shih Tzu
Full groom, de-matt, bath
West Highland Terrier
Full groom, hand strip option
Bichon Frise
Bath, scissor finish, de-matt
Poodle
Full groom, breed clip
Border Collie
Bath & brush, trim
German Shepherd
Bath & brush, deshedding
Lhasa Apso
Full groom, coat care
Maltese
Full groom, scissor finish
Miniature Schnauzer
Full groom, hand strip option
Don't see your breed listed? This is not an exhaustive list. We welcome all breeds and crossbreeds. If you are unsure whether we can help with your dog's specific coat type, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise.
How a puppy experiences grooming for the first time can have a lasting impact. Our dedicated puppy introduction sessions are designed to make that first experience calm, positive, and rewarding.
We never rush a puppy introduction. The session is kept deliberately short and light, focused on familiarisation rather than a full groom. We want your puppy to associate the grooming van, the tools, and the whole process with something enjoyable — and to be eager to come back.
Puppies can typically begin introductory sessions from around 12 weeks of age, provided their vaccination schedule allows. Early exposure to grooming helps prevent anxiety developing as they grow.
Gentle handling of paws, ears, and muzzle to build acceptance
Introduction to dryer sounds at low intensity, from a safe distance
Brief brush and comb experience with appropriate tools
Short bath if puppy is comfortable, using gentle puppy shampoo
Sessions paced entirely around your puppy's comfort level
A Typical Puppy Introduction
Your puppy meets the van, hears the environment, and settles at their own pace before any grooming begins.
We work through the body, building your puppy's tolerance for being handled on their paws, ears, face, and tail.
Combs, brushes, and dryer sounds are introduced slowly. No rushing. The puppy dictates the pace.
If your puppy is settled and comfortable, we may complete a light bath and dry to round off the session.
We share how the session went and advise on at-home coat care to keep things progressing positively.
We are based in Carmarthen and travel throughout Carmarthenshire to bring professional grooming directly to your door. Below are the main areas we currently cover.
Not sure whether you are within our coverage area? Get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you. We are always happy to discuss options for new clients slightly outside our usual radius.
We let our work — and our clients — speak for themselves.
"Our Cockapoo used to get so worked up going to the local salon — the car journey alone was a nightmare. Since switching to Hair of The Dog, the difference is remarkable. He walks straight into the van, calm as anything. The groom itself is brilliant every time."
"I have a nine-year-old Border Terrier with a proper wire coat that needs hand stripping. Finding someone who actually knows what they are doing with a terrier coat is not easy. Hair of The Dog understands the breed and does the job properly. The coat texture has stayed exactly as it should. Very impressed."
"We booked a puppy introduction for our new Cavapoo at 14 weeks. The patience shown was incredible. She was understandably a bit nervous to begin with, and there was absolutely no pressure put on her. By the end she was happily sitting on the grooming table. We have been regular clients since."
"Our elderly Labrador finds travel increasingly difficult. Being able to have her groomed at home has been a real blessing. She is much more relaxed and the quality of the groom is excellent. We have recommended Hair of The Dog to everyone in our village."
"I was sceptical about whether mobile grooming would produce the same finish as a proper salon. I need not have worried. My Miniature Schnauzer came back looking absolutely perfect — a really professional result. And the convenience of not having to go anywhere is something I simply cannot overstate."
"We have two Spaniels and getting them both groomed used to be a whole-day exercise. Back-to-back appointments at Hair of The Dog means they are both done at home on the same morning. Brilliant service, great results, and the dogs genuinely seem to enjoy it now."
Prices vary depending on breed, coat type, and condition. The table below gives a general guide. We always confirm your exact price at the time of booking.
Final pricing is confirmed at the time of booking, as it depends on your dog's breed, coat condition, and the service required. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees. We discuss everything upfront.
Everything you need to know before booking your first appointment.
How much space do you need to park the van?
The grooming van is roughly the size of a large transit van. A standard driveway or a quiet roadside space nearby is usually sufficient. If you are unsure about parking arrangements, mention it when booking and we can discuss options.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my dog?
Not a great deal. Try to ensure your dog has had a walk beforehand so they are a little more relaxed. Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before the appointment. We bring everything we need on the van — water, products, and all equipment.
How long does a grooming appointment take?
It depends on the breed, coat condition, and service chosen. A bath and brush for a small dog might take around 45 minutes to an hour. A full groom on a larger or heavily coated breed can take two to three hours. We will give you an estimated time at the point of booking.
Do I need to stay at home during the groom?
We ask that an adult is present or nearby during the appointment, particularly for first-time visits. You do not need to stand beside the van throughout, but we do need to be able to reach you quickly if needed. For first visits with puppies or nervous dogs, it can be helpful to be nearby.
My dog is nervous around other dogs. Is that a problem?
Not at all. One of the primary advantages of mobile grooming is that your dog is seen entirely on a one-to-one basis. There are no other animals present in the van at any time, which makes the experience significantly calmer for anxious or reactive dogs.
My dog has never been groomed before. Where do I start?
Give us a call or send a message via the booking form. We will have a chat about your dog's breed, age, coat condition, and temperament, and recommend the best starting point — whether that is a full groom, a bath and brush, or a gentle introduction session.
How often should my dog be groomed?
This depends entirely on the breed and coat type. Double-coated breeds such as Golden Retrievers may need grooming every six to eight weeks. Poodle crosses and breeds with continuously growing coats typically need attention every four to six weeks to prevent matting. We will advise you on an appropriate schedule for your specific dog.
Do you groom aggressive or difficult dogs?
We assess each dog on an individual basis. We are experienced in handling dogs with varying temperaments and will always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of your dog and our groomer. If you have concerns about your dog's behaviour, please be open with us when booking so we can plan the best approach.
What products do you use?
We use professional-grade shampoos, conditioners, and finishing products suited to different coat types. If your dog has any known skin sensitivities or allergies, please let us know at the time of booking and we will select the most appropriate products.
Can I request a specific style or clip?
Absolutely. We welcome guidance on how you would like your dog's coat finished. Whether you prefer a breed-standard clip or a more practical shorter style for your lifestyle, we will discuss the options with you and work to achieve the finish you are after.
Ready to book, or just want to ask a question? Get in touch and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Phone & Text
Base Location
Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Appointment Hours
Request a Booking
Fill in the form and we will be in touch to confirm availability and pricing.
Fully Insured
Public liability & pet cover
Professionally Trained
Qualified groomer
Animal First Aid
Certified training
Based in Wales
Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
All Breeds Welcome
Small, medium & large