Anyone who spends a lot of time with your dog needs to be responsible, kind, and well-informed, whether they’re your vet, doggy camp counselor, or groomer.
Unlike the human beauty industry, the pet care grooming industry is not regulated; a groomer does not need any certifications to cut dogs’ fur or nails. While finding a reputable groomer isn’t easy, you have options for finding the best professional to help your dog look and feel their best.
Check out these six ways to find a reputable groomer near you.
First: Know the Qualities of a Reputable Groomer
There are many groomers to choose from. Big pet stores, like PetSmart, have grooming services onsite. Then there are local, small business groomers. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which option best suits your needs.
A reputable groomer should have experience grooming dogs. They will know how to deal with different personalities, health issues, and common behavioral issues. It’s ideal to find a certified pet groomer. These groomers have completed training programs that focus on techniques, skills, and safety protocols that cater to different dog types, such as hairless dogs or double-coated dogs.
The best professional groomers also have hygienic practices for their tools, equipment, and facilities. A clean environment is essential for preventing the spread of diseases or parasites, such as fleas and ticks. You should also look for a groomer that you and your dog feel comfortable around. If either you or your dog feel uncomfortable, turn tail.
A professional groomer should also be highly recommended, have great reviews online, and be fair priced. So, now that you know what to look for, how do you find a groomer that meets this criterion?
1 Search the Internet
The quickest way to find a professional groomer is with a simple Google search. Search engines will bring up groomers in your area, so that you have a list to start with. You can then begin to research each of these groomers and find out which one is best for you and your dog.
Also, on the internet, there are dog groomer finder tools to help find a reputable dog groomer. Many of these tools allow you to filter your results by location and service. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a search engine you could find useful.
2 Get Recommendations from Friends and Family
Another way to narrow down your search results is to get a recommendation from family or friends. If someone you trust has a groomer they really like, ask where they go and what they like most about the service.
You can use this information to do further research on your own to see if this dog groomer is the right fit for you and your dog. Even if a groomer is highly recommended by a friend, your specific dog breed may require special services not everyone offers. For example, some groomers don’t deal with large dogs. Others may not offer certain fur styles, such as the French Poodle cut.
You can also check out your local Facebook or other social media groups to look for recommendations for reputable groomers. If you ask these groups for recommendations, they will gladly provide you with a list of groomers close to you that you can further research.
If you see the same groomers being mentioned, that is a good sign that many people trust them. This is the perfect way to find small business groomers that may not have a website or a big online presence yet.
4 Ask Your Vet
Veterinarians can assist you in finding a reputable groomer. Some vets even perform some grooming services such as nail trims and baths. You can call your vet’s office or ask during your next appointment about their favorite groomers in the area. They could give you a couple of recommendations that you can then research on your own.
Some vets may even partner with certain groomers in the area. You can ask what services your vet offers and decide if you’d like to use them for your grooming needs.
5 Read Reviews Online
Once you have a list of groomers in the area, start checking out what people have said about them online. You can look at their overall rating and find out information about their services this way. If you notice a lot of negative reviews, mark that groomer off your list.
Online reviews often let you know about the experiences customers have had with the groomer, their staff, and the facility. This process can help you narrow down your groomer list to just a few.
6 Have a Consultation with a Local Groomer
Once you have two to three groomers on your shortlist, call them and ask for a consultation. During a consultation, you can view the facility, meet the groomer, and talk about prices, services. You can also discuss whether your dog has special needs, such as common skin conditions, like dermatitis.
A consultation is a good last step before choosing a groomer for your dog. Once you’ve met the groomers on your narrowed down list, you’ll likely have one that fits your dog’s needs. Try this groomer out, and if things don’t turn out exactly as you had hoped, you can always try someone else.
You Have Options for Finding a Dog Groomer
Finding a reputable groomer for your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. Think about the qualities you want in a groomer, and then begin by searching online, getting recommendations from family and friends, and checking out reviews. Then, you can narrow your list by having consultations with the top groomers on your list. You want a groomer with experience that you can trust to provide your dog with top-notch services.
