111 S Jefferson St. Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-385-4339
Big Dog Tattoos
111 S. Jefferson St. Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
On the West Side, the Best Side of the square!
Now offering Permanent Cosmetics!!
2 Certified Technicians - Professionally Instructed - Call for consultation today!
Wide selection of colors -- Procedure Packages -- Wake-up Beautiful Forever!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit to get tattooed or pierced?
Iowa state laws requires that a person must be 18 years of age to get a tattoo. Big Dog tattoos will not tattoo you unless you provide state or government issued photo identification verifying that you are of age. (This means, no, you can not be tattooed unless you are 18, even if your parents will let you.)
A person may not get a piercing at Big Dog Tattoos under the age of 18, unless; parent is present and provides state or government issued photo identification, minor provides state issued photo identification or a form of photo identification and birth certificate. (This means, no, a written note from parent will not get you a piercing.)
No nipple or genital piercing of minors.
How much will my tattoo cost? All tattoo artists bid their own work. The shop minimum is $40. Our hourly rates are competitive for large scale and custom work. Costs vary due to size, placement, and detail.
How do I prepare for my Tattoo? No drinking alcohol, doing illegal drugs, or taking aspirin 24 hours before getting a tattoo. This thins the blood and causes the ink to push out due to more bleeding. More bleeding also makes the tattoo area harder for the artist to see and means more pain for you. Get a good night sleep and a good meal before your tattoo appointment.
Does it HURT? Yes and no. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. Most describe the feeling as discomfort or annoying rather than pain. Some body parts are more sensitive to the sensation than others, and women typically have a higher pain tolerance than men. And tattooing is Addictive. Most tattooed people will eventually collect more than just one tattoo in their lifetime.
Can I get a disease from a Tattoo? The AIDS/HIV virus is not the only worry one should have. Hepatitis B, Staph and others are forms of viral and bacterial infections. Tattoo shops, like hospitals, have followed precautions against spreading these for years. These are readily destroyed by disinfecting and sterilization procedures used in our shop, The chance of getting sick is ALMOST impossible from tattooing and body piercing.
In Iowa, Staph infection is prominent. Please take extra caution when getting a tattoo below the knee. Refrain from walking around in places excessivly dirty or traveled, such as; bars, outdoor festivals, the woods, mowing the lawn, rodeo grounds, dirt race tracks, etc...without taking extra attention and care to your tattoo. Please wash area thoughroughly when being exposed to these areas. And remember, if you have questions, don't be afraid to call us! 319-385-4339
"Universal Precautions" Basically this means we use the same protective measures with every patron to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. These universal precautions include: * Wearing gloves and maintaining strict aseptic approved tattoo and body piercing procedures. * Washing hands and changing gloves after each patron. * Sterilizing or disinfecting tattoo instruments and equipment after each use; Have visible "telltales" to show sterilization. * Cleaning and disinfecting the tattoo area after each patron. * Disposing of needles and other sharp items in biohazard containers; Needles are one time use only, used on one person and then disposed of. *Properly disposing of waste items and contaminated materials.
Sterilization and Disinfecting Tattoo studios use various methods to sterilize and disinfect in order to kill bacteria and viruses. Our staff is well trained in those procedures and their appropriate use. There are several acceptable methods of sterilization of instruments. Instruments that can withstand high temperatures are sterilized under pressure in a steam AUTOCLAVE, just like a dentist or hospital sterilizes their equipment. Other instruments that can not be heated are scrubbed clean the sterilized or disinfected in chemical solutions. These methods of sterilization kill the AIDS/HIV virus and other microscopic organisms capable of causing illness. All of our needles and ink holders are used for only one customer to prevent cross contamination.
We use state approved disinfecting procedures on surfaces and equipment that cannot be autoclave sterilized, such as counters, drawer handles, lights, etc. Disinfecting is done in the Tattoo Area between patrons to assure the studio is absolutely clean for each client. The use of disposable items is another way we maintain a clean and safe studio. Many Tattoo supplies such as gloves, tattoo needles, piercing needles, and razors are used only once then disposed of properly.
Tattoo Care You must not only be aware of safeguards used by your artist, you must also understand that ultimately YOU are responsible for the care of your new tattoo. These are our recommendations for your new tattoo. For 2 weeks after your new tattoo Wash Tattooed area by hand (no wash cloths, loofahs, etc) FOUR times daily. Rinse well. Pat dry and apply VERY THIN layer of Bacitracin, Tattoo Goo or Big Dog Healing Salve. No soaking the tattoo in ANY KIND OF WATER. Absolutely no Swimming. Do not expose to excessive sun. Use sterile bandage to cover tattoo only if the tattoo is at risk of exposure to excessive dust, chemicals, or ultraviolet rays. Do not scratch or pick scabs. Itching can be relived by applying rubbing alcohol or slapping. Keep Tattoo covered with loose clean clothing.
*You may tan in a tanning bed, but you must cover tattoo with a towel for two weeks to prevent from getting sun poisoning.
*Do not use anything for tattoo care except: Big Dog Healing Salve, Tattoo Goo, Bacitracin, or Bag Balm. (No neosporin, lotions or vaseline!!!!)
Your Health Is Our Concern We hope this information has addressed some of the questions you may have. If you have other concerns, please feel free to bring them to our attention. We want you to be assured that you are getting the very best and safest tattoo & piercing services we can provide. Please remember YOUR health is our FIRST concern.
Body Piercing: Body Piercing follows the same sterilization and aseptic procedures as tattooing. Healing time on body piercings vary according to the body part and the person. We give a complete care kit every time you are pierced. Fore more information, give us a call!
Problems or Questions About This Website? Please Contact WebHBIC Email: artist@bigdogtattoos.com- Subject: Kim-WebHBIC