Dear Valued Clients,

I am writing to you today to give you both exciting and somewhat sad news about Bernie’s Grooming. The sad news first: after July 2, 2022 we will no longer operate out of the space at San Francisco Animal Care and Control located at 1419 Bryant Street.

I inform you of this plan with a somewhat heavy heart as I have provided grooming services to both my clients and to San Francisco’s shelter animals for the past 16 years from that location. That work has been an honor and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that the City provided me all this time. Throughout these past 16 years, I have been able to work with thousands of the most at-risk animals to provide them the care they deserve. Hopefully, this also allowed me to introduce you to the good and important work the City Shelter does on behalf of the people and animals of San Francisco.

Unfortunately, the grooming industry faces an incredible shortage of professional groomers or even professional bathers. Given the demand for services from City Dogs located at 177 Brannan Street, operating a second location was no longer viable. However, the status of the industry challenges allows me to share the exciting news and update.

I intend to continue giving back to the community. In fact, I have been working with a partner for some time in an effort to start a grooming academy. No such vocational school exists in Northern California though it is desperately needed. We intend to teach bathing and grooming to individuals who face barriers to employment. Additionally, we intend to serve clients and rescue animals who most need our services. In doing so, we hope to address an industry demand and continue to help those most in need of grooming services. 

Meanwhile, for those of you who have been acquiring services at the Bryant Street location and wish to transition to City Dogs, please re-register for the Brannan Street location as the two facilities have operated independently for scheduling purposes. Also, for those of you who were fans of the wonderful Michael, I regret to inform you that he will no longer be available. Michael let me know that he intends to explore other pursuits at this time. Fortunately, we have an incredible team at City Dogs that will be happy to serve you.

We look forward to seeing you and your beautiful dogs soon!

Thank you,
Bernie Machado