In the heart of Boston’s historic South End, nestled among brownstones and tree-lined sidewalks, there is a small grooming studio that has quietly built one of the most devoted client bases in the city. Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming, located at 248 W Newton St, may not boast flashy signage or a bustling storefront, but its reputation travels quickly through the neighborhood — often by word of mouth from grateful pet owners who have finally found a groomer they can trust.
With a strong 4.6-star rating from 47 reviews, Kelly’s isn’t just another grooming shop. It’s a boutique experience rooted in patience, skill, and a genuine love of animals.
Location & Contact
Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming
248 W Newton St
Boston, MA 02116
📞 +1 617-638-3230
A Grooming Studio Built on Trust and Comfort
What makes Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming stand out is not size or scale; it’s the philosophy behind the work. Many grooming salons book numerous pets at once, creating a noisy, stressful environment. Kelly takes a different approach — one dog at a time, working calmly and steadily without pressure or rush.
This style of grooming is especially important for breeds with high-maintenance coats, older pets who need gentler handling, and anxious dogs who require a quieter atmosphere to feel safe. Kelly’s space, often described by customers as “intimate,” “cozy,” and “soothing,” has become a haven for dogs who may have struggled with grooming experiences elsewhere.
Pet owners frequently note how their dogs quickly relax in Kelly’s care — a sign of trust that can’t be faked.
The Art and Skill of Handling Difficult Coats
New England winters are notoriously tough on long-haired breeds. Dogs like Havanese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, and doodle mixes can easily develop matting under their topcoat if their fur grows out for several months. For many groomers, matting is a challenge. For some, it becomes an excuse to shave a dog down without thoroughly attempting other options.
Kelly’s philosophy is different: every coat is evaluated individually, every dog receives a gentle assessment, and every owner gets honest communication about what is possible and what is best for the dog’s comfort.
One example comes from a recent inquiry by an owner of a nearly three-year-old Havanese who had allowed her dog’s coat to grow throughout the winter. Though she had maintained the face trims and home bathing, matting had developed underneath — a common occurrence for the breed. This is the exact situation Kelly excels at: determining what can be safely brushed out, what needs trimming, and how to maintain a healthy coat going forward.
Dematting is both an art and a science, requiring patience, technique, and a deep understanding of coat health. Kelly is known for taking the time to do it right, always prioritizing the dog’s comfort and well-being over the desire for a particular look.
Consistent Quality and Personal Attention
Perhaps the most striking thing about Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming is the consistent praise for personal care. Review after review mentions:
- Gentleness with nervous dogs
- Customized grooming for each breed
- Clear communication with owners
- Attention to detail in every cut
- A welcoming, down-to-earth personality
This is not a corporate-style grooming shop that cycles dogs through quickly. It is a craft — and Kelly treats it as such.
A Neighborhood Business That Feels Like Family
Boston’s South End is known for its vibrant, pet-loving community, and Kelly has become a trusted member of that community. Many clients have been bringing their dogs for years, referring neighbors, friends, and even fellow dog-park regulars.
Pets who are often fearful elsewhere walk into Kelly’s studio with familiarity and confidence. Owners who once drove across the city for grooming now rely on a groomer right in their neighborhood, one who knows their dog’s habits, sensitivities, coat type, and preferences.
In a world where so many pet services have become automated or standardized, this personal relationship is a rare and valuable thing.
Booking a Grooming Appointment
Unlike larger grooming businesses, Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming does not operate through an online booking portal. Appointments are made the old-fashioned way — through a friendly phone call.
To schedule a session or ask questions about your dog’s grooming needs, owners can reach the studio directly at:
📞 +1 617-638-3230
This direct, personal communication ensures that expectations are clear, coat conditions can be discussed upfront, and special considerations can be addressed before the appointment.
Why Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming Stands Out
In a city full of grooming options, Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming has earned its reputation because it offers something increasingly rare:
A groomer who listens.
Kelly takes the time to understand what each owner wants — and what each dog needs.
A groomer who cares.
Dogs are treated with respect, patience, and kindness, no matter how tangled their coat or how nervous they may be.
A groomer with skill.
From breed-standard cuts to creative styling to careful dematting, the results speak for themselves.
A groomer who values relationships.
Clients aren’t numbers on a schedule; they’re neighbors, friends, and fellow animal lovers.
Long-Term Loyalty Speaks Volumes
Some owners have been returning for years — even 8–12 years.
Examples:
- Mathew Paisner: Kelly has groomed his dog for over 5 years
- Nolan Taormino: has recommended Kelly for 8 years
- Ted Bennett: bringing his dog for 7 years
- James Zalcman: reviewing Kelly 12 years ago, saying: “On a scale from one to ten, she’s an eleven.”
These long-term relationships back up the reputation.
🐾 Honest Feedback: Not Every Review Is Perfect — And That Matters
A few reviews mention scheduling delays or times when grooming took longer than expected.
Including these in the bigger picture is meaningful — because businesses that show their real track record earn more trust than those with nothing but glowing feedback.
Even with a couple of critical reviews, the overall rating remains strong at 4.6, which speaks to consistent high-quality service.
A Quiet Beacon of Quality in the South End
Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming has become more than a grooming shop — it is a trusted, beloved part of the local community. For dogs who need thoughtful grooming and owners who want a groomer who truly understands their pet, Kelly’s remains one of Boston’s best-kept secrets.
Whether your dog needs a spring cleanup after a long winter, a breed-specific trim, a gentle introduction to grooming, or a skilled hand to manage challenging coats, Kelly’s Underground Dog Grooming offers a level of care that keeps clients returning year after year.
