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

Every Tail GetsThe Royal Treatmentat River Paws Dog Grooming

✨Professional Grooming Since 2017
❀️Trusted by 2,000+ Local Families
🏠Locally Owned & Operated
⭐5.0 β˜… Google Rating
βœ“Licensed & Fully Insured
← drag to explore β†’

Patient groomers. Premium products. Dogs who actually enjoy their spa day.We take the time other places won'tβ€”because a calm pup means a beautiful groom.Professional dog grooming near you!

🐾 From Booking to Beautiful

Your Grooming Journey

See exactly what to expect when you bring your pup for grooming

1
Step 1

Book Your Appointment

Choose your service and schedule online or by phone:

πŸ›Bath & Brush
βœ‚οΈFull Groom
2
Step 2

Arrive & Check In

Drop-off is easy at our convenient location:

  • Convenient parking
  • Warm greeting
  • Quick health check
5305 River Road, Waunakee
3
Step 3

We Weigh Your Pup

Price is based on weight β€” bigger pups need more time:

XS9-10 lbs
Small11-30 lbs
Medium31-60 lbs
Large61-90 lbs
XL91-120 lbs
Giant121+ lbs
πŸ’‘ We weigh every visit β€” always fair pricing!
4
Step 4

We Assess the Coat

Coat type also affects time and price:

Basic Coat

Hairless, Smooth, Short, Medium

Thick Coat

Corded, Wire, Double, Curly, Long

We'll discuss special needs and give an estimated price before we begin.

5
Step 5

The Pampering Begins!

Dog enjoying bath at River Paws
πŸ› Bath & Brush
  • Premium Bath & Conditioning
  • Blow Out
  • Brush Out
  • Nail Trim
  • Ear Cleaning
Gentle Saint Bernard getting pampered with professional grooming at River Paws
βœ‚οΈ Full Service Groom
  • Full Body Haircut
  • Premium Bath & Conditioning
  • Blow Out & Brush Out
  • Nail Trim
  • Ear Cleaning
Cheerful Bernedoodle enjoying gentle expert grooming services at River Paws
🐾 Γ€ La Carte
  • Pawdicure (Nails + Grind + Ears)
  • Nail Trim or Nail Grind
  • Teeth Brushing
  • Anal Gland Expression
  • Sanitary Trim

🎁 Add-Ons & Extras

Customize your pup's experience with these extras

🐾PawdicureNails + Grind + Ears
🐩Nail TrimQuick trim
πŸ•Nail GrindSmooth finish
πŸͺ₯Teeth BrushingFresh breath
🩺Anal GlandsExpression
βœ‚οΈSanitary TrimHygiene cut

✨ Special Packages Available

Ask about our Monthly, Premium, Deluxe, and Supreme specials when booking!

Ask About Specials

Ready to Start Your Pup's Journey?

Your Trusted Grooming Partners

It started with one simple belief: dogs deserve groomers who actually like dogs. Not just tolerate themβ€”genuinely enjoy working with them. Since 2017, that philosophy has turned first-time visitors into regulars, and nervous pups into spa-day enthusiasts. We're proud to serve families from Waunakee, Madison, Middleton, DeForest, Sun Prairie, and beyond.

We believe every dog deserves personalized attention, stress-free experiences, and owners who can trust their furry family members are in the best hands. That's why we've built our reputation on transparency, compassion, and expertise.

3000+
Happy Dogs Groomed
8
Years of Excellence

What Sets Us Apart:

  • Gentle, patient approach tailored to each dog's comfort level
  • Experienced, trained professional groomers
  • Premium, pet-safe grooming products
  • Personalized attention for each dog's unique needs
Joyful Golden Retriever celebrating with skilled grooming serving Middleton families at River Paws

Gentle care, happy dogs.

R
P
Professional Groomers
Since 2017

Why Choose River Paws?

We're not a grooming factory. Here, your dog gets the time and attention they deserveβ€”not a rushed assembly line.

Experienced & Gentle Team

Our team has seen every coat type, every temperament, and every wiggle-filled bath. Does your dog hide when they hear "bath"? We get it. Our groomers are experts at reading body language, taking breaks when needed, and turning nervous energy into tail wags.

Complete Transparency

No surprise charges, no mystery services. We'll explain exactly what your dog needs, show you any problem areas, and give you an honest estimate before we start.

Premium Products

Salon-quality shampoos, conditioners, and tools that make coats shine and skin happy. We're picky about products so your pup gets the best.

Convenient Location

Located on the edge of Waunakee and Madison, we're an easy drive from Middleton, DeForest, and Sun Prairie. Plus, we're just 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Parkβ€”perfect for post-adventure cleanups!

Conveniently Located Next to Yahara Heights Dog Park

Just 500 feet from Yahara Heights' 20-acre off-leash area, we're the perfect solution for post-dog park grooming. Clean up your muddy pup after Cherokee Marsh adventures or Yahara River swimming sessions. Walking distance from the area's most popular dog park!

What Our Clients Say

The real reviewers are the dogs who pull their owners toward our door instead of away from it. But, here is what their owners say:

L

Lindsey M.

Waunakee

β€œThe best grooming experience we've ever had. Our golden retriever comes home looking amazing and completely stress-free.”

K

Kate S.

Madison

β€œThey work magic with nervous dogs. Monique and the team have been a blessing for us.”

Frequently Asked Questions

First, complete our grooming application so we can match services to your dog's needs.
A full grooming session includes bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and either a haircut or tidy-up β€” all at a pace comfortable for your dog.
Absolutely. We specialize in adapting techniques for dogs of all ages, sizes, and temperaments.
Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 6–8 weeks, but frequency may vary by breed and coat.
Choosing the right grooming tools is important. There are several types of canine grooming brushes, each suited for different coat types. We use rubber brushes for short and medium coats, slicker brushes for medium, long, curly, or wire coats, pin brushes for long-haired breeds, and bristle brushes for finishing smooth coats. We also use dog-specific shampoos, nail clippers, ear cleaning solutions, and dental care products. At River Paws, we use only premium, professional-grade products that are safe and effective for all dogs.
Yes! Starting grooming routines early with a puppy is important for their physical health and emotional well-being. Puppy grooming acclimates them to being handled, which is essential for vet visits and future grooming appointments. Puppies are much more open to new experiences than older dogs, so early acclimation helps create positive associations with grooming that last a lifetime. Puppies can begin gentle grooming experiences as early as 12 weeks old, once they've received their initial vaccinations. At River Paws, our experienced groomers specialize in making puppy grooming a positive, stress-free experience that your puppy will look forward to.

See the transformations for yourself

Every groom tells a story.

Browse All Spa Day Photos

100+ photos of happy, freshly groomed pups

Policies & Requirements

Clear policies designed to ensure the best experience for your dog and maintain fairness for everyone.

Vaccination Requirements

Rabies

Current vaccination required

Distemper

Up-to-date vaccination required

Bordetella

Current vaccination required

Email vaccination records to YaharaRiverPaws@gmail.com or bring a copy when you drop off. Records must be current for your dog's safety and our facility requirements.

Appointment Requirements

Allow 2-4 hours for grooming appointment
Credit card required to hold appointment
Complete grooming application required

Important to Note

(not typically enforced, but up to our discretion)

Cancellations

50% fee for cancellations within 24 hours

Late Arrivals

$15 late fee for arrivals 10+ minutes late

Extended Stays

$15 boarding fee for stays over 2 hours

No-Shows

No-show fee of 50% of service cost

Ready to Get Started?

Complete our grooming application to ensure we can provide the best experience for your dog.

Start Application

Expert Grooming Tips & Guides

Learn from our professional groomers with in-depth articles on dog grooming best practices, breed-specific care, and seasonal grooming tips.

While you're here...

Check Out Our Other Services

Happy pack of dogs on a trail adventure with River Paws

Adventure awaits! πŸŒ²πŸ•

Adventure Dog Hikes

Small group trails, big smiles, and the kind of tired that means a great day.

Explore Hiking
River Paws team with happy pack of dogs on the trails

The crew! 🐾❀️

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind every adventure and spa day.

Meet the Pack Leaders

Proudly Serving the Greater Madison Area

Whether you're around the corner or across town, we're worth the drive. Learn more about grooming in your area:

Dog Grooming in Waunakee/Madison β€” Bath, Brush, Full Groom | River Paws