We all love our fur babies and want what is best for them.
Like we need to find the right hairdresser, finding the right groomer for our paws is essential.
Afterall, there are 6 weeks between a good and a bad haircut for us, so in dog years that’s almost a full 12 months!
So, what should you consider and what questions should you be asking when trying to find the right groomer for your dog?
Here are some questions that should, be on your list:
1: What is their experience, and can they show you their qualifications?
With the growth of pet ownership and changes in the economic climate over the past few years dog grooming has become a popular new business trend, especially mobile dog grooming. It is important to make sure that the groomer you choose is authentic and is interested in more than just the money that comes from grooming your fur baby.
Ask to see their qualifications or proof of their training. The last thing you want is someone who has no idea on what they are doing, all that does is create stress for you and your fur baby.
While yes everyone must start somewhere, you will really want to work with someone who has some experience even as an apprentice or someone who has worked as an offsider for an experienced groomer.
2: Have they worked with dogs that are the same breed as your 4 paws?
Different dog breeds have different requirements for grooming, for example the coat of a labrador is nothing like the coat of a poodle.
There are 6 main types of dog coats:
- Smooth coat and short haired dogs
- Double coated dogs
- Long haired dogs
- Wire haired dogs
- Curly coated dogs
- Hairless dogs
Each of these different types require different grooming methods so make sure that your groomer has experience with your dog’s coat type.
3: Can they show you before and after photos of previous clients?
It is one thing for a groomer to tell you that they have skills and experience but as the saying goes, “a picture tells a thousand words”.
All groomers should have a portfolio of the dogs they have worked with as it is one of the best ways that they can show off their skills and to promote their services.
Even if they are only relatively new groomers, they should have images from their training.
4: Are they fully insured?
If your groomer is a professional and running a proper business, they will have insurance. Insurance not only protects their business but can also help protect you.
While we don’t often think to ask this, knowing that your groomer has liability insurance can give you peace of mind that, if for any reason your dog is injured while under the groomer’s care, any medical expenses you incur as a result should be covered
5: What methods do they use to calm frightened paws?
Some breeds are known to be difficult during a grooming session. Fear and consequently, aggression can happen to any dog. A groomer should know how to deal with that issue before it gets out of hand, for their sake and the sake of your dog.
Ask them if they have experienced any frightened or difficult dogs before and ask them how they handled it.
6: Do they have any first aid experience?
We hope it won’t be needed, but just in case. The first aid kit should also be in plain view. You also want to know if a staff member familiar with first aid is always present. The groomer should ask you about your dog’s health and any medical conditions, such as skin problems, allergies, arthritis, or any other concerns. This helps determine how they’ll handle your dog, what products they’ll use and whether your dog has physical limitations.
7: What type of products do you use, and can I provide my own if I want to?
It is important to know what products the groomer will use, as your dog may have sensitive skin. You may also prefer organic products rather than chemical based options.
Perhaps you have your own products that you use on your dog at home and using these products might help to keep your 4 paws calm during the grooming process.
8: What package options or other services do they offer?
Does the groomer just do baths and coat grooming, or can they also include the whole grooming experience from nail clipping to butt cleaning?
You’ll also want to make sure the package doesn’t include services you don’t need. Some dogs don’t need haircuts, so maybe your groomer can let you swap out services such as changing the trim for teeth cleaning.
9: Are they in salon only or also mobile?
More and more groomers are now offering a mobile option where they come to your house.
This option is great for convenience and can also be a better option for your 4 paws as you do not have to travel to a salon, and they can be calmer by staying close to home. This can also make grooming easier for you so that you can still get about your daily business, saving your time and effort. This might also mean that they are more flexible with the times they can make appointments.
10: What hygiene methods do they use to clean the grooming space between sessions?
Now more than ever hygiene is imperative, not only for your 4 paws but also for you.
The last thing you want is your fur baby getting sick because of a previous client or their fur baby. You do not know if the previous pooch is up to date on their vaccinations or if they have encountered other diseases.
We would also suggest that you ask if you can make a time to meet with them before your first appointment. It will give you a chance to make sure your fur baby is comfortable with them and you can get a feeling of how they will interact together.
Check out their social media, also do a Google search of their business to see what reviews or comments have been left by other clients.
When you have found the right groomer for you and your fur baby make sure you let your friends and family know.
