Why Is It Important To Evaluate Groomer?

I can not stress enough the importance of getting a reliable, reputable, passionate, and PATIENT dog groomer. Working as a groomer can be very stressful, especially when groomers have several dogs to groom a day. Whatever the circumstances, groomers have to stay calm and collect while grooming the dog, and refrain themselves for mistreating the clients. If groomers have neither patient nor love for animals, it would be best for the groomer to leave the profession; for the benefits of her/him, animals, and owners.

Having said, owners must not expect groomers to perform miracles if the dog resents being touched. And certainly no groomers enjoy being bitten while grooming the dog. So it is owners’ duty to train the dog to accept grooming otherwise groomers may not render her service to you. I will discuss ways to prepare your dog for his first grooming in the later series.

Almost everyday, there are many mishaps happened in grooming salons around the world. Mostly are minor accidents while others are fatal. Let me share with you two real cases happened in grooming salons gone way wrong. One was reported and the latter one…let’s just say it came from my private source.

Case 1: One unfortunate dog landed himself in a vet clinic after a grooming mishap. The puppy suffered heat stroke and severe liver and cell damage after he was left unattended with a blow-dry machine aimed at him. The puppy was restrained by a grooming table arm with 3 inches wide around him to move about. During that time, the groomer had gone out to get herself some snacks and a nicotine fix.

Other common minor grooming mishaps are allergic reactions to shampoos used, nails being cut too deep or skin and ear being nicked. Occasional minor mishap is inevitable, but having to seek veterinary assistance for grooming mishap is something unacceptable for “professional” groomers.

Case 2: There have been cases where groomers strangle dogs to death using the clipper wire cord or the dog being hanged down by grooming table arm.

Those unfortunate dogs were more challenging to handle than what the groomers anticipated. The groomers chose the outcome by finishing it off instead of surrendering to the owner for incomplete job. Indeed, merciless! It is better to admit defeat than to be scorned.

Update: Case 3: Groomer Accused Of Cutting Dog’s Ear Off, Super-Gluing Back On.

Here’s what nagging me. #1. Why would the owner super glued their dog’s ear and then pushed the blame to the groomer? #2. If the groomer is innocent and this is a fabrication made by the owner, why is the shop appeared to be closed down?

I’m not here to condemn groomers. As a matter of fact, I have great respect for professional groomers otherwise I wouldn’t have co-owned a grooming parlor many years ago. It’s a long story; I might share it in other relating topic.

I’m here to share with you these real stories because I feel that more people should know about these cruel and irresponsible groomers. I hate to see uninformed owners and helpless dogs end up in such a tragedy stage.

Is Running Grooming Salon a Lucrative Business?

Let me be very upfront with you. Running a dog grooming salon is a very lucrative business, heck even those grooming-salon-on-wheels can easily breakeven within three to six months if they know how to schedule their locations wisely.

As long there are dogs (regardless what breed) owned by passionate owners, there will always be new grooming salon spurring up within a few blocks. Similarly to hair salon or barber shop, unless half the world population is bald.

Bare in mind, many grooming salons these days don’t operate the same way as those from the 80′s or 90′s. Then, groomers would just groom the dogs and the job is complete. Nowadays many grooming salons offer spa treatments and rejuvenation and music therapy for pampered pooches. Theses luxury sessions are not cheap. If you operate an upscale grooming salon in urban areas (i.e. Tokyo or New York), your customers are expected to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a complete doggie “makeover.” I kid you not! Of course, you will get some discount if you signed up courses. For example, pay a complete 5 sessions and get one session free. :wow:

With so many dog owners who are willing to spend obscene money on their furry children, it’s no wonder many aspiring groomers jump into this bandwagon. I’m not saying money brings all evil intentions; just some will value money over passion.

Is There a Standard License For Groomers?

Another area of concern is that there is no standard license for groomers, nor are there educational standards all groomers must meet. Therefore just about anyone can become a groomer after an informal apprenticeship. Diligent groomers will opt to become certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of American and perfecting their skills through continuous learning from other training programs, seminars, and conventions.

The point I’m driving at is that you will do yourself and your dog a great favor if you take the time to evaluate the groomers and their facilities. I will discuss in greater depth in my next issue.

The Complete Series on Professional Dog Groomers

1. Should I Hire a Professional Groomer?
2. Where Can I Find Good Professional Dog Groomers?
3. What Should I Ask From My Referrals?
4. Why Is It Important To Evaluate Groomer?
5. How Do I Evaluate the Groomer and the Facility?
6. How Do I Prepare my Puppy for his First Grooming Visit?