Pets: Choosing A Groomer

Different pets have vastly different grooming needs. Some pets need a lot more grooming than others. The majority of animals will need some kind of grooming service at some stage of their lives. Whether it's bathing or trimming, or even a large matt that needs to be removed - there are some things that need to be done by professionals.

Choosing a groomer is not just a matter of opening the phonebook however, there are just too many choices. But when choosing groomers some standards cannot be negotiated. You want the best for your pet and need to be sure you can safely place your trust in your chosen groomer.

Before sending your beloved pet to a grooming service - here are some useful tips to consider when it comes to choosing the right service for you.

1. References: This is the most important of the criteria! A simple way to make sure you choosing right is just to ask your friends/family where they take their animals. Word of mouth works well. Look online to see if there's any evidence of good work or happy clients.

2. Their level of experience: Do they have some kind of qualification? Are they affiliated with any grooming associations? If your pet has exotic or unusual needs ask them if they've dealt with - for example a French treatment. Ask if they have any photo albums of their work or happy clients they could refer you to.

3. Staying there: Many places allow you to stay with your pet while they do their work. A trustworthy establishment should have no problems with letting you stay - and even if you don't intend to stay - their reaction to the question will tell you a lot.

4. Evaluate their place of business: is it clean and well lit. Does it give a good impression? Are the animals there happy and calm? Does the establishment have a happy feel to it?

5. Of course your own pets' reaction will also have a lot to do with whether you choose a groomer. If your pet becomes upset or reacts badly to them - find another groomer. Groomers should handle your pet gently.

The best places love your animal as much as you do and treat them well. And if you aren't happy with their service - find someone else. You wouldn't leave your children with just anybody - why should your pets be any different. Take your time while choosing - it'll be time well spent.

About The Author

Gary Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies he occasionally has for sale at http://allmypuppiesonline.com. Gary is also the author of two consumer guides, http://carpetsecrets.com and http://movingsecretsguide.com.

 Gary Allison

More Articles 

For the Best Pets Look to the Unusual - Bob Benson
If you're searching for really terrific pets, you may want to take a little walk into the unusual. While dogs and cats – arguably the two most common and beloved pets – are good choices, there are some other animals out there that...

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them - Ian White
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover. Let’s face it, folks, cats are just different from dogs. Cats do not usually perform any special tricks, and they certainly do not guard your possessions while you are away. In fact, the only thing...

Dietary Intolerance in Pets - John Burns BVMS MRCVS
Dietary Intolerance Adverse reactions to ingredients in the diet may well be one of the commonest yet least recognised causes of ill-health in pets and humans. In theory, any dietary ingredient can cause an intolerance. In practice,...

Boxers Dogs as Pets - Are they right for you? - Kathy Burns Millyard
Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they get lonely, bored and into trouble. ...

How To Help The Displaced Pets Of Hurricane Katrina - Hannah Chastain
The temporary shelters are filled and the pets left behind by victims of Hurricane Katrina are turning up in shelters and Humane Societies across the South. Many rescuers have stopped trying to find the dogs and cats, and have opted to just...

Jefferson Award: Ilana Strubel, vet for pets of homeless - Suzanne Pullen SF Chronicle Staff Writer
Bay Area Jefferson Award winner: Ilana Strubel, founder of VET SOS, a nonprofit veterinary service for San Francisco's homeless pet owners. How she started: In 2000, Strubel was asked by a former homeless client she had met while working as...

Dental Home Care for Pets - Milinda Lommer DVM
Dogs and cats get plaque on their teeth just like we do! Plaque is made of proteins (from saliva) and bacteria. If the plaque is not removed every day the bacteria will multiply rapidly and invade the gums around the teeth. Gingivitis, or...

Dental Disease in Pets - Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital
People are often surprised to learn that animals get the same aliments that humans do- from heart disease to diabetes to cancer. Among the other conditions that animals can develop are dental and periodontal disease. Gum erosion, inflamed...

Treating Pets with Eye Medications - Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital
To treat your pet's eyes with medication, try to following steps: Gently tilt the head back so the eyes are looking at the ceiling. Medicated Ointment: Roll the lower eyelid out, forming a 'pocket', and place a small amount of...

Lymphoma in Pets - Susan A Kraegel DVM
Lymphoma is a cancer of a specific white blood cell called the lymphocyte. Lymphocytes are found throughout the body in blood and tissues and act to protect the body from infec-tion. Lymphocytes are the major cells found in lymph nodes...

Smokers Put Pets at Risk - Marilyn Pokorney
Do you smoke? Need an incentive to quit? Do you have pets? Then that beloved pet just might be the incentive you need to stop. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have discovered that pets are affected by second-hand smoke. Cats...

Foxtails & Pets - Contra Costa County Dog Raisers Inc
Foxtail seeds are relatively small, so detecting them once they enter a dog's body can be difficult. Veterinarians usually rely on telltale symptoms. Foxtail seeds in the ears, nose, eyes, and under the skin are very serious and can ultimately...