During Covid I understand small businesses are struggling... I brought my cat here for the first time for a trim and unfortunately will not be returning. It would be one thing if we asked to have our cat shaved like this but this was not the intention. It would be another thing if the cut looked professionally don't but it's uneven and quite terrible. My cats arms and legs have fur blotches and his tail looks ridiculous. A few of his nipples were very irritated and pink. The worst part is I know my cat and I know he must not have been comfortable during this process and that has been haunting me. My mother didn't request a refund because she's a nice person - if it were me. I would've requested a lot more. I've never seen a cat cut like this. It's not cute. When we called back to see what happened someone on the line said "well we can't put the fur back on" Finally, I looked through your photos and all the cats seem to have pretty normal looking trims - instead of offensive shaves. Not sure if my cat was a guinea pig for a new employee or what the case was but unsatisfied is an understatement. Do better. Not recommended. read more

See all

I was motivated to try the Clip Joint because I've noticed beautiful dogs all over the Cambridge / Arlington area, and whenever I ask their owners who grooms them, they always said Julie @ Clip Joint. My Bichon is 6 months old, and the first groomer we went to (not Clip Joint) charged extra for "bad behavior". I thought this was a red flag as my girl is so well behaved, even though she doesn't love being washed and trimmed she definitely tolerates it. I warned Julie of this, and she sent me the sweetest text about how well behaved she was. I was super pleased with this experience & I will be returning over and over and over again. So happy our girl is in the hands of someone we trust so well. Thank you Julie & team! (Totally blanking on her helpers name, Jordan maybe??) anyways can't wait to come back, she looks so beautiful and smells so good without it being overpowering and I can tell my girl feels so pretty too!!!!! read more

See all

I took my 11 year-old, long-haired cat here to get a lion cut a few months back. I should have gone with my gut when I walked in, but I was dropping him off before work, so I decided to trust the reviews I had heard and left him to be groomed. The place is quite small and at least two loud and energetic small dogs were running around barking nonstop, in addition to other animals in crates/carriers. It was chaotic but again, I decided to trust that they were professionals. When I returned after work to pick him up, the woman working asked me which animal was mine and as soon as the name came of out my mouth she got silent. She retrieved his carrier and as she carried him to me I heard him growl and hiss and swipe at the carrier in her direction. She looked at me and didn't say a single word, just shook her head. They hadn't trimmed the cat. Not only that, but they didn't even think to call me to let me know they hadn't been able to trim him. Apparently she wasn't able to because he couldn't tolerate the noise and multiple animals in the room. I had been wrong to assume they knew what they were doing with cats (what kind of groomer doesn't have a quite space, separate hours, or some kind of accommodations for cats???). I assume this place only grooms very chill cats, because I don't blame the poor cat for being terrified. Needless to say, I was pissed. I was too angry and guilty for my cat being left there in that madhouse all day that had obviously put him in great distress, so I left quickly. The behavior of the groomer was so unprofessional. Not even an apology. I had called the groomer beforehand to ask if they took cats and if it was okay for me to leave him during the day and they said yes (so I assumed they had the facilities to take care of him properly). The owner has come back to say that they don't usually keep the animals all day but not one person ever said that to me, either on the phone or when I dropped the cat off. The fact that they didn't call me to let me know they were unable to groom him also upsets me as he had to sit there in distress for HOURS when I could have gotten a friend to pick him up, or left work myself. The experience was very upsetting for me and my cat. And for the record, I bought trimmers and ended up shaving the dang cat myself and he did GREAT. The groomer also denied that the cat had mats in his fur. When I went to trim the cat myself, not only did I remove at least 10 good size mats, but the hair on his stomach was so tightly matted together (he won't let us touch that area with a brush) that it came off in literal sheets......absurd. I was also really surprised that they didn't ask for any vet records, etc. With so many animals in one tiny place and in and out, I would really worry about the spread of disease etc. Will never return here. read more

So, my parents used to take my little sister's Ragdoll (a longhair breed with a soft and silky coat) cat to be groomed here about once a year. He didn't usually need much, mainly because my sister was pretty good about regularly brushing him out and typically he never really matted. At the most the grooming was mainly just for the bath and the sanitary clip to avoid poop dreads/dingleberries/whatever you wanna call them. So they dropped him off, same instructions as always (bath, brush, sanitary clip) and leave. Few hours later they come to pick up Artemis and he is COMPLETELY SHAVED INTO A LION CUT. SHAVED DOWN TO THE SKIN. EXCEPT FOR HIS HEAD, FEET, AND TIP OF THE TAIL. Lion cut. Ridiculous looking. Needless to say, we weren't happy. At all. When we asked how this happened the only excuse they could offer up was "Oh we confused his grooming instruction paper with a poodle's" or something like that. Are you kidding me? At least have the decency to not make up some bogus excuse. Artemis hid for about two months. His coat never grew back the same because typically when you shave long haired breeds like that it damages the coat and it is never really grows back the same. Whenever he sees a brush he hides, he won't let anybody near him. His coat mats super easily. Now we have a cat that needs to be sedated to be groomed. It sucks. read more

**$10 NAIL CLIPS! WALK-IN!** I came into The Clip Joint broken and scratched from getting a moody kitty into her carrier, but The Clip Joint helped me forget all the sorrow and pain from our morning struggles when they got her nails clipped in 5 minutes flat. They treated her with care and efficiency and kept her calm even as 5 other dogs barked at her. From the way they interacted with the dogs, it was clear they have a bunch of regulars in the neighborhood. No parking lot, but street parking was insanely easy to find. I'll be coming back in 6-8 weeks ;). read more

My Vet recommended this place as a good place to take a cat for a haircut. Ffffiona is a Maine Coon and has problems dealing with the heat (wearing that exquisitely thick fur coat, who wouldn't?) so I brought her in a couple of weeks ago. I had been put off by the reviews, but I made an appointment and brought her in. Things were a little chaotic during intake with the dogs not being happy in carriers and all, and the place isn't clinically spotless (nor should it be, as that breeds superbugs and it isn't a clinic!). I asked them to essentially clip her fur down to "short hair" levels, since she has pale skin and some fur does help keep a cat cool. I had no idea how Ffffiona would react, so I warned them, and headed off to telecommute until they called me back to get her. I returned to a beautifully groomed, now short-haired cat who seemed completely undistressed by the entire situation. She is very plushy, soft, even, symmetrical, and looks teddy-bear cuddly! A heat wave started that day, and she was fine - no panting, no distressed meowwws, and seemed much less stressed overall. She also is no longer constantly grooming since her fur is easier to deal with, and all the mats and mess are gone. I will probably take her back again during the summer for a touch up, but I will certainly bring her back. read more

Julie was absolutely fantastic with my cat! I have a very fluffy, shy cat and took him to the Clip Joint to get a lion cut (not a shave though, I wanted "short hair" length fur left on his body.) This kitty can be quite nervous with new people but Julie had such a great energy about her that he took to her right away. My husband was worried that the cat would turn out looking like some sort of gargoyle-alien creature but Julie took a lot of care to leave enough fur on his body to keep him warm, also hand-trimming the tail and around the "mane" so that he still looks cute and cuddly, with just a lot less fur. A lot of places wont take cats or are really specific about only taking them at certain times. But the Clip Joint worked with me so that I could bring in the cat AFTER the morning rush of dogs and I was able to pick him up after about an hour. You can tell that they really care about the animals under their care, cats and dogs too!! read more

This place is fantastic. I've taken my dog here twice and both times she's come out looking and feeling amazing. Some of the reviewers complain about animal hair, but c'mon, animals get their hair cut there. If you want your animal to get treated like princess; getting painted toe nails, a foot massage, a golden toilet, and a marble kennel, then this might not be the place for you. For anyone else who wants to get their animal groomed with a happy experience all around, this IS the place for you. read more

I rescued my dog, Daisy, a few weeks ago. I took her in today to get her nails clipped (hooray for walk ins!), and Julie did a great job. My dog can be quite timid, but Julie was quick, careful, and very kind to Daisy. I didn't catch the other woman's name, but both she and Julie spent time with Daisy afterwards just talking to her. Such a great place with great people! read more

Jack the cat had some mats on him that I couldn't brush out, so we came here to see Julie and her staff. Wonderful experience! Jack couldn't be happier and the price was reasonable. Easy appointment process via email (which is very helpful to me as I work in one of those nasty "open office" plans). We'll be back. read more

We take our Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats here to be groomed, and we are completely happy with the Clip Joint. The proprietors are incredibly kind and accommodating: our kitties get their bellies shaved(summertime dreadlocks are difficult for at-home grooming) and a good brush-out. Our cats don't necessarily look prettier(a partially shaved cat is a rather pitiful creature to behold), but they feel 100% better, I know. I can't speak to the complaints that other reviewers have posted, as our clear instructions have always been clearly delivered. But as of this date, after at least three visits in the past year and a half, we have been satisfied with- and grateful to- the Clip Joint. I recommend them unreservedly. read more

Julie was absolutely fantastic taking care of our Maddie. She is a large dog suffering from hip, knee issues. Julie and her team gave her the love and care and made her look like a million bucks. Maddie LOVES her new cut and she feels like a pup again. Thanks again Julie read more

I got the princess fluffy, my bichon, groomed here last week. I think she looked just fine but my hubby thinks it's a bit lumpy. I do see a stray long hair on the left eye but I guess hubby plays with her fro and found that it's not even. Friendly staff and reasonable price. Almost half of what Pawsh charged. But Pawsh does do exceptional jobs on my princess. read more

I took my little spaniel to The Clip Joint for the first time today and we couldn't be happier. The dogs are not caged so they can socialize while not being groomed. The environment was calm and organized despite the noise from dryers and the 4 or 5 doggies walking around. There were three people working, so lots of supervision. My baby loves other dogs and is sweet and friendly, but can be a little shy. When I picked her up from another groomer she was unhappy and subdued, but today after a few hours at The Clip Joint she was calm and happy! And her haircut is perfect! Berta was so kind and attentive and did everything I asked. On top of all that, the prices are reasonable. Highly recommended. read more

First the positive: The people that own this place are nice as can be. Now down to the nitty-gritty: 1. The place is just filthy. Dog hair everywhere, plants are covered with it, floor is covered with it. I've seen the grooming room where my dog gets groomed and, although at the end of the day there is quite a bit of hair on the floor, you can tell the place is cleaned on a daily basis. This place looks like is hasn't been cleaned in about a year. How clean could the animals be after leaving??? 2. I had my pup's eyes trimmed here. She used the pointed scissors around her eyes! Um, hello? One squirm and my dog could lose an eye. This did not excite me. Use the rounded, blunted scissors. And clean! 3. The crates that they put the dogs in to dry or wait or whatever are just your average plastic crates that you buy from the pet-store. The type you put *your* dog in, with the crate on the floor. Safely. You do *not* stack these! They could easily topple off the bottom crate should the dog in the top crate move. 4. My neighbors used to take their dog to get groomed and he was a very cute dog, no thanks to his hair-cut. Below average. 5. You would think, since they don't spend money on equipment or cleaning, that the prices would be really cheap. Not so! Very average. 6. This place was so close to me and I couldn't ever see myself having my dog groomed there, no matter how convenient it would have been time-wise. I was *that* unimpressed. I hope that these reviews are not only helpful to the people considering the place but to the owners as well. They are really nice and it would be nice to see them improve things and earn some more business. read more

My goodness, please don't bring your pet there. Filthy dirty shop. Hopefully there are no contagious germs in there. They never asked for a rabies certificate. I offered and they said not to worry about it. Butchered my dog, crazy liars and full of excuses. I asked for a refund on my credit card and the owner claimed she didn't know how to do it. Yet, she's been in business "over 25 years." I walked her through it over the phone. Then, I was told that there was a new groomer there. In the same sentence, she said, I never let dogs out of here without checking the work. I hate to blast a business but this one deserves it. read more

I have a standard poodle who gets groomed here, and we have had very good experiences. I haven't encountered any of the problems that other reviewers have mentioned (overcrowding, filthiness), and the women who run the place are incredibly friendly. My dog gets a great haircut for a reasonable price. read more

I went there today for my very first time. I have two wonderful pugs that become little monsters when it's nail clipping time. I have been looking for a place that : 1- Is patient and gentle with my dogs, 2- does a good job clipping. (Not just taking the tip off the nail) THIS PLACE GETS A TEN ON BOTH COUNTS!! Thank you I will be back. YOU ROCK! read more

I've had my dog groomed here a bunch of times and they usually do a good job. I have found the last few times, however, that they seem to have sooo many dogs in there at once that the quality of my dog's cut is not so hot. I think they're just scrambling to take as many customers as possible, but end up have to rush through their time with each dog. Could also be the case that I've taken mine there on Saturdays, when they tend to be busier - so perhaps if you can take your dog in during the week s/he would get more & better attention :) read more

the 2 women who run this place are great! they're very busy and efficient and reasonably priced. you probably aren't going to get a cut where every hair is perfect and groomed to show-quaility, but you can probably go somewhere else and pay $100+ for that. the clip joint cut will be great. your dog will be clean, trimmed, and happy. i've been taking my dog here for over a year now and they're so consistent and trustworthy. very glad i found them. read more

Char-chi gets her manicures here. In English this means that my cat Charlotte gets her claws clipped here. They do a great job even though she is feisty and it takes two of them to do the job sometimes. Even when two of them have to hold her down, they are gentle and sweet with her. They have the skills to do the job and keep all four eyes intact which earns my respect. That said, I would like to see a pet grooming place that is sparkling clean and antiseptic looking. But I digress. They do a great job on my cat's nails and take her as a walk in and everyone keeps their eyes and everyone is happy. I have dog-owning friends who swear by this place. read more

I have been bringing my little Gigi now for 3 yrs. to the Clip Joint. Julie is excellent and does a great job. She is very caring and kind. Also Berta and Ann are great...All of them do a great job. They are awesome with the animals. They love the animals like it was there own. Anyone who is looking for great grooming for their pets please go to the CLIP JOINT... You won't be sorry.... read more

I have been bringing my cats here for over 20 years now! Exceptional service and grooming by Julie! Whether it's the lion cut for the summer or just a bath and brush out for winter. The prices are great! I would recommend The Clip Joint to anyone read more

I had been taking my cat here for three years. He would just get a trim twice a year -- that's it. He's a Ragdoll cat -- a longhaired breed. Last time I took him here my father brought him home. When I took my cat out of his carrying case, I cried. They SHAVED ALL OF HIS HAIR OFF. Not only did they shave him, they shaved him POORLY. He was shaved unevenly. I called them, outraged (understatement). They told me "Don't worry. His hair will grow back in two months." Whoever I was speaking to tried to sympathize with me by saying, "I remember when I had my cat shaved. I was so sad!" ... Ummm...? So I went back there immediately and demanded a refund. I got it, and asked them why/how the hell they could have been stupid enough to shave my cat after he's been coming here for three years? Apparently there was a switch-up. They confused my cat with a dog. ... Yeah, exactly. I have no idea either. This place is only getting two stars from me because of their service in the past. I don't know who shaved my cat, if it was someone new, but really, it doesn't matter. How could anyone be so stupid? My cat was very sad for a very long time. It was the fall/winter and my cat, used to a thick coat of fur, was freezing/shaking constantly. If you get your pet groomed here, you have a high chance of them not effing it up. But be warned: they CAN and HAVE. read more

I love this place and so does Oatie! They always groom Oatie the way i ask. I love the owner. She is great! Never have trouble scheduling appointments and they always are accommodating our crazy schedule read more

Brought our older long haired cat here for a first time grooming. The place was fantastic! They treated her kindly and paid attention to when she would get really freaked out during parts of the grooming and then would go slow, take it easy with those parts. The cut looks great and I think it will really help my cat with the warmer weather! read more

I get my bunny's nails trimmed here, and they are fabulous. I always call at the last minute, yet they always fit in me in that day, even on a busy Saturday. The owners are incredibly nice, and the prices (for a bunny nail trim) are wonderful. My other groomer used to charge $20 for a nail trim, and Julie only charges me $10. And my bunny is a pill at holding still for a nail trim--once you pick her up it's like the bunny from Monty Python and the Holy Grail times 10. Yet the folks at the Clip Joint are always patient and kind, even as my bunny flips out. I love having this family-owned business right around the corner from me! read more

This past weekend I went to The Clip Joint on Mass Ave, to get my very old Newfoundland dog (13) who has lots of arthritis groomed. We usually set up a two day deal the first day is for brushing out the second for the bath. Julie (The Owner) & also Ann who works with Julie, came up with an idea to go to Ann's backyard for her bath. They hosed her down and everything, they didn't want to put her in any pain by lifting her or having her cramped in their tub. They are truly amazing people, I recommend anyone who needs to get there animals groomed to go there. I also have two other dogs and they are great with them and they always try to go above and beyond what is necessary. When I have had cats that needed grooming they are also amazing with them. They have amazing hearts, I love going to places that aren't just in it for the money that actually care about the animals. read more

Our Shih Tzu, Sparrow, hates being groomed - we've gone through four different groomers trying to find one she would tolerate. But she loved The Clip Joint! They used hand scissoring, not an electric clipper, and it made all the difference. read more

Is this place even open? I've been calling a couple times every day during regular business hours for the last 4 days and there is no voicemail option and no one picks up the phone. I went by the place and no one was in there and there weren't any signs saying they were on vacation. Very weird! :/ I will update if/when I am able to make an appointment. read more

The Clip Joint :exceptional grooming, competitive rates. I have to take exception to Alyna W. comments. Although the building is of older construction. The inside is kept exceptionally clean. This business has existed for over 30 years at the same location. The present owner has been here for 18 years. I know her as an animal lover and a caring individual, she would never let any harm come to your pet. There is nothing but professional grooming done at The Clip Joint read more

My dog looks just adorable after his visits here. I used to have to give him meds to calm him before grooming, but no more. Great place where your pet will always be groomed by the same person. read more

Yes, it's messy - it's full of hair/fur. They aren't making your dinner, they are grooming your pet. Yes, they have very irregular hours, but they call back quickly. The most important thing is they take good care of your pet! My dog loves going there and always comes out looking good. read more

We take our two pugs to get their nails clipped here and she is so amazing with them. One of our pugs goes kind of crazy and she is really patient and never hurts them. And only $20 to get both of them done! Great value and great service! read more

I have had my somewhat nervous cocker spaniel groomed here for over 12 years. She was always beautifully groomed and handled with love and warmth. I always received a million compliments on her appearance after her grooming at the Clip Joint. A great deal of attention was always paid to my instructions to clean her ears and around her eyes where my dog was prone to get infections. After they started cleaning these ares, the problems cleared up. I have always highly recommend Julie, the owner of the Clip joint for her skill and great handling of her clients!!! read more

I keep calling but noone answers. The reviews are mixed so I'll take my precious pup somwhere else. I'm sure the owners are nice but they need to take a customer service class. Get an answering machine and be open. read more

Julie is amazing with dogs. I have gone to her for years and years. My dogs have loved going there. She also trimmed my cat's and bunny's nails. read more

I have a long hair calico cat who needed a summer cut and my groomer at Petco was gone, so I decided to try the Clip Joint. Even though, it is a small place, they have easy parking on Mass Ave. right in front. I was a little nervous going in, and they were very busy grooming dogs, but I was so pleased with the job they did cutting her hair and clip her nails. She was pleased also. I will definitely go back next season! Thank you. read more

I have an old poodle with health problems and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. The groomer is careful with him and is willing to make accommodations for his needs. And he comes out looking and smelling great. read more