Choosing the Right Groomer for your Pet

Pet Grooming is an overall essential need for all pets.

Even when you choose a short haired dog or cat, they still have needs such as nail clipping & proper brushing to stimulate skin and coat health and spread their natural oils.

A professional groomer caring for your pet consistently can also spot issues such as allergies, hot spots, and ear infections before they get out of control. Most professional pet groomers do in fact consider themselves the first line of defense for your pet, as we are hands on their whole body, not just examining a particular area.

Choosing a Groomer

When choosing a groomer for your pet, keep your and your pet’s needs in mind. Does your pet not do well in the car? Do you physically struggle getting them to a storefront? Does your dog have health problems that interfere with vaccinations? Then, maybe mobile or house call groomers would be best suited for you. Is your dog protective of house and home? Then a storefront may be a better option.

Special Needs

If your pet has special needs as far as shampoos, perfumes, allergies, etc., be sure to speak with your groomer about these issues so you can be sure they have the proper supplies for your pet. If your pet has other known issues with behavior or physical disabilities, be sure to disclose all that information when booking your appointment. Make sure the groomer you choose is capable and confident enough to make the experience as pleasant as possible for both pet & groomer. If this information is not disclosed, the groomer you chose may not be capable of grooming your pet, which will result in an incomplete groom that you will probably still be responsible for paying for. 

There are many specialties in the dog grooming world. Completely hand scissoring a dog, hand stripping a terrier breed, extra large breed handling, and special needs dog handling are just a few examples. Not all groomers are willing to demat. These are all things you want to specifically ask about when making your appointment.  

Choosing a Grooming Facility

Keep in mind, when you are choosing a specific groomer or salon, the facility / groomer should start the bonding process with your pet so this life-long journey for them can be pleasant. If you choose to bring your pet to a different facility every time they get groomed, then the ability to bond and form a relationship with your pet is much more difficult.  Therefore, once you’ve found a facility / groomer that both you and your dog are comfortable with it’s important to stick with them.

Feel free to interview the facility and groomer / groomers that will be working with your pet. Many facilities will be very forthcoming in what they have to offer. They’ll also allow you to come in and tour the facility (when not being used) and most will allow and encourage your pet to come in for a meet & greet. This will help to ensure they’re the right fit for what you’re looking for, and that your pet is comfortable with the people that will be working with them. Just understand that just popping in with your pet throughout he grooming day may result in the groomer not being able to step away. Instead, try to set up a time with them that works for everyone involved.

Industry Certifications

The grooming industry currently doesn’t require certifications or formal training to be a pet groomer. When interviewing the facility / groomer, be sure to ask about their experience, certifications, and what they do to further education in the industry. It’s also important to confirm they are insured.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a groomer for your pet, ask questions, let them know your needs, disclose your pet’s behavioral issues, and make sure you and your pet are both comfortable with your choice. There is the right groomer out there for every pet and human. Just because you are comfortable with the choice you made doesn’t mean your pet is. Just because your pet is happy to see everybody in the facility and comfortable doesn’t mean you have to continue with them if the groomer rubs you the wrong way. Make smart choices for everyone involved and the lifelong experience for your pet should be an enjoyable one!

Good luck with your groomer search!

Stephanie

Stephanie Harrigan has made pets her life’s work. She spent eight years as a dog walker, and boarding supervisor at a doggie daycare, administering medications as needed, feedings, and supervising doggie playtimes. She received her Dog Training Certification from Animal Behavior College in 2008, and specialized in training dogs and their owners in basic obedience and puppy basics. In 2015, Stephanie returned to Animal Behavior College to receive her Pet Grooming Certification, and in 2021 she expanded those skills by becoming certified in Special Needs Dog Handling with Barkleigh. Stephanie currently owns Sparta Pet Shoppe and Spa in Sparta, NJ, and mentors new groomers.