Where every paw is essential.
Family-run dog and cat grooming in Santee, with the nails, ears and glands included in every bath.
Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm · Grooming is by appointment
Winner, 2023
since
in the salon
all coat types
never a franchise
Self-serve dog wash
Wash your own dog here. $20.
Skip the wet bathroom floor and the clogged drain. Bring your dog to the salon, give them a bath in our tub, and leave the hair, the water and the mess with us.
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
9225 Carlton Hills Blvd, Ste 22
Come by any time during self-wash hours, or call ahead if you want to be sure a tub is free.
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
$20, you wash, we clean up
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. A full clean-up from nose to tail, with the extras already in the price.
What’s included
- Bath and blow-dry
- Full brush out
- Nail trim
- Sanitary and paw-pad shave
- Feet trim, if needed
- Ears wiped
- Anal glands, if needed
- Cologne and a bandana or bows
Bath & Haircut
The full groom. Everything in the Bath, plus a whole-body haircut finished by hand.
What’s included
- Everything in the Bath
- Whole-body haircut in your dog’s breed style, or the length you ask for
- Finished by hand with scissors, not just clippers
- Face, feet and tail shaped to match
- Cologne and a bandana or bows
Wash & Go
One wash, towel dry, done. A quick freshen-up between full grooms.
What’s included
- One wash with towel dry (your dog goes home damp)
- Add a blow-dry for $10
- No nails, ears or glands — add those as walk-in extras
- Prefer to do it yourself? See the $20 self-serve wash
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.
And we are a family. Pat has been grooming for 49 years, her daughter Jessica grew up in her salon and runs it today, and every groomer here treats your dog the way they treat their own.
Recent grooms
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.
Eight groomers, one family, and more than a century of experience between us. Our story →
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 practice their craft and their love for animals.
Pat
I am a semi-retired groomer of 49 years. I have been teaching Sunday school for 30 years and I do puppetry and balloon animals. I am a grandmother of four beautiful children and Jessica’s mom! I love greeting the clients and being able to help where needed in the salon. I am usually the first face they see as they walk into the salon and I love getting to know each and every one of them.
Paula
Paula started her grooming career in 2006, learning from the ground up. She was taught the old-school style of grooming, so she is proficient in poodle and breed-style trims and full scissor cuts. She still has clients who started with her as puppies — now they are growing old together. Paula is also one of our cat groomers.
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 favorite 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.
Nicole
Nicole is an avid dog lover who enjoys making “let’s go get a bath!” a favorite phrase in your pet’s life. She strives to create a positive experience from the very first interaction — puppies and seniors are some of her favorites to work with. Any coat type, any size, any temperament, she will do her very best to give your dog the shiniest coat and the happiest wagging tail!
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?
Can I wash my own dog there?
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 directions
Santee, CA 92071
Grooming by appointment
Fri & Sat, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Nails, ears and glands only
$20 per dog
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.
