This article is from 2006's Pet Guide package. The information may be out-of-date, so please call locations listed for new information.

To see the new Pet Guide from 2008, click here.

When choosing a groomer, look for a clean workspace and experienced staff. After bathing, are animals put in drying crates or dried by hand--a safer option that usually gets better results?

Mobile groomers come to you, working in a specially equipped van. This option relieves the stress of travel for old or nervous pets.

All Breeds Dog Grooming Salon, 22330 Sterling Blvd., A-119, Sterling; 703-430-5982. Performs custom cuts and works in four-hour increments, so dogs don't have to spend all day there.

Bone Jour Pet Boutique, 4927 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301-656-2663; bonejour.com. Experienced groomers handle all breeds of dogs.

Bubble Buddies, Woodbridge; 703-929-1189; bubblebuddies.biz. A mobile groomer for pets of all kinds, in Northern Virginia. Waiting list; call four weeks ahead.

Canine Carousel, 680 Elden St., Herndon, 703-709-8746; 4207 Annandale Center Dr., Annandale, 703-941-6812; caninecarousel.com. Lil Lewis opened the Herndon location in 1995 to satisfy demand for her services, particularly AKC-standard grooming for dog shows.

Chichie's Canine Design, 2614 P St., NW; 202-333-3575; chichiescaninedesign.com. Owner Chichie Tascoe has been grooming the dogs of Washington's elite for nearly four decades. Cat grooming available.

Dog-a-Do Salon, 626-G Grant St., Herndon; 703-437-3901. Dog and cat owners travel here from Richmond and even Texas for show grooming.

The Dog Wash, 1314H Ninth St., NW; 202-321-3647. Do-it-yourself dog-washing facilities. Professional dog and cat grooming available.

Dogs on Wheels, 703-314-1961; dogsonwheels.net. Mobile grooming in Loudoun County.

Featherle Pet Care, 13881-A Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, 703-378-9500; 113-A Edds La., Sterling, 703-430-0414. Owner Linda Law has won awards in national grooming competitions.

For Pet's Sake, 1527 N. Quaker La., Alexandria; 703-931-2600. Has been grooming cats and dogs for 27 years.

The Groomery, 424 E. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-840-0727; thegroomery.com. Provides both show-quality and family-pet styles.

Happy Tails Dog Spa, 8528-F Tyco Rd., McLean; 703-821-0700; happytailsdogspa.com. In addition to full-service and self-serve grooming, Happy Tails provides boarding, daycare, and training for dogs.

Lucky Dog Laundromutt, 1722 Florida Ave., NW; 202-387-6888; luckydoglaundromutt.com. A self-serve dog wash with tubs for all sizes of dogs plus shampoo, towels, hair dryer, and brushes.

Paws of Enchantment, 117 Carroll St., NW; 202-256-4088; pawsofenchantment.com. Located within the Big Bad Woof shop. Cassandra Kraham uses aromatherapy shampoos and scented oils to improve a dog's coat and provide a calm atmosphere.

Rosa's Mobile Pet Grooming, 301-946-0040; cleandognow.com. Grooms dogs and cats in parts of Montgomery County and Northwest DC.