Home About Services Gallery Dental Care Contact / Hours 📅 Book an Appointment
📞 Call Now 📍 Directions 📅 Book
La Mesa's Dog Grooming Home Since 2007

Your dog deserves a groomer who remembers their name.

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.

18 Years in La Mesa
4.5★ Yelp Rating
Nextdoor Favorite
570+ Yelp Photos
Happy dog at Star Dogs grooming salon in La Mesa CA
Open-window grooming — you can always see your pup
4.5-Star Yelp Rating 116+ Reviews
🏡
Nextdoor Favorite 2020 & 2021
🔓
Open-Window Salon Watch your pup any time
🐾
Anxious Dog Specialists Gentle, patient handling
🏆
Best of La Mesa Best Pet Grooming · 2015
What We Do

Full-service grooming — everything your dog needs

Every groom includes bath, dry, haircut or style, nail trim, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Not as add-ons. Included.

✂️

Full-Service Groom

Bath, dry, full cut or style, nail trim, nail filing, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. Everything in one visit.

See what's included
🐕

Large & Double-Coated Breeds

Golden retrievers, huskies, poodles, and more. We have 18 years of experience with every coat type and size.

Learn more
💆

Deshedding Treatment

Reduce shedding dramatically with our professional deshedding treatment. Your furniture will thank you.

Learn more
🦷

Dog Dental Care

Professional 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 services
Why Dog Owners Choose Us

Not just a groomer. Your dog's salon.

Our clients drive from Santee, El Cajon, and Spring Valley — sometimes 30–45 minutes each way. Here's why they keep coming back.

👁️

Open-Window Grooming

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.

💛

Gentle With Anxious Dogs

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.

👨‍👩‍👧

Family-Run Since 2007

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.

Thorough — No Shortcuts

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.

Come see us in La Mesa

Appointments preferred — walk-ins welcome when we have availability.

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Star Dogs Grooming 7889 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-4324 · Get Directions →
What Our Clients Say

Dog owners have been trusting us for years

★★★★★

"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."

Sarah M. · La Mesa · Yelp Review
★★★★★

"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."

Mike T. · Chula Vista · Yelp Review
★★★★★

"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."

Jennifer K. · El Cajon · Yelp Review
4.5★ Yelp Rating
116+ Yelp Reviews
18 Years in Business
Nextdoor Favorite
Rika, owner of Star Dogs grooming in La Mesa CA, with two Great Danes in the salon
Meet Rika

Grooming dogs in La Mesa since 2007.

We started Star Dogs because we believe every dog deserves to be handled with patience, skill, and genuine affection — not rushed through a back room and handed off.

Over 18 years, we've seen puppies grow into seniors, welcomed new families to the neighborhood, and earned the trust of clients who've been coming to us for a decade or more. That loyalty means everything to us.

Our open-window policy isn't just a feature — it's a philosophy. We do the same work whether you're watching or not. Come see for yourself.

— Rika & the Star Dogs team

Our Full Story
Ready to Book?

Your dog's best grooming day starts here.

Serving La Mesa and East San Diego County since 2007. Appointments available Wednesday through Sunday.

Takes 30 seconds · Same-day callback · No commitment
Our Story

18 years of loving dogs in La Mesa.

Star 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.

Meet Rika

The person behind every groom.

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.

🐾 Specializing in anxious and fearful dogs

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 team
Rika holding the Best of La Mesa 2015 Best Pet Grooming award with a white Maltese
White Bichon Frise freshly groomed with pink styling at Star Dogs La Mesa
How We Work

Four things that make us different.

👁️ Open-Window Grooming

Our 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.

🕰️ 18 Years of Experience

We've been grooming in La Mesa since 2007. We've seen every coat type, every temperament, and almost every situation. Experience matters.

🌿 Calm Environment

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.

💛 Personal Attention

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.

Ready to meet us?

Book an appointment or give us a call. We'd love to meet your dog.

Salon Menu

Everything your dog needs, under one roof.

Transparent service descriptions, so you know exactly what you're getting — and what to expect on appointment day.

✂️

Full-Service Groom

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.

  • Bath with premium shampoo
  • Blow dry and brush out
  • Full haircut or breed-specific styling
  • Nail trim
  • Nail filing (smooth edges)
  • Ear cleaning
  • Teeth brushing
  • Bow or bandana finishing touch
  • Cologne/spritz
Pricing: Varies by breed, size, and coat condition. Call us at (619) 303-4324 for a quote. We're always happy to chat about what your dog needs.
🐕

Deshedding Treatment

For heavy shedders and double-coated breeds. This treatment significantly reduces loose undercoat — meaning less hair on your furniture, your clothes, and your car.

  • Deep conditioning deshedding shampoo
  • Thorough blow-out to release undercoat
  • Specialized deshedding brush work
  • Undercoat removal by hand and tool
  • Final coat inspection and finishing
Best for: Golden retrievers, huskies, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, and any double-coated breed. Can be added to any full-service groom.
🛁

DIY Dog Wash Station

Want to bathe your dog yourself without the mess at home? Use our professional wash station — everything you need is provided.

  • Walk-in tub with ramp for easy access
  • Professional shampoo and conditioner
  • Blow dryer and towels
  • Brushes and combs
  • No appointment needed (subject to availability)
🦷

Dental Care ↗

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 →

How appointment day works

1

Book Your Spot

Call us or fill out our online form to schedule. We'll confirm your appointment time and go over your dog's needs.

2

Drop Off

Bring your pup in at your appointment time. We'll go over the groom plan together before you head out.

3

We'll Call You

Most full grooms take 3–5 hours. We'll call when your dog is ready for pickup — no need to wait at the salon.

4

Pick Up & Wow

Come back to a freshly groomed, happy dog. Bows, bandanas, and a little spritz included.

Good to know before you book

Appointments

Appointments are preferred and recommended. Walk-ins are welcome when we have same-day availability — call ahead to check.

Groom Duration

Most full grooms take 3–5 hours depending on breed and coat. We'll call you when your pup is ready for pickup.

Payment

We are a cash-only salon. Please bring cash to your appointment.

Hours

We're open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Questions? Just give us a call.

We're happy to talk through what your dog needs before you book.

Book an Appointment

Ready when you are.

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.

Request an Appointment

We'll call or email you back same day to confirm. No commitment required.

We respond same day · No commitment required · (619) 303-4324

Contact Us Directly

📞
(619) 303-4324 Call or text — we love to talk dogs
📍
7889 University Ave La Mesa, CA 91942
🕐
Wed–Sun: 10 AM – 4:30 PM Mon & Tue: Closed
🅿️
Free Parking Available Street parking on University Ave

Good to know

  • Most grooms take 3–5 hours. Drop off, run errands, and we'll call when ready.
  • Appointments are preferred. Walk-ins welcome when we have availability.
  • Cash only — please bring cash. ATM nearby if needed.
  • We're gentle with anxious dogs. Tell us about your pup when you book.

Open in Google Maps →

Specialty Service

Dog dental care — at your groomer.

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.

Why It Matters

Dental health is overall health.

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.

💡 Most clients are surprised this is available here

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.

Freshly groomed dog at Star Dogs La Mesa CA dental care service
Benefits of Regular Dog Dental Cleaning
🦷

Removes Tartar Buildup

Professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that daily brushing misses, preventing painful gum disease.

💨

Eliminates Bad Breath

Most dog bad breath comes from bacteria. A clean mouth is a fresh mouth — you'll notice the difference immediately.

❤️

Supports Overall Health

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. Dental care is preventive whole-body health.

💰

Avoids Expensive Vet Bills

Veterinary dental procedures under anesthesia can cost $500–$2,000+. Regular grooming-room cleaning helps prevent reaching that point.

How dental care works at Star Dogs

1

Add to Your Groom

Request dental care when you book your regular groom appointment. It's that simple.

2

Gentle Cleaning

Rika cleans your dog's teeth using dog-safe toothpaste and professional tools, calmly and thoroughly.

3

Fresh & Happy

Your dog leaves with clean teeth, fresh breath, and a brand-new groom. One stop, everything done.

Add dental care to your next groom.

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.