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Happy Bernedoodle transforming boredom into adventure via Madison dog hiking transport to River Paws' exclusive wilderness grounds.
Professional Grooming Since 2017

Dog GroomingMadisonProfessional Grooming Services

Right on the North Madison border, 15 minutes from downtown, and 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Park. Professional grooming with the personalized care big-box stores can't match.

A happy Bernese Mountain Dog mix wearing a green bandana after grooming at River Paws in Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Dog Owners Ask

Where exactly is River Paws located for Madison dog owners?

We're located right on the border of North Madison and Waunakee—about 15 minutes from central Madison via Highway 113 (Northport Drive). For families in Sherman, Northport, Cherokee, Maple Bluff, or the isthmus, we're an easy, straight shot north.

The Yahara Heights Connection

We're literally 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Park—one of the best off-leash parks in Dane County with 20 acres of woods and open fields. Many Madison families combine a morning at the park with a grooming appointment. Your dog runs, plays, gets muddy... then comes to us for a bath. It's become a whole Saturday routine for some regulars.

Perfect for Cherokee Marsh Adventurers

If your dog loves Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, you know how messy they can get—especially during spring thaw or after rain. We're used to post-adventure dogs. Mud, burrs, that mysterious swamp smell... we've seen it all. Bring them dirty; we'll send them home fresh.

What Makes Us Different

Unlike high-volume pet store groomers, we see fewer dogs per day. That means:

  • Less waiting – Your dog isn't crated for hours before or after their groom
  • Less stress – A calmer environment with fewer barking dogs
  • More attention – Our groomers aren't rushing to hit quotas
  • Better communication – We actually talk to you about what your dog needs

Great for Anxious Dogs

If your dog has had stressful grooming experiences at high-volume salons, you'll notice the difference here. We go slow when needed, take breaks, and never force a dog through something they're clearly terrified of. Some of our most loyal Madison clients started with nervous dogs who'd been traumatized elsewhere.

Ready to try us out? Book your first appointment and see why Madison families keep coming back.

Right Next to Yahara Heights Dog Park

We're 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Park—close enough that some clients walk their dogs over after an off-leash session. Muddy from Cherokee Marsh? Wet from swimming in the Yahara River? Drop off your adventurous pup, grab a coffee, and pick them up fresh, clean, and smelling significantly better.

We're right on the North Madison/Waunakee border, serving families from Maple Bluff, Sherman, Northport, Cherokee, and beyond. About 15 minutes from central Madison via Highway 113.

Why Madison Families Choose River Paws

We're right on the North Madison border—close to everything, but with the personalized attention you won't find at high-volume salons.

15 minutes from central Madison

Straight shot up Highway 113 (Northport Drive). Families from Sherman, Northport, Cherokee, Maple Bluff, and the isthmus are here in no time.

No assembly-line grooming

We see fewer dogs per day than most salons. That means less stress for your dog, more attention from the groomer, and better results. Quality over quantity.

Great with nervous dogs

If your dog has had bad grooming experiences before, we're happy to go slow. Some of our most loyal regulars started as anxious messes. Patience is part of the job.

Ready to Book?

We're right on the North Madison border—15 minutes from downtown, steps from Yahara Heights Dog Park. Professional grooming without the big-box chaos.

Located at 5305 W River Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597

Call us at (608) 571-PAWS to schedule your appointment

Dog Grooming in Madison, WI | Trusted Since 2017 | River Paws