Pet Grooming at a Veterinary Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Grooming Close to Central Fort Lauderdale

Groomers who work alongside a veterinary team, about ten to fifteen minutes from central Fort Lauderdale.

A good salon can make a coat look great, but it cannot always tell you whether a new lump or a red, smelly ear needs a veterinarian. At Oakland Park Animal Hospital, grooming happens inside a doctor-led veterinary hospital, so our groomers can flag a concern to our veterinarians the same day. We are about ten to fifteen minutes from central Fort Lauderdale.

We have been independently owned and operated on Oakland Park Boulevard since 1987. To schedule a grooming appointment, call (954) 731-4228. Saturday hours run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we are closed on Sundays. You can also read more on our main grooming page.

Vet doctor cleans the beagle dog's ears with a napkin. Pet care.

Grooming Services


Bathing and brush-outs

Regular baths and brush-outs keep the coat clean and comfortable.

Basic haircuts and sanitary trims

Neat, comfortable trims for everyday coat care.

Nail trims

Regular trims help prevent problems like ingrown nails.

Medicated baths

Medicated baths when your veterinarian recommends them for a skin problem.

At-home grooming guidance

Tips for making grooming at home a positive experience for your pet.

Which Grooming Service Does Your Pet Need?

If you are not sure which service fits, start with what you notice at home. When you call, describe your pet’s coat, breed and any skin or ear concerns, and our team will help you choose.

A coat that needs a refresh
A bath and brush-out keeps the coat clean and removes dirt and loose hair.
A coat that needs tidying
A basic haircut and sanitary trim keeps everyday coat care neat and comfortable.
Nails clicking on the floor
A nail trim helps prevent overgrown or ingrown nails that make walking uncomfortable.
Itchy, flaky or smelly skin
Mention it when you book. A medicated bath may help if your veterinarian recommends one.

Why Groom at Your Veterinarian Instead of a Salon

Many salons do wonderful work, and regular grooming keeps the coat clean and comfortable, prevents problems like ingrown nails, and keeps ears healthy. The difference here is that when groomers and doctors work in the same building, anything unusual gets a fast second look, so you do not need a separate trip to find out whether a lump or skin change needs attention. Our groomers watch for the following.

  • New lumps or bumps under the coat
  • Red, flaky or irritated skin
  • Ear redness, odor or discharge that can signal infection
  • Fleas, ticks and other parasites
  • Overgrown or ingrown nails that make walking uncomfortable

Catching these early gives our veterinarians a head start. A lump found during a brush-out or an ear that smells off during a bath can be examined the same visit or soon after, instead of going unnoticed until it becomes painful.

How Often Should My Dog Be Groomed?

There is no single schedule, because it depends on coat type, lifestyle and skin health. Most dogs do best with brushing at least weekly, and long, curly or double coats often need it more often to stay free of mats. Bathing is usually needed every few weeks to every couple of months, or when your dog is actually dirty, since bathing too often can dry out the skin. The American Kennel Club’s guide to grooming at home is a helpful starting point.

Pets that mat easily, shed heavily or have sensitive skin may need professional grooming on a more regular rhythm. Ask our team what suits your pet’s coat, and tell us about any scratching, odor or redness so we can plan the visit.

Coat Care in Fort Lauderdale’s Heat and Humidity

Heat and humidity are part of life in Fort Lauderdale, and they affect skin and coats. Mats can trap moisture against the skin in humid weather, and time in salt water, canals or sand can leave a coat gritty or irritated. Regular baths and brush-outs help remove dirt and loose hair, and medicated baths can help when your veterinarian recommends them for a skin problem. If your pet is scratching, chewing at their skin or has a persistent odor, mention it when you book. Between appointments, a few habits make home care easier.

1
Be patient. Tackle a few nails at a time if that is what your pet needs.
2
Stay calm. Pets mirror your stress, so a relaxed owner makes grooming easier.
3
Use plenty of praise and treats to make each session a positive experience.
4
Practice gentle handling of ears and paws during relaxed moments, ideally starting young.

If at-home grooming just is not working out, we are here to help. Some pets tolerate grooming better than others, and there is no shame in handing the nail clippers to a professional.

What to Expect at Your First Grooming Visit

A little information up front helps us plan enough time and handle your pet the right way.

1
Call to book
Share your pet’s breed, coat, temperament and any skin or ear concerns.
2
Bring records
Have vaccine and medical records handy, whether from us or a previous vet.
3
Grooming visit
Your pet’s service is delivered by groomers who work alongside our veterinary team.
4
Health check-in
Anything unusual is passed to our veterinarians for a quick look.
5
Home care tips
We share what to do between visits so the coat stays comfortable.
1987
Founded and still family-owned
Sat 8-5
Full Saturday hours
4.5 ★
Average across 325+ reviews

Combine Grooming With Other Care, and Getting Here

Grooming pairs well with a wellness exam, a dental visit or a boarding stay, so your pet gets everything done in one place. Ask our team how to line up appointments, and let us know about any health or behavior concerns when you book.

Take US-1 or I-95 north. Most drives from Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale run about ten to fifteen minutes. Saturday hours run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call to schedule a grooming appointment and to share your pet’s breed, coat and temperament.

Ready to Book a Grooming Appointment?
Call Oakland Park Animal Hospital and speak with our team, led by Dr. Spencer Ratnoff, Owner and Medical Director.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Ready to Book a Grooming Appointment?

Grooming here happens inside a doctor-led veterinary hospital that has been independently owned and operated on Oakland Park Boulevard since 1987, led by Dr. Spencer Ratnoff, Owner and Medical Director.

If you are in Fort Lauderdale and ready to book, call (954) 731-4228 or request an appointment, and tell us about your pet’s coat, breed and any skin or ear concerns so we can prepare.

Ready to Give Your Pet the Best Care?

Schedule a visit with our compassionate team and let’s partner in your pet’s lifelong well-being.

Request an Appointment for Your Pet

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