Bucktown Bow & Meow pet spa
About Bucktown Bow & Meow pet spa
Professional pet grooming services in Chicago. We offer expert grooming care for your pets with 10 positive reviews and a 4.6 star rating. Located at 1823 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622.
Reviews
Customers overwhelmingly praise Bucktown Bow & Meow, particularly highlighting the exceptional service and care provided by owner Ursula and her team. Reviewers consistently note the friendly and cozy atmosphere, with many describing how Ursula's patience and knowledge significantly enhance their pets' grooming experiences. The groomers are commended for their personalized attention and skill, ensuring dogs leave looking beautiful and happy. While most reviews reflect high satisfaction, one negative experience mentions poor treatment by the owner, contrasting sharply with the overall positive sentiments expressed by the majority of customers.
As a new dog mom, I was in desperate need of a same-day bath and haircut for my little Winston (a cavapoo). He had started looking more like a wolf than a dog, and I couldn’t stand it anymore—he needed to look like a pup again! I called Bucktown Bow & Meow, and Ursula was beyond amazing. Not only was she super kind on the phone, but she also managed to get us in for a grooming appointment the same day! Let me just say, this place is absolutely adorable. It’s a cozy little dog boutique, and as soon as we walked in, Winston was immediately drawn to Ursula (he’s usually a little shy with strangers, so that says a lot). She made him feel right at home, and I could tell he was in good hands. I didn’t know exactly how to explain what I wanted for Winston’s haircut. I was trying to communicate what I envisioned, but it was a bit of a jumble! 😂 Ursula totally got me though—she was so patient and understanding with me, and she even gave me some really helpful advice about Winston’s coat and general care. It was clear that she’s super knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the dogs she works with. The grooming itself was incredibly fast, and when I picked Winston up, I couldn’t believe how good he looked. He went from looking like a scruffy little wolf to a fresh, well-groomed pup! I’m honestly so impressed with how Ursula transformed him, and I could tell he was feeling much better too. I can’t recommend Bucktown Bow & Meow enough to other dog parents. Ursula went above and beyond with Winston, and I’m so grateful for how well he was treated. If you’re looking for top-notch grooming in a super cute, welcoming environment, this is the place to go!
THE ABSOLUTE BEST GROOMER AROUND. We have taken our dog to multiple groomers in the area, and by far Bow & Meow, and the Owner Ursula is the best the north side has to offer. Not taking my girl anywhere else.
We have been taking our 2 cavapoos, 8 months and 4 years old, for a couple months now after moving back to Chicago and Ursula is just the best. She is thoughtful and always does a perfect job - you can tell how much she cares for the pups when you drop and pick them up. Couldn’t recommend this small business more!
I've been taking my dogs to Bucktown Bow and Meow for the past eight years for both doggy daycare and grooming services. The staff here is incredibly knowledgeable about all breeds, and they are always friendly and helpful. They treat my dogs as if they were their own, which gives me great peace of mind. The grooming services are top-notch; they always make sure my dogs look their best. The groomers are skilled and attentive, ensuring that each dog receives personalized care. They use high-quality products and are very gentle, which is especially important for my dogs who can be a bit anxious. I always feel that my pets are in a safe and loving environment, and I trust them completely. Highly recommend!
Bucktown Bow & Meow is the only place I’ll take my dog to! Ursula and her team are so wonderful and they always take such great care of my dog. They are always in great communication, and I appreciate that my dog never has to wait in a crate before or after her grooming. They genuinely care and get to know your dog. They are the best!
First time trying them out and the grooming they gave our dog did not disappoint! And our dog seemed to love the experience. We’ll be going back!
Ursula is absolutely amazing! She has taken care for our pup for over 12 years! Never once have we gone to another groomer. She loves our Neenah girl as much as the next. She’s given us advice on vets and vitamin supplements that have always worked and had such better results! We really appreciate her love and care and guidance not to mention her keeping our pooch clean 🥰
Ursula and staff are amazing. We started taking our timid Cockapoo here after Petco said they couldn’t groom her because she was acting too aggressive. In reality, she was just really scared and no one at Petco was taking the time to make grooming a positive experience for her. I am so grateful for Bucktown Bow & Meow for treating our dog so well and for doing an amazing job on her baths and haircuts. It is worth every penny!
I've been bringing my mini goldendoodle Atticus to Bow & Meow since 2017 when he was a puppy. Over the years since I began working from home, he has gotten very attached to me and nervous when I leave him places. The owner Ursula has always been very understanding, and has at times come out to my car or met me in front of the store to help with him. I feel comfortable leaving him with her as her love for dogs and animals is very apparent, and she's always been patient when I ask questions - like how he is with the blow drying process. She's given me advice about brushing, sunscreen, and even cbd treats to help calm him for flights. Atticus always walks out energetic and happy - I can tell he's had a great experience as he doesn't come running to me - he goes running to the counter for a treat! Aside from her personable warmth, she and her employees do a wonderful job. His cuts are adorable, he always has a fresh little bandana, and smells great. In the past 4 years (going every 8 weeks or so), he's had a nail trimmed down a bit too far about 2-3 times, and each time I called Ursula just to let her know. She always offered to bring him back for some quik stop, but I have that at home. Otherwise I haven't seen any accidental scissor cuts or uneven hair. Appointments are easy to make (I usually leave a voicemail and get a call back), turn around time is fast (usually under 2 hours from the time I drop him off to the time I get a call with a 15 min heads up), and the prices are appropriate (I paid almost double in LA about month ago!). When traveling I have brought him to other groomers, but Bow & Meow's work is my favorite, and I'm glad they're in my neighborhood!
Owner was very rude and disrespectful. Did not like the way she handled my dog, EXTREMELY aggressive. Never coming back here again, AND I WILL be making another post about this on social media. Owner was also very rude to people when I walked in.
Contact Information
1823 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
+1 773-252-7500
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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.