April's Pooch Spa
About April's Pooch Spa
Professional pet grooming services in Chicago. We offer expert grooming care for your pets with 10 positive reviews and a 4.7 star rating. Located at 1429 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60610.
Reviews
Overall, customer satisfaction with April's grooming services is exceptionally high, as many clients praise her for her friendly demeanor, responsiveness, and genuine care for dogs. Reviewers frequently highlight April's ability to create a calming environment for their pets, which leads to positive experiences even for dogs with grooming anxiety. Most customers describe their pets as happy and excited to visit, demonstrating a strong bond and trust in April and her staff. However, one review expresses significant disappointment due to a scheduling and grooming mishap, emphasizing the importance of time management and communication. Despite this isolated negative experience, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, with customers recommending her services and appreciating the compassionate care provided.
We took our Golden Retriever (Benji) to April's on fairly short notice, and April welcomed him in and did an amazing job. She's friendly, responsive, and clearly really cares about the dogs she grooms. Will definitely be taking Benji back.
April is so great! I have gone to her twice now to get my parent’s golden retriever groomed while he’s staying with me for the winter, and she has exceeded expectations! He usually is terrified to go to the groomer, but after April took care of him the first time he now walks right in wagging his tail and is happy to be there. She is great and my golden looks as handsome as ever!!! 10/10 recommend.
The very first time I took my dog here we had a great experience . I dropped him off at 9 am as soon as she opened and he was roughly done at 2, he has a nice wash and blow out and nail trim . Yesterday I dropped him off at 11:40 a.m for her to literally have 7 other dogs there I would’ve greatly appreciated if she told me to bring him another day instead of saying she’ll squeeze him In . I didn’t receive a text to come pick him up until 6:40p.m for him to be the ONLY puppy left in there , she had completely butchered him all off like a bald fade his hair in his ears were severely uneven all his hair on his chest was gone ; I was so disappointed and UPSET at her for doing him this way especially for me to speak highly of the last experience I had and to point individuals in her direction for grooming . She explained to me that she was tired and I understood that, but in my defense please don’t take on more than you can handle especially if you don’t have additional assistance; time management is everything . I told her she could’ve called me and explained to me that’s what she wanted to do with him and I would’ve politely came back pick him up. I did receive a full refund . Overall I just feel like she played in me and my puppy’s face for that long period of time almost 7 hours for him to come out shivering and naked and he was nowhere near matted . I will never return to her and I hope this review helps someone else from making this decision.
We love April so much! Our shih tzu is scared of everyone yet he absolutely loves April and she does such a great job with the grooming! 10/10 recommend she’s so accommodating and gentle with the dogs and they all love her
I brought my mom's senior rescue dog here because he has past grooming trauma and I know April will not force him into compliance. She is patient and gentle with him, and honest with how far the groom can go with his comfort level. April & her crew have saved dogs and cats off the street, helped animal rescues with severely matted dogs, and continues to be a diamond in the rough in our neighborhood. We are lucky to have her in the community!
We got our beloved Bella, now called Zoey, from April. April bought her when she witnessed her being abused on the street. We have been going to April since. She has a calming effect on her dogs and does a great job! Zoey is always very excited to see her! We are forever grateful to April!
It’s conveniently located close to my home and the price for 2 large dogs, bathing and grooming, were decent. The ladies there are super nice and my dogs were very comfortably and happy there.
George loves coming to April! And April is wonderful with George!! It means a lot when the dogs are begging to go to the groomers.
You can tell all the doggies love being groomed by April they walk in wagging tails and tongue sticking out to go to the groomers I’ve never seen dogs so happy to go to the groomers!! And She took very good care of my old man!!
I have been bringing my dogs to April at the Ritz for over 4 years now and will never go elsewhere! April is compassionate, talented, trust worthy, and treats all dogs like their her own! My dogs are my children; the ladies here do the best job in the city and have earned my trust!
Contact Information
1429 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60610
+1 708-536-3667
Book an Appointment
Ready to pamper your feline friend? Contact us to schedule a grooming session.
Call to BookFrequently Asked Questions About Cat Grooming
What should I expect during a professional cat grooming session?
A typical professional cat grooming session usually begins with a consultation to discuss your cat's needs. The groomer will then examine your cat's coat and skin condition before proceeding with services like brushing to remove loose fur, bathing with cat-specific shampoo, blow-drying, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and any specialized haircuts if needed. Most sessions take between 1-2 hours depending on your cat's coat condition and temperament.
How should I prepare my cat for a grooming appointment?
To prepare your cat for grooming, brush them at home a few days before to remove loose fur and minor tangles. Keep your cat in a secure carrier for transportation. Arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork and allow your cat time to adjust to the new environment. Bring information about your cat's health, temperament, and any areas they're sensitive about. For anxious cats, consider withholding food for 2-3 hours before the appointment to reduce the risk of stress-related nausea.
Why is professional cat grooming important?
Professional cat grooming is important for several reasons: it reduces shedding and hairballs, prevents painful matting, allows early detection of skin issues or parasites, keeps your cat's coat healthy and shiny, reduces dander (helpful for allergy sufferers), and maintains proper hygiene. Professional groomers have specialized tools, products, and techniques to safely handle cats, even those with behavioral challenges. Regular grooming also helps cats become more comfortable with handling, which is beneficial for veterinary visits.
How often should my cat be professionally groomed?
The frequency of professional grooming depends on your cat's coat type, length, and lifestyle. Long-haired breeds like Persians typically need grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. Medium-haired cats may need grooming every 6-8 weeks, while short-haired cats might only need professional attention every 8-12 weeks or during seasonal shedding periods. Cats with special conditions like obesity or arthritis that prevent self-grooming may need more frequent appointments. Your groomer can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your cat's specific needs.
What's the difference between cat and dog grooming?
Cat grooming differs significantly from dog grooming. Cats have more sensitive skin, requiring gentler handling and cat-specific products. Their grooming sessions are typically shorter to minimize stress. Cats often need specialized restraint techniques and quieter environments. Cat groomers use different tools designed for feline coats and are trained to recognize signs of stress unique to cats. Cat-only grooming facilities eliminate the anxiety many cats experience around dogs, creating a more comfortable experience for your feline friend.