18 years. Thousands of happy dogs. Open-window grooming so you can watch. Gentle handling — especially for anxious pups. This is Rika's salon, and your dog is family here.
Every groom includes bath, dry, haircut or style, nail trim, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Not as add-ons. Included.
Bath, dry, full cut or style, nail trim, nail filing, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Everything in one visit.
See what's includedGolden retrievers, huskies, poodles, and more. We have 18 years of experience with every coat type and size.
Learn moreReduce shedding dramatically with our professional deshedding treatment. Your furniture will thank you.
Learn moreProfessional teeth cleaning as a standalone service or add-on to any groom. Most dog owners are surprised this is available at a groomer.
See dental servicesOur clients drive from Santee, El Cajon, and Spring Valley — sometimes 30–45 minutes each way. Here's why they keep coming back.
You can watch us work with your dog at any time. No back-room mystery. Total transparency — because we have nothing to hide and everything to be proud of.
If your dog has had bad grooming experiences — or just gets nervous — Rika has spent 18 years mastering the calm, patient approach that makes all the difference. Your dog leaves happy.
This isn't a franchise. We know your dog's name, their quirks, their favorite treats. Generations of La Mesa families have trusted us with their pups — some for 10 years or more.
Nails filed smooth, not just clipped. Ears cleaned. Teeth brushed. Finishing touches — bows or bandanas for those who want them. We do it right, every time.
Appointments preferred — walk-ins welcome when we have availability.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
"Rika clearly loves every dog she works with. My anxious rescue used to shake at the groomer — now he walks in like he owns the place. I've been coming here for 9 years and won't go anywhere else."
"I drive 45 minutes from Chula Vista specifically for Star Dogs. My golden retriever has a double coat that most groomers rush through — Rika is patient and thorough and my dog looks incredible every time."
"The open-window policy sold me immediately. My dog has bad anxiety and I love that I can peek in any time. Rika is the most gentle groomer we've ever used — our pup actually gets excited for the car ride there now."
Serving La Mesa and East San Diego County since 2007. Appointments available Wednesday through Sunday.
Takes 30 seconds · Same-day callback · No commitmentStar Dogs Grooming has been a neighborhood institution since 2007. This is the story of how we got here — and why we do things the way we do.
Rika has been grooming dogs in La Mesa since 2007 — which means she's been here long enough to have groomed the puppies of puppies she first met as young dogs. That kind of continuity doesn't happen by accident. It happens because clients trust her with their animals, year after year.
Star Dogs is a family-run operation, and that's by design. We're not a chain. We don't have a franchised playbook or a corporate scheduling system. When you call, you're talking to the people who will actually groom your dog. When you come in, you know who to expect. There's real value in that.
Our clients include dog owners from across East San Diego County — La Mesa, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Santee, Lemon Grove, and beyond. Some drive 30–45 minutes each way. We don't take that lightly.
If your dog has had a bad grooming experience, or just gets nervous in new environments, we understand. Rika has spent 18 years developing a patient, calm approach that most anxious dogs respond to remarkably well. We take the extra time. We don't rush. Your dog's comfort comes first.
We also have deep experience with large and double-coated breeds — golden retrievers, huskies, Australian shepherds, poodles, doodles. Coats that overwhelm or intimidate other groomers are our everyday work.
— Rika & the Star Dogs teamOur salon is designed so you can watch your dog being groomed at any time. No back rooms, no mystery. We're proud of how we work.
We've been grooming in La Mesa since 2007. We've seen every coat type, every temperament, and almost every situation. Experience matters.
Our salon is quiet, clean, and odor-free. We keep the environment low-stress because anxious dogs deserve a calm space — and so do their owners.
Your dog isn't a number in a queue. We know names, quirks, and preferences. It's the kind of care you only get from a family business.
Book an appointment or give us a call. We'd love to meet your dog.
Transparent service descriptions, so you know exactly what you're getting — and what to expect on appointment day.
Our signature service. Everything included in one appointment — no nickel-and-diming for nail filing or ear cleaning. This is how a groom should be done.
For heavy shedders and double-coated breeds. This treatment significantly reduces loose undercoat — meaning less hair on your furniture, your clothes, and your car.
Want to bathe your dog yourself without the mess at home? Use our professional wash station — everything you need is provided.
Professional teeth cleaning available as a standalone service or add-on to any groom. Most dog owners are surprised this is available at a groomer. See our full Dental Care page →
Call us or fill out our online form to schedule. We'll confirm your appointment time and go over your dog's needs.
Bring your pup in at your appointment time. We'll go over the groom plan together before you head out.
Most full grooms take 3–5 hours. We'll call when your dog is ready for pickup — no need to wait at the salon.
Come back to a freshly groomed, happy dog. Bows, bandanas, and a little spritz included.
Appointments are preferred and recommended. Walk-ins are welcome when we have same-day availability — call ahead to check.
Most full grooms take 3–5 hours depending on breed and coat. We'll call you when your pup is ready for pickup.
We are a cash-only salon. Please bring cash to your appointment.
We're open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
We're happy to talk through what your dog needs before you book.
Real dogs. Real clients. Real results. Every photo below is from our salon in La Mesa, CA.
All photos are from real Star Dogs clients. Want your dog featured? Ask us at your next appointment.
Our Yelp page has over 570 client photos spanning 18 years of Star Dogs grooms. Take a look.
View on Yelp →Book your dog's appointment — Wednesday through Sunday in La Mesa.
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you the same day to confirm your appointment. Or just give us a call — we love to chat about dogs.
We'll call or email you back same day to confirm. No commitment required.
Most dog owners don't know they can get their dog's teeth professionally cleaned at Star Dogs. It's one of the best things you can add to a regular groom appointment.
Veterinarians estimate that over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. Left untreated, bacteria from the mouth can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Regular dental cleanings aren't a luxury — they're preventive care.
The good news: a professional cleaning during your dog's regular grooming appointment is convenient, stress-free for your dog, and far less expensive than a veterinary dental procedure under anesthesia.
Rika provides thorough, gentle teeth cleaning using dog-safe products and techniques developed over 18 years of practice. It can be booked as a standalone service or added to any full-service groom.
We surface this service because many dog owners simply don't know a groomer can do this. If your dog's teeth aren't getting regular attention, this is the easiest way to change that.
Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that daily brushing misses, preventing painful gum disease.
Most dog bad breath comes from bacteria. A clean mouth is a fresh mouth — you'll notice the difference immediately.
Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Dental care is preventive whole-body health.
Veterinary dental procedures under anesthesia can cost $500–$2,000+. Regular grooming-room cleaning helps prevent reaching that point.
Request dental care when you book your regular groom appointment. It's that simple.
Rika cleans your dog's teeth using dog-safe toothpaste and professional tools, calmly and thoroughly.
Your dog leaves with clean teeth, fresh breath, and a brand-new groom. One stop, everything done.
Call us to ask about dental care, or request it when you fill out the booking form.
Mention dental care when you call or fill out the form — we'll note it for your appointment.