Full-Service Grooming Salon

Melissa Benham — Salon Director and Groomer
Melissa joined the Paw Play family as our “Canine Stylist” in 2004. She received her professional grooming certification from the Connecticut K-9 Education Center. She is also certified by the American Red Cross in pet first aid and CPR.

Melissa has always had a profound love for animals. She is incredibly passionate about her field, and every dog she meets! She strives to be the most patient, gentle and caring groomer in the area. She is well known for her beautiful styles and her close attention to detail.

She also understands that the grooming process can be stressful and even scary for many dogs. Her goal is to make every dog she works on feel safe, secure and cared for. She incorporates toys and treats into grooming to make it a positive experience. Her efforts have built up her amazing reputation, and have resulted in Melissa’s award as “Best Pet Groomer” by the Southington Observer.

Melissa is owned by two dogs, both of whom attend our day care. Ashley Marie is a toy poodle that Melissa has raised from a puppy. Ashley is very smart and recently attended agility classes at Paw Play. Melissa often colors Ashley pink!

Kayla is a Pomeranian that Melissa adopted at age 5 from Pawtectors animal rescue. Kayla is a very affectionate girly dog who loves to dress up and prance around (see below).

Melissa provides a foster home for Pawtectors animals, and often provides free grooming for rescue dogs before adoption days. Stop by and see her work for yourself. Her full menu of grooming services is below. Day care guests receive discounted rates!

Hours for grooming:
Monday – Drop off between 7:30 and 9:30 am
Tuesday – Drop off between 7:30 and 9:30 am
Wednesday – Drop off between 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Thursday – Drop off between 7:30 – 9:30 am
Friday – Drop off between 7:30 – 9:30 am

Late fee of $10 added to grooming total for arrival after cutoff time.

Please note that appointments are required. We typically have a 2-week wait, so please make your appointments early.

Pricing:
Grooming includes bath, blow dry, brushing, nail cutting, ear cleaning and a hair cut (if needed). Please call us at 860-621-0072 if your dog’s breed is not listed.

*For extra brushing, an additional $5–$10 will be applied.

• Airedale - $55–$60
• Akita - $55
• Australian Shepherd - $45
• Bichons Frise - $40
• Cockapoo - $45
• Cocker Spaniel - $45
• Collie - $55–$60
• Dachshund (short hair) - $30
• Dachshund (long hair) - $40
• German Shepherd (short hair) - $40–$45
• German Shepherd (long hair) - $50–$55
• Golden Doodle - $50–$55
• Golden Retriever - $45
• Golden Retriever (shave-down) - $55
• Great Dane - $35–$40
• Husky - $45–$50
• Labradoodle - $50–$55
• Labrador Retriever - $30+
• Lhasa Apso - $40
• Maltese - $40
• Miniature Schnauzer - $40
• Newfoundland - $85
• Pomeranian - $40
• Poodle (Miniature or Toy) - $40
• Poodle (Standard) - $55+
• Portuguese Water Dog - $55
• Saint Bernard - $70+
• Scottish Terrier - $40
• Sheltie - $45–$50
• Shih Tzu - $40
• Springer Spaniel - $45
• Rottweiler - $30
• Weimaraner - $30
• West Highland Terrier - $40
• Wheaten - $45–$55
• Yorkshire Terrier - $40

Additional services include:

• Flea baths, medicated baths or stinky pet baths – for skunked dogs ($5 additional for small breeds and $10 additional for large breeds)
• Teeth brushing - $8
• Walk in nail trim - $5
• Mouth spray - $5
• Hot spot treatment - $5
• Body Massage - $10–$20

Prices may increase based on temperament and condition of coat.