Selecting a Groomer

Choosing a Groomer Need Not be Grrrrrueling

“How much $$?” and “when can I get in?” are usually the first, but not the MOST important questions asked. More important questions to ask are:

• What services are included in your price?
• How long will my pet have to stay?
• Will my pet have high quality time and attention?
• What type of products do you use?
• Do you offer flea and tick treatment?
• What is your and your staff’s experience – are you schooled or self-taught?
• Who will be handling my pet?
• Will my pet be cage-dried or hand dried?
• Do you sanitize your tools and work surfaces?
• Can I have a tour of the grooming area?

A potential groomer should be proud to show off their grooming area, as long as your dog is not being groomed at the time. Most dogs, while fairly content in the tub in the hands of a professional groomer, can become very anxious if they see, hear, or smell their humans. Your pet thinks he/she should be at your side, in your lap, or it’s time to go home and can create unnecessary stress for the groomer and your pet. We are proud of our salon and can give you a tour on a moments notice.

Professional groomers will take advantage of additional training opportunities to improve their skills, handling abilities, and their knowledge of the best equipment and products for the pets in their care. Ask your potential groomer if they’ve attended any continuing educational conferences lately. The collective wealth of knowledge available at these conferences is highly beneficial for the groomer, the pets they handle, and the owners who are looking for a long lasting relationship of trust and confidence.

It’s also important to consider the fact that as far as your dog is concerned, changing groomers is not like changing hairstylists. You will not do your dog any favor by “shop hopping” to save a few dollars. It’s in the best interest of your pet to stay with the same groomer because they develop a trust, which minimizes their fear and stress of the grooming process when they get to know their groomer and the environment. Of course, if you’re unhappy with the work your current groomer is doing, or if you fear for the welfare of your pets, then you have good reason to change. The pleasure of a clean, freshly groomed pet is only enhanced by the comfort of having confidence that your pet has experienced the least amount of stress in the process.

Finally, it takes a lot of hard work to become a professional groomer. When you find one that pleases you, don’t take them for granted. Be respectful of their time, be on time for your appointments, and if you must cancel, let them know in advance. This allows them to fill your appointment time slot with another customer so they won’t lose income. Many good groomers have a wait-list of customers wishing to get in if there is a cancellation.