Special care
Some pets need more than a standard appointment. Whether your dog is anxious, elderly, has a severely matted coat, or has never been groomed before, Four Paws & Claws adapts the pace, handling, and process to keep the animal comfortable and safe. This is not an upsell -- it is a different approach that takes the animal's needs seriously.
Dogs and cats that are fearful of grooming get a slower introduction, quieter tools when possible, and breaks when needed. The salon works one pet at a time, which makes a real difference compared to high-volume shops where multiple animals are being bathed, dried, and clipped at once. Some dogs shake, try to jump off the table, or shut down entirely during grooming. The team at Four Paws & Claws has experience working through these behaviors gradually, building trust over repeated visits rather than forcing the appointment to completion. If your pet has had a bad experience at another groomer, tell the team when you call -- that context helps them plan a better first visit. Read our full approach to anxious pet grooming.
Older pets may have joint pain, arthritis, thinner skin, lumps or growths that need to be worked around, or reduced stamina that limits how long they can stand on a grooming table. Appointments for senior animals are kept shorter, with careful positioning and gentle handling throughout. The groomer avoids lifting or repositioning the dog more than necessary, and uses padded surfaces where possible. Regular grooming is especially important for senior pets because it helps keep their skin healthy, nails at a safe length, ears clean, and coat free from mats that could hide developing skin issues. Learn more about senior dog grooming.
Severe matting can cause skin irritation, restrict movement, trap moisture against the skin, and hide underlying problems like hot spots or parasites. De-matting is done carefully at Four Paws & Claws to avoid pulling or cutting the skin. The groomer works through mats with specialized tools and patience. In some cases -- especially when matting is tight against the skin over large areas of the body -- a shave-down is the safest and most humane option. This is not a failure. It is the responsible choice when preserving the coat would cause the animal pain. Call ahead to discuss the condition of the coat before booking so the groomer can allocate the right amount of time.
Puppies are not the only animals that face their first grooming appointment with anxiety. Adult dogs that were never groomed, or rescue animals with unknown grooming histories, often need the same patient introduction that a puppy would. Four Paws & Claws handles these appointments with the same gradual approach: shorter sessions, positive reinforcement, and no forced completion if the animal is clearly distressed. Over time, most of these dogs learn to tolerate and even relax during grooming. The salon is located at 4352 Pearl Rd in Old Brooklyn, Cleveland, and serves pet families from Parma, Brooklyn, Tremont, Lakewood, and the greater Cleveland area.
Pricing
Breed, size, and coat condition can affect the final quote.
A refresh visit for regular maintenance and a clean finish.
Quick paw care for in-between appointments.
Common questions
Yes. Four Paws & Claws works with anxious dogs, reactive dogs, dogs with severely matted coats, and first-time adult animals that have never been groomed. The salon handles one pet at a time in a calm environment, and appointments are adjusted for the animal's pace and comfort.
Special care grooming starts at $60 — the same as a standard full groom. Final pricing depends on coat condition and the time required. Severely matted coats and extremely anxious pets may need longer sessions. Call (216) 744-0965 to discuss your pet's specific needs before booking.
Senior dogs, dogs with joint pain, and dogs with reduced stamina are given shorter sessions with careful positioning and breaks. The groomer avoids lifting or repositioning the dog more than necessary and uses padded surfaces where possible. See senior dog grooming for more details.
Ready to book
Call ahead for availability, breed-specific pricing, and to plan the smoothest drop-off.
