Pet Groomers & Dog-Friendly Businesses in Florida

Share:

That gorgeous Golden Retriever coat doesn’t maintain itself, and keeping your furry companion well-groomed, properly fed, and stocked with quality supplies is essential to their health and happiness. Whether you need a professional groomer who understands double coats, a pet store that carries premium food, or simply want to find the best toys for your water-loving retriever, Florida offers excellent options throughout the state.

Let’s explore where Florida’s Golden Retriever parents shop and who they trust to keep their beloved companions looking beautiful and feeling great.

Understanding Golden Retriever Grooming Needs

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s talk about what Golden Retrievers actually need. That lustrous double coat is both beautiful and functional—it protects them from both heat and cold, repels water, and keeps dirt from reaching their skin.

What Goldens Need:

• Regular brushing (every 2-3 days minimum)
• Occasional baths (every 4-8 weeks)
• Trimming around feet, ears, and tail
• Nail care
• Ear cleaning (especially important in humid Florida!)
• Dental care

What They Don’t Need:

• Full shaving or clipping (actually harmful in Florida’s climate)
• Excessive bathing (strips natural oils)
• Harsh grooming techniques

Understanding these needs helps you choose groomers and products wisely.

Professional Grooming: What to Look For

Qualities of an Excellent Golden Retriever Groomer

Must-Haves:

• Experience with double-coated breeds
• Understanding that Goldens shouldn’t be shaved
• Gentle handling and patience
• Clean, well-maintained facility
• Positive reviews from other large-breed owners
• Clear communication about services and pricing
• Fear-free or low-stress approach

Red Flags:

• Suggests shaving your Golden completely
• Rushes through appointments
• Doesn’t allow you to see the grooming area
• Unable to provide references
• Rough handling of dogs

Top-Rated Groomers Across Florida

North Florida Grooming Excellence

Jacksonville Area

The Spotted Dog Pet Spa (Jacksonville) This full-service grooming salon consistently earns high marks from Jacksonville’s Golden parents. Their experienced groomers understand the importance of maintaining—not removing—that protective double coat.

What They Offer:

• Bath and brush packages
• Full grooming services
• Specialized de-shedding treatments
• Nail trimming and grinding
• Ear cleaning
• Teeth brushing

Why Golden Parents Love Them: “I brought my golden retriever in for his first groom as well as his first day of daycare. They did an amazing job!” – Local Golden owner

Location: Jacksonville, FL

EarthWise Pet Supply (Jacksonville) While primarily a natural pet supply store, EarthWise Pet also offers grooming services with a focus on gentle, natural products. Their commitment to education means staff can guide you on proper Golden care.

Perfect For:

• Eco-conscious pet parents
• Dogs with sensitive skin
• Owners wanting natural grooming products
• Shopping and grooming in one stop

Location: Multiple Jacksonville locations

Central Florida Grooming Stars

Orlando Area

Bubbles & Bows Pet Salon (Orlando) A family-favorite in the Orlando area, Bubbles & Bows has built a reputation for gentle, thorough grooming of large breeds.

Services:

• Full grooming packages
• Express services for quick refreshers
• Senior dog accommodations
• Specialized coat treatments
• Mobile grooming options

What Sets Them Apart: Understanding that Orlando’s theme park tourists often bring their dogs, they accommodate visitors needing grooming services during their stay.

Location: Orlando area

Loch Haven Park Area Groomers Several groomers near Loch Haven Park cater specifically to the dog-friendly community that frequents the park. Ask other Golden parents at the park for current recommendations.

Tampa Bay Region

Wash & Wags (Tampa) This luxury mobile pet spa brings professional grooming directly to your home—perfect for Golden Retrievers who experience stress at traditional salons or for busy families appreciating convenience.

Mobile Grooming Benefits:

• Your Golden stays in familiar surroundings
• One-on-one attention (no other dogs present)
• Eliminates travel stress
• Convenient scheduling
• No exposure to other dogs’ potential illnesses

What They Provide:

• Full grooming services in their mobile unit
• Spa treatments
• All equipment and supplies included
• Professional, experienced groomers

Coverage Area: Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Pasco County

Location: Mobile service throughout Tampa Bay area

Green Dog Mobile (St. Petersburg) Another excellent mobile option serving the St. Pete area, Green Dog Mobile specializes in eco-friendly grooming products and stress-free techniques.

Location: Mobile service in St. Petersburg area

South Florida Grooming Excellence

Fort Lauderdale/Miami Area

A Touch of Class Pet Grooming, Inc. (South Florida) With extensive experience grooming Golden Retrievers specifically, A Touch of Class has built a loyal following among large-breed owners.

Specializations:

• All breed grooming
• Golden Retriever coat expertise
• Single services (nails, ears, teeth)
• Full grooming packages
• Blueberry facials
• Anal gland expression

Why They’re Trusted: Their specific mention of Golden Retriever expertise on their website shows commitment to understanding breed-specific needs.

Location: South Florida

Aussie Pet Mobile (Fort Lauderdale) National mobile grooming franchise with experienced local groomers serving the Fort Lauderdale area. Their mobile units are fully equipped for complete grooming services.

Benefits:

• Consistent quality across locations
• Professional training standards
• Full-service mobile grooming
• No kennel dryer stress
• Individual appointment attention

Coverage: Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas

Palm Beach Area

Arts & Barks (Bonita Springs) Highly rated by Golden parents in the area, Arts & Barks provides compassionate, professional grooming with particular sensitivity to anxious dogs.

Notable Features:

• One-on-one attention
• Calm, quiet atmosphere
• Perfect cuts maintaining breed characteristics
• Experienced with large breeds

What Owners Say: “I have taken my dog Cooper to Jeanette over the last few years… The one-on-one attention, perfect cut and relaxed atmosphere has Cooper feeling very comfortable.”

Location: Bonita Springs, FL

Southwest Florida Grooming Options

Sarasota/Venice Area

Love My Dog Resort and Spa (Multiple Locations) This upscale facility offers both grooming and daycare, making it perfect for combining services.

Full Resort Services:

• Professional grooming
• Daycare and boarding
• Training classes
• Spa treatments
• Retail shop

Perfect For:

• Combining grooming with socialization
• Vacation boarding with grooming included
• One-stop pet care destination

Locations: Multiple Southwest Florida locations

Naples Area

Puff n Stuff Pet Salon (Naples) Full-service grooming salon staffed with professional stylists experienced in all breeds, including Golden Retrievers’ specific requirements.

Services:

• Complete grooming packages
• Bath and brush services
• De-shedding treatments (crucial for Florida Goldens!)
• Nail and dental care

Location: Naples, FL

Special Mention: Cage-Free Grooming

Max’s Pet Market & Salon (Multiple Locations)

Max’s Pet Market & Salon deserves special recognition for their unique approach. This is both a premium pet supply store and a cage-free grooming salon.

What Makes Max’s Special:

• No-cage philosophy reduces stress
• Dogs roam and play with “shop dogs” between services
• Family-owned and operated
• Exceptional customer service
• High-quality pet supplies in attached market
• Long-term relationships with clients

Customer Experience: “Every time we pull up to the store [my Mini Goldendoodle] is always so excited because he knows he will be able to run around and play with all the shop dogs. We absolutely love Max’s!”

Perfect For:

• Anxious dogs who hate cages
• Social Goldens who love playing with other dogs
• Combining shopping with grooming
• Families wanting a welcoming, community atmosphere

Locations: Multiple Florida locations

Top Pet Supply Stores for Golden Retriever Parents

National Chains with Florida Presence

Petco Petco locations throughout Florida offer:

• Wide selection of premium dog foods
• Grooming services
• Training classes
• Veterinary clinics (Vetco)
• Aquatics and small animals
• Online ordering with store pickup

Why Golden Parents Shop Here:

• Consistent inventory across locations
• Frequent sales on quality brands
• Grooming and training in one location
• Rewards program

PetSmart Another national chain with strong Florida presence offering:

• Major premium food brands
• PetsHotel boarding
• Banfield Pet Hospital locations
• Training classes
• Grooming services

Petco vs. PetSmart: Both offer similar products and services. Choice often comes down to location convenience and which store’s grooming/training staff you prefer.

Premium and Specialty Stores

EarthWise Pet EarthWise Pet Supply stores focus on natural, holistic pet products. Multiple Florida locations offer:

Product Focus:

• Natural and organic foods
• Eco-friendly toys and supplies
• Holistic health products
• Knowledgeable staff for nutritional guidance
• Grooming with natural products

Perfect For:

• Health-conscious pet parents
• Dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• Environmentally aware families
• Those seeking expert nutrition advice

Locations: Jacksonville and other Florida cities

Woof Gang Bakery Franchise locations throughout Florida offering:

• Gourmet dog treats and bakery items
• Premium food and supplies
• Grooming services
• Fun, boutique atmosphere
• Birthday cakes and special occasion treats

Why Goldens Love It: That bakery smell! Plus, many locations allow dogs to browse with you.

Local Independent Pet Stores

Florida’s independent pet stores often provide:

• Personalized service
• Specialized product knowledge
• Community connections
• Support for local businesses
• Unique product selections

Finding Local Stores: Search “[Your City] independent pet store” or ask your veterinarian for recommendations. These stores often carry premium brands and can special-order items.

Essential Grooming Supplies for Home Care

Must-Have Tools

Brushes:

• Slicker Brush: Daily use for removing loose undercoat
• Metal Comb: Checking for mats and finishing touch
• Undercoat Rake: Seasonal deep shedding (spring and fall)

Popular Brands:

• Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
• FURminator (use carefully—can damage coat if overused)
• Safari Pin and Bristle Brush

Bathing Supplies:

• Dog-specific shampoo (human shampoo disrupts pH)
• Conditioner for Golden’s coat
• High-velocity dryer or regular dryer on cool setting

Recommended Products:

• Skout’s Honor Probiotic Shampoo & Conditioner
• Burt’s Bees Dog Shampoo
• Earthbath products

Nail Care:

• Nail clippers (guillotine or scissors style)
• Nail grinder/Dremel
• Styptic powder (for accidents)

Ear Care:

• Vet-approved ear cleaner
• Cotton balls or pads
• Never use Q-tips inside ear canal

Dental Care:

• Dog toothbrush (or soft human brush)
• Dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste!)
• Dental chews

Popular Choice: C.E.T. toothpaste

Where to Buy Grooming Supplies

In-Store:

• Petco and PetSmart carry most basics
• Independent pet stores often have premium options
• Grooming supply stores (professional-grade tools)

Online:

• Amazon (wide selection, reviews helpful)
• Chewy.com (excellent customer service, auto-ship discounts)
• Direct from manufacturers

Pro Tip: Invest in quality brushes. They last longer and work better than cheap alternatives.

Choosing the Right Food and Treats

What to Look For

Quality Dog Food:

• Named meat as first ingredient
• Appropriate for life stage (puppy, adult, senior)
• AAFCO certification
• Appropriate calorie content for activity level
• No unnecessary fillers

Popular Brands Among Florida Golden Parents:

• Royal Canin Golden Retriever-specific formulas
• Purina Pro Plan
• Hill’s Science Diet
• Blue Buffalo
• Taste of the Wild
• Fromm

Always transition foods gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Heartworm Prevention: Year-round protection is essential in Florida. Available through veterinarians or online pharmacies with prescription.

Flea and Tick Prevention: Florida’s warm climate means year-round protection is necessary.

Supplements:

• Joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin) for hip health
• Omega-3 fatty acids for coat and skin
• Probiotics for digestive health

Always consult your veterinarian before starting supplements.

Fun Supplies: Toys and Enrichment

Best Toys for Golden Retrievers

Water Toys:

• Floating fetch toys
• Water Kong toys
• Chuckit! Amphibious balls

Where to Find: Most pet stores, Amazon, sporting goods stores

Chew Toys:

• Kong Classic (stuffable with treats)
• Nylabones
• Benebone products
• Rope toys

Interactive Toys:

• Puzzle feeders
• Snuffle mats
• Treat-dispensing toys

Why They Matter: Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for intelligent Golden Retrievers.

Florida-Specific Gear

Cooling Products:

• Cooling mats
• Cooling vests
• Splash pools

Available At:

• Petco, PetSmart
• Amazon
• Sporting goods stores

Beach/Water Safety:

• Dog life jackets (even for strong swimmers)
• Paw protection balm
• Portable water bowls

Mobile and Delivery Options

Chewy.com

Many Florida Golden parents rely on Chewy for:

• Home delivery (usually 1-2 days)
• Auto-ship discounts (save 5-10%)
• Excellent customer service
• Easy returns
• Prescription medications
• Wide selection

Amazon

Prime members appreciate:

• Fast shipping
• Subscribe & Save options
• Extensive product reviews
• Competitive pricing

Store Delivery Services

Many local pet stores now offer:

• Curbside pickup
• Same-day delivery
• Scheduled delivery subscriptions

Building Relationships with Service Providers

Your Groomer

Consistency Matters:

• Use the same groomer when possible
• Your Golden becomes comfortable with them
• Groomer learns your dog’s quirks and preferences
• Easier to spot health changes

Communication is Key:

• Clearly explain what you want
• Ask questions about their process
• Provide feedback after appointments
• Report any issues immediately

Your Pet Store

Benefits of Loyalty:

• Staff learn your dog’s needs
• Personalized recommendations
• Awareness of your dog’s dietary restrictions or allergies
• Often receive loyalty rewards or discounts

Special Services Worth Exploring

Doggy Daycare

Many grooming facilities offer daycare:

• Socialization opportunities
• Exercise while you work
• Often combined with grooming

Popular Options:

• Pet Paradise locations throughout Florida
• Dogtopia franchises
• Local independent facilities

Self-Service Dog Washes

Some pet stores offer self-service wash stations:

• Professional equipment (raised tubs, high-velocity dryers)
• All supplies provided
• No mess at home
• Usually $15-25

Find Them At:

• Some Petco locations
• Independent pet stores
• Grooming shops

Mobile Pet Services

Beyond grooming, mobile services include:

• Mobile veterinary care
• Mobile training
• Mobile pet photography

Convenience Factor: Perfect for busy families, anxious dogs, or multi-pet households.

Red Flags: When to Find a New Provider

Leave If:

• Your Golden shows fear or aggression about visits
• You notice injuries after appointments
• Staff is consistently rude or dismissive
• Facility appears dirty or disorganized
• They pressure you to buy unnecessary services
• Your concerns are ignored
• They use outdated or harsh techniques

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Your Golden’s wellbeing is too important to ignore warning signs.

DIY Grooming: What You Can Do at Home

Safe Home Grooming Tasks

You Can Handle:

• Regular brushing (daily is ideal)
• Baths (every 4-8 weeks)
• Nail trimming (if trained properly)
• Ear cleaning (outer ear only)
• Teeth brushing (daily is best)
• Paw pad trimming (hair between pads)

Leave to Professionals:

• Full haircuts or styling
• Significant matting removal
• Anal gland expression (unless trained by vet)
• Anything requiring sedation

Creating a Home Grooming Space

What You Need:

• Non-slip mat for bathing
• Good lighting
• Easy-to-clean area
• All supplies within reach
• Patience and treats!

Bathing Tips for Florida Goldens:

1. Brush First: Remove loose fur and mats before wetting
2. Use Lukewarm Water: Not too hot or cold
3. Quality Shampoo: Dog-specific, suited to coat type
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Leftover shampoo can irritate skin
5. Condition: Helps with Florida humidity and tangles
6. Dry Completely: Especially important in humid climate to prevent skin issues

Post-Bath:

• Brush again while drying
• Check ears and clean if needed
• Trim nails if due
• Lots of praise and treats!

Seasonal Considerations in Florida

Summer Grooming Needs

More Frequent:

• Brushing (to remove dead undercoat)
• Ear cleaning (swimming increases moisture)
• Nail checks (beach sand can wear nails unevenly)
• Paw pad inspection (hot pavement can cause damage)

Products to Have:

• Paw balm for heat protection
• Cooling shampoos
• Leave-in conditioner with sun protection

Winter Grooming Adjustments

Less Frequent:

• Bathing (can dry out skin in cooler weather)
• Nail trimming (less outdoor activity may mean slower growth)

Don’t:

• Shave or significantly cut coat (they need insulation even in Florida winter)

Finding Services Near You

Online Resources

BringFido: BringFido offers comprehensive listings of:

• Groomers by city
• Customer reviews
• Service descriptions
• Contact information

Yelp: Search “[Your City] dog grooming” for:

• Customer reviews
• Photos
• Price ranges
• Response to complaints

Google Maps: Search “dog grooming near me” for:

• Locations with directions
• Hours of operation
• Photos
• Reviews

Ask Your Community

Best Recommendations Come From:

• Your veterinarian
• Other Golden Retriever parents at dog parks
• Local Golden Retriever club members (Mid-Florida GRC, Florida Gulf Coast GRC, Everglades GRC)
• Neighbors with well-groomed dogs

Trial and Error

When Trying New Services:

1. Start Small: Book just a bath or nail trim first
2. Observe: How does your Golden react? How do they look after?
3. Communicate: Ask questions and provide feedback
4. Evaluate: Does the quality justify the price?
5. Commit or Move On: Find your perfect match

Budgeting for Grooming and Supplies

Expected Costs

Professional Grooming (Golden Retriever):

• Bath and brush: $50-80
• Full grooming: $75-120
• De-shedding treatment: $20-40 additional
• Mobile grooming: Usually 10-20% more

Monthly Supply Costs:

• Food: $50-100 (depending on brand and size)
• Treats: $10-20
• Preventatives (heartworm, flea/tick): $30-60
• Toys and enrichment: $10-30

Annual Costs:

• Professional grooming (6-8 times yearly): $450-960
• Home grooming supplies: $100-200 initial investment
• Replacement supplies: $50-100 yearly

Money-Saving Tips

Without Compromising Quality:

1. Buy in Bulk: Large bags of food, bulk treats
2. Auto-Ship Programs: Usually 5-10% discount (Chewy, Amazon)
3. Loyalty Programs: Petco Pals, PetSmart Treats
4. Learn DIY: Brushing and bathing at home
5. Preventive Care: Regular grooming prevents expensive problems
6. Shop Sales: Stock up on non-perishables during sales
7. Generic Options: Store brands often equal name brands in quality

Don’t Skimp On:

• Quality food (saves on vet bills long-term)
• Preventatives (heartworm treatment costs thousands)
• Professional grooming when needed
• Veterinary care

Special Considerations for Senior Goldens

Gentle Grooming Approaches

Senior Dogs Need:

• Extra patience during grooming
• Softer brushes (skin becomes more sensitive)
• Warmer bath water (they get cold easily)
• Non-slip surfaces (balance issues)
• Shorter grooming sessions
• More frequent potty breaks during appointments

Look for Groomers Who:

• Have senior dog experience
• Offer shorter appointment times
• Provide extra padding for comfort
• Understand mobility limitations
• Are patient with senior quirks

Age-Appropriate Products

Consider:

• Orthopedic grooming tables (easier access)
• Softer brushes and combs
• Warming beds for drying
• Senior-specific shampoos (gentler)
• Joint supplements

Preparing Your Golden for Grooming Success

Start Young

Puppy Training:

• Handle paws, ears, mouth daily
• Introduce brush as toy and training tool
• Make bath time fun with treats
• Practice standing still
• Positive associations with grooming tools

Desensitization Techniques

For Anxious Dogs:

1. Counter-Conditioning: Pair scary things with treats
2. Gradual Exposure: Start slow, build slowly
3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior
4. Practice at Home: Simulate grooming experiences
5. Consider Professional Help: Trainers can assist

The Day Before Grooming

Set Your Golden Up for Success:

• Good exercise (tired dog = calmer dog)
• Light meal (not too full)
• Bathroom break right before
• Bring favorite treats for groomer
• Stay calm yourself (dogs sense our stress)

Florida-Specific Grooming Challenges

Humidity and Coat Health

The Problem: Florida’s humidity can:

• Promote skin infections in damp areas
• Cause hotspots if coat stays wet
• Increase matting in feathering
• Create environment for ear infections

The Solution:

• Thorough drying after swimming or baths
• Regular brushing to promote air circulation
• Frequent ear checks and cleaning
• Quality diet supporting skin health
• Professional grooming to maintain coat

Sand and Beach Grooming

After Beach Visits:

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
• Check between toes for sand
• Dry ears carefully
• Brush out sand before it causes mats
• Consider paw balm to protect pads

Seasonal Shedding

Florida’s Year-Round Growing Season: Goldens in Florida may shed more consistently rather than heavy seasonal sheds because:

• Less dramatic temperature changes
• Consistent day length year-round
• Indoor climate control

Management Strategy:

• Consistent brushing schedule
• Professional de-shedding treatments seasonally
• Quality diet supporting coat health
• Regular bathing to remove dead coat

The Bottom Line: Investing in Your Golden’s Care

Quality grooming and supplies aren’t luxuries—they’re essential to your Golden Retriever’s health, comfort, and happiness. A well-groomed Golden is:

• More comfortable in Florida’s climate
• Less likely to develop skin problems
• Easier to examine for lumps, bumps, or injuries
• A joy to cuddle (no mats, tangles, or doggy odor!)
• Proudly representing the breed’s beauty

Making Smart Choices

Prioritize:

1. Regular Professional Grooming: Every 6-8 weeks minimum
2. Quality Food: Foundation of health
3. Preventive Care: Saves money long-term
4. Essential Supplies: Good brushes, proper shampoo
5. Relationship with Trusted Providers: Worth their weight in gold

Your Golden Deserves:

• Knowledgeable, gentle grooming care
• Quality products suited to their needs
• Consistent maintenance schedule
• Positive experiences with grooming
• An owner who invests in their wellbeing

Finding Your Perfect Grooming Solution

Every Golden Retriever is unique, and what works perfectly for one might not suit another. Your nervous rescue might thrive with mobile grooming, while your social butterfly loves the busy salon environment. Your senior might need a groomer with extra patience, while your active youngster appreciates a groomer who can handle their enthusiasm.

The key is finding:

• Services matching your Golden’s temperament
• Quality you trust
• Prices you can sustain long-term
• Convenience fitting your lifestyle
• Providers who genuinely care about your dog

Start exploring Florida’s excellent grooming and supply options today. Your Golden’s shining coat, happy demeanor, and overall health will reflect the care you provide. Those knowing Golden eyes gazing up at you with love and trust? They’re counting on you to make good choices. And with Florida’s wealth of excellent groomers, stores, and services, you absolutely can.

Here’s to beautiful, healthy, happy Golden Retrievers throughout the Sunshine State!

Starting your Golden Retriever journey in Florida? Find healthy, well-socialized Golden Retriever puppies in Florida from responsible breeders who’ll guide you toward the best grooming and care resources for your new companion.

Galen Kauffman has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since 2012. He is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. Galen and his wife have four children and enjoy spending time together, traveling (including 4 years living overseas), exploring the outdoors, and building lasting connections within the Golden Retriever community.

Linkedin