Becoming a Client At Roman's Empire Mobile Grooming
How do I become a client?
Every new client begins by completing our online Client Onboarding form. Once we've reviewed your information, we'll reach out to discuss your pet's needs, answer any questions, and schedule your first appointment if we're the right fit.
Is Roman's Empire currently accepting new clients?
We're currently welcoming new dog clients.
Cat grooming is available by waitlist while we complete additional advanced feline continuing education.
How do I know if Roman's Empire is the right fit?
Roman's Empire is built around consistent, relationship-based grooming rather than one-time appointments. We're a great fit for pet parents who value thoughtful handling, long-term coat care, and seeing the same groomer every visit.
If you're looking for one-time grooming, cosmetic-only services, or services outside our standards of care, we may not be the best fit—and that's okay.
Do you offer meet-and-greets?
Yes. We offer a 30-minute meet-and-greet for $100.
Meet-and-greets may be required before scheduling services for senior pets, medically compromised or fragile pets, and pets whose coat condition, behavior, or grooming needs falls outside the scope of a routine maintenance appointment so we can determine the safest and most appropriate plan of care.
How soon can I schedule my first appointment?
Appointment availability changes regularly.
The best way to view current availability is through our online booking portal after completing your intake form.
How does the onboarding process work?
Every new client begins by completing our online onboarding form. Once we've reviewed your information, we'll reach out to discuss your pet's needs, answer any questions, and schedule your first appointment if we're the right fit.
Before Your Appointment
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Before we arrive, please ensure your pet has had an opportunity to relieve themselves and that water and electrical access are available within 50 feet of legal, unobstructed parking. If applicable, please clear any low-hanging branches, basketball hoops, or other obstacles that could interfere with safely parking the grooming van.
Does my pet need to be brushed before their appointment?
No.
You're never expected to prepare your pet before we arrive. Our job is to assess your pet's coat and provide the care they need. If regular brushing at home would benefit your pet between appointments, we'll gladly show you the techniques that best support their coat.
Can my pet eat before grooming?
Yes.
Unless your veterinarian has recommended otherwise, pets may eat before their appointment. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, we recommend avoiding a large meal immediately before grooming.
Does my pet need to go potty before grooming?
Yes, please.
Giving your pet an opportunity to relieve themselves before we arrive helps make the grooming experience more comfortable for everyone.
Appointments & Scheduling
How often should my pet be groomed?
Every pet is different. The ideal schedule depends on coat type, coat condition, grooming goals, and your pet's comfort with the grooming process.
Pets who require more support during grooming or who aren't maintained at home may benefit from more frequent appointments to help grooming become more comfortable and predictable over time.
Why do you require a consistent grooming schedule?
Roman's Empire is built around relationship-based grooming rather than one-time appointments. Consistent scheduling allows us to monitor coat health, recognize subtle changes over time, and build familiarity so each visit becomes more comfortable and personalized than the last.
For that reason, all clients remain on a schedule no longer than every eight weeks.
Do you offer one-time appointments?
No.
Roman's Empire is designed around ongoing care rather than one-time grooming. Every client is scheduled on a recurring grooming plan with appointments no more than four weeks apart.
Can I change my grooming schedule?
Absolutely.
As your pet's needs change, we're happy to adjust your grooming frequency whenever appropriate. We'll always recommend a schedule based on your pet's individual coat, comfort, and long-term care needs.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
We understand that life happens.
Appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours' notice are subject to the full appointment fee.
Because consistency is an important part of our scheduling model, first appointments that are cancelled are not rebooked. Clients with more than two cancellations or reschedules within a calendar year may be removed from our client roster.
Why do you use an arrival window instead of an exact appointment time?
Every pet receives the time they need.
Traffic, coat condition, behavior, and each pet's individual needs can all affect appointment length throughout the day. Rather than rushing one pet to stay on schedule for the next, we use an arrival window that allows us to provide every pet with the thoughtful care they deserve.
During the Groom
Will my pet have the same groomer every visit?
Yes.
Every appointment is performed by the same groomer, allowing your pet to build familiarity, trust, and a relationship that grows over time. Rather than starting over with someone new each visit, every appointment builds on the last.
How long does a grooming appointment take?
Most appointments take between one and two hours, depending on your pet's size, coat condition, behavior, and grooming needs.
The first few appointments may take a little longer as we allow time for your pet to become comfortable with the grooming process and their new environment.
What if my puppy has never been groomed before?
Puppies are one of our favorite clients.
The earlier positive grooming experiences begin, the easier they are to build upon throughout your dog's life. Our goal isn't simply to complete the first groom—it's to help puppies develop the confidence and skills that make grooming a familiar, comfortable part of their routine for years to come.
Can I stay with my pet during the appointment?
No.
For insurance and safety reasons, clients are not permitted inside the grooming salon during appointments. This allows us to maintain a calm, focused environment while giving your pet our full attention.
What if my pet is nervous about grooming?
That's perfectly okay.
We never rush or force pets through the grooming process. Instead, we work at your pet's pace and use Fear Free principles to continually assess their comfort throughout the appointment.
Sometimes that means accomplishing less during today's appointment so we can build more confidence for every appointment that follows.
What happens if my pet can't complete the groom?
Your pet's emotional and physical well-being always comes first.
If we determine it isn't in your pet's best interest to continue, we'll stop the appointment. The full appointment fee remains due because the scheduled time has been reserved exclusively for your pet.
Whenever possible, we'll use the remaining time to build positive experiences through gentle desensitization and provide you with an action plan to help prepare for future appointments.
Why can't family members, children, or other contractors interrupt the appointment?
Our grooming environment is intentionally designed to remain calm, predictable, and focused on your pet.
Unexpected interruptions—including knocking on the van, children playing nearby, lawn care, construction, or other contractors working around the grooming area—can interrupt your pet's concentration and compromise both safety and the grooming experience.
For that reason, we ask that appointments remain interruption-free from beginning to end. Interruptions may result in the appointment being stopped, with the full appointment fee remaining due.
Services & Grooming
Do you groom puppies?
Absolutely.
The earlier positive grooming experiences begin, the easier they are to build upon throughout your dog's life. Our goal isn't simply to complete the first groom—it's to help puppies develop the confidence and skills that make grooming a familiar, comfortable part of their routine for years to come.
Do you groom senior pets?
Yes.
We welcome senior pets and tailor every appointment to their individual comfort and abilities. As pets age, their needs often change, and we'll work with you to establish realistic expectations while always prioritizing their safety and well-being.
Some senior, medically compromised, or fragile pets may require a meet-and-greet before scheduling services.
Do you groom cats?
Yes.
Cat grooming is currently available by waitlist while we complete additional advanced feline continuing education. Join our waitlist, and we'll contact you as appointments become available.
Why don't you shave double-coated breeds?
Double-coated coats serve important functions beyond appearance, including temperature regulation and protection from the elements.
Rather than recommending routine shaving, we focus on thorough coat maintenance, regular deshedding, and educating owners on how to keep the coat healthy long-term. You can learn more in our article on double-coated breeds.
Do you express anal glands?
No.
Internal anal gland expression, the only safe and truly effective form of expression, is a veterinary procedure, and we believe it should remain under the care of your veterinarian.
Do you pluck ear hair?
No.
We do not pluck ear hair, as current veterinary guidance suggests unnecessary plucking may increase irritation and inflammation for many pets. If ear care is medically indicated, we recommend working with your veterinarian.
Do you remove ticks?
No.
For everyone's safety, we do not remove ticks. Because all clients are required to keep their pets on an active veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative, tick encounters are uncommon. If a tick is discovered, we'll let you know so it can be addressed appropriately.
What happens if my pet has fleas?
All pets receiving services must be on an active veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventative.
We do not knowingly accept pets with fleas. If fleas are discovered during the appointment, treatment options and any applicable fees will be discussed before proceeding.
Do you offer creative grooming?
Currently, we offer non-permanent pet-safe chalk for pets who are fully comfortable with the grooming process.
Because your pet's comfort always comes first, creative grooming is not available for first-time clients and may take several appointments before a pet is ready.
Pricing
How is pricing determined?
Every pet is different. Pricing reflects the time, care, and handling required for your individual appointment.
Coat condition, coat length, grooming goals, behavior, and the time needed to complete the appointment all influence final pricing. We'll always discuss any pricing adjustments with you before services begin.
Why don't you list every price on your website?
To ensure you're always viewing the most accurate information, our current starting prices and service options are maintained through our online booking portal.
This allows us to keep pricing up to date without outdated website information.
What's included in every appointment?
Every appointment begins with the same thoughtful standard of care. The service you choose determines whether your pet receives a bath or a bath and haircut—not the quality of care they receive.
You can view everything included on our Pricing & Services page.
Do you charge travel fees?
Most communities within our primary service area do not incur a travel fee.
Appointments in select extended service areas may include a $75 travel fee, which is waived for qualifying multi-pet households. Any applicable travel fee will always be discussed before your appointment.
Why are your prices higher than some other groomers?
Our pricing reflects the time, individualized care, continuing education, equipment, and one-on-one attention every appointment receives.
Rather than rushing appointments or charging separately for essential care, we build everything your pet needs into one thoughtful, all-inclusive experience.
Health & Safety
What vaccinations are required?
All pets must have current rabies vaccinations and any other legally required vaccinations appropriate for their species.
The only exception we accept is a veterinarian-issued medical exemption accompanied by a current, acceptable rabies titer.
What if my pet is sick or recovering from an injury?
We do not groom pets that are actively sick or injured.
If your pet becomes ill before their appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule appropriately.
Do you groom pregnant pets or pets in heat?
No.
For the safety of both your pet and our team, we do not accept pregnant pets or pets currently in heat.
Do you groom pets with heart murmurs?
For safety reasons, we do not groom pets with moderate to severe heart murmurs. If your pet has a heart condition, we're happy to discuss whether our services are appropriate before scheduling.
Do you accept aggressive pets?
No.
We do not accept pets with a known bite history or known aggression toward people.
What if my pet requires sedation?
Sedated pets may be accepted on a case-by-case basis and are subject to a special handling fee. Please discuss any sedation requirements with us before scheduling.
What happens if my pet is matted?
We never brush out matting.
When matting cannot be safely or humanely removed through brushing, shaving is the only responsible option. We'll always discuss your pet's coat condition and grooming options with you before proceeding.
Mobile Grooming
Do I need to be home during the appointment?
Yes.
Owners must be present for the first three appointments. After that, many clients enjoy our convenient latchkey option.
For senior, medically compromised, fragile, or behaviorally challenged pets, an owner must remain available throughout every appointment.
Do I need to provide water and electricity?
Currently, yes.
Water and electrical access must both be available within 50 feet of legal, unobstructed parking.
Where do you park?
Our grooming van requires legal, unobstructed parking on a reasonably level surface. Driveways are preferred on busy streets whenever possible.
What if I live in an HOA or apartment community?
You're responsible for obtaining any required permission and ensuring legal, unobstructed parking is available before your appointment.
Will my driveway be blocked?
Possibly.
Once grooming begins, the van does not move until the appointment is complete. If another vehicle needs to leave during your appointment, we recommend moving it beforehand.
Payments
What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
We accept cash as well as all major electronic payment methods through our secure booking system.
Do you require a card on file?
Yes.
A valid card on file is required for all appointments. This helps keep scheduling, payments, and cancellation policies simple and consistent for every client.
When is payment due?
Payment is due upon completion of your appointment unless otherwise arranged in advance.
Is gratuity required?
Never.
Exceptional service is already reflected in our pricing. While gratuities are always appreciated, they are never expected.
Referrals
Do you offer a referral program?
Yes.
The greatest compliment you can give us is recommending Roman's Empire to someone you trust.
Receive 10% off your next appointment for every successful referral. Referral rewards cannot be combined with other offers.
Can I purchase grooming for someone else?
Absolutely.
You're welcome to pay for a friend or family member's grooming appointment.
Because every pet receives individualized care, final pricing is determined by the time and care required during the appointment. If the amount paid does not cover the final balance, any remaining balance becomes the responsibility of the pet owner unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
If you'd like to purchase grooming for someone else, we're happy to help coordinate the details.