Bowzer Baths: Dog Grooming on Highway 9 Since 1998
Bowzer Baths had been serving Boulder Creek dogs since 1998 when the pandemic closed the shop.
In April 2020, owner Kim Brown asked for help keeping the shop alive. Her fundraiser set a goal of $1,700, enough to bridge immediate business costs while the doors were shut. Twenty-five people contributed $1,875.
Bowzer Baths has served Boulder Creek since 1998. Kim's published policies describe a quiet grooming environment, including hand drying when a dog tolerates it and cool, monitored cage drying when hand drying is stressful.
Kim's current service menu is narrower than a generic full-service grooming salon. Published information lists small-dog baths and haircuts, medium-dog baths and drop-in nail work. Customers should confirm that their dog and requested service fit the current schedule before booking.
Our own dogs are the large, short-haired, wash-and-go kind, so I can't review the grooming from household experience. The service details below come from the shop's published policies.
What a groom includes
The full bathing experience is more thorough than the name suggests. Flea shampoo plus a second shampoo chosen for your dog's coat, conditioner, blow dry, anal gland expression, ear cleaning, nail trim, pads shaved, and a sanitary trim.
The complete grooming experience is all of that plus a haircut of your choice.
There's also drop-in nail trimming, for when your dog's nails have got ahead of you and you don't need the rest.
Price depends on breed size, coat, the condition the coat's in, how the dog handles the process, and the work involved, so it's quoted rather than listed. A full groom can take up to three hours.
What to expect when you drop off
Dogs are crated before and after the groom. The shop starts your dog when it arrives and calls you when it's done, and it asks for prompt pickup because it isn't a daycare. Owners don't stay during the groom, on the reasoning that most dogs stop listening to the groomer the moment a parent is in the room.
Drying is mostly done by hand. When a dog finds hand drying stressful, especially around the face, cage drying is used instead, on a low or cool setting with the dog watched throughout.
Anal glands are expressed externally only when they're full, and only if you say yes at drop-off. Teeth aren't brushed as a rule, on the sensible grounds that once every few months doesn't accomplish much. If you brush at home daily and want it done, ask at drop-off.
If your dog's coat is badly matted, expect a short cut. Small mats come out; large ones can't be brushed out without hurting the animal.
Cancellations want 24 hours' notice. Repeated no-shows or short notice get charged in full.
Puppies, older dogs, and how often
The shop suggests starting a puppy once it's had its first set of shots, around 8 to 12 weeks, with a simple bath, blow dry, and nail trim so it gets used to the noise and the handling before anything more involved. After that, most dogs go every 4, 8, or 12 weeks depending on breed and coat.
For a dog that struggles to stand or has a serious health condition, Bowzer Baths will tell you to go elsewhere: to a veterinarian who can monitor the animal, or to a mobile groomer who'll come to your house. That is the right answer, and they give it.
Booking
Phone (831) 338-0717 or email bowzerbaths@gmail.com. Appointments only, Tuesday through Friday, 9 to 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bowzer Baths?
13156 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006. Phone (831) 338-0717.
What are the hours?
Tuesday through Friday, 9 to 5.
What size dogs does it take?
Currently small dogs for baths and haircuts, and medium dogs for baths only. Call to check where your dog falls.
How much does it cost?
Prices aren't published. Cost depends on size, coat, coat condition, temperament, and services performed, so you'll get a quote.
How long does a groom take?
Up to three hours, depending on breed, size, and coat condition.
Can I stay with my dog?
No. Owners aren't allowed to stay during the groom.
Does it groom cats?
The shop's own site describes dog grooming only.
What if my dog is old or unwell?
The shop recommends grooming at a veterinarian instead, where the animal can be monitored, or using a mobile groomer who comes to you.
Hours, services, and policies come from the shop's own site. Its current size limits are posted on the home page and may change, so call before booking.
Vets and pet services in Boulder Creek lists the boarding, veterinary and supply options alongside this one. If the hours or services here have changed, send us a correction.
