A good groomer does more than give great haircuts. As a vital member of your pet’s wellness team, they can help keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy (and, yes, handsome). How to tell if your pet is in good hands? Look for these signs:
Health and Safety is Emphasized
Good groomers put your pet’s health and safety first. If an accident does occur, you should be fully informed and comfortable with how the incident was handled.
“Accidents do happen, so a single, small clipper burn or cut is not a reason to panic, as long as your groomer is completely honest about what happened and explains how they will prevent a similar occurrence in the future,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian based in Fort Collins, Colorado. “Repeated injuries should be cause for concern, however.”
To keep all clients healthy, animals should be up-to-date on their vaccines and flea preventatives before visiting the groomer. “It’s a good sign if your groomer is a stickler for up-to-date vaccination records,” adds Coates.
Your Pet is (Relatively) Calm After the Appointment
Grooming appointments can be stressful, but they shouldn’t be traumatic. If your pet is acting unusual after a trip to the groomer, consider it a red flag. A good groomer understands how to work with even the most skittish and challenging pets.
“Patience and actually loving dogs is a definite must for great groomers,” says Jessica Tullier, a groomer with Dogtopia in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Your companion should seem relatively relaxed and confident after the appointment. “Similarly, they should seem happy—or at least not upset—to go back,” adds Coates.
The Groomer and Salon Radiate Professionalism
First impressions are important. Both the groomer and the salon should impress you upon arrival, says Gregg Docktor, director of Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Groomers and their uniforms should be neat and clean (after all, they work in the grooming business). In addition to looking the part, they should be knowledgeable about your pet, even if it’s the first meeting. A groomer who doesn’t recognize a Chow Chow has no business caring for your buddy. “If you can’t identify the dog, how are you going to groom it?” reasons Docktor.
Similarly, the facility should be clean, tidy and smell pleasant. An employee should be happy to offer you a tour of the entire salon. “Expect a little hair floating around in the air and some barking dogs, but it should be clean,” says Teri DiMarino, president of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association.
The Staff is Certified and Educated
Unlike veterinary practices, the grooming industry is unregulated, meaning anyone can open a salon. So how do you know if a groomer is qualified to care for your pet?
For one, select a groomer who has undergone professional training at an accredited school. Then, ask about current certifications. The best groomers are dedicated to lifelong learning and pursue voluntary certifications offered by professional grooming and pet industry organizations. Several expert-recommended organizations offering pet grooming certifications and workshops include the International Professional Groomers, the National Dog Groomers Association of America, the American Kennel Club and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists.
They Have Extensive Hands-On Experience
Schooling and certifications are great, but you want your groomer to have extensive experience working with animals. Grooming is an art as much as a science, and there are some things you can’t learn from seminars. Select a groomer who has a lengthy resume and great references, and don’t be shy about interviewing them. “Finding a new groomer for your pet can be as stressful as finding a new doctor or hairdresser for yourself, if not more so,” says DiMarino. “It’s OK to ask questions.”