Here are some of the questions you should be asking…
When I see posts on social media from pet parents looking for a groomer and asking for recommendations (word of mouth is great), however it’s important to note that just because a groomer suits someone else’s pet, doesn’t mean they’ll be the right one for yours.
If you need to find a groomer for your dog or cat, here are some questions you should be asking…
What qualifications does the groomer hold and how much experience do they have?
Did you know there is no legislation regarding dog grooming? There is no requirement for any training or qualifications whatsoever. You’re leaving your dog or cat with someone who is going to be using razor sharp blades on them. Someone who is going to be handling them in way that could feel frightening or uncomfortable, in an environment that will feel strange to them. In my professional opinion handling and understanding dog/cat behaviour is a far more important part of grooming than the actual hair cut.
Your pet is a sentient being with individual emotions, needs, health and behavioural issues that will affect them on a personal level and their groomer needs to be able to understand this and work with them to support them throughout the process.
In 20 years of grooming I’ve been asked once about my qualifications, I always hope this is because people can see how qualified I am via my website and social media accounts, but sadly I think it’s more likely that pet guardians assume I’m qualified. I think in this day and age we all assume skilled trades must hold qualifications but unfortunately this isn’t the case.
Is the groomer mobile or salon based? Do they work on a one to one basis with your dog or does the salon have multiple groomers, this is important. The environment your pet is groomed in could be the difference between them having a positive or negative experience.
A single groomer salon will naturally be calmer and quieter than a large, multi groomer salon, so will often suit more sensitive pets.
A mobile groomer could be the most appropriate if your dog dislikes travelling or you’re unable to travel, perhaps an in-home groomer would suit your dog if they’re very elderly or have serious separation issues.
Will your dog be crated? This isn’t necessarily a bad thing…unless your dog isn’t crate trained, then their grooming session could end up being extremely traumatic.
How long will your pet spend at the grooming salon? This will depend on a few factors such as their size, breed, temperament, coat condition and what they’re having done. It will also depend on the groomers experience, a less experienced groomer will naturally take longer. Again not necessarily a bad thing but something you should be aware of.
The salon may work in such a way that multiple dogs are booked in at a similar time and bathed and dried. Whoever is ready first will be trimmed first, meaning the others may have to wait. Once again, not necessarily a bad thing depending on each individual dog and the environment, but something that you, the pet parent should be aware of. Perhaps this would work well for you, so you can have a dog free day, but is this the best thing for your dog?
Your dog’s grooming needs may change especially as they age, perhaps they’re no longer able to cope with a salon visit. In this situation perhaps a mobile or home groomer would work best for them.
I don’t groom large breeds as a lone groomer, one of the reasons for this is because it’s dangerous for them when they become older and unstable. Putting your dog’s safety first should always be a groomers top priority, in this event a salon with more than one groomer would be better suited.
Who will be grooming your dog? Will it be the same groomer each visit? Always seeing the same groomer will provide consistency, the ability to form a bond as well as continuation of care, meaning the groomer will be familiar with your pet’s ’normal’ and be able to pick up on any changes they notice.
Can you visit the salon before using their services? Is it a secure, safe space for your pet, with appropriate door/gate systems to avoid escape.
Is it air conditioned? A comfortable temperature is essential to avoid heat related issues in the summer and to keep dogs comfortable in the winter.
Is it clean, of course there’s going to be some hair, it’s a grooming salon, not a clinical space but it shouldn’t smell of wet dog and feel or smell damp. It should be a pleasant environment.
Is the groomer first aid trained? Accidents unfortunately can happen, groomers are working with sharp tools and wriggly, live animals, there’s huge potential for injury. Dog’s and cats also present with health issues, which us groomers need to understand how to respond to. Having regular training first aid training could be the difference between life and death, this may sound dramatic but I had to perform CPR in the past and without first aid training I would not have been able to save the little dog’s life.
Are they insured? I hope that anyone working with animals would have insurance but again, never assume!
To work with animals is a huge privilege and it isn’t enough to just love them, they must be respected and understood as individuals. When your pet visits me you can be assured they will be treated kindly, with care and their comfort and safety is my priority.
If you’re looking for a ‘cheap’ groomer or someone to shave off your matted dog once a year, then I’m not the groomer for you. The grooming care of your pet is very much a team effort and I love working with owners who understand this and work together, with me to provide the best care for their pet to keep them comfortable and healthy.
I also won’t be the right groomer for every dog and will always suggest alternatives if I think your dog would be better suited with a different groomer or in a different environment.
The Groomers Spotlight is a great resource for pet parents. It’s a register of groomers who hold the City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming Certificate (or equivalent). It’s not a guarantee, so you still need to ask questions and do some research but you can at least be reassured a certain level of knowledge has been met.
http://www.thegroomersspotlight.com
If you’ve found this information useful please share with other pet owners or on social media if you see someone searching for the right groomer for their dog or cat.
Tina Clyde LCGI 💚
Penn View Pets 
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