Four Paw
One of the few Brisbane groomers offering hand stripping — with named staff praised for terrier cuts, anxious dogs, and cat grooming.
Named staff members consistently appear across reviews tied to specific outcomes: Nicole for last-minute availability and responsive communication, Sophie for precision specialty cuts, Teagin for calm breed-specific handling, and Grayson for anxious dogs. Two reviewers raised concerns about pricing — one describing a 30% increase and another citing $175 for a small dog — which is worth factoring in or confirming upfront, particularly if your dog has a complex coat or matting. The salon books out well in advance, so contact them early and ask directly about pricing for your specific breed and groom style before locking in.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (109 total)
“they genuinely care about dogs”
“not all groomers offer it”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
Credentials & background
Sourced from 6 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Four Paw
Four Paw stands out in the Brisbane grooming market for offering hand stripping — a labour-intensive, breed-correct technique that many salons have quietly dropped — making it a genuine destination for terrier owners who've struggled to find it elsewhere. Nicole, named repeatedly across reviews, handles bookings and customer communication, known for squeezing in last-minute appointments and managing waitlists with transparency; Sophie is specifically praised for terrier cuts and specialty grooms; Teagin is called out for her warm chair-side manner and breed knowledge, particularly with Scottish Terriers; and Grayson is credited with successfully grooming a highly anxious cavoodle that hadn't been properly groomed in two years. The salon grooms both cats and dogs — including lion cuts, deshedding blowouts, and nail trims for timid or difficult cats — which is rarer than it sounds, with reviews noting they take only one cat per day (mornings), so cat owners should flag that when booking. Dogs with anxiety or difficult grooming histories appear regularly in reviews, and the team's approach — keeping dogs loose in the salon rather than crated between sessions — is something multiple customers mention noticing and appreciating. The salon books out weeks in advance, which reviewers treat as a quality signal rather than an inconvenience, and the Red Hill location draws customers from Ipswich, Milton, and the wider Brisbane area specifically for the hand stripping and specialty breed work.
Best for: hand stripping and breed-correct cuts for terriers and double-coated breeds, grooming anxious or previously refused dogs, cat grooming including lion cuts and deshedding, and owners seeking an experienced team where specific groomers can be requested.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Four Paw
Does Four Paw offer hand stripping for terriers?+
Yes — hand stripping is one of the services that specifically draws customers to Four Paw from across Brisbane and beyond, including from Ipswich. Multiple reviews mention it as hard to find elsewhere, with customers travelling significant distances just for this service. Sophie is singled out by name as particularly skilled at terrier cuts and specialty grooms. If you have a wire-coated terrier breed, it's worth calling ahead to confirm availability and timing.
Can Four Paw groom cats, and what services do they offer for them?+
Four Paw does groom cats, though reviews note they take only one cat per day, typically in the morning, so cat owners should flag this when booking. Services mentioned in reviews include lion cuts, deshedding brush-outs, wash and blowdry, and nail trimming — including for timid or people-shy cats. Customers have brought Ragdolls, Persians, and domestic cats, with positive feedback on handling nervous animals. Appointments for cats may book out, so contact them well in advance.
How far in advance do I need to book at Four Paw?+
Based on reviews, Four Paw books out weeks in advance — multiple customers mention being placed on a waiting list, sometimes for several weeks. The team does maintain a cancellation list and several reviewers note being contacted when a spot opened. For routine grooms, booking four to six weeks out is a safe approach. If your situation is urgent, it's worth calling directly and asking to be added to the cancellation list.
What do customers say about Four Paw's pricing?+
Most reviews don't specifically mention pricing, but two reviewers raised concerns — one describing a 30% price increase and another citing $175 for a small dog as steep. The majority of reviewers describe the service as 'well priced' or worth the cost, particularly for specialty grooms. Pricing likely varies by breed, coat condition, and service type, so it's worth confirming your specific quote upfront, especially if your dog has matting or a complex coat.
Is Four Paw able to handle dogs that are anxious or difficult to groom?+
Several reviews specifically mention bringing dogs that had been refused by other groomers or hadn't been properly groomed in years, with positive outcomes at Four Paw. The team's approach — keeping dogs loose in the salon rather than crated — is noted by multiple customers as something they observed and appreciated. Grayson is credited with successfully grooming a highly anxious cavoodle, and Nicole is mentioned for working through behavioural challenges with patience. If your dog has a difficult history with grooming, it's worth mentioning this when you book so the team can plan accordingly.