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Hair Of The Dog Pet Grooming Salon & Academy LLC

"Where fearful pups learn to trust—and grooming becomes a positive experience."

About Us

Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy, in Monticello, Illinois, is the area's premier pet grooming salon serving Piatt and Champaign counties since 1994. We offer pet grooming, professional pet grooming courses and more. For all your pet grooming needs, contact Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy in Monticello today!

At our distinguished Grooming Academy, we tout an impressive 30 years of industry experience. From the moment you enroll, we immerse you in the craft of grooming. Our course runs from Monday to Friday, beginning at 7:30 am and concluding between 4-5 pm, a total of 360 hours for certification. Successfully completing our curriculum earns you a valuable certificate along with a professional grooming kit. We've invested in premium equipment to ensure the finest training, which is reflected in the tuition fee. Our program teaches you more than just grooming techniques; it equips you with adept handling skills, enabling you to transform even the most challenging pets into grooming enthusiasts. Our promise is clear: exit our doors as a highly sought-after professional groomer. With a limited intake of only three students per session, spots fill swiftly. Enroll now to grab your opportunity. If you have more inquiries, we're here to enlighten you!

Our Story

Monticello is home to Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy, the area’s premier destination for compassionate pet grooming, professional education, and specialized care for even the most challenging dogs. Proudly serving Piatt and Champaign counties since 1994, this trusted salon is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: where fearful pups learn to trust—and grooming becomes a positive, stress-free experience.

At Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy, grooming is more than a service—it’s a patient, relationship-based process designed to help dogs who have struggled in traditional grooming environments. Many pets that arrive at the salon have anxiety, fear, or past negative experiences with grooming. Instead of forcing compliance, the team works at the dog’s pace, using calm handling techniques, consistency, and positive reinforcement to rebuild trust. The goal is not just a clean coat, but a confident, comfortable dog who can learn that grooming is safe, predictable, and even enjoyable.

The salon offers full-service Dog Grooming, Pet Grooming Salon services, and specialized care for difficult or “troubled” dogs who may not allow other groomers to complete their work. Whether it’s a nervous rescue, an older dog with sensitivities, or a pet with behavioral challenges, the staff is experienced in turning stressful appointments into successful transformations. Services include bathing, haircuts, brushing, nail trimming, ear care, de-shedding treatments, and customized grooming plans tailored to each pet’s emotional and physical needs.

In addition to grooming, Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy operates a highly respected Grooming School and provides Professional Pet Grooming Courses. With over 30 years of industry experience guiding instruction, the academy immerses students in real-world grooming from day one. The program runs Monday through Friday, beginning at 7:30 AM and typically concluding between 4–5 PM, totaling 360 hours for certification. Graduates receive a professional grooming certificate along with a complete grooming kit. Training emphasizes not only technical skill but also advanced animal handling, teaching students how to confidently work with fearful, difficult, or uncooperative pets.

The academy maintains small class sizes—limited to just three students per session—ensuring personalized instruction and hands-on experience. With premium equipment, real grooming scenarios, and expert mentorship, students are trained to become highly sought-after professional groomers upon completion.

Hair Of The Dog also offers additional services and experiences, including Dock Diving and Pool Rental at a second location, expanding opportunities for canine enrichment, exercise, and enjoyment beyond grooming.

Appointments are required for all services, with scheduling available by calling or texting Laney at 217.620.8996 or Tracey at 217.620.9962. This direct communication ensures personalized attention and flexible scheduling for every client.

Hours begin at 7:30 AM, and the salon remains open until the last scheduled dog is finished for the day, prioritizing quality care over strict time limits. With a commitment to compassion, education, and expertise, Hair Of The Dog Pet Salon & Academy continues to set the standard for grooming and training excellence in central Illinois.

Areas Served

Piatt County, IL | Champaign County, IL | Monticello, IL | Macon County, IL

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Pet Grooming Salon and Academy
Professional Pet Grooming Courses

Our Services include:

Dog Grooming
Grooming School
Pet Grooming Salon and Academy
Professional Pet Grooming Courses
Dock Diving and Pool Rental- a second location

Our Products include:

Back On Track
Enzo Drying Towels

Testimonials

On 9/17/2025 Brenda R. had this to say:
Hair of the Dog is the best!! We have a crew of 3 and they love going to the beauty shop.

On 11/1/2024 B Ragle had this to say:
Our Brittany went in for her 1st ever grooming in preparation for hunting season. They found a cyst on her leg and expressed her anal glands which were full (we didn’t know about either). She looks fantastic! They gave us a “report card “ showing what was done & how she did. When my husband picked her up she was playing with some of the other dogs. We will definitely use Hair of the Dog again!

On 11/1/2024 Barbara Ragle had this to say:
Our Brittany went for her 1st ever grooming in preparation for hunting season. They found a cyst on her leg and expressed her (full) anal glands (we didn’t know about either). They gave us a “report card “ listing what they did and how she did. When my husband picked her up she was having a great time playing with some of the other dogs. She looks fantastic! We will definitely use Hair of the Dog again. Testimonial written by Barbara Ragle on this site.

On 11/1/2024 B R. had this to say:
Our Brittany went in to be groomed in preparation for hunting season. They found a cyst on her leg and expressed her (full) anal glands (we didn't know about either). They gave us a "report card " showing what they did and how she did. When my husband picked her up she was playing with some of the other dogs. Her previously fluffy coat looks fantastic! We will definitely use Hair of the Dog again!

On 10/17/2024 Theresa Obrien had this to say:
The groomers at Hair of the Dog are very professional. They know how to take care of every situation that comes up. They also love their own dogs so much they bring them to work with them to play with your dogs. The team also listens to all your concerns. This is the place to take your dogs grooming needs.

Contact Us

Hair Of The Dog Pet Grooming Salon & Academy LLC
1052 South Market Street Monticello, IL 61856
Phone: (217) 762-9738
Email: hairofthedogmonticello@yahoo.com

The Driveway North of RP Lumber

Hours:
Appointments start at 7:30 AM
We close once the last scheduled dog is finished for the day
Appointment required

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Personal Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Info

Back On Track

FAQ

What types of grooming services do you offer?

We provide full-service grooming including baths, haircuts, nail trims, ear cleaning, de-shedding treatments, and breed-specific styling.

Do you groom all dog breeds and sizes?

Yes! We welcome dogs of all breeds, sizes, and coat types. Our groomers are trained to handle everything from tiny toy breeds to large working dogs.

How often should my dog be groomed?

It depends on the breed and coat type. Most dogs benefit from grooming every 4–8 weeks. We’re happy to recommend a schedule based on your pet’s needs.

How do I schedule a grooming appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is easy! You can call or text:

Laney at 217‑620‑8996
Tracey at 217‑620‑9962
We’re happy to answer questions and find a time that works best for you and your pet.

Do you work with dogs that don’t like to be groomed?

Yes! We specialize in working with dogs who are fearful, anxious, or have had negative grooming experiences in the past. Our approach is patient and compassionate, focusing on building trust and helping dogs understand that grooming can be a positive and stress‑free experience.