The mission to find the best pet groomer for your best friend is important. Afterall, you probably have more photos of your dog than selfies. There are many horror stories of rough groomers and photos of hack jobs circulating social media. Dogs and cats need a gentle and skilled groomer to reduce any anxiety, fear or aggression. So, how do you find the best pet groomer near you?
As a certified professional pet groomer, with over 5 years of experience, I explain how to find a good groomer near you:
1. Vet Clinics
Surprisingly, most people don’t know that a local vet clinic may offer grooming for dogs and cats. As a certified professional groomer, I currently groom at a vet clinic. It is often very convenient for clients, especially if your current vet clinic offers grooming services.
Great Tip: Many vet clinics offer the assurance that your dog or cat has proper medical care in the event of an emergency. This is especially helpful for senior dogs or pets prone to seizures.
As groomers handle every body part of your pet, they can easily spot anything unusual such as a lump, skin irritation or painful spot. In such cases, a vet may take the time to examine these areas.
It is convenient to book both a vet and grooming appointment for your dog.
Pros:
- A good option for senior dogs or pets prone to seizures. There is immediate medical emergency care if your dog suffers shock, heart failure or seizures during grooming.
- If the groomer notices any unusual lump or painful spot, a vet may immediately assess the area
- If your dog scoots a lot and requires an internal anal gland expression, the vet can perform this procedure. Remember, a groomer should never be performing an internal anal gland expression due to the risk of permanent injury.
Cons:
- If your dog requires a sedated groom, this can be very costly.
2. Mobile Groomers:
Many mobile groomers will come to your house to groom your dog or cat. This is often very convenient especially if you work from home.
Mobile groomers make it easy for you to find a groomer near you. They will literally drive to you.
Great Tip: For dogs with separation anxiety, mobile grooming is a great option. The dog has the assurance that they are not far from the scent of their own home.
In addition, fearful dogs may experience a more positive environment without other dogs sharing the same space. In many grooming salons, the atmosphere is often busy with multiple groomers and dogs. Therefore, fearful or anxious dogs may appreciate a quieter environment in a mobile grooming van.
Pros:
- A good option for dogs with separation anxiety. The scent of their home is nearby.
- It is convenient to have a mobile groomer drive to you.
- The assurance that your dog is groomed privately without other dogs nearby.
- Your dog may appreciate a quieter grooming environment in a mobile van.
Cons:
- Expect to possibly pay a premium for the convenience of dog grooming home service.
3. Self-grooming services
If you are in the US , PetCo offers self-serve dog washes for about $15. They provide the aprons, tubs, shampoo and professional dryers for your convenience.
If you are in Canada, PetValu offers this same service for about $10-$15. The bathtubs , aprons, shampoo and velocity dryers are also all provided for convenience.
This is especially helpful if you have a dog or cat that only requires a bath.
Pros:
- It is convenient to bath your dog or cat somewhere else without the mess at home.
Cons:
- You may end up spending a little more if you are tempted to shop at the store after the bath. But why not? Our dogs and cats deserve it!
4. Private Groomers:
There are many groomers who promote private grooming services. Often they also offer a cage-free environment with boarding. With a simple google search, you may often find a private groomer near you.
Sometimes dogs and cats feel more secure in a homely grooming environment. Make sure to book with someone reputable and with the proper credentials.
Warning: When you find a good private groomer, make sure that there is a professional contract signed that provides assurance of accident coverage.
At the beginning of any pet grooming, a service form should be signed. Make sure there is assurance that there is coverage for your pet should they sustain an accident or injury during grooming. You do not want to take the cost of any injuries upon yourself – it’s not fair.
Pros:
- Dogs are often groomed cage-free
- Offers a more homely environment
Cons:
- Make sure a service form is signed at the beginning of each groom. It is important that there is coverage for your pet should they sustain an injury or accident during grooming.
- Make sure the groomer has the proper credentials.
5. PetSmart Lead Groomer:
I know groomers at PetSmart – many who are incredibly skilled. However, there are also many novice groomers who are still training at PetSmart. So , I suggest to book with caution.
If you prefer the convenience of shopping and booking grooming services at PetSmart, I recommend booking with an experienced groomer – often the lead groomer or salon manager.
Great Tip: If you are looking to book with a skilled groomer, request to book with the salon manager – usually the most experienced of the groomers there.
The greatest advantage of booking at PetSmart is that their service card provides the assurance that they will cover the vet bill should your pet sustain an injury or accident during grooming. They will even take your dog or cat to the vet themselves.
Pros:
- Convenience of shopping and grooming services provided.
- Booking with the salon manager, provides the assurance that you are booking with a skilled groomer.
- PetSmart provides the assurance that they cover the vet bill in the event of an injury during a groom.
- They do offer “express grooms” – this is when the groomer works on your dog cage-free and without any delays. This a service you have to request and usually costs more.
Cons:
- It is often a very busy grooming environment that may stress anxious dogs.
- The salon is usually a mix of experienced and novice groomers.
Conclusion:
Remember there are excellent groomers everywhere. The key is their reputation, experience, credentials and emergency plans for any medical care required.
Read online reviews of the groomers and also ask to see their credentials. You may even ask to see a groomer’s online portfolio.
Finally, always find out what assurance they provide should your dog or cat sustain an injury or require urgent medical care.
-By Nikita King , Certified Professional Pet Groomer
