When grooming isn’t an option, we’re here to help.
Some pets simply can’t tolerate traditional grooming. Whether it’s severe matting, fear of clippers, or anxiety that makes grooming impossible, our medical shave service provides a safe, compassionate alternative designed with your pet’s health and comfort in mind.
Why Renton Veterinary Hospital is Different
Performed by our Practice Manager: Unlike grooming salons, our medical shaves are carried out by our experienced Practice Manager, who has been working in the field since 2014. She is directly involved in your pet’s care plan. This ensures your pet’s medical needs, behavior, and comfort come first.
One of the few clinics in the area offering this service: Medical shaves require veterinary oversight and fear-free handling, which most grooming facilities cannot provide.
Fear Free focused: With sedation and calming medication options, your pet won’t have to endure unnecessary stress.
Veterinary-supervised safety: Your pet is cared for in a medical setting with trained staff who can respond immediately if support is needed.
Aftercare partnership: We’ll guide you on how to care for your pet’s coat as it regrows, recommend prevention strategies, and help set your pet up for success long-term.
Why Choose a Medical Shave?
Provides immediate relief from painful matting.
Helps prevent skin infections and discomfort.
Makes it easier to start fresh with coat maintenance at home.
Creates a positive, safe experience for pets who cannot handle grooming salons.
Requirements
Appointment only: Must be scheduled in advance.
Current patient status: Pets must be up to date on their annual exam and rabies vaccination.
Fear Free preparation: Pre-visit calming medication may be required.
Note: If grooming has been stressful or impossible for your pet, a medical shave with our team may be the gentle, safe solution you’ve been searching for.
Important Reminders for Pet Parents
To ensure this is a safe and stress-free experience, please keep the following in mind:
This is not traditional grooming: A medical shave is for your pet’s health and comfort. The end result may look different from a traditional groom, and we do not offer bathing or styling.
Fear Free medication: Some pets will require calming medication or sedation. We will discuss what’s best for your pet during scheduling.
Breaks are provided: The process is paced around your pet’s tolerance. We prioritize comfort over speed.
Flea protocol: If fleas are found, your pet will be treated with Capstar and a cage-cleaning fee will be applied for sanitary purposes.
Up-to-date care required: Pets must be current on their annual exam and rabies vaccination to qualify.
FAQs About Medical Shaves
Will my pet look like they just had a haircut?
No. A medical shave is not cosmetic grooming—it’s a health-focused service. The goal is to safely remove matting or overgrown fur that’s causing discomfort, not to create a styled appearance. Pets may look “patchy” or very short after the procedure, depending on the severity of the matting.
Why do you require sedation or calming medication?
For the safety and comfort of your pet, we require pre-visit calming medication and/or sedation for medical shaves. Many pets become anxious or fearful with clippers, especially if they’ve struggled with grooming in the past. Using medication allows us to keep the experience Fear Free, ensuring the process is safe, stress-free, and gentle.
Why can’t my pet just go to a groomer?
Groomers are great for pets who tolerate handling and clippers. But for pets who are severely matted, fearful, or need sedation, a medical shave in a veterinary setting is the safest option. We provide supervision, medication, and breaks that grooming salons cannot.
Why do you require my pet to be up to date on their exam and rabies vaccination?
Because this is a medical procedure, we need to be sure your pet is healthy enough for sedation if required. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for the safety of our team and your pet.
What happens if you find fleas during the shave?
If fleas are found, your pet will receive a dose of Capstar to eliminate live fleas, and a cage-cleaning fee will be applied to maintain a sanitary environment. We may also recommend ongoing flea prevention if your pet is not currently on one.
Will my pet need aftercare at home?
In most cases, pets feel immediate relief after a medical shave. However, matting can hide skin irritation, sores, or even bacterial infections. While your pet is here for their medical shave, a veterinarian will perform an exam if the practice manager performing the service finds any irregularities during the shave. If any skin concerns are found once the fur is removed, the veterinarian will recommend the appropriate treatment. We’ll also provide you with tips for keeping your pet comfortable, monitoring their skin, and preventing matting from recurring.