Shane
Small animal grooming
Rabbits and other small pets, groomed on Main Street in Germantown by Shane, who grew up in 4H and rabbit shows.
Long nails and clumped shedding fur
Rabbits and other small pets are hard for owners to groom safely at home. Nails grow long, soiled fur builds up, and shed coat can pack into clumps that pull on the skin. A small animal that kicks or wriggles in the wrong hold can hurt itself, which is why many owners put the job off.
The trimming and brushing aren't the hard part. The holding is. A pet that feels secure stays still, and a still pet is a safe one to work on around nails and fur. That is the part owners hand over to the salon.
The salon's bathing room with its raised tub and white walls
Shane grew up showing rabbits
Shane H, the salon manager, grew up on a horse farm and got involved in 4H and rabbit shows, which led him through many animal careers. He became a certified pet stylist in 2013. Holding a rabbit securely is the kind of skill that comes from time spent around show animals.
If your pet is something other than a rabbit, call or text first to ask whether the salon takes your species, since small animals vary a lot from one to the next.
Brushing through the shed at home
Small pets shed in waves, and a soft brush a few times a week during a heavy shed keeps loose fur from matting against the skin. Be gentle, especially around the belly and hips, and stop if your pet gets upset.
Check the nails every few weeks, and look at the feet and the rear end for soiled fur. When you spot a problem you can't safely fix yourself, that is the moment to book. Appointments run Tuesday to Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM, by call or text.
Paws and Reflect, N116 W16334 Main Street, Germantown. Call or text (262) 423-3500.