Dogcity Thebarton

Dogcity Thebarton is one of five Adelaide locations run by Dogcity, a South Australian doggy daycare group whose grooming arm operates alongside its socialisation and care programs. Grooming here is built around a force-free philosophy: rather than rushing dogs through a wash and clip, the team works at the dog's pace and will stop a session if a dog signals it is no longer comfortable.

The approach suits dogs that can find traditional grooming overwhelming. Senior dogs, puppies, anxious dogs and those with a surgical history or limited mobility are all considered, helped by hydraulic bath tubs that lift dogs rather than asking them to jump or jolt, and by fresh water rather than recycled. Only a small number of dogs are groomed each day, and minimum six-hour bookings fold in free daycare time so dogs can socialise around their appointment. Enrichment tools such as Licki Mats and treat balls keep the experience calm and positive.

Services run from a bubble bath and blow dry through to a paw-dicure or a full breed clip, all carried out by trained, force-free groomers.