Publication select ▼
METRO DETROIT — Dog owners, like anyone, have busy lives. As a result, finding the time and a reliable expert to groom a family’s lovable friend can be a time-consuming task. That’s why Macomb Township resident Faith Height is bringing the grooming to her customers as part of her brand-new business, The Doggy Detour.
Height has been grooming dogs of all sizes and breeds full-time for nearly five years and recently purchased a large van that she has outfitted for the specific purposes of grooming dogs wherever they may be — at customers’ homes, work, the park — in her service area. Height’s mobile dog-grooming business offers three packages for residents of north and northwestern Macomb County and northeastern Oakland County in communities including Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Washington Township and more.
Prices for a full grooming package including a bath, blow dry, brushing, nail filing, and ear cleaning and plucking can range anywhere from $110 to $200 depending on the type of breed and size of the dog. A full grooming also comes with a bandana for male dogs and a bow for female dogs. Height can post photos of the newly groomed dog on social media while tagging the owner if desired.
Other packages include a face, feet and fanny grooming and a bath and brush for slightly lower costs. Most grooming procedures can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Height is able to groom most dogs that weigh less than 100 pounds.
“It really depends on the type of dog and their behavior,” Height said. “Some dogs like Huskies may not like water. Small dogs often can cause the biggest challenges. Short-hair dogs like a Lab require less work than a German shepherd.”
Grooming is a labor of love for Height, who has maintained a love for dogs her entire life. She grew up with Sophie, a Maltese who was just a few months older than her. The business owner still calls Sophie the “love of her life” nearly a decade after Sophie died. She also spent many years with Zoey, a Yorkie mix and another member of her family.
Height believes that a good dog groomer maintains close attention to details.
“You really have to have that attitude in this business,” Height said. “I like to take my time and make sure that there isn’t one thing that is out of place (after a grooming).”
She’s experienced many interesting grooming stories over the years. Occasionally a dog will even fall asleep during part of her grooming session.
“I guess that means they like it,” Height said with a laugh. “It’s super cute. Those are fun moments to capture.”
Height also provides additional services like teeth brushing, a blueberry facial, and paw and nose balm specially made for dogs for anywhere between $5 and $10. Discounts of 10% are available for first-time customers and second-time customers who post a Google Review.
Best of all, getting a mobile grooming is great for dogs with anxiety who hate car rides or dogs who are seniors, Height said. It’s a much better option for many dogs compared to a stationary grooming.
Learn more by visiting thedoggydetour.com or schedule an appointment by contacting Height at (586) 232-5168 or Faith@thedoggydetour.com.
