The Groomery Spa and Bistro

Great concept. Take your dog and drop him off. The dog is given time to adjust and settle down with other dogs before the grooming starts. The entire process takes hours and you get a tired happy doggie back.
The cut that my 2.5 year old Morkie gets is always excellent. His hair is far too beautiful to take it to a place that basically shaves him down. He comes out like a sculptured piece.
The the dog loves going there. When we walk by he always stops to look in.
It is tough to get in as a new cutomer but worth it.

Lawrence is amazing! He also has the best treats!
My dog loved him and usually he doesn’t like many people. His poodles are amazing too! Wait till you hear the stores he has!
Though, the hair cut was more like a trim, and it grew out literally a few weeks afterwards. It was the best cut a dog could have, though not very managable when I have a pomeranian who sheds every few days.

I first discovered the Groomery several years ago but hadn’t taken my dog for grooming until recently when I began talking to dog owners in the neighbourhood who recommended Lawrence for his high level grooming skills, particularly with poodles. But making an appointment at the Groomery proved to be a difficult task…
According to the website, you can expect to wait about four weeks for an appointment. The process for making an appointment is by email — no telephone number is listed for the shop.
I sent my first email requesting an appointment however did not receive a response… so I sent another. After waiting a week from the second email I decided to go to the shop in person to see if a.) it was still open b.) if I could get an appointment, and c.)how the place was run since my first impression with the simple task of making an appointment was more challenging than I expected.
Upon my arrival to the Groomery I was welcomed by the owner, Lawrence and his beautiful poodle Joker. Lawrence was friendly and seemed happy to make an appointment for my dog to be groomed. We chatted for a bit and he explained that my emails had gone unanswered due to unforeseen circumstances at the shop but that moving forward he would be receiving clerical support for appointments, etc and that I would be receiving a confirmation email with my appointment.
As promised, I received an email minutes later indicating my appointment and at the bottom, a disclaimer for customers to notify the shop of appointment cancelations ahead of time (the usual and expected courtesy that should be expected from anyone with an appointment).
On the day of my appointment I was a little early, arriving ten minutes before my time. I arrived at the shop to find the door locked and the lights off. Ten minutes later– no sign of anyone… and at this time another customer arrives with her dog for a ten O’Clock grooming. We waited together for about 20 minutes and she then decided that she wasn’t able to wait any longer and left. Because we live in the neighbourhood I decided I would wait another 20 minutes before heading home. 10:45 I decided that it was too much and returned home.
I immediately sent an email to the shop inquiring what had happened to my appointment– stating that it would be appropriate to provide a customer with notification by phone or at the least, email if their appointment was going to be canceled or if an unforeseen circumstance had occurred…
Unfortunately I have yet to receive a response/​apology.
Later in the afternoon my partner went back to the Groomery with our dog to follow up with what had happened with our appointment. It was explained to Lawrence that not showing up for a confirmed appointment was poor customer service and to have customers standing outside on the sidewalk wondering if the shop was going to open or not is unacceptable and bad for business.
Lawrence defended himself saying that they do not follow ‘appointment times’ and that it is about the ‘experience’. He then asked what my partner wanted? — a discount? My partner told him that we were not looking for any discount or special treatment but rather a reliable, skilled and safe place to bring our dog to be groomed and that if he chooses not to follow ‘appointment times’ then perhaps he should not make them in the first place.
I can’t understand who this style of business works for, besides the owner himself because I know that I wasted my entire morning and had arranged my personal schedule for this grooming and Lawrence displayed a total disregard for this.
I will be sure to give this disclaimer to anyone I meet who mentions going to the Groomery and hope that Lawrence is able to take this feedback and make some positive changes.

I am appalled by the lack of customer service. I have tried to make an appointment for my dog for the last 3 weeks. I have sent 3 emails left 4 voicemails and not one single call or email back. Lawrence came highly recommended to me. I’m disappointed. It is confusing when an establishment cannot answer the phone, return a call or answer an email especially when charging the prices he does. I work in media and will not be promoting this company.

We’ve been bringing our dog Shakes to see Lawrence since 2007, following him to different locations and finally to his own place, The Groomery. We now live over an hour away and make the trip because no one beats Lawrence, the cut are always top notch and look fabulous. More importantly is how he handles Shakes, up on the grooming table our dog is relaxed with Lawrence’s calm demeanor and gentle but firm approach. He doesn’t need to be tethered and will happily give kisses while being groomed — other groomers told us that our dog moved around too much, and one tethered his back legs which made things worse and upset me.
A few years ago, our dog was badly attacked by another dog in a park. After his surgery and for over a year afterwards, Lawrence calmed Shakes’ fear at being handled, especially around the neck and back legs and he took extra care and time before attempting any grooming.
We will never let anyone else groom our dog!

We’ve been taking our two mini-​labradoodles to Lawrence for over a year– and trust me folks, there is no other groomer out there that can even compete with his grooming creativity! The process is quite seamless — bring in your dogs (book well ahead of time, obviously), he takes care of them and lets them roam around the salon while they are waiting for their service. My dogs have received endless compliments on their hair — one had a lion cut and the other has flared out legs (that look similar to bellbottom jeans). He’s got a great eye and knows what he’s doing.
My dogs always come home looking great. Good luck trying to find any other groomer in the city who cares this much and is that transparent with their studio (he operates his salon like a real human salon! you can see it all in the window!). 5 stars for Lawrence all the way!

Time to update my review. I gave Lawrence 4 stars before because I thought it took a long time to get little Pasta’s hair cut. Now that I’ve had her hair cut a few times I have come to realize that it is very common for dogs to be there for a few hours. I don’t mind leaving Pasta there at all since the dogs aren’t crated and she has an opportunity to play with other dogs. On one occasion it was very busy that day and took a bit longer than expected and were going to run into my dinner plans. Lawrence told me to go for dinner and that he would watch Pasta until I was finished!
While it takes about 6 weeks to get an appointment, I’ve just learned to plan ahead so I can pick the date/​time I want. Plus, if the Groomery is that busy, it’s for a reason!
I couldn’t believe how easy it is to pay as well. I often drop Pasta off and then my boyfriend will pick her up. Lawrence just sends me an invoice and allows a few days to pay — which can even be done via email transfer.
Pasta always comes back looking cute as ever, smelling fresh, and exhausted from having such a good time at the spa! I’m so glad I was able to get Pasta onto their client list before they filled up.

Lawrence has done it again! Gave my mini golden doodle a lion haircut and it looks amazing. At the beginning, I felt that his «mane» had to be shortened and Lawrence did it with no hesitation (thanks Lawrence and sorry for being so picky).
Why I love bringing my dog here:
1) My golden doodle is terrified of people and Lawrence was very patient with him. He even suggested that we bring him into the Groomery once in a while so that he can get used to the environment
2) The amazing work and creativity Lawrence brings to the table.
Only tip I will give is to expect a wait when it comes to having your dog done. Lawrence does take his time but its all worth it as your dog will always come out better than you expected!

Lawrence and his team are simply amazing. Its also surprisingly affordable; it cost about 60 dollars to comb out my fluffy, (and apparently quite matted) corgi. I think the value is exceptional given Lawrence and his team take time to make sure each dog is properly groomed. I also love the fact that the dogs get to play with each other while getting groomed. Its almost like a day-​camp + grooming, and who can hate that?
I strongly recommend booking ahead of time, its totally worth the wait: P

I was so excited that I got an email from Unilocal that Lawrence made a comment on my review. I have to return immediately from my work break to reply to his comment and don’t want Unilocal to delete my review. Lawrence, please check your records in 2013. My cute little dog’s name is XYON and I guess you’ll see my name from this review. Unilocal,please don’t delete my review as these are facts and really happened. I hope my review will help other readers.
Thanks.
Update:
I got a message directly from Lawrence and would like to share it with the readers. Please note that I chose to kept quiet until I read Nancy’s review as again, I though my experienced was an isolated case. After this, I will not add anymore to this and it’s up to all the readers to decide. I rest my case.
This is Lawrence message:
Subject: RE: Your comment on my review of The Groomery Spa and Bistro
«Your review is not a truthful accounting there for not an actual review. It is retaliation in frustration of not getting a type of service we never offered and do not provide. It was not personal that I did not agree. I would not be able to cover any injuries to you and do not have a workspace to accommodate.
. In any case clients cone to us for expert, You can find self serve bays at pet value. So you have written two nasty reviews because I felt I couldn’t offer what you want. So could not meet your needs. I only take payment. From those I can meet expectations. I feel that it is best to be clear so that instead of being disappointed with our service you can go to, pet value where you can comb your own dig no problem.»

I doubt many people will believe my story given all the positive reviews but I want to warn others with my experience today.
I brought Phoebe in at noon. Now she’s a teacup Maltese. weighs 5lbs so it shouldn’t take hours to bathe and groom her. When I show up at 4:15 pm she still wasn’t ready. As I walked in I saw Lawrence was trimming her head and had his back to me and didn’t hear me come in over the noise of the dryer. His assistant gestured to me to be quiet so Phoebe would stay calm. I took a seat on the bench.
Lawrence was manhandling her more roughly than I appreciated and loudly yelled STOP! at her a few times. Now, I used to groom my Beagle and Lab when I lived in a house with a back yard. I KNOW how frustrating it can be. I know some dogs take hours and they (and the groomers) need breaks. I’m not a newb. So I gave him the benefit of the doubt and kept my piehole shut.
Still oblivious of my presence, Lawrence proceeded to trash talk about a female customer who was «too stupid» to know he wasn’t done grooming her dog when she arrived early and thought it looked great.
At this point, he’s looking pretty bad in my eyes, and I’m wondering why his assistant isn’t alerting him to my presence. Just then, Phoebe tries to wriggle out of his hands and Lawrence says «I really hate doing these small dogs, I ‘m more of a big breed guy. This isn’t a dog, it’s a rodent.»
That was it. I stood up, said «Well let me take her off your hands then». He was so surprised, he practically dropped her on the floor on the other side of the gate. Despite all that I had heard and the fact he hadn’t trimmed her head yet, I still offered to pay my bill. To his credit (?), he sheepishly refused. There was a prolonged, extremely awkward 30 seconds I waited while he found Phoebes’ leash, harness and coat.
I’m sure some of you won’t think this all that bad and that I’m overreacting. But this episode happened within a 4-​minute span. Phoebe had been there over four hours. How was she treated during that time by a guy who sees her as a rodent?
I also want to make it clear this was my second visit here. I too was happy to have found what I thought was a caring groomer. Lawrence does do a good job despite his feelings. This isn’t a post about aesthetics. It’s about Phoebe’s treatment.
Anyway, I’ve said my piece. I will be sharing my experience with my vet and neighbours. I’d think twice about bringing your small breed dog here. Was Lawrence just having an off-​day? Maybe, but I saw him when he thought no one was looking. It doesn’t get any more honest than that.

We’ve been taking our Hungarian Puli to Lawrence for about a year and a half, and we couldn’t be happier. Not only does Mumford come home smelling and looking all fresh and gorgeous, but he has a blast at his spaw-​days (no crating!) And Lawrence really understands dogs. Mine is a corded breed and Lawrence has been fundamental in getting his cords coming in nicely. But he knows how to deal with any type of coat, not just corded coats. This isn’t a typical groomer where they pretty much look at your dog and offer to shave them down – they can do anything from a simple puppy cut to a full show coat (whatever that may be for your breed).

Baxter had his first experience at the Groomery on the weekend. Lawrence took the time to discuss grooming options and was in favour of keeping Baxter’s hair long. He told me what time to return and walked me to a nearby café. Baxter was ready earlier than anticipated and he looked fantastic. Beautifully groomed with purple tips on his ears (a fun surprise). Everyone comments on how sweet he looks. This is our groomery going forward and I highly recommend them to others.

I was new to the east end of Toronto so i was googling for a new place to get my yorkie-poo’s hair cut, so i found good reviews about this place and they were all very accurate! this place is great! they gave my yorkie poo the best hair cut he ever had. Plus they were really sweet and patient with him (he is scared of everything). I highly recommend this place. Only slight negative was that is was slightly pricy (60 $+tax n tip), but the job was so well done, and they were so good with my dog, i would definatley go back.

I’ve now taken my dog here three times over the past few months and each time he’s come back beautiful and happy. Lawrence is great with him (his specialty is poodles) and instead of crating him like other groomers, he keeps the dogs out so they can run around or play with each other.
When we changed our mind about the length we’d requested, he didn’t mind making changes when we came back the next day. Happy customers every time!

Cool — yes
Hip — yes (love the music and ambiance of the place)
Amazing — YES!
My dog Bo’s first time at the Groomery and what a wonderful experience!
Lawrence, the owner is obviously very experienced and loving to the dogs and very concerned about their well being and type of cut that suits their style
A definite reccomendation!

Lawrence used to work with me at Timmie Doggie Outfitters. He’s a great friend and
he is one of the best groomers in the COUNTRY. And his shop is just stunning.
If I didn’t own a shop with a wonderful groomer, I’d get my dogs groomed by Lawrence. Congratulations on your success!

My first time at Groomery after meeting Lawrence while walking my dog near my house. Turned out to be just an overall great and easy experience. We arrived a little late but that wasn’t a problem with them. Excellent service and attitude, they genuinely care about your dog! Three hours later after some brunch and shopping, I picked up Archie looking as beautiful and clean as ever and wasn’t even upset from the bath/​grooming! He loved the playtime with other dogs there while drying off also. Highly recommend this place!

Lawrence is very friendly. You can tell that he loves his job.
He is a very skilled groomer. My dog has never looked this great.

Lawrence is awesome! He was at Timmie’s before, and has a loyal following. He really has a way with dogs!