Barkside Bay

If only I could give this "alleged" groomer a negative review! Many groomers do not groom cats--I wish the Crate Escape didn't either! I had the appointment for my cat to have a "full groom" about a month in advance but the groomer wasn't there yet. When I made the appointment I asked many questions because I wanted to be clear on what I was getting. I wanted the cat bathed, clipped, ears cleaned, nails cut and his paws shaved between his toes. I was assured that all of that would be done. I specified that he needed his sanitary area cleaned and clipped for sure because his hair is so long that he is unable to groom that area properly and is always dirty there. Aside from the owner, the receptionist was the only other person working because their "Cat Whisperer" (the receptionist's words) had a car issue and called off; but the receptionist said that she could help the owner with my cat and they'd get it done. She said that the owner was on her way in at this time. Since the owner/groomer still wasn't there, I left a written list with the receptionist stating exactly what I wanted done (see above) and I left and left the cat there in his carrier. I made a couple stops after leaving and arrived home at about noon. As soon as I got home the groomer called and told me to come pick my cat up because he was too "spicy" for her to handle on her own! I thought that the receptionist was going to help her but that was never mentioned and I didn't ask because I was aggravated that I had to drive back out there. When I got there the place stunk of cat urine to the point that it was hard to breathe. There were a couple cats in the office on the counter so I assumed it was them but it was a lot of stink! I even asked the receptionist how she could breathe and she said she didn't even notice it anymore. Then she explained that my cat was half done (he was shaved down is back and nowhere else) because he was a little "spicy" and I should bring him back tomorrow when the main cat groomer was back to work and she would finish him. So I took him home with his back shaved and his nails cut and nothing else done. I brought him back the next day and asked when I should return for him. The owner spoke up and said I should just wait in my car because he would only take about a half hour. I was shocked and even asked, "Is that for a bath too because he needs a bath". At that point she got a little vague and told me that was assuming that they could give him a bath it all depends on the cat. She said some cats you just can't bathe. (?) I reiterated that he really needed a bath and I thought it was all understood that was part of a "full" groom. I wish I would have left then but I would have had a half shaved cat! I went back in once more to remind her that his paws needed clipped too because the hair between his toes was all matted. I noticed that the "Cat Whisperer" was shaving him with the clippers--he has a soft-sided carrier and she had the top open and was shaving him inside his carrier! I thought that was weird and awkward to do but figured there must have been a reason. Maybe it was easier to keep him contained that way? No idea. About 10 minutes later he was done and all packed up in his carrier. It seemed pretty clear that he didn't get his bath since he was finished that quickly. They charged me $100!! I felt scammed and that no one had listened to anything I said from the beginning. I paid with a credit card and even the receipt only had the business name, total cost, and date. No cost breakdowns at all. When I got home and let the cat loose I was shocked again. He looked like he had been hacked at with a serrated knife! It was supposed to have been a lion cut but everything was a mess. Uneven, choppy, and clipped way too close to his skin. He was nicked anywhere there was a bump or joint on him. (See pics.) Also, all the hair that was shaved off was inside the carrier with the cat! I drove out there twice, got a lousy job, paid $100 and brought all the hair home with me! Nice.

Picked up my Pomeranian friend this morning, Sophie, from "The Crate Escape" in Lawrence Park and I couldn't be happier with the service!** ​They did an absolutely amazing job with her grooming; Sophie looks adorable and has the happiest tail wag!** ​My friend who she is her fur baby was also incredibly impressed with how professional the staff were. You can tell they really care about the animals.** ​I I highly recommend "The Crate Escape" to anyone looking for top-notch grooming and a wonderful experience. We'll definitely be back when Sophie needs her next touch-up!

Was looking for a local, small business groomer to switch to and came across Crate Escape. Reviews and photos seemed great and decided to give them a try. Everything went so smooth from initial contact to pickup. I really appreciate the ability to schedule via text. They were even able to get my doodle in same week! I met the owner, Kyrie, and groomer, Sam, and both were super friendly and helpful. I gave a vague description of how I wanted our Savannah girl to look and they nailed it. She looks and smells beautiful!! Will continue to have her groomed there and may explore daycare and boarding services in the future 🩵