Did you know that about 42% of Michigan households have Dogs and 31% have cats? Did you know 100% of those dogs and cats need help with some type of grooming. Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership. Unfortunately, grooming can be put on the backburner, for multiple reasons, one being not knowing how to pick a groomer. When finding your groomer, it should not always be about how your pet is going to look in the end or who has the first available appointment. Not all groomers are the same
Unfortunately, there are no regulations or licenses within the Pet Grooming Industry. Only licenses needed is if the groomer owns their salon and it is just their general business licenses, an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and a sales tax ID. The State of Michigan does not even require the pet groomer or salon to carry insurance. Meaning, anyone can claim to be a Pet Groomer and open a salon. With that said, pet owners need to be vigilant in finding the right match for their furry family members.
When looking for a groomer here are some essential factors to focus on: Experience, Protocols, Safety and Cleanliness, Credentials and Pet Handling
Every pet groomer has to start somewhere and there’s many ways to go about it. There are in-person grooming schools where they are in a hands-on school setting. Learning from instructors and getting immediate direction and feedback. Usually when attending an in-person school, the grooming student has tests and needs to complete a certain amount of hours. The second option to learning the trade is to apprentice/work under a seasoned groomer. They should be starting at the basics and working their way up, side by side with the seasoned groomer who is teaching them. They may even be completing an online course along with that apprenticeship. The third way is just learning on their own and getting their groomers certificate online. Unfortunately, the third way has gotten to be popular, and can be a very dangerous way.
What does your potential groomer do to prevent pet injury and spread of disease and parasites? There is a lot going on with that question, however to a professional groomer it is an essential basic concern day that is addressed before their doors even open. A professional groomer will make sure they have all the correct tools and equipment for the pets they have set to come through their doors. Ramps and/or steps to help get dogs up into the tub, tables that go all the way to the floor. Alternative grooming loops for the dogs who cannot have the traditional grooming loops that just go on the neck. High Velocity dryers and different types of dryers (pets who are scared of the High Velocity dryers) to ensure pets are completely dry before leaving the facility.
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing, yes there is a difference between each one! There should be protocols to regularly Clean, Disinfect and Sanitize their tools, equipment and facilities. UV sterilizer, chemical solutions/sprays, use of an ultrasonic machine, sweeping, mopping should all be in an ideal groomer’s vocabulary. Ask them how they clean, disinfect and sanitize.
Continuing education and credentials count! Pet grooming is more than just a pet stylist, it’s a science that is always evolving. The dedicated people within the grooming industry are always working on trying to find the best and healthiest practices and products for pets. There are Many grooming conferences and seminars that groomers can attend to Continue their Education to learn what’s new. At these conferences and seminars, groomers can continue to build themselves to be a better conscious groomer, like keeping up to date on their Pet CPR & First Aid Certificate.
The last factor I believe you need to ask yourself, does your potential groomer have compassion and patience for your pet throughout their life? That is something, unfortunately some groomers do not have and cannot be learned. I have seen some groomers with great skill with tools but they lacked compassion and patience. Both you and your groomer want to give the best care to your pet from puppyhood to their last days. Your groomer’s goal should always have what’s best for the pet. Whether it means that your pet is just getting a “Comfort Groom” to Full Steam Ahead- the Works, having to go shorter then what the owner wants to ending the grooming session short and finishing at a later time.
Your potential groomer should be someone you can easily communicate with. You should be able to feel confident and comfortable leaving your pet in their care. Talk your potential (maybe current) groomer, have them give you a tour, ask other pet owners about their experiences. Just remember, once you find the groomer you like- Book as far into the year as possible!
