I've been coming to this groomer for over 11 years and have always had great experiences--until now. The new staff member (I believe her son) treated me horribly. I made a simple request, and he yelled at me, saying, 'If you don't like it here, you can go somewhere else.' I was shocked. The woman who has always groomed my dog is polite, skilled, and has given my adorable Yorkie the perfect teddy bear cut every time. This time, her son clearly did the grooming instead. He left a noticeable mustache on her face (which has never happened before) and was smirking at me when I picked her up. The regular groomer could tell the cut was poorly done, but she did nothing to fix it. Despite the disappointing result, I still left a tip, as I always do. It's really sad to see this business showing such poor judgment in hiring. I'm taking his advice and will be taking my dog somewhere else from now on. read more

Star Dogs - When the woman cuts my dog. - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I have to give Star Dogs their flowers. We have been taking our Shiba Inu in for the past 2 years and he ABSOLUTELY LOVES COMING IN! We were really skeptical on finding a groomer when we first adopted our shiba Kaytra. We got recommended by our friend to come here and never tried anywhere else ever since. Rika and her family always do a an amazing job at making Kaytra feel loved, comfortable and feeling fresh! We've never had any problems with telling them any specific needs he may have needed during a session. Kaytra literally RUNS into their shop! We can't even get him close to the bathroom without being suspicious! What the Star dogs team has going on has is something special and anyone we have recommended to since has the same experience. Expect a 2-3hr time frame once you have dropped off your pup, which does help plan out the day, they give you a call when he is ready and is never pushy/try to rush you to come pick them up. Love working with Star Dogs. read more

I have been bringing my poodles to Rika at Star Dogs for 20 years now. She is amazing. Toys, minis and standard. I won't bring anywhere else. read more

Star Dogs - My standard. - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I have been coming to Star Dogs for over 20 years.. I Love Rika.. I have sent her so many clients but after today I will no longer go there. I believe it's her son that never speaks until today when I brought my friends dog for nail cutting. My dog peed on the gate & this guy went ballistic.. He scolded me like a child & said next time make sure that he pees & poops at home & not here. He also said that's what happens when you don't neuter dogs.. I asked for Rika. He said she's in the back working. Benny looked at me with a mean look and said, didn't you just talk to her before bringing him in? I said never mind I'm not leaving my dog. You're very rude and I don't have to deal with you. He literally was saying well don't come here if you don't like it. I said don't talk to me like a child. I'm not a child and he just laughed. he stood at the door and watched me back out and leave and then I looked over and he was laughing.. I believe it is her son. He has been there before, but like I said, has never said a word to me. not friendly at all.. Rika is the sweetest person. I can't even imagine her having a son like that. read more

Rika and her son(?) always do a fantastic job on my fuzzy boys. My dogs always come back clean, soft, and smelling good! Teeth brushed, ear fur trimmed/plucked (long hair dog problems), nails trimmed -- the works! They have not shown any signs of fear or anything when we go back to Rika's. (Well, my oldest dog acts less than enthused about being groomed lol) She can get kind of busy, so if you know when you want your furry friend groomed, call Rika as soon as you know! For example, I was hoping to get an appointment before the new year, but Rika is booked until 1/6. Star Dogs is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The only way I've made appointments is via telephone. If you don't get through the first time, everyone's probably busy grooming! Call back in 15-20minutes, or leave a message for her to call you back. I forget how much it is to get the works for my boys, I think $65/per? And remember, this includes everything -- all over trim, teeth brush, ears, teeth brushing. Rika and her team are meticulous in their work and will take their time and patience with your furry friend, so allocate about 3-3.5 hours depending on how long your dog's coat is. We have found our groomer! See you next year, Rika :) read more

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They take such good care of my shy girl. They do such a great job and she always comes home looking great and she smells so good! read more

Star Dogs - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

We've taken our 2 corgis to be groomed here a couple of times already and we've been very happy so far! Our girls look so good afterwards and so happy, which is a relief to know they had a positive experience at the groomers. Highly recommend for anyone looking to bring their dogs, especially if you're looking for the corgi butt approval! read more

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Rika and her son have been grooming our boys for the last three years. They both have taken such good care of. They don't get haircuts but bathed, nails trimmed and etc. When we arrive they walk right in and when they come out they smell good and look good! So friendly and caring! Thank you Rika! read more

Star Dogs - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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We had an appt I was told to drop off at 10 today and no one was there? How about a call if something came up?

Very nice place. They are super responsive if you call. My girlfriend and I have been taking our pup corgi, Mika, to get her nail trimmed and bath a few times before and will continue to. They always a good job despite our pup being a little crazy corgi. They give out cool bandanas and even gave Mika a Christmas gift! read more

Star Dogs - After a bath - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Beautiful cut, sweet establishment! We travel from N Calif to S Calif for our pup's cut! read more

I just took my dog for a nail trimming, but they were so friendly and fast and efficient I had to write a review. I was a little worried at first because my cattle dog gets weary and not friendly w strangers but they said she did good, so they know how to handle her. They also cleaned her ears and buffed her pads and gave good recommendations on what she can take for her joints considering she is 13 years old. Super happy with my experience. read more

Erie did a stupendous job grooming my Pomeranian.I have had 3 Poms and tried many groomers and by far Erie was the absolute best. The cut, the undercoat, the softness of her fur is beyond amazing! Thank you so much! I highly recommend Stardogs! Wowwwwww just wow! read more

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Star Dogs has been our go-to spot since moving to La Mesa in 2018. We briefly tried another groomer nearby, but they were always booked up or cancelled our late afternoon reservations so they could close early. Star Dogs has never told me they could not fit our dogs in no matter how busy they were - service has always been same day. They have never cancelled on us and the dogs are ready on time. They are also very affordable - $10 per dog for nail trim and I recently paid $35 for a de-skunking bath AND nails .. can't beat that! As for how they treat our pups, we couldn't be happier. They are the only place where one of my dogs allows them to cut his nails without putting him in some weird harness contraption, they simply hold him in a comforting way and he totally zens out. We have been loyal Star Dogs customers since day 1 and don't plan for that to change anytime soon! read more

Gucci will follow Michelle anywhere! If you haven't brought your fur baby to her, you're missing out. Our Gucci is such a hyper doggy and she's so patient! Thanks SO much, Michelle. read more

Star Dogs - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Rika and her son do an amazing job cutting Lola's hair! They are friendly, professional, and excellent at making sure your dog is groomed to your liking. read more

Star Dogs - Lola's new haircut! - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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5 stars to the whole staff here. A couple of notes to clients to make the process easier for us, our pets, and the groomers. PLEASE book in ADVANCE. Plan accordingly, book 1-2 weeks in advance when possible. You can't get same day service hardly anywhere, these guys are as accommodating as it comes. Yes, we as the customer pay them for a service...but let's remember they're still only human-they get sick, have personal lives, and other customers besides us. PLEASE take your dog potty before you come. They're not charging extra here when our pup has an accident, and they could-considering they have to re-bathe, re-dry, and maybe even re-scissor a haircut. This can take an extra 15-45 minutes, so please give them a potty break before their appointment. PLEASE be patient with the groomer. It may take a couple of sessions to get the routine down that works for us and our pups with the groomers. It takes TIME to properly groom a dog, and this is a full service shop. They can give you an estimate, but it's customary that they give you a call when your dog is ready. In turn, please be PROMPT to pick up your dog ASAP. They're not babysitters. This makes the whole process easier for our pets and the groomers. If you need something specific or are on a deadline-ASK if it's possible to be accommodated. PLEASE TIP the groomers. Their prices are very fair. If they have to go above and beyond because a pup is anxious or aggressive, adjust accordingly. All the best to anyone and their pups that patronize this lovely shop. read more

Excellent service, best haircut we've had for Trixie around San Diego. This family works super hard and the teamwork is exceptional. I always forget they take cash so stop at the ATM on your way to pickup your pet! read more

Star Dogs - Trixie after a spa day - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

My dog has been "losing" tufts of her coat and itchy. They supposedly used a "special" shampoo for her "dandruff" and she now has visible pock marks in her coat. read more

I foster dogs. Sometimes I get dogs impromptu. They stay until all pets are groomed for the day even if they have to stay hours after their closing time. I like that they're off mon -tue and open sat-sun. You may find them pricey but just look at the before and after fotos and you'll agree they do exceptional work. read more

Star is a lovely person and an excellent dog groomer. She takes incredible care of her animals and goes above and beyond in her service for others. I trust her with the care of my animals. read more

Only groomer I will take my Cavalier to. They do a phenomenal job and their prices are fair. My dog is a drama queen and they handle her perfectly. read more

This place is amazing! My frenchie HATES to get his nails trimmed and ears cleaned. Took him here for the first time today and he let them hold him like a baby and cut/file his nails no problem. I was shocked. Then then let them clean his ears as well, no problem at all!! Everyone here was super nice and accommodating. The dog whisperers of grooming! This is now my new spot. Go check them out you won't be disappointed! read more

I took my toy poodle Sherry to them last summer, a day before my wedding. This was a "critical cut" because Sherry was our ring bearer and needed to be picture perfect. I was SO HAPPY with the way she turned out. She was absolute perfection in all our wedding photos. Star Dogs really did make my little poodle look like a star! read more

If there is a no star button, ill click into it . This is my 3rd time come back to this place. Apparently this place only have 1 groomer, his name is Eric , and the whole store run by him and couple more japanese people. Eric is a good groomer however he is very bad as treating his customer. I dropped off my dog, he just told me " we give you a call " ....like how long do you think you gotta work on my dog ?? . However I left, I came back roughly 1'30 later , they told me 15 minutes more, so I left and 15 minutes later he called me. I came paid $40 for my dog and gave him $13 for tip, then he told me " eh, next time take you dog somewhere else , I told you I call you, you can't just come and ask " I said " well I saw online you close at 5 or 6pm so normally groomer take around hr to hr 30 minutes to groom a dog " , I have a chihuahua lab mix btw, she has no hair to cut . Anyway, he yelled back " no , you don't look at yelp, we run this place, sometime we work till 8pm .... and you can estimate like that ..." I'm so pissed to argue with him so while I'm leaving he keep yelling ...I'm like I'll won't come back , EVER ! He was still yelling " you can't just ....blah blah " read more

I'm going to start by introducing my dog, Rambo, a 55lbs. Beautiful Cute Bulldog and Boston mix. He's 8, lazy, picky and HATES water. He hates cutting his nails and getting a bath. He's smart and knows the word BATH. I say, "Rambo let's play and take a bath!" This a-hole would roll on his back and tries to get away. I have to pull and slide him across the floor or carry his fat ass, give him treats and finish his bath within 5 minutes before he starts running like Usain Bolt. Rambo's pedicure session is not a piece of cake. I have to straddle him while he howls, growls and pretend cry while I cut his nails. He is so good at acting that he can win an Oscar, Emmy and Tony, hands down!! So with that said, I'm going to give Star Dogs 5 stars for putting up with Rambo's antics. Star Dogs did not even mind that Rambo took a big dump the first time he went there!! My lazy demon dog always comes back smelling good, his ears are super clean and his nails pedicured to perfection. No more sliding him across floors and straddling him like Jon Jones. Thank you Star Dogs! You're the best! Also they accept Venmo which is a plus in my books. read more

This is such a great grooming spot! My dog doesn't require a cut, so our usual is a bath, nail trim and teeth cleaning. They do an AMAZING job. Penny always comes home happy, super soft, and not shedding!! Plus, they give her a cute little bandana. It typically takes between 2-3 hours and they will give you a call when your pet is done. The staff is so friendly, and you can tell they really enjoy and take pride in their work! They are cash only, so plan ahead. But do make an appointment annd give Star Dogs a chance! read more

Star Dogs - Happy girl after her bath and nail trim! Penny is always is a good mood after her visits to Star Dogs! - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Owner is so so sweet and did such a good job with my dogs! Will definitely be coming back! read more

Star Dogs - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

My Sheltie has soo much fur . 3 coats ! I trust Rika and team to treat him well and he always looks amazing . The Best

Best groomers I've ever been to. Very nice and pleasant. Only gives recommendations when needed

Amazingly professional groomer and business. First time here took our two pups and both were so calm and looked beautiful! This place is awesome! Bella and Bruno look gorgeous darling! read more

Star Dogs - Bella looks so sepsy!! Look at her pose! - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Rika does a fantastic job with my dogs! She is patient with them and keeps them in line! I have had some horrible experiences with groomers claiming they are familiar with trimming Corgis and he always comes back looking terrible. Star Dogs does an amazing job and does not disappoint. read more

They do a great job with our 2 dogs. Always come back soft and smell great. Owner and staff are super nice

My grandma's dog gets groomed here about every month. I can give 3 stars because the cuts are not consistently good. One month the dog looks great, and everything is evenly trimmed and the next month, my grandma has to trim extra fur around the eyes and paws. If we are paying $65 for a grooming session for a small dog, it seems kind of silly that grandma has to cut extra hair off at home. read more

Wow. Just wow. I don't know where to start. After my dog came back with a limp from their formal groomers I thought I could never trust anyone again, but StarDog has blown me away. I have never met someone so professional. You get there and you fill out what is essentially a client profile and sign a few forms, then they ask you about how you want your dog to be cut and styled and then you leave your furry family member in amazing hands. I feel so comfortable leaving my dog, Luna here, I know she won't be mistreated and she will come home happy and clean. The best part has to be the big huge window. I live up the street and when I leave Luna and go run errands I will occasionally drive down the street and see her getting groomed through the window. It is honestly like they are not afraid to show the world their business and they have nothing to hide. I found my groomers. Thank you for everything. Now I take Luna here about once a month for a full cut and occasionally when we just want a quick wash and clean up. read more

Star Dogs - 3rd time back - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I'm so glad I found Star dogs!!! Rika and team did and awesome job on Riley (schnauzer) 15 weeks. She asked what kind of cut I wanted and had different examples of shortness on a key ring. 3 hours later, I had a brand new baby, fully groomed. I'm very happy with her and team job. Side note: cash only. read more

Star Dogs - Awesome - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I am very satisfied with their work it is hard to find someone who actually cares and goes the extra mile to perfect your pup. read more

Star Dogs - Thank you for making me so handsome Instagram @biggie.the.shihtzu - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

First time bringing our very skittish Greyhound in for a nail trim. We were able to get in same day, the owners/staff? were very friendly and were so accommodating to Siena's shy nature. They even cleaned her ears! read more

So happy!! Have a pup that is 9 months, his nails get long so quick & needed to find a reliable regular groomer. I was referred to Star Dogs by my aunt who drives from Clairemont to La Mesa because she loves this place so much. She said Rika was awesome and totally took care of her long haired dog for Summer. So we finally scheduled our appt! We walked in and it was really calm, not like other groomers that are hectic, loud, and stressful. Which ends up stressing the dogs as well! It was super chill, good music, and happy pups all around. They took Finn back and I was uncertain of how he'd respond. He was nervous for sure, but they were so awesome. He was scared and started to whimper as they did his front paws, Rika came over and distracted Finn with the dog that she had just finished grooming. She was so nice and just tried to calm him down. They trimmed his nails, then filed. And even cleaned his ears! I told them thank you so much for being patient with him. They said no problem, they understood it was his first time. We can't wait to go back! Thank you Star Dogs! read more

Star Dogs - Happy camper! - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I love my new groomer Rika and her team at Star Dogs! I'm very particular in where I take my 3 pups and since I am new to the area I relied on my fellow Yelpers! My dogs are 9,8, & 3. My nine year old Pekinese poodle mix had a bad experience when he was younger and traumatized him in getting his nails clipped or teeth brushed. He would cry and yelp as if someone was hurting him just by touching his paws. I drove up to the store and was greeted right away with a smile from the store owner Rika. While filling out paperwork my pups were already taken to Rika. Rika had pictures of dogs with different haircut styles to find out how I wanted their cuts to be and she even had a ring of sample shortness of hair (like carpet shopping but with dog hair shortness level). This made it very easy to let her know what type of cut I wanted for them. I also added a teeth cleaning for them as well. When I arrived back to pick up my dogs I pulled up and saw all three sitting so calmly together, they weren't caged up but literally sitting together like on display waiting for me. My female dog (Sandie) had cute red bows on her ears and my two males had adorable bandana's which were themed for the upcoming Independence Day weekend. To my surprise my older pup (Scottie) had trimmed nails and his teeth looked so much better! I really don't know how she did it but I was happy it got done. Of course all three looked super adorable with their soft hair, clean look and the pups seemed to enjoy their experience unlike other places I have gone before. I think we found our new groomer! Thank you Star Dogs for doing such a wonderful job! Scottie, Sandie and Tux look amazing!!! See you again real soon! read more

Star Dogs - (Left to right) Scottie, Tux and Sandie - Pet Groomers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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