About Us

Poodle and the Hound

Poodle and the Hound is a cage-free dog spa built on years of hands-on grooming experience. We treat every dog like family, from the first bath to the last brush stroke.

Our Story: Care, Experience & Dedication

Cherry, our head groomer, has over 20 years of experience in the pet industry, including 13 years of dog grooming experience in Jacksonville, NC. Turning that experience into her own salon was a lifelong dream. Poodle and the Hound LLC is officially opening in 2026. Every visit reflects the values she built her business on: compassion, trust, education, and calm, quality care.

A small dark dog lying on a white blanket with cucumber slices placed on its head and back like accessories.

Our Team

Get to know the professionals behind your dog’s grooming.

Cherry

Cherry

Owner & Lead Groomer
Cherry has dedicated 23+ years to the pet industry, spending the last 13+ years serving the Jacksonville, NC community as a trusted local groomer. Her deep passion for animal care is central to her life, second only to the love she holds for her husband and two daughters. At Poodle and the Hound, Cherry treats every client like family. Your pet’s health and happiness are her highest priorities, and she goes above and beyond to ensure our salon feels just like a second home.
James

James

Owner & Operations Support
James keeps the wheels turning at Poodle and the Hound. As Cherry’s husband of 19+ years and business partner, he masters the behind-the-scenes logistics, which include handling the books, fixing equipment, and tackling the daily to-do list. From lending a hand at the register to building repairs, James is always on hand to ensure our salon remains a welcoming, efficient environment for you and your pets.
Charley

Charley

Manager, Bather & Front of House
Charley is a powerhouse at Poodle and the Hound, serving as our manager, bather, and the welcoming face of our front desk. She also happens to be Cherry’s twin sister! Sharing a lifelong love for animals, Charley brings 23+ years of pet industry experience to our team. Her incredible work ethic is matched only by her huge heart. Charley is always ready to answer your questions, cater to your pup’s specific needs, and make sure your pet gets showered with plenty of love during their visit.

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our grooming services right here.

How do I book an appointment for my dog?

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Booking is simple. You can reserve a session online through our booking portal or call our salon directly. Because we provide dedicated, individualized grooming services, we highly recommend booking in advance, especially for holidays and weekends.

What is your cancellation policy?

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We curate a peaceful, low-stress environment by spacing out our appointments. If you need to reschedule, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice or missed appointments may be subject to a fee of up to the full price of the grooming service.

How long does a typical spa visit take?

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A standard session takes approximately 1 to 3.5 hours, depending on your dog's size, coat condition, and chosen package. We practice low-stress grooming, meaning we prioritize your dog's comfort and emotional well-being over rushing to finish.

What vaccinations do you require?

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To protect all the guests in our care, we require up-to-date proof of rabies and distemper (DHPP) vaccinations. The Bordetella vaccine is not required but is highly recommended. You can upload these directly to your client profile before your visit or have your vet email them to us.

Do you accommodate senior dogs with mobility issues?

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Absolutely. We specialize in compassionate, adapted care. Our stylists are trained to use supportive belly straps, hydraulic low-profile tables and bathing spaces, and gentle pacing to help keep your senior or special-needs dog safe and comfortable throughout their stay. Please inform us of any special needs when booking an appointment.

Can I stay and watch my dog get groomed?

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For the safety of your dog, we do not allow owners in the styling area. Dogs naturally become highly expressive and distracted when they see their owners, which makes precision scissor and clipper work dangerous. We do encourage our pet parents to stay and relax in our lounge. Kick back, read a book, and trust we'll take great care of your fur babies.

How much does a grooming session cost?

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Our pricing varies based on your dog's breed, size, coat type, and behavior. A tiny Pomeranian receiving a basic maintenance groom requires different time and technical skill than a standard Doodle getting a full groom service. We provide a custom estimate during your initial consultation.

What if my dog is severely matted?

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Our first priority is always your dog's comfort and safety. Mild tangles can often be gently brushed out using proper techniques. However, if the matting is severe, brushing can cause skin damage and intense pain. In these cases, we will discuss a comfortable, short "reset" cut to allow the skin to breathe and start fresh.