How to choose the right dog groomer
It takes lots of careful handling to properly groom a dog, not to mention the precautions required around dangerous, sharp implements like scissors and electric clippers? You surely aren't going to trust him to "just anybody". So what do you need to know to pick the right stylist for Fluffy?
The very first things you should look for when entering a grooming salon are:
Does it smell? And not like a pet had an accident just a moment ago, but does it smell like old accidents that weren't cleaned up properly? Or perhaps it smells like mold or mildew. A professional salon will be free of offensive odors.
Is it clean? Hair on the floor is a given in a grooming salon, but is it excessive? If the groomer has a black dog on the table, but the hair on the floor is not, then you know the groomer hasn't cleaned their area as they should. All surfaces that a dog comes in contact with should be cleaned and disinfected between dogs to prevent the spread of parasites, illness, and disease. Would you want your hair done at a hair salon that didn't clean the stations between clients?
As cliché as it sounds, what is the vibe or energy of the salon? Can you feel tension in the air? If you can, so can your pet, as they are much more sensitive to energy levels than people. This is actually something that may take a visit or two to actually be able to judge appropriately, so give the salon a chance or two before deciding. If the stylist is visibly frustrated, they could be just having a bad day, or it could be a sign of the energy in the salon.
Can you take a quick tour of the salon. Just like you tour a daycare before leaving a child, you should be able to take a brief look around where your pet will be spending time in the salon. This is the perfect time to ask any questions or concerns you may have, check for cleanliness, and watch the staff in action. Just remember to be respectful of the salon's time, and try to keep the tour brief unless previously discussed with the groomer.
This doesn't apply to groomers who's salon is inside a room in their home or corporate locations, only groomers with stand-alone locations due to security and liability.
Do they use professional products? With so many products on the market specifically designed for pets, there's no reason a professional groomer should resort to anything else. Professional grade shampoos, conditioners, sprays, etc have been specifically designed for pets, and have none of the potentially harmful and toxic ingredients found in non-pet friendly products.
A common product found in less reputable salons is dish soap being used as shampoo. It's extremely harsh and drying to the skin and coat, burns eyes, and, in extreme cases, can cause chemical burns. Dish soap companies have spoken out against the use of their products on multiple occasions. There is absolutely no reason a professional salon should be using dish soap as shampoo.
Does at least one staff member have an up-to-date CPR and/or first aid certification? Just like with human CPR and first aid, you must recertify in pet CPR and first aid every two years. Procedures and methods are updated regularly, plus, regular practice on dummy dogs means that the staff member will be able to react quickly and effectively in the event that an unfortunate accident ever occurs while your pet is in their care. In the event that CPR is needed, time is of the upmost importance.
Are there cameras? CCTV cameras not only provide the salon security in the event of fraudulent accusations, but also provide you with security and peace of mind. If you ever have any questions or concerns about what went on during your pet's visit, you can simply ask to see the video footage of their appointment. With cameras being as cheap as $20-$30, there is no reason a salon shouldn't have one in each area that dogs can access.
The next thing you should be looking for is how knowledgeable is the staff?
Did you know that, unlike veterinary technicians or even human hair stylists, there is currently no certifying or licensing required for groomers? Susie Q down the road can pick up a pair of clippers at Walmart and call herself a dog groomer with zero training, and that’s just dangerous.
All professional pet stylists should have, at minimum, a basic understanding of:
canine and/or feline anatomy and structure,
signs and symptoms of common diseases and how they affect care in the salon,
product selection and proper care for the 15 different coat types,
the different life stages and how grooming procedures and techniques change with age,
proper handling techniques,
and behavior and stress signals.
However, because there are no education or training requirements to become a dog groomer, all of that extracurricular education falls on the groomer to obtain on their own. Without continuing their education and keeping up with all the innovative new products, tools, and techniques, can you trust them to actually provide the best possible care for your best furry friend?