Just moved from LA and was in need of a new groomer for my fur baby, Penelope. A nice lady on the street recommended Michael at Bernie's Grooming to me. Some things to know: - It's a 1-man operation, so appointments are limited. As such, weekend apts are hard to come by - I booked mine 5 weeks out. - CASH or Check only! - ring the bell outside of animal control entrance to let him know you're there. All this said, it was a great experience. Michael only has a couple of dogs at a time so they don't spend too much time in crates / kennels. He estimated 2 hours for the service and she was ready in 2 hours! He did a great job and We'll definitely be coming back for future groomings! read more

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My husky looked gorgeous after her grooming here. Soft as a cloud and shaped to perfection, thank you Michael for the amazing blowout and grooming session. She seemed to have had an awesome time there too. We'll be back many times to come! read more

Bernie's Grooming - Kaya after her 3/19 grooming session - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I just picked up my two white huskies from the Bryant St location . One of them has long hair that gets matted and scruffy very easily. I took one look and barely recognized my 12 year old dog : she now looks like a puppy. Not an easy job , but Michael is an amazing groomer and he did a perfect cut....! My other husky, white and short hair , almost 'glowed in the dark" ! Needless to say that I am one happy customer and after several years with Bernie's and especially Michael I shall come back read more

Four years and 30+ grooming sessions later, I still wouldn't trust anyone else with my dog. More than anything, I appreciate their sense of judgement with how they proceed with my dog versus just getting the job done. You're opting for the most humane experience for your pet when you choose a groomer that can balance a schedule of both unowned, frightened shelter animals and paying clients alike. read more

Bernie's Grooming - Before and after - hardly looks like the same dog! - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Took my seriously shaggy shih tzu here after about 3 months of going without a haircut. She came in at noon, I picked her up at 1:30pm. This was a same day appointment as well! I was more than pleased with their service. She came back to me fresh and clean cut with a new pink bandana accessory attachment! I'm so happy I found these guys. Love love love love!!! read more

Bernie's Grooming - After the awesome haircut!!! - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

My puppy MAX is a client of Bernie's for 13 yrs now and he is very happy to see Michael for his grooming appts ! Michael is a terrific groomer I highly recommend Bernie's grooming services @ the 15th Street location read more

Bernie's Grooming - Max P. # 1 SF Giants - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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After our last horrible experience with a groomer in Tahoe, I took to Yelp to find one that came highly recommended. I found Bernie's grooming, called, and was able to get an appointment for the next afternoon. We gave the groomer (Not Bernie, but a friendly other woman) a long to-do and not-to-do list as we've learned from our prior grooming what we like. She spent so much time on making Teddy (our golden doodle) perfect! Nails, teeth, full trim, all his knots were carefully combed out. It cost $100 because of all the trimming and de-knotting she had to do. Otherwise, it would've been ~ $80. We could not be happier. read more

Bernie's Grooming - Teddy all groomed! - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had an awful experience here. I brought my dog in and Bernie said he should be ready by 3pm. At 3:30 I called b/c I had not heard from anyone. my dog was finally ready at 4:30. When I went to pick him up, he was bald from head to tail, with skin nicks included. Bernie then tried to tell me that the nicks must have been from him biting himself and I just couldn't see them before because of his fur. Bernie also had me sit down and told me she had a hard time with my pup and that it was very emotional FOR HER. What about my shivering, bleeding puppy. Then she bombarded me with a hug... very strange interaction. Needless to say, i'm looking for new groomers. read more

Bernie! We love you! After a HORRIBLE experience at BOW WOW MEOW I'm sooo happy to have found you. Today's cut was the best yet ( I didn't know that was possible :)). Colette and I thank you! For those of you looking for a great groomer- your search should stop here. My one year old Cockapoo always looks so lovely after her visits with Bernie :) The entire staff is great - so attentive. They remember things about your dog and even about your own life! And the booking via email is so wonderful and prompt! Thank you again for yet another fabulous experience. Its so great to be able to drop your fluffy family member off and know they are in excellent hands. read more

I've been taking my pomeranian Buster to Bernie's for about 4 months now and am very pleased with the experience. Wenli has two poms herself, so I totally trust her with Buster - He comes out with the most adorable cut every time. I also appreciate that Wenli is super responsive to phone calls/messages and has him done in about 2 hours pretty reliably. I'm so happy to have found such a great groomer for my fur baby. Pro tip: There is free 15 minute parking right in front which is perfect for dropoff and pickup. read more

I had an 8:45am appointment today and Bernie met me at the front door. I told her I just adopted Brinkley (a 10 pound terrier mix) a couple of weeks ago and have never been to a groomer before. She took a look at her and told me what she was going to do - round out Brinkley's face, get an overall trim, anal expression (yuk) and cut her paw nails and since it was my first time, a free teeth cleaning! I handed Bernie Brinkley's leash and felt like a parent leaving her kid at preschool for the first time. Brinkley's face looked like... "where the hell are you going?!" But Bernie has such a calming and sweet aura about her, that I felt I could trust her right away. My bff picked her up and he said that Brinkley did really well! He just sent me a picture and she looks like a fresh cute ball of fluff. read more

Bernie and her staff have a magical touch! Like many (rescue) dogs, my boy Rocket has major issues with the dreaded nail trimming. My dog walker referred me to Bernie's more than two years ago. I'd been to several groomers before, but it was always a traumatic experience. Bernie and Cindy have been so sweet and gentle with Rocket and now we're both happy. I'm a drop-in client and they always accommodate us in a friendly and professional manner. I LOVE BERNIE'S!! They deserve 10 stars! read more

This is such a good place for many reasons :) #1 reason is the people who work here. You can tell that everyone here wants to be there. You wouldn't know she runs her lil' biz here, unless you use to go to her when she was located on Valencia St.. She washes all the shelter dogs and anyone who wants to bring in their pet to be groomed. Bernie, Cindy, and Amit work in a small space, but wash and care for all the animals with BIG love. I've been going to Bernie for about 6 years, and have followed her to the SF Animal Shelter. Good sign: Ace doesn't mind going to visit Bernie for his monthly wash-he actually gets happy :) read more

Bernie and Cindy are the most trusted, caring ,loving professional groomers as well as the finest people you would ever want to meet. They love animals and people. They are the Vidal Sassoon of the grooming world with excellent prices. They are wonderful with Rabbits especially one's that do not like to have their nails trimmed much less their anal cavity checked and cleaned! They do excellent careful nail trims and inspect and fix everything including the teeth, ears, eyes and fur condition . My boy is so frisky and does not like to be held but Bernie and Cindy know exactly how to relax him and make his nail trims like going to a Spa for a massage. They clean and sterilize everything after each animal visit. Both he and I feel great after a visit with them until our next visit. They speak animal language and do the worlds' most beautiful job! I love these ladies as much as my boy. I would take my Bunny to them if they were in Petaluma but they are right here! In San Francisco. Saint Francis himself resides in their hands. read more

I used to come here for my american short hair cat, until one time he got a cut after being trimmed. I called back to ask what happened but the groomer never admitted that they did a mistake...They just told me that my cat acquired the cut prior to being shaved (which didn't make sense because my cat had never had a problem with cu problems and it happened right after the shave). The fact that they wouldn't even admitted or even offered an apology is what made me realize i wouldn't go here again for their service. read more

Wow! I can't imagine anyone having something negative to say about Bernie. She is LOVELY to the core. My pooch was very nervous and Bernie was more than gentle and accommodating to her sensitive needs. Not to mention, my girl looked so lovely and fresh when she came out. It was very obvious that I placed her in wonderful hands. Definitely recommend Bernie's grooming! Bernie did exactly what my dog and I wanted :) read more

I guess it's kind of cool that Bernie's is within the Animal Care and Control building. It's not the nicest place to have your business, but I understand supporting the place since it doesn't get all the donated funds like the SFSPCA does. I arrived around 1pm on Friday without an appointment for a quick nail trim. It took them a while to greet us at the front but once greeted, they took Luna in and she was out in 10minutes. They even gave her a free ear cleaning. You have to pay in cash and it's a bit weird because they don't ring you up or give you a receipt. read more

The staff at Bernie's are the only groomers I would trust with my dog. My dog gets separation anxiety when I leave him with the groomers, and the staff here are awesome with him! They are so gentle and they try to make him feel comfortable during his time there.They get him groomed as quick as possible and calls me 20 mins in advance. So by the time they are done, I'm there and my dog won't have to wait for me in a kennel. He comes home with a cute bandana around his neck and smelling wonderfully for days. I haven't gone anywhere else after finding this place! read more

5 stars for attitude, these are nice people. Bernie & Cindy are in the Animal Care & Control Building near the SPCA. They have a small set-up there where they give your pet attention and good care. They work fast, there's none of this 2-week waiting list stuff you get from other groomers. Check 'em out before you actually do have to wait for their services! read more

Bernie's rocks! I've been bringing my little dog Baci to Bernie's ever since I got her from the ACC. We had no idea how to groom and care for her when we got her and I'd taken her to a place where they cut her nails too short and made her bleed -- so, I was asking everyone I knew where to go. Several people suggested Bernie's so, that's what we did and I'm forever thankful! They're very careful when doing the (back there) glands and they use trimmers in-between her toes/paws so, she has very clean pads and perfectly manicured nails. Today, I was at my neighborhood pet boutique - South Paws (love) -- and they mentioned that Santa was taking pictures with dogs next door--of course we went running over there, only to find that Bernie's now has a 2nd location! Woohoo! You can find her inside of the SF Animal Care and Control (15th St.) as well as in SoBe at 177 Brannan. Welcome to the neighborhood! read more

Have taken my dogs here for the past few months. Yesterday my dog came home with the WORST cut of her life. It's uneven and she looks ridiculous! Nothing like prev appts and nothing like the pic shown. I hate it when groomers complain abt doodles. I don't need a side of lecture and judgement along w my dogs bath. Keep your opinions to yourself. And certainly DON'T punish the dog w a terrible cut. Bernie called me after I complained. But she wouldn't do anything but offer to cut her more. . read more

I never had a dog that needed grooming until I adopted a 13 year old pom mix a couple of years ago. she was in desperate need of having her nails trimmed and getting a haircut. she has a trachea condition and sometimes has difficult breathing and gets nervous quite easily, so I was very anxious the first time I dropped her off. When I picked her up, she looked transformed and also happy and relaxed. I've been taking her to Bernie's about once a month since then for pedicures and grooming and wouldn't consider taking her anywhere else. Yeah, it's not a high-end pet spa and on one occasion my dog was not ready when they told me she would be...lighten up people - how many times have you had to wait at the doctor's office or had your own schedule through off by the unexpected. What's more important to me is that my dog is handled with tender loving care. Cindy and Bernie are great! read more

Great grooming. They really are interested and care about your dog. Super sweet and don't just rush your little guy through. My dog was happy when done. Not freaked out or anything for his first grooming. Will defiantly bring him back! read more

Bernie's Grooming - And he smells really good too! - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good, solid groomer Feels odd taking dog to pound Comforted by price read more

LOVE. I have been taking my dog to the Brannan shop since we got her last year. Willow is happy to go in, and happy when I pick her up. She comes back to me trimmed and clipped and smelling amazingly. They use very high quality grooming products which means Willow is not itchy when she comes home. When I bathe her, she is often itchy afterwards, despite my trying lots of different shampoos on her. Bernie was able to help fine the right combination of products to keep Willow itch-free. I once had an issue with needing Willow's fur trimmed a little more and it was so easy to call them and bring her in for a quick fix-- everyone was patient and helpful. Bernie and her staff provide such good care to the dogs they groom. They are gentle, careful and professional. Bernie noticed that Willow drags her back leg, scraping her nails and is very careful where she trims. I feel safe having Willow there and glad to have found them! Highly recommended. read more

We have been bringing our fur babies to Bernie's Grooming at SF Animal Care & Control for several years now. They've always done a terrific job with our pups- even when we bring them in difficult grooming condition (matted fur, foxtails stuck on skin). Michael really does a great job and our dogs always look like fine, dapper dogs! read more

Bernie's Grooming - Pet Groomers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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They didn't manage to give a haircut to my very friendly and well behaved doodle. Yet they kept him there for more than three hours. When I called to book an appointment the manager answered, she sounded very nice and said that we will meet the "lovely" groomer on the day. There was nothing lovely about this guy or no one else of the staff. As I was very disappointed by the service I called after I picked my dog up. I tried calling a few times but no one answered. I left a message and until today I haven't heard back... read more

This place may have closed down. They do not answer the phone, they don't have an answering machine, they don't reply to email, and their online booking server is offline. read more

Most importantly: Bernie's did a pretty good job at grooming my dog. i had no complaints, really. The only small issue i had with it is the inconvenience of the business being hidden in the back of Animal Care and Control. i had to wander through the building and ask someone how to reach the people at Bernie's. There's no sign or anything pointing the way. It felt kind-of awkward. I'd probably go back, but I would be even MORE likely to go back if Bernie's had its own dedicated storefront space. read more

I was a bit skeptical at first when I entered the lobby - you have to enter through the ACC Animal Care & Control bulding which is quite busy. You then wait for someone from Bernie's to retrieve your dog. I'm used to seeing the groomers area - you can't see it from the lobby. My only concern is that since there are so many dogs - big and small - I wouldn't want my 4 1/2 lb yorkie to be let out when other dogs are around - for fear of an accidental attact. I met the groomer and she assured me that my dog would be safe, and would not be let out of the cage while other dogs were out. When I collected my dog a couple of hours later - I was happy with the results. Plus they put this adorable bandana around his neck. It was a nice touch. They are a little pricier than the groomer I go to in the marina - but they are more convenient to where I live. I'll probably continue to use both depending on where I'm at that day. read more

I've been going to Bernie's for a couple of months now. I was in need of finding a good groomer to go to, but couldn't find any near my house. My pup usually comes into the office for me, so after searching and reading dozens of reviews I decided to give Bernie's a chance. It's a huge plus it's right by my work. This was the best decision for me and my dog! He absolutely loves coming here! The environment is so nice and you can actually see the groomers cutting and styling your dog, which I like. It's showing me they have nothing to hide and are treating these dogs with the best care. Bernie is phenomenal!!! Sooooo sweet, caring, loves animals, and gives Mr. Frank (my dog) the BEST CUT EVER! Although I went here for the convenience because it's right by my work, if I were to move anywhere else, I would travel 30+ min to come here. If you're deciding on where to take your pup, please come here. It's so friendly and the best customer experience. THANK YOU BERNIE'S GROOMING! read more

I took my very difficult Muttville rescue dog here today. She doesn't like strangers touching her and will bite. This was the third groomer I took her to as the other two could not handle her. Michael did an excellent job and she looks like a completely different dog. She was so excited about her new haircut and had crazy energy. I was happy, she was happy overall great experience. Will be back in 3 months. read more

I had a wonderful experience with Bernie's. Consequently, I joined Yelp just to write this review. I have a special needs pooch (no eyes) who can be pretty nervous in new surroundings and situations. That makes me even more nervous when I have to entrust him to the care of others. A recent injury of mine meant that, for the first time, I could not bathe him myself (not to mention struggle with trimming his nails or dealing with his vile anal glands). I called Bernie's at about ten in the morning and left a message. Someone returned my call promptly and was able to accomodate me within a couple hours. Because of his nervousness with new places and people, they recommended a short appointment with a one hour turn around. Bernie and her assistant (sorry-- can't remember his name) were very frindly, helpful, & reassuring. They took care of everything within an hour and gave me a fabulous price. My boy looked and smelled wonderful. Judging by his mood, I think the hour was more traumatic for me than for him. I also love that she provides services to the city's homeless animals. Thanks, Bernie, for your caring and kindness toward both my boy and all the homeless shelter critters. read more

This is the best grooming facility in the city. They are so good with the animals and they always fit me in even if they are busy. My animal is a cat and he never liked getting groomed, but since Bernie, Cindy and Amit are so gentle with him that he does not mide it anymore. It is a pleasure coming to see them. They are upbeat ,friendly and very professional. You are the best Bernie, Cindy and Amit.... read more

The ONLY thing preventing 5 stars is the location - it's great that they are there to help the pound puppies look good, but my dogs definitely smell the fear and get nervous here because they can sense it is the pound. But they are kinda nervous dogs anyway. All the groomers are superv nice and accommodating ... just ask what you want and you get it. prices are competitive, and you almost always get a top-notch cut. My dogs are small and easygoing and get to hang out together in the cage while they wait. Yes, the shop is often very busy, and sometimes I have to leave them for 5+ hours, but that's a tradeoff I usually can make. As one of my dogs is getting older (16), I will probably have to spring for a mobile groomer since she cannot tolerate sitting on steel for that long, but after 10 years with Bernie's we're all sold that its the best in the business as far as value for your dollar, and we value the relationship the groomers have with our dogs. They always remember the dogs' names (and mine) and get us in as soon as they can and out as quickly as they can without skimping on quality. I'd switch my own hairdresser before I'd switch from Bernie's. read more

Easy to book online and only took 1.5 hours. Fastest grooming I've experienced. They also called me to confirm details about how I wanted the cut which I really appreciate. read more

Updating May 20, 2012. I don't think I'd be exaggerating when I say that from the dog's point of view, Bernie's/City Dogs' shop is the best groomer out there. When I ask my pup: "Do you want to see Bernie???" He literally starts to wag his tail and dance. Then when we get out of the car, he drags me into the shop. One day at event he saw her before I did and started to pull. I was like "hey, dog what's up?" until I saw Bernie. At that point I knew: dogs love Bernie. She is just special, and So are Cindy and all the other folks who care for the dogs there. I've sent countless friends and neighbors to Bernie, and every single one of them has come back thrilled both with how their dogs look, and most importantly that their dog was happy and not traumatized by the experience. One other thing: a few groomers in the city tend to be very pushy about how they will groom your dog (especially Poodles, for some reason a few of them have very rigid opinions). Bernie will make your dog look like how YOU want them to look, not what some silly Poodle-Vogue designer wants. I love that. ORiginal review: Bernie was soft, sweet and kind, and knows her grooming. She spent nearly 20 minutes with me on intake discussing the plan for the poodle's hair (it's something you have to think about and work on). When Fozzie came out, he was cut exactly as we had discussed. Best of all, he was dancing out, as though he'd had the time of his life. He kept going back to Bernie to say hi, which is a clear sign he wasn't afraid of her. Bernie was careful to take her time with him and make sure it was fun, since he's a puppy and needs regular grooming this is critical. Bernie's prices are very fair, which is not the primary thing I look for, but when your dog needs a monthly grooming it is really appreciated. Best of all, bernie gave me tips on how to get him to look exactly as I want. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful relationship! read more

I love Bernie's! They always take such good care of our Muttville dogs, make them so pretty so they get adopted quickly. I have brought Bernie the most neglected dogs and she and Cindy work their magic, sometimes I don't even recognize them when I come to pick them up! read more

I was so impressed with how quickly Cindy called me back this morning! I'd spent the latter part of last night and this morning trying to clean up the rear end of my long-haired Tabby (he didn't adjust well to an abrupt switch in his wet food--yikes). Anyway, he really needed a quick sanitary shave and I got the o.k. to bring him right away. The appointment was quick and thorough and Gnocchi didn't seem at all phased by the experience. I will be back! Thanks! P.S. I think my baby recalled that this was once his home, having been rescued by Naomi upstairs! 5 stars to Animal Care & Control & Toni's rescue! read more

We have been coming to Bernie for a while and always have enjoyed the service. However, this past time I found the staff to not be very friendly. I also found my dogs cut not very thorough. And more disturbing is my dog was traumatized by the experience. She stopped eating and starting having accidents inside. It got so bad that I was ready to take her to the vets. I think I will try a new place next time. read more