It might seem easy, but dog grooming is a profession that frequently requires accreditation through hands-on training and coursework.
Handing over your beloved pooch can be an unnerving experience, and you obviously want to have a high degree of trust in the person handling your pet.
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In addition to understanding the fundamentals of dog grooming, a professional will be able to work with all canine temperaments — like humans, after all, each of our four-footed friends has its own personality and idiosyncrasies.
The website PetMD lays out some other criteria pet owners might want to consider when searching out a professional pet groomer.
One of the most obvious is the tried-and-true method of asking around and seeking out recommendations from fellow dog owners.
But there are other considerations to take into account, including calling prospective groomers and asking questions.
You have the right to have a full understanding of what will take place when you leave your pooch in someone else’s hands. You might want to consider asking what types of certification(s) the person has acquired.
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If you are unable to obtain a recommendation from friends, veterinarians, dog trainers, or other animal professionals, the Humane Society of the United States recommends consulting a database that is compiled by the National Dog Groomers Association of America; it can be accessed at
nationaldoggroomers.com.
Other factors to take into consideration are a review of the grooming facility itself. Is it well lit? Do you witness staff members handle pets in a gentle manner? Are the dogs kept in separate, caged areas? What is the demeanor of the staff? Do they appear to be caring?
Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice in selecting a groomer is to trust your own intuition. If you have questions or concerns, you should feel free to raise them.
If at any time during the exploratory process you have reservations about a prospective dog groomer, it likely would be best to seek out another professional.
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