A big part of being a dog owner is making sure our pets are healthy, but it is not just the nutrition, it’s equally important to keep your canine companion clean and trimmed for their well-being and to keep a check on their health for ay fleas, lumps, and bumps.
Grooming effectively removes dirt, dead hair, and skin cells and helps to promote a shiny, glossy coat. There are a variety of coats from curly, wire, short, silky, and long and the frequency of brushing can range from daily to weekly, but if you are not confident expanding from brushing and bathing then how do you find a reputable groomer?
Leaving your dog with someone is a daunting prospect and so it is vital that you do your due diligence to find a professional groomer who will work with you and your dog.
How To Find A Good Groomer
- Speak to your vet and friends for recommendations in your local area.
- Use search engines and look for UK dog grooming associations such as the British Isles Grooming Association (B.I.G.A) or My Pet Groomer. Lots of businesses have Facebook pages where you can read comments and reviews and get a good impression of what the groomer is like.
- Ask what qualifications they have. It was a surprise to me to discover dog grooming is an unregulated industry, however, most groomers have qualifications and should be more than happy to provide them. According to the National Careers Service, the recommended courses to look for are City & Guilds:
- Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
- Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
- Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming
- Look around the environment, is the space and equipment clean and hygienic? Are they happy to show you around and meet your dog? Pay attention to how they interact with your pooch.
- Are they insured and what type of insurance is it?
Key Questions To Ask
When speaking to your dog groomer it is a good idea to ask a few questions before booking an appointment:
- Price list of services and how long an appointment will take?
- How many dogs do they have in the salon at a maximum at the same time?
- How long is the waiting list?
- Will my dog be left alone for any period?
- Will my dog be crated with other dogs for any time?
- How often do they recommend grooming?
Grooming is necessary and beneficial regular treatment to book for your furry friend to maintain their physical and mental well-being. By researching and asking the right questions you can find a reputable dog grooming service to visit or have visit you depending on your pooch’s needs and preferences. The final thing to consider is your intuition and how you feel. If you feel uneasy, unsure, or uncomfortable walk away. If your dog comes away from an appointment stressed, agitated, and nervous and this is out of character, then reconsider going back.