Every Tail WagsWith Joyfor River Paws Dog Grooming & Hiking
Find professional dog grooming and hiking services near you!
Grooming they'll actually enjoy. Adventures they'll dream about.
Book TodayWhy Choose River Paws?
Serving Waunakee, Madison, and surrounding communities including Middleton, DeForest, and Sun Prairie since 2017 with professional, compassionate care for your beloved pets.
Serving the local community.
Local Expertise
Right on the Waunakee-Madison border, we're an easy drive for families from Middleton, DeForest, Sun Prairie, and beyond. We know Wisconsin dogs—the mud they find, the coats they shed, and the adventures they crave.
We work around your schedule.
Book in Seconds
Our online scheduling is fast, simple, and actually works. Skeptical? Try it—you'll have an appointment booked before you finish your coffee.
Gentle care, happy dogs.
Stress-Free Environment
Nervous pup? Anxious around strangers? We've got you. Our groomers take their time, read your dog's cues, and never rush. No assembly lines here—just patience and positive vibes.
Don't just take our word for it...
The wags speak for themselves.
100+ photos of happy pups in our gallery
Conveniently Located on the Edge of Waunakee & Madison
We're perfectly positioned for pet owners throughout the greater Madison area. Whether you're coming from Middleton, DeForest, Sun Prairie, or anywhere in between, we offer convenient parking and easy access. Just minutes from downtown Madison, making it easy to fit us into your busy schedule.
Bonus for Active Pups: We're located just 500 feet from Yahara Heights Dog Park's 20-acre off-leash area! Whether your pup just finished playing at the dog park or exploring Cherokee Marsh, we're the perfect stop for post-adventure grooming and cleanup.
Our Services
Two ways to make tails wag
Trail Buddies 🐾
🥾 Adventure Hikes
- Off-Leash Freedom
- Private Trails
- Small Group Adventures
Conveniently located next to Yahara Heights Dog Park
Your Trusted Local Pet Care Partner
River Paws started in 2017 with a simple idea: dogs deserve more than traditional doggy daycare or a quick bath and a pat on the head. They deserve groomers who notice when they're nervous, trails that let them run free, and a team that treats them like family.
We believe every pet deserves personalized attention, stress-free experiences, and owners who can trust their furry family members are in the best hands. That's why we've built our reputation on transparency, compassion, and expertise.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Gentle, patient approach tailored to each dog's comfort level
- Experienced, trained professional groomers
- Flexible scheduling to fit your needs
- Small group hikes (max 6 dogs) for better attention
The happiest pack around.
Complete Pet Care Services
Two things make a dog's tail wag: looking their best and getting outside. We've built our whole business around both.
Gentle care, happy dogs.
Professional Grooming
Full-service grooming with experienced, trained professionals. Bath, brush, nail trim, and breed-specific cuts. We use only premium, pet-safe products.
Adventure starts with every wag.
Adventure Hikes
Small group hiking adventures in beautiful local trails. Professional guidance, socialization opportunities, and memorable experiences.
Learn more about dog hiking
Safe, supervised puppy socialization.
Puppy Play & Socialization
Limited Availability: This is a very occasional offering that only happens once or twice a year. No current availability.
Structured play sessions designed for puppies and young dogs. Learn socialization skills, basic training, and make new friends in a safe environment. Offered on a very limited basis.
Meet Our Pack Leaders
Our experienced, trained team of professional groomers and hiking guides are dedicated to your dog's happiness and safety.
Serving Madison
Established locally and trusted by the community for over 8 years. We aren't just an app; we're your neighbors.
Years Combined Experience
Our team brings decades of grooming, veterinary, and professional animal care experience to every appointment.
Happy Local Families
Join thousands of satisfied pet parents in Waunakee, Madison, and Sun Prairie who trust us with their best friends.
What Our Pack Says
Join thousands of happy tails in the Madison & Waunakee area.
Lindsey Miller
Cooper • Golden Retriever
“Our dog Cooper absolutely loves his time here! He always comes home tired after a day of play. The team is so friendly and transparent about his day. Best haircut he's ever received!”
Kathy Mitchell
Luna • Siberian Husky
“I drive across town just for their groomers - they are fantastic! They do an excellent job with her double coat at a great price. Highly recommend!”
Diane Virgin
Schatzi • German Shepherd
“Schatzi always looks amazing when he gets groomed here. They worked him in at the last minute and were super accommodating. The de-shedding treatment is a miracle.”
Jennifer Marsden
Charlie • Mixed Breed
“Drop off and pick up was super easy. My dog's coat looks better than it has in months! They really listened to exactly what I wanted.”
Emily Diep
Ralph • Labradoodle
“Our puppy absolutely loves this place! The staff is amazing and really works with him individually. We've seen such an improvement in his confidence.”
Lindsey Miller
Cooper • Golden Retriever
“Our dog Cooper absolutely loves his time here! He always comes home tired after a day of play. The team is so friendly and transparent about his day. Best haircut he's ever received!”
Kathy Mitchell
Luna • Siberian Husky
“I drive across town just for their groomers - they are fantastic! They do an excellent job with her double coat at a great price. Highly recommend!”
Diane Virgin
Schatzi • German Shepherd
“Schatzi always looks amazing when he gets groomed here. They worked him in at the last minute and were super accommodating. The de-shedding treatment is a miracle.”
Jennifer Marsden
Charlie • Mixed Breed
“Drop off and pick up was super easy. My dog's coat looks better than it has in months! They really listened to exactly what I wanted.”
Emily Diep
Ralph • Labradoodle
“Our puppy absolutely loves this place! The staff is amazing and really works with him individually. We've seen such an improvement in his confidence.”
Kate Spann
Ruben • Mixed Breed
“Amazing people who love and know a lot about dogs! They've improved his behavior over the past year. Very understanding and flexible. Thank you!”
Michael Chen
Bear • Newfoundland
“Finding a groomer who can handle a 150lb dog is hard, but River Paws does it with ease. Bear comes home happy, fluffy, and smelling great.”
Sarah Johnson
Bella • Vizsla
“The off-leash hikes are a lifesaver for my high-energy Vizsla. She comes home exhausted and content. The photos they send are the highlight of my day!”
David Wilson
Rocky • Boxer Mix
“We love the pickup service! It's so convenient. Rocky waits by the window for the River Paws van every Tuesday. Best investment in his happiness.”
Amanda Thomas
Daisy • Cocker Spaniel
“They are so gentle with Daisy, who can be nervous at the vet. She wags her tail when we walk in! The cut is always consistent and cute.”
Kate Spann
Ruben • Mixed Breed
“Amazing people who love and know a lot about dogs! They've improved his behavior over the past year. Very understanding and flexible. Thank you!”
Michael Chen
Bear • Newfoundland
“Finding a groomer who can handle a 150lb dog is hard, but River Paws does it with ease. Bear comes home happy, fluffy, and smelling great.”
Sarah Johnson
Bella • Vizsla
“The off-leash hikes are a lifesaver for my high-energy Vizsla. She comes home exhausted and content. The photos they send are the highlight of my day!”
David Wilson
Rocky • Boxer Mix
“We love the pickup service! It's so convenient. Rocky waits by the window for the River Paws van every Tuesday. Best investment in his happiness.”
Amanda Thomas
Daisy • Cocker Spaniel
“They are so gentle with Daisy, who can be nervous at the vet. She wags her tail when we walk in! The cut is always consistent and cute.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services
Your Dog Is Going to Love It Here
Whether it's a spa day or a trail adventure, we can't wait to meet your pup. Book online or give us a call—let's make their tail wag.