Your dog leaves looking like someone took their time.
A family-run salon in Santee with more than 100 years of grooming experience under one roof. Full scissor cuts, fine detail, and a bath where the nails, ears and glands are already included.
Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm · Grooming is by appointment
Winner, 2023
since
in the salon
all coat types
never a franchise
No add-on menu
The nails, ears and glands are already in the price.
Plenty of salons quote you a bath, then charge separately for the nails, then the ears, then the glands. Ours come together. The price you book is the price you pay.
At the salon
Grooming by appointment, six days a week.
Baths and haircuts are booked ahead, and nails, ears and glands are walk-in with no appointment at all. Whichever you need, you will get a straight answer on price before anything starts.
8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Fri & Sat 2–5 pm
or call the shop
This month at the salon
Non-anesthetic teeth cleaning is here.
We have teamed up with Breath Savers Pet Dental Care for a one-day clinic. No anesthesia and no sedation — just a gentle, thorough cleaning while your pet stays awake and comfortable.
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
$25 deposit to hold your slot
Booked by phone only
Dog grooming
Prices, by size.
Grooming is by appointment. Every price is a starting price — the final cost depends on your dog’s breed and the condition of their coat.
Bath
No haircut. Bath, brush out, nails, sanitary and paw-pad shave, feet trim if needed, ears wiped, glands if needed.
Bath & Haircut
The full groom. Bath, nails, whole-body haircut finished by hand, ears wiped, glands if needed.
Wash & Go
One wash, towel dry, done. Your dog goes home damp. Good for a quick freshen-up between full grooms. Add a blow-dry for $10.
Add-ons
Added to any bath or groom.
We also sell Vectra, a 30-day flea and tick treatment, for $25 in the salon. We do not offer de-matting or hand-stripping.
No appointment needed
Walk in for nails, ears and glands.
Quick jobs do not need a booking. Come by during walk-in hours and we will take care of it while you wait.
Walk-in hours
Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Yes, we groom cats
Cats are welcome here, and we mean it.
Plenty of salons turn cats away or rush them through. We take our time, work at your cat’s pace, and handle long coats without a fight.
Why people drive across town
We finish every cut with pride.
With more than a century of combined grooming experience behind us, our salon is built on generations of knowledge, skill and a genuine love for what we do. That experience shows in every groom, from the smallest detail to the finished look.
We are knowledgeable in all breed cuts. Our team is proficient in finishing every groom by hand. Because when it comes to your dog, the details matter.
Straight from our Instagram
The work speaks for itself.
Real dogs, groomed here, posted as they leave. Every one goes home brushed out, trimmed, smelling good and wearing a bandana or bows.
Meet the team
The people who will be holding your dog.
Jessica Dombroski
Jessica has been in a grooming salon since she was a little girl. Her mom Pat took her back to the shop every day after school, and owning her own salon became the dream she carried for life. Between four kids, a husband of 21 years and ministry at her church, it seemed impossible — until 2021, when she took over Essential Grooming. Her goal was a safe, fun place for animals and staff alike, where people can practise their craft and their love for animals.
Pat
Jessica’s mother, and the reason any of this exists. Pat has been grooming for 49 years and is still on the floor most days — the largest share of the salon’s hundred-plus years of experience.
Jasmine
Hello! I’m Jasmine and I’ve always loved animals and caring for them, so what better way to do it than at Essential Grooming! I’ve had the pleasure of growing my career and becoming a groomer for over three years here at Essential. I’m always excited to see my recurring and new pups come in!
Sarah
Bubbly, sweet, silly and ready to make puppies of all types cuter than cute! She loves doing plush teddy bear cuts, donut muzzles, and full-hand scissors. Sarah’s favourite breed of dog is the Shiba Inu.
Victoria
Hi! My name is Victoria and I’ve always loved animals and enjoyed caring for them. I love getting to know each dog and their personality and making sure they feel safe, comfortable and cared for. I’ve learned so much during my time at Essential Grooming and can’t wait to keep learning, growing and seeing more of your pups!
Kathleen
Kathleen has been working and training at Essential Grooming since May of 2024! She’s finishing out her high-school career and trying to come to work every chance she gets! She loves being a friendly face to greet each pup and parent that walks through our doors, to help them in any way she can.
What Santee says
Voted a Santee Favorite.
Essential Grooming & Wellness won Santee Favorites in 2023, and word of mouth has done the rest.
Santee Favorites · Winner 2023
Before you book
The questions we get asked most.
How does booking online work?
Do I need to bring vaccination records?
Which size should I book for my dog?
Is a deposit required?
What happens if I need to cancel?
Can I walk in without an appointment?
My dog is matted. Can you help?
Do you groom cats?
Can I text you?
How do I pay?
Visit us
Carlton Oaks Plaza, Santee.
Same plaza as the Santee Library, Janet’s Cafe and Kaffee Meister. Easy parking right out front.
Get directionsSantee, CA 92071
Grooming by appointment
Fri & Sat, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nails, ears and glands only
Let’s get your dog on the books.
Book online in about a minute, or call and talk to someone in the shop. Either way you will get a straight answer on price before anything starts.
