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A happy Bernedoodle at River Paws, professional dog grooming in Madison, WI.
Professional Grooming Since 2017

Dog GroomingMadisonProfessional Grooming Services

Professional dog grooming in Madison, WI—right on the North Madison border, 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Park, with the personalized care big-box stores can't match.

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

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, on the city's north edge 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 spots in Dane County, and an easy landmark for finding us. Being right there means we know North Madison's outdoor dogs well, but whether your pup is a trail regular or a total homebody, they get the same unhurried, full-service groom. We groom by appointment, Monday through Friday.

Every Coat, Every Dog

From a doodle that needs a tidy to a shepherd blowing its coat, a nervous rescue to a wiggly puppy, we groom them all—full-service, breed-specific, at your dog's pace. And if your pup does come home from Yahara Heights covered in mud and burrs, that's no problem either: bring them however they are, and 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 sitting around 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.

More Questions from Madison Dog Owners

Pricing is based on your dog's weight and coat type, so we weigh every dog at each visit—no flat-rate guesswork. You'll get an honest estimate before we start, with no surprise charges and no mystery services.
We're by appointment only—no walk-ins—and new clients start with a quick grooming application, with a credit card to hold the spot. Need your dog in sooner? Give us a call; when the schedule allows, we'll do our best to work you in on short notice. Keeping our days smaller than the big-box salons is on purpose, so yours gets real attention, not an assembly line.
Bring proof of current Rabies, Distemper/DHPP, and Bordetella. We'll weigh your dog, look over the coat, and talk through exactly what they need before any clippers come out. Plan on 2 to 4 hours—we never rush, because a calm dog gets a better groom—then pick up a clean, happy pup.
Full-service grooming by appointment. The two main options are a Bath and Brush (premium bath, blow-out, brush-out, nail trim, and ear cleaning) or a Full Service Groom, which adds a breed-specific haircut. We also do de-shedding for heavy coats, nail trims, and add-ons like teeth brushing and sanitary trims.
Yes to both. Gentle puppy grooming can start at 12 weeks, once the initial vaccines are done. And if your dog gets anxious, we take it slow—patient handling is the whole point of how we groom. Big or small, fancy or first-timer, every Madison dog is welcome.

Right on Madison's North Edge

Most North Madison dogs come to us for the everyday done well—a clean bath and blow-out, a breed-specific cut, tidy nails and ears, a de-shedding treatment when the coat calls for it. We do it with patience and premium products, and we take fewer dogs a day than the big-box salons, so yours is never rushed through an assembly line. We're also 500 feet from Yahara Heights, so we know the trail-and-river coats too—but adventure dog or lapdog, every North Madison pup gets the royal treatment.

We're right on the North Madison/Waunakee border, serving families across North Madison—Cherokee, Northport, Sherman, Maple Bluff, and beyond—just up Highway 113 (Northport Drive).

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.

Right on Madison's doorstep

We're on the North Madison border via Highway 113 (Northport Drive)—for Cherokee, Northport, Sherman, and the north side, we're practically in the neighborhood.

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.

What Madison Owners Say

“Just had my fur baby's nails trimmed here this morning. Very prompt and professional — they have a camera in the grooming area so I could watch. So caring and patient with my very squirmy dachshund. I'll be coming here from now on!”

— Laura Strebe, Madison

“The groomer was gentle, experienced, and took time with Leona. Amanda and Chloe are exceptional with all the dogs. Looking forward to next week with grooming and hikes!”

— Maria Antoinette Cannarella, Madison

Visit Us — 500 Feet from Yahara Heights

You'll find River Paws just over the North Madison line, on Waunakee's south edge along the Yahara River.

  • Address: 5305 River Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597
  • Phone: (608) 571-7297
  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (by appointment; closed weekends)
Get Directions

While you're here...

Meet the Team & See Our Work

The River Paws team out with a happy pack of dogs.

The crew! 🐾❤️

Meet Our Team

The patient, dog-loving people who'll be caring for your pup.

Meet the Pack Leaders
A freshly groomed Goldendoodle at River Paws, dog grooming in Madison, WI.

Freshly fluffed! 🐾

See Our Recent Grooms

Real dogs, real results—browse fresh-from-the-salon smiles from around Madison.

Browse the Gallery

Ready to Book?

We're right on the North Madison border, steps from Yahara Heights Dog Park via Highway 113. Professional grooming without the big-box chaos.

Located at 5305 River Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597

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