1. Trying to get ahold of these people was nearly impossible. 2. Setting up an appointment for a simple cut? 2 weeks out. 3. Need to see papers for "rabies shots" - excuse me, but if my animal had rabies, don't you think I'd know it by now? 4. Online prices are false. Do yourself a favor & avoid trying to even make an appointment, it's easier to get into Fort Knox. read more

Ok... so we've got a feisty little pup, who seems to have the uncanny ability to embarrass whenever the occasion arises. For example when he sat in his own "droppings" on the way in to his first visit to Vanity Fur. Now I would have understood if they would have told me to get out and to take my stinky dog with me. But they couldn't have been nicer about it. The service is top notch and my pooch always comes out sparkling. We'll definitely be going back to Vanity Fur. read more

I have never written a poor review. Check out Yelp for my positive reviews. Vanity Fur has just lost a 4 year customer. I am writing this as a warning as I will not be returning. Today, upon entering their tight quarters, a dog who had just finished getting its nails clipped near the desk, lunged with an open mouth and aggressive move toward our rough collie. I jetted out my knee to attempt to block the aggressive dog probably at the same time it's owner pulled the dog out the door. My knee hurt for a few moments but I was concerned about my dog. There was fresh blood on my collie's face/nose area. There was a drop of blood on the floor. The groomer thought the blood may have come from the other dog. Look- an unexpected off the street nail customer is unpredictable and thus, things happen. However, when I said that owner and dog should never be allowed back, I was then told 'aggressive dogs deserve grooming.' A customer and their dog deserve to walk in for their appointments without fear of what's behind the door. Vanity Fur advised me they knowingly allow aggressive dogs in their establishment. Their policies of ensuring a safe (and pleasant) visit for others is an 'accident' waiting to happen. Their current stance is they will let the aggressive dog in and lock the door while they put it in a crate. How about times designated for these dogs? Or pushing back their desk for more space? You may wish to inquire more about their welcoming aggressive dogs to their establishment. The groomer advised no scratches or nicks visible with our collie. The fresh blood apparently did come from the other dog. I asked for a comp after they rang me up-advising I would pay and tip the groomer but the Manager declined. I was told Vanity Fur wasn't to be blamed for an aggressive dog and that the blood must have been on the other dog in the first place. Also told I was 'emotional'. Yea, seeing blood on my dog's face has a tendency to make a customer a little dissatisfied with the experience. Poor customer service loses customers. Poor safety policies can lose pets. read more

Cori is the absolute best! We take our Persian cat to her for grooming multiple times a year, and wouldn't ever consider going anywhere else. She has such a calming nature with pets & is so pleasant to talk to. If you are thinking of taking your pet for grooming services, absolutely go to Vanity Fur! read more

Vanity Fur was the perfect place for our puppy's first time at the groomer! Welcomed by an extremely kind and welcoming staff, Ellie had an amazing experience without breaking mom's bank! read more

Best place in Shorewood to take your four-legged friend. My Yorkie despises any grooming outfit but she is always returned looking smart and sassy in a new cut, and is never shaking with fear (as experienced everywhere else). The team there is kind, patient and professional, I feel good about bringing my dear furry there. Hard to get an appointment, book in advance. read more

Short version: took my cat in for a lions cut told them not to shave his tail after they asked me if they should. They did it anyway. The shaving caused irritation which led to Koda attacking his tail, which led to amputation. Cori won't take responsibility for her employees actions. I truly believe they don't care about the well being of their clients pets- just a quick buck. Long version-i took my cat Koda in to be groomed, both the groomer and I decided a lions cut would be best for him. She asked me if I'd want the tail to be shaved and styled with a tuff at the end or left alone. I said leave it alone. Admittedly, as I drove away I thought "maybe I should have had it shaved after all. Oh well" this is a sentiment I shared with the groomer at pick up. AFTER she decided to shave Koda's tail because she found its what makes cats more comfortable anyway. Although uncommon, the shaving caused an irritation in Koda's tail which led him to attack himself. I came home to find my cat bleeding and had to take him to the vet for emergency care. I contacted the business and asked them to have Cori contact me. 2 days passed and hadn't heard back. Contacted them again and was told cori would contact me Tuesday. Tuesday comes around 10:30am I come home to find my cat in a pool of his own blood. He managed to take his cone off and reopen his wounds. I take care of him first and then call vanity fur and demand Cori contact me asap. She calls an hour later while I'm dropping Koda off at the vet and attempts to deflect blame. Koda needed a partial amputation on his tail, I emailed Cori with an update. Her words: "I would like to start by saying that I am very sad to hear that Koda's tail had to be partially amputated. I have given the situation considerable thought and spoken to the vet at Mayfair Animal Hospital whom agreed that there is no liability on our part for the negative behavioral action of Koda. When we ask owners if they would like the tail shaved or left, it is strictly aesthetics. When presented with a situation such as Koda's where the hair is matted and the animal is becoming stressed out, we sometimes have to make split second decisions that are in the best interest of the animals health and well being. Although Koda's tail itself may or may not not have been matted, the thickness of the dead undercoat would have required a considerable amount of time and discomfort to remove. You yourself stated upon pick up "oh good, I debated if I should have had it shaved after all." The groomer was in no way under the impression that you were disappointed in the service. I feel as though our groomers took great care in achieving the best grooming outcome possible for Koda. No negligence or harm was brought about by our staff and we could have in no way anticipated Koda's behavioral reaction. " My response: "I spoke with Koda's vet -Dr.Rana at Bayshore Veterinary Clinic, he said although it's uncommon he believes the tail shaving caused irritation which caused the initial attack on his own tail. Fortunately he doesn't believe there will be long term effects and hopes that once he heals it will be end of that. Your groomers split decision was clearly not in the best interest of my animals health or well being. My comments at pick-up doesn't change the fact that a choice was made without my permission. If your groomer would have called me and informed me on the state of his tail and I would have given the go ahead it would be a completely different situation. If I would have called at any point while he was in your care and said " hey! I thought about it, maybe you should go ahead and shave the tail" we would also be in a completely different situation. The fact of the matter is that an action was taken without my permission which resulted in an amputated tail. Although it's uncommon, it's possible. I am a strong supporter of small local businesses, and it's very disappointing that you won't at least apologize. I honestly don't know what else to say. " DON'T TAKE YOUR PET THERE! read more

I have a 15 year old dog that has back and skin issues. I was using a mobile groomer the past few years because of his age and anxiety issues but they had no availability on nights and weekends. I took him to Vanity Fur for the 1st time and they were amazing. They were so caring and went out of their way to make sure he was comfortable. They offered all sorts of good advice on his skin issues. Wish I knew about them 15 years earlier. Best cut he has ever had! read more

My wife and I have been taking our cat here for about a year now and have had only the best service possible. Yes, some times they are over whelmed by clients; however, I think that speaks volumes to their service. They are quick and very helpful. read more

RUDE RUDE RUDE. I took my dog there twice and found the simple haircut my dog received fair, but nothing to brag about. On the third appointment, I was greated by the owner, Corey, and she was so rude I turned around and walked out. To explain, I had a 9am appointment, but I was running late. I called Corey to ask whether they could still take the appointment, and I was told they could. I arrived at 9:15am and was immediately SHOUTED at by Corey. I did not respond, I simply turned on my heels and walked out, never to return. I don't want my sensitive dog around that hateful energy! read more

Stacie, so glad that you posted about your dogs skin infection. I am experiencing something very similar with my dogs.I began bringing our dogs here in August and I also thought the short visit was strange. Visits were less than 2 hours where other groomers It would take about 4-6. On Monday I dropped my dog off for a bath and not even an hour and fifteen minutes later I got a call that she was done. Two days later my dog is itching all the time and has scabs all over and her hair is falling out, it's also painful when we touch/pet the affected areas. At first I thought she might have picked up fleas but nope, it is from the grooming...something happened at this grooming appointment and I'm 100% sure she has a skin infection. We are calling our vet tomorrow, I'm sure she will need antibiotics or something to get rid of it. Just can't believe that a $30 haircut turns into a vet bill and medications. I really wanted to like this place, it's cute and in a great location. Come to think of it, they have also been really rude or it seemed like no one knew what is going on when I call. Vanity fur has lost our business. read more

We have a 95 pound German Shepherd and she does NOT like to be left with strangers. Boy oh boy, does she sing a song. Darcy and Natalie have handled my monster beautifully each time we have visited. I'm thrilled with their patience and the way they communicate. I received a call before Maya was finished drying so I could pick her up as soon as she was through, so she wouldn't have to hit the kennel. That's good service. I see some negative reviews on here about dogs being really freaked out and nervous... When an animal loves its owner, this type of thing freaks them out. Loud dryer, kennels, small space, lights, sheesh, it makes ME nervous. I have a hard time holding this against them. I know all dogs are different, but so are their owners. Yes, dogs have a keen sense and can sometimes pick up on negativity or ill will, but I really don't get that vibe here. I very much appreciate the help bathing and trimming my dog and showing that appreciation to folks performing this difficult service can go a long way. Thanks team. Will be back, if you'll have us! read more

I would never take my dog there for anything. First of all, I called to make an appointment, left a message and never received a call back. I called again a couple of weeks later and was rudely told that I don't need an appointment for that type of service. Then, I asked how late they were open on Saturday in which they replied with an unsure, possible 3pm. I decided I'll give it another shot and just take my Basset Hound there for a nail trim which did not go over well. We walked in, the "groomer" looked at us with annoyance as she was getting ready to groom another dog, no hello, no welcome. I said I wanted a nail trim, so she takes the little Pomranian and chucks it into a cage, stomps over and picks up my dog in the most aggressive manner. I was beside myself. Never. Again. Worst customer service. Im also cocerned about the pets and the treatment they receive while owners are not around. read more

I only took my dog here one time, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I'll never take her back. Anyone who cares about their pet would be wise to steer clear of Vanity Fur, as their poor "bedside manner" with dogs is only surpassed by their inability to follow the simplest instructions regarding their grooming. They cut my dog's hair despite my explicit instructions not to, and what's worse, they put a muzzle on my dog without asking, and the marks on her nose didn't go away for at least four hours. It must have been on there pretty tight. Poor puppy. I adopted a two year old border aussie from the Humane Society about nine months ago, and she's had a rough past (I suspect someone treated her quite badly). As a result, she's awfully shy when meeting strangers, but she's seriously the sweetest dog I've ever met. When I took her in for a consultation with Vanity Fur, I was surprised at how brusquely they treated her, as Julie the groomer started pulling on the hair around her backside without even introducing herself to the dog first (and this was after me telling her about my dog's past). Of course, my dog yelped, and Julie didn't even seem disturbed. I don't know why I didn't get the hint then, and opt out of making an appointment. Instead, I told her that the dog needed a simple bath, and that I didn't want her to cut any hair. I specifically told her not to touch my dog's tail, as I think it's easily her cutest feature. When I went to pick my dog up after her bath, I was so dismayed. They had trimmed her ears, the hair on her back, and her tail. She went from looking like a border collie mix to looking like a lab (no offense to labs, it's just that I didn't want her hair cut at all). What's worse, Julie nonchalantly mentioned that my dog was so agitated that she needed a muzzle (as I mentioned above). Now, Julie was well aware of my dog's past, and she had no right to restrain my dog in any way--especially without my consent. Her vets have had to do worse than give her a bath, and she's never needed restraint. She's a perfectly sweet puppy, you just have to be nice to her to gain her trust. It breaks my heart to think that I willingly took my dog to that place and paid for those "professionals" to continue the abuse she endured as a young dog. It took almost a full week for her to start behaving like herself again, as this experience seriously traumatized her. She deserves better than that ... all dogs do. Shame on you, Julie at Vanity Fur, you are in the wrong business. read more

One of the workers there SCREAMED at me because I was late bringing my cat to the appointment. I was going to leave thinking that they did not have the time then this woman told me that they did not have any appointments after mine and could take the cat. They do good work but it is not worth the abusive language. read more

The owner and groomer, Cori, is great. Pleasant, efficient, caring to the dogs. And she does great grooming. I like the fact that she does her grooming on a table right in the middle of the shop, and the wire crates for the dogs "on deck" are right behind her. I have a Havanese and he always comes out looking great. If I have suggestions for next time she always accommodates. The place is clean and has good energy. Very convenient location too. On Oakland between Kensington and Lake Bluff. read more

You don't have to read very far into the reviews to see the biggest problem with this place is the terrible customer service. Rude, Rude, Rude. The groom was 'fine' but I prefer to give my business to people who seem to want it. read more

I LOVE Vanity Fur! The groomers are caring and always treat my dog with respect! By far the best grooming service around! I noticed in another posting a comment about bitter apple...I know for a fact that the dog who sits in the window belongs to a groomer at the shop and she uses the bitter apple as a training technique when her dog barks and was given this advice by her dog trainer. I fully trust the girls at Vanity Fur and know that they always have my dogs best interest at heart, they are professional and I think that it is a good thing you are unable to just walk in with your dog and get a grooming the same day! I believe that means they are doing something right, because their serivices are in high demand!! AGAIN, love love love this place! Would never go anywhere else!! read more

The people here are kind to my intense, cute Jack Russell. Good groomers.

I am a bit conflicted about this groomer. On one hand, the outcome of the actual cut was pretty good. However it takes forever for them to respond to online inquires or email requests for appointments. In addition, my dog ended up having an eye and ear infection after being groomed there. While I can't say that they caused the infections, It is suspicious that the infection occurred within a day of being groomed. I'm not sure if I plan to return to them even though their location is extremely convenient for me. read more

Absolutely horrible service. Rude. Rude. Rude. The women who work at this grooming business are without a doubt the most inconsiderate individuals. My wonderful puppy was traumatized after his grooming, he looked nice, but did not calm down for the rest of the day. The price was much to high, the service was very rude and impersonal. read more

My 9 year old grouchy Bassett Hound usually hates getting his nails clipped (to the point of needing a muzzle and 2 people for the job) so I had always taken him to our vet. This last time, though, I had no time for the vet and I thought I'd give Vanity Fur a try since they're just right up the street. It was easy to make an appointment, and to my surprise, no muzzle was needed this time. He still didn't like the whole process, but he tolerated it without acting out and causing havok. Plus, it was only $9! My vet charges $20. The store itselv was super cute with lots of nice products and it didn't smell like a dog groomer. Clean, affordable, friendly. 2 thumbs up! read more

I took my dog to be groomed, simple bath and nail clip. The place was loud, chaotic and way too many barking, yelping, unhappy sounding dogs. My dog did come out well groomed but was extremely agitated and couldn't wait to get out of there. She didn't even want the treat I brought for her. She is a super calm, mellow dog but the high level of noise and activity in such a small space would be too much for anyone. Not sure why this place got such good reviews; maybe I was just there on an off day. read more

These bad reviews are absurd. The owner is AWESOME first of all. All of the groomers there are super sweet. They take dogs in by APPOINTMENTS so there isn't a ton of animals in the back stressing each other out. As soon as they are done they give you a call. I've never had a problem with this place. A lot of people get so offended when a groomer says your dog was ill tempered. They will act different under a dryer and clippers of course! The groomers groom out front for everyone to see, nothing is behind closed doors. These reviews make me so mad because this place is seriously great and I can tell by most of the reviews, it's just the owners because their reasons are silly and they totally flipped the story around or made it seem so dramatic. Yes accidents do and will happen anywhere. A lot of dog owners can be very rude and dramatic. GIVE THIS PLACE A CHANCE. read more

I think they do a wonderful job. Dog owners have to take some responsibility when it comes to there dogs/ cats coats. I have read everyone's review and it sounds like some people just cant be pleased. If you don't brush your dogs coats then they get matted. The groomers feel over the dogs to make sure that isn't an issue. If they do find matting its because THE OWNER ISN'T BRUSHING THEIR DOG. It is not the grooming fault. they can only do what the hair and your dog allow. Lets see would you rather they pull and rip out your dogs hair or shave it off. No matter where you go including Vanity Fur they strive to do whats best for the dog. If your dogs mean it gets muzzled. As dog owners we don't ask our dogs to let us do things such as plucking ear hair, doing the nails, stand extremely still so they can take sharp tools and make them look like we want, we just get to love on them. I know that if I was a groomer and your dog tried to bite my hand off I would muzzle it too. Why should i get bit from your dog just for doing what you asked for? Every dog owner on here that thinks its so simple and your dog is a perfect little angel, go to petco get yourself some grooming tools and try it yourself. Guarantee you'll either get bit, cut your dog, or just realize its a lot harder then it looks. I can say this without a dought because i've tried it on my shit zu and after he bit me I gracefully picked up the phone called Vanity Fur and made an apt for him for 2 days later. read more