Warming up the shears…
Now open in fabulous Brunswick West

Gentle grooming,
one dog at a time.

A calm, private trailer where welfare comes before vanity.
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Full Groom Bath & Brush Out Bath & Tidy Bath & Blow Dry Baby's First Groom
Chi Chi, owner of Poochi Grooming, holding a happy senior dog — Chi Chi
Meet your groomer

Hello, I'm Chi Chi

I'm the owner and operator of Poochi Grooming. At Poochi we pride ourselves on providing a top quality, caring service that demonstrates the utmost dedication to your pooch. I (they/them) prefer a no-fuss approach, always placing welfare and comfort over vanity — but also making sure to make your pooch look beautiful.

Poochi provides an intimate, personal service you will not find elsewhere. Grooming is done by appointment only, one client at a time, helping to ease your dog's anxiety during the grooming process. You'll have true peace of mind when you choose Poochi.

  • Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training — National Dog Trainers' Federation.
  • Certificate III in Companion Animal Services, trained by top groomers in the industry.
  • Hands-on canine welfare experience volunteering at The Lost Dogs' Home and Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
The Best Melbourne award badge The Best Melbourne — awarded One dog at a time
What we stand for

Everyone is welcome here

QUEER OWNED AND OPERATED

Poochi is a proud ACON Welcome Here accredited business — an inclusive, judgement-free space for you and your dog.

No puppy mill puppies, please.

Chi Chi is a strong advocate of Adopt, Don't Shop and responsible dog breeding. As a groomer and animal lover I wish not to support unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills. I have chosen to take a stand in the fight by not taking on any clients who have obtained their pups through such means. If you are looking to welcome a new furry family member, here are some links to help you on your journey.

The grooming menu

Get your pooch feeling great

Every service is done by appointment, one dog at a time. Prices are worked out on an hourly rate, so book the closest match on Goldie and I'll confirm the details with you.

Full Groom

Get your pooch feeling great with the works.

Short cut

All over clip (leave under 1cm length), bath, blow-dry and face style, cleaned ears and trimmed nails.

Long & Styled

All over clip (leave 1cm and over length), bath, blow-dry and face style, cleaned ears and trimmed nails.

Schnauzer clip

The traditional schnauzer clip — select it when booking.

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Bath & Brush Out

Double coat

Does your pooch have a long thick double coat that needs attention? This service is for them. Bath, blow-dry, brush out and de-shed of thick undercoat, ears cleaned, nail trim and clipping of the essential areas (feet, face and bum).

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Bath & Tidy

For pooches with medium to long hair who are in need of a bath and a tidy / hygiene clip.

Bath, blow-dry, clipping of the essential areas (feet, face and bum), cleaned ears and nail trim.

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Bath & Blow Dry

Short coat

Perfect for short hair pooches who need a bit of refreshing. Bath, blow-dry & brush / de-shedding of short coated breeds, cleaned ears and trimmed nails.

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Baby's First Groom

A dog's first groom is very much a learning experience and it can be a stressful time for your pup. Extra time is taken to make your pup feel comfortable and get through their first grooming experience safely. Includes a wash with gentle shampoo, blow dry, a trim around the bum and eyes, and a nail trim.

For best results with future grooming, please bring pup in around 10–12 weeks of age and no later.

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What shapes the price

Grooming time (and therefore final price) depends on:

Service selection · dog size · choice of style (longer clips take longer) · temperament (anxious or difficult dogs take longer) · coat condition · dog age (seniors need extra care) · and matting (removal takes extra time).

Size guide

Small
up to 9kg
Medium
10 – 17kg
Large
18kg plus (max 25kg)
*** Please enquire for more details if any confusion ***

A note on pricing: the prices listed on the Goldie online booking system are an approximate price based on an hourly rate. Maximum dog weight 25kg at this stage, please. Please read the “Are we compatible?” section before booking in, and select the correct service when booking online — any confusion, just text me.

Are we compatible?

Before you book

If you are a new customer, please take the time to read the following notes before coming in. If it is determined on the day that I am unable to groom your dog for any of the reasons below, you may be declined service and I will be unable to refund your deposit. I appreciate you taking the time to make sure we are a good match — please contact me directly if there is any confusion.

1

Please reschedule if you are sick

I will always be able to find you another appointment time (unless it's Christmas!). I am prone to viral infections and they can be transmitted easily via contact with leashes, collars, dog hair etc.

2

One dog at a time for large & needy dogs

I have limited space in the trailer. I can only accommodate more than one dog at a time if the second dog is small/medium and happy to sit and wait patiently while the other is being groomed. I'll have a comfy dog bed available with treats and toys for these occasions.

3

Pups' first groom

Puppies having their first ever professional groom must book in for the "Baby's first groom" service. This includes a bath and tidy and getting pup used to the grooming experience before booking a full groom. Please make sure your dog has had at least one first-groom service before reaching the age of six months.

4

Very naughty / aggressive behaviour

If your dog is very hard to groom due to behaviour you will be charged extra for the additional time needed. If your dog's behaviour is very bad you may be declined further service. Please note most dogs are difficult to groom — this is for very resistant dogs. Medication will be recommended if a dog is very difficult to groom.

5

Non de-sexed dogs

Intact males who exhibit territorial behaviours may be asked not to return to Poochi Grooming.

6

Matted hair

In some cases I may have to shave your dog short due to matting, where there are no other options. Please be aware that shaving may reveal inflamed skin, lumps and bumps, or sore spots due to the matting. Sometimes, if the matting is so close to the skin, a very short blade is needed and small nicks/abrasions can occur on occasion. In particular, shaving very matted ears may cause hematomas (inflammation and bleeding at the tips). Though I aim to avoid this, at times it cannot be helped and you may need to seek veterinary care at your own expense. Following a de-matting service I'll recommend bringing your dog in more regularly to avoid this happening again. An extra matted-hair fee will be added depending on time taken.

7

Senior pups

Grooming your old pooch may take extra time to make your dog as comfortable as possible, and a little extra may be charged if this is the case. The finished result may not be as glamorous as a younger dog, but your elderly dog's comfort and welfare matter more than aesthetics. Please notify me of any conditions your dog may suffer from. If your dog is in their very last stages of life, please only bring them in for necessary welfare grooming — grooming at a very old age can put further strain on your dog.

8

Lumps & bumps

Warts and growths can be hard to detect under layers of hair. Please make sure your dog is having regular checks if they have skin growths. I always do my best to work around these issues, but Poochi is not responsible if a wart/growth is affected during the grooming process.

9

Flea policy

Please make sure your dog is on a regular flea treatment before booking in. Fleas can be spread very easily. If your dog has fleas, a flea rinse will have to be administered at an additional cost.

10

Late policy

A maximum 15-minute grace period is allowed for lateness. If you are running late please let me know, as I may have more flexibility on some days. Dropping in over 15 minutes late may mean rebooking for another day, and your deposit will not be refunded.

11

Cancellation policy

Please give Chi Chi at least 24 hours to reschedule your appointment. Failure to do so will mean you won't receive your deposit back.

12

Payment options

Payment options include bank transfer, cash or card payment (a 2% surcharge applies for card payment).

13

Saying no to backyard breeders & puppy mills

Chi Chi wishes to support the cause against unethical breeding. If you have obtained your dog from unethical sources, I ask that you respect that I will not be able to provide my services for you.

Visit & book

Come and see us

Where
Brunswick West VIC 3055
Grooming by appointment in the Poochi trailer.
Phone
Texting is preferable, please.
Hours
By appointment only
One client at a time — book ahead on Goldie.