Address Details
Bubble Bark, Millfield Avenue, Marsh Gibbon, Bicester, OX27 0HP
Telephone: 01869 226 557
Opening Hours
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Where to find Bubble Bark
Bubble Bark is located in the quiet village of Marsh Gibbon, approximately six miles outside of Bicester town centre. You'll find our purpose built grooming salon located on Millfield Avenue, just up from the junction with Swan Lane. It's is well signposted to hopefully avoid anyone getting lost!
Marsh Gibbon village is easily accessible to many of the surrounding villages including Launton, Arncott, Ambrosden, Poundon, and Twyford to name a few. If you're considering traveling from further afield, the M40, A34 and A41 offer good road connections for those living in some of the larger towns within Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire. Needless to say, we are also located approximately seven miles from Bicester Village, so we are in the perfect location to ‘drop and shop!’
If you have trouble finding us, then please don’t hesitate to call Sarah-Jane or Charley on 01869 226 557, and we will do our best to direct you.
Drop us a line...
Whether you're ready to book an appointment, or would simply like to ask us a couple of questions, you can write to us by using Facebook Messenger or via the contact form below.
We're quick to respond, and will get back to you as soon as we can. To provide you with the most accurate response, please include the breed and age of your dog.
FAQs and House Rules
> Appointments (11)
We operate a one-to-one service, and we do not have the facilities to kennel/crate your pets. For this reason, it is very important that you arrive at the scheduled time, and pick-up your dog at the time agreed.
Dogs collected later than 10 minutes past the agreed time, will be subject to a fee of £5 for every 5 minutes. If you have any issues at all with arrival or collection times, then please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you at a time when we can keep your dog on site (please note that this may incur an additional fee which will be agreed in advance). If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, we cannot guarantee that the full service will be completed, but we will charge the full price. We also ask that you are not early for drop off or collection, in many cases once a dog has become aware that either you have come to collect them, or there is another dog outside waiting, they become much more difficult to work with, which makes our job more dangerous and means that the few minutes we needed to finish them, suddenly becomes much longer and means people have to wait while we try to complete the job!
In addition to cash payments, we’re able to accept payments via card now too. Our card machine takes chip, swipe and contactless payments from all major credit cards, as well as payments through Samsung Pay, Apple Pay and Android Pay.
Sadly, we do not have a daycare service at this time and dogs should be collected at the end of the grooming appointment. We do not have adequate housing facilities to keep your dog past this point.
We do not offer a collection service at this time.
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your pet’s groom please let us know and we will do our utmost to resolve any issues for you. We make notes about every dog after each groom, so if there is something that you are not happy with, then please let us know so that we can make a note to take a different approach next time.
The average time for a full groom is 1.5-2 hours. However, there are many factors that can affect this, such as breed, size, coat condition and temperament. We will always go to the pace of the dog.
Your dog loves you very much, and we find they are often more excitable (or sometimes even more anxious) when they can see, smell or hear their owner. This can mean they move around much more, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Therefore, we find it better when owners do not stay. But please, rest assured we will look after your pooch like they are our own, and we are happy to take videos/photos where possible.
On our services page we list a ‘from’ price because the price of each service varies dependent on the breed, size, coat condition and temperament of your dog. We cannot give an accurate quotation without meeting your dog, however the list below can be used a useful guide for how we typically categorise different breeds;
Small – Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund
Medium – West Highland Terrier, Cockerpoo, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Large – German Shepherd, Standard Poodle, Giant Schnauzer
There is ample on-street parking available.
Any appointments cancelled less than 48 hours beforehand will be subject to a 50% fee (unless we can fill the appointment, which we will always try to do!), and appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, or appointments where you do not turn up, will be subject to the full price, and no future booking will be made until this is paid. Most small businesses operate under the same terms, and while this may seem harsh, unfortunately we need to protect our small business and income.
If it’s your first ever appointment at Bubble Bark we like to have a brief chat when you arrive in order to get to know your dog (and you!). It’s a chance to chat about what style you’d like, and let us know of any concerns you may have.
To make sure that we have all of your correct contact details we’ll ask you to complete the Bubble Bark agreement form. Alternatively you can download and complete a copy of the agreement prior to your visit if you’d prefer.
After every groom we always make comprehensive notes on each dog, which makes it easier for repeat customers to opt for the same again, or try something slightly different. Knowing all of our dogs and their owners is really important to us.
> Grooming Policies (7)
There is always the possibility an accident could occur. Grooming equipment is sharp, even though we use extreme caution and care in all situations, possible problems could occur which includes, cuts, nicks, scratches, over-trimming of nails, etc. In most cases this can happen when a dog is wiggling or moving around. If you arrive to pick up your dog and they are still being groomed, please do NOT talk to them or allow them to see you. Every effort will be made to ensure your dog is groomed as safely as possible, but an excited pet can be dangerous to continue to work on. In the event of a grooming related injury, we will take your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately.
Owners need to inform Bubble Bark if your dog bites, has bitten, or is aggressive to people, other pet(s) or specific elements of grooming. Muzzles may be used if necessary. Bubble Bark reserves the right to refuse/stop services for such pet(s) at any time before or during the grooming process.
Bubble Bark believe that expressing Anal Glands is something that should be done by a veterinarian, so we do not and will not offer this service.
Grooming procedures can sometimes be stressful (although we will do everything in our power to make the experience as stress-free as possible), especially for puppies, senior or ill dogs, and can expose hidden medical problems or aggravate a current one during or after the groom. Because these dogs have a greater chance of injury, they will be groomed for cleanliness and comfort. In the best interest of your dog our grooming contract/agreement will give Bubble Bark permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment for your dog should it be deemed necessary. We will contact you first, then take your pet to the nearest veterinary practice, regardless of whether this is your usual practice. It is agreed that all expenses for Veterinary care will be covered by the owner upon signing our contract/agreement.
Dogs with matted coats need extra attention. Matts left in a dogs coat only grow tighter, can strangle the pet’s skin, and in serious cases can cause a lot of harm. Bubble Bark does not wish to cause serious or undue stress to your pet, and in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, we will not spend any longer than 15 minutes de-matting your dog. Matts can be very difficult to remove, and may require the dog to be clipped shorter than you would like. When necessary, removing a heavily matted coat includes risks of nicks, cuts or abrasions due to warts, moles or skin folds trapped in the mats. The after effects of matt removal can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations or abrasions. Prevention is the best defence against matting by scheduling regular grooming appointments, and maintaining your dogs coat at home between grooms (please do not hesitate to ask if you need help with understanding your dogs coat and the related home grooming requirements). There is an extra charge for matted dogs as it is a lengthy and risky process which causes excess wear and tear to our equipment. We will not take responsibility for any after effects, or injury caused by matting, and you will be required to sign another form prior to the groom taking place.
If you suspect your dog has fleas or ticks, then unfortunately we will be unable to groom them until you have adequately treated them. If fleas or ticks are found during the grooming process, then unfortunately we will have to request that your dog is collected as soon as possible, and we will be unable to carry on with the groom. We are not equipped to get rid of fleas or ticks, so adequate prevention and cure must take place at home. It is the owners responsibility to ensure the dog is up to date with any necessary parasite preventatives and vaccinations and we are not liable for any illness/parasite caught by an unprotected dog.
Your dog may be photographed before, during and after its groom. Photographs may be used on our website, social media or other printed materials. If you do not wish for your dog to feature in any of our marketing, then please tick the box on the contract to indicate that you do not give permission for this.
Our grooming salon
Purpose built in 2017, Bubble Bark's grooming salon is designed to create a relaxed, calming environment. The unique layout allows both Sarah-Jane and Charley to groom simultaneously; increasing appointment availability whilst not compromising the level of attention each dog receives. Products and equipment have been specially selected based on the years of experience Sarah-Jane and Charley have had to date; even down to the toy baskets and treat jars. That's why Bubble Bark is different. To learn more, please click the link below.
Things to do while you wait
Often owners will drop off their dog for an appointment and if they live locally, return home until collection time. However for owners travelling from further afield towns in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire, you may be wondering what local amenities are available to you while you wait. Typically our appointments will last around two hours, allowing you some time to grab a drink, explore the countryside walks, complete the weekly food shop, or indulge in some retail therapy! Below we've listed a few ideas of things to do in the area around Marsh Gibbon and Bicester:
Food & Drink
Bicester Bean coffee shop has a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. Most importantly, they welcome dogs in the coffee shop too! They're 10 minutes away - driving directions can be found here.
The Plough Inn is Marsh Gibbon's traditional village pub with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Opens 12pm daily apart from on Mondays.
Shopping
For shopping, it's best to make the 6 mile journey back towards Bicester. As a market town you'll find a traditional mix of high-street shops and a number of large supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Lidl and Aldi. We couldn’t go without mentioning Bicester Village designer shopping outlet too; it's hugely popular, and a couple of hours will soon fly by!
Walking
The village location of our salon lends itself perfectly to those who wish to explore the countryside in the time it takes for us to complete a grooming appointment. Around Marsh Gibbon there are plenty of footpaths that can be tackled on foot or by bike. You're very likely to meet some of our regulars when out walking too!