You read the title correct- the grooming world is unregulated.
While there is slowly starting to be some push in the United States for regulation, there is currently no required schooling, testing, sanitation standards or inspections of facilities in place. At this point, anyone can claim to be a “pet groomer.”
This can be a problem because the owner has to use their own judgement of who and where they trust their pet to be groomed. Below you will find tips from a professional groomer that can help you find a trustworthy groomer for your pet’s needs!
Tips For Choosing The Right Groomer:
Ask Questions
When searching for a groomer it can be helpful to ask questions such as:
- Did they go to school?
- Did they apprentice under another groomer?
- How long have they been grooming?
- Why did they become a groomer?
Ask Them How Their Grooming Process Works
Every groomer’s process of how they groom animals can vary. Here are just a few examples of how groomers/salons may operate their day:
- The pet gets done start to finish as soon as they come in for their scheduled appointment
- The pet is dropped off but then has to wait in a crate for their turn to be groomed
- The pet is done in stages: bathed, then into a crate dryer while the groomer baths another dog, then switches back to the first to do the haircut/finishing.
The point of this question is to make sure you are comfortable with their process and take into consideration what process would suit your pet best. For example some pets who are elderly, have health conditions, anxiety etc may need an in and out approach or would be better suited to a mobile service that comes to you.
Are You Able To See Their Work Area?
In some grooming shops you cannot see the area they work in from the front desk. When this is the case, you may want to consider asking if they will let you see where they work/ where your pet will be groomed.
Keep in mind that many groomers may not feel comfortable taking you to see their work area as it can excite the pets and put them at risk of being injured. Also, their insurance may not cover outsiders coming to the back. This is understandable and not always a red flag. If they do let you see their area, make sure it is one you feel comfortable leaving your pet in. How they answer this question may help you get a better gut feeling for the place/groomer- which we will cover in the next point.
What Is Your Gut Feeling?
This is the most important factor to take into account. Our gut feeling, or intuition is there for a reason! Most of us put our best face forward when at work so it is important to really tune into how you feel about the person/place you are considering. Don’t question your gut, just follow it! If something just doesn’t feel right, walk away.
Don’t Price Shop
While most groomers competitively price, it is important to not choose a groomer based on prices. More expensive prices don’t necessarily equal better care and quality of grooming. On the other hand, less expensive prices don’t necessarily equal the same job at a better cost.
What Are Your Locations Bylaws
What do I mean by this? For example: many people where I live (even me!) get their hair done at a hairdresser’s house for a fraction of the cost. One would think that could be a great option for pet grooming, but that isn’t always the case. Where I live it is actually illegal to run a pet grooming business out of your home. You want to make sure you are supporting legal businesses that take what they are doing seriously.
That being said I know of other places that are allowed to have grooming out of their homes!
Have They Ever Cut/Injured A Pet?
This may seem like a surprising point but it is sort of a trick question.
I can almost guarantee every groomer (except maybe those just starting out) have accidentally cut/ injured a dog. We work all day with sharp objects on sometimes jumpy, unstable, moving targets- accidents happen!! An honest groomer should be able to explain this to you transparently. If a groomer of 30 years claims they have never cut a pet or none have been injured in some way in their care, I would seriously question their honesty.
Ask Friends/ Family Who They Recommend
Ask your friends and family for advice! Find out where their pet gets groomed, are they happy with the service, have they had any negative experiences there or anywhere else?
The TRUTH Is:
There are many groomers who really do care about your pet and also those who just see it as a paycheck (like in every industry.) Every pet deserves to be cared for by a groomer that truly cares!
Groomers are often very busy, many work long hours without breaks. It can be hard for some groomers to find time in their day to take phone calls and answer questions but I truly believe that if a groomer cares they will take the time to answer any and all of your questions. You are entrusting them with a furry member of your family, it is important you can feel confident in the groomer and place your pet is being groomed.
If you do happen to take your pet to a groomer and have a bad experience, it’s okay! It can take time to find the right groomer for both you and your pet. Keep searching, you will find the perfect fit!
-Savana