As pet owners and animal lovers, it’s important to us that we keep our furry friends healthy, happy and adorable. Regular baths and even some fur clippings and trimming can keep your pooch looking and feeling his best. One of the most important things to do when you move is to find reliable, convenient services for your pet. Check out these tips for finding the perfect dog groomer in your new location.
Qualifications
Most grooming facilities don’t require their groomers to have a license or certificate, but you’ll want to make sure that the groomer you choose does at least have training and experience. This can range from on-the-job training to an internship for a grooming academy.
Training provides groomers with hands-on experience with different styles of trims for the appropriate types of fur. Additionally, it ensures that your groomer has experience with multiple types of pets with varying personalities and temperaments.
While many excellent groomers do not have an official certificate, you’re guaranteed to find a skilled, knowledgeable groomer if you do choose one that is certified. Organizations like the National Dog Groomers Association only certify groomers that pass all the required tests, are familiar with basic first aid and are able to demonstrate their knowledge of specific grooming techniques.
Question and Answer
Before going to visit potential grooming facilities, you’ll want to be prepared by having a few questions in mind for the groomers. Some of the following examples may not be relevant to your needs, but groomers who can perform multiple services are generally more experienced overall.
- Do you offer additional services like nail trims and ear cleanings?
- Are you able to work with matted fur?
- Can you give my pet a specific style, or only a general trim?
The questions that you ask your groomer are important, but so are the questions they ask you. One of the hallmarks of an experienced groomer is that they know the appropriate questions to ask owners. Relevant questions include:
- How old is your pet?
- Does your pet have any known allergies?
- Are there any medical conditions we need to be aware of?
- What vaccinations has your pet received within the last year?
Sparkle and Shine
Along with talking with your potential groomers, you’ll also want to take a look around the grooming facility to make sure it appears safe and clean. The smell of wet dog is impossible to dilute entirely, but the clean scents of shampoos and air fresheners should be more noticeable in a clean facility. If the location smells damp or mildewy, you probably want to look elsewhere.
Additionally, instruments like fur and nail trimmers and wires from dryers should not be exposed, as these are health risks. If the spaces where they hold pets while waiting to be groomed or while being dried don’t look comfortable to you, don’t leave your pet there. A negative grooming experience can do a lot of harm to a pet, while a positive grooming experience can make for a happier, friendlier pet.
On Your Way To Finding The Perfect Dog Groomer
Finding the perfect dog groomer is a necessity when relocating to a new neighborhood. Let Pet Van Lines make the transition easier on both your and your pet. Contact us when you’re ready to discuss moving your pet into your new home.