Slobberbones Pet Bakery & Bath in Chattanooga: Custom Treats and Grooming Under One Roof
Slobberbones Pet Bakery & Bath is an independent pet supply and service shop that combines a made-to-order treat bakery with a full grooming salon. Located in Chattanooga, it serves dog and cat owners who want customized food items alongside professional bathing and styling, rather than choosing between a groomer and a bakery in separate trips.
What Slobberbones Actually Is
This is a hybrid operation: part retail bakery for pet treats and supplies, part full-service grooming facility. Unlike chain pet stores that sell pre-made treats in standard varieties, Slobberbones bakes custom orders on-site. The grooming side operates as a separate service with dedicated bathers and groomers, not a quick-wash model. The shop stays small and independently owned, which shapes both its inventory depth and its ability to take custom orders.
Treats, Supplies, and Grooming Services
The bakery side produces dog and cat treats to order, with prices starting around $12 to $18 per small batch order, depending on ingredient complexity and size. Custom orders typically require 24 to 48 hours' notice. The shop also stocks a rotating selection of all-natural and grain-free treat brands, along with basic supplies: collars, leashes, toys, and grooming tools. Verify current pricing and minimum order sizes when calling ahead.
Grooming services are priced by dog size and coat condition. A standard bath and dry for a small dog runs approximately $35 to $50; medium dogs $50 to $70; large dogs $70 to $95. Full grooming with nail trim, ear cleaning, and styling adds $15 to $30 depending on breed and matting. Cats are groomed by appointment and command a premium due to handling complexity. Walk-ins are accepted when capacity allows, but appointments are strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall shedding periods).
How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Pet Stores
Slobberbones differs from PetSmart and Petco in that it produces custom baked goods rather than selling mass-manufactured treats exclusively, and its grooming salon operates independently with longer appointment times (often 2 to 3 hours for full grooming versus 45 minutes at chain salons). If you need standard supplies fast, a chain store will be quicker. If you want personalized treats or a groomer who takes time with anxious dogs, Slobberbones' slower pace works in its favor.
The shop also differs from boutique treat-only bakeries (such as dedicated human-style pet bakeries in the area) by offering grooming on-site, eliminating a second stop. Compared to independent groomers who work solo or in small teams without retail inventory, Slobberbones adds the bakery element, useful if you want to grab treats while your dog is being bathed.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Slobberbones works well for owners with dogs that have dietary sensitivities, since custom orders can avoid specific allergens (grain, dairy, chicken, etc.). It suits owners who value grooming appointments with room to discuss handling preferences and coat care, rather than high-volume processing. Cat owners benefit from the custom treat option and a grooming service that treats cats as a specialty, not an afterthought.
It does not suit owners who need same-day supplies or grooming. It is not the fastest option for a quick bath before an event, and its custom-order bakery model requires planning. Owners on a tight budget may find chain-store alternatives cheaper per item, though custom treats and specialized grooming justify the premium for many.
What the First Visit Involves
Call ahead to ask about current availability and pricing, and to place a bakery order if desired. On your first grooming appointment, expect an intake conversation about your dog's coat, skin condition, and handling quirks. If you order treats, they can usually be picked up the same day as a grooming appointment. The shop is small and can accommodate a few dogs in the waiting area, but it is not set up as a full daycare facility. Plan for pick-up within the scheduled window; extended drop-off holding may incur fees.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Verify current hours before your visit, as small independent shops adjust seasonally. The shop has street parking or a small lot; call ahead if you have mobility concerns and need to confirm accessible parking. It operates as a walk-in-friendly business for supplies but requires appointments for grooming to ensure quality care and staff availability.
Slobberbones fills a niche that neither chain retailers nor single-service groomers fully cover: it combines custom-baked treats with deliberate grooming, appealing to Chattanooga owners who treat pet care as a whole rather than a series of separate errands.
