A skilled veterinarian. Nourishing food. Stimulating environments. These elements are easily recognized as being important for your pet’s health. But the list does not end there. The right groomer can also play an important role in your pet’s well-being. A compassionate groomer not only helps your pet look great but also prioritizes their comfort and emotional health by using reward-based handling techniques and minimizing stress. Many groomers also offer additional services, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning to promote your pet’s well-being.
The pet grooming industry is unregulated, so pet guardians need to choose carefully. It is important to ensure the groomer has the necessary reward-based animal handling skills, understands cat or dog body language, and carefully ensures the safety of your pet during their visit to the salon. A good groomer will not only have your pet looking good at the end of the service but also make them feel comfortable during their stay by using humane methods to handle and interact with them. You can identify the best groomer for your pet by following these easy steps:
Start the search
Finding a good groomer for your pet is a process that can include:
- Asking for recommendations from reliable sources like your vet or humane dog trainer.
- Reviewing the pet groomer’s website to find out if they have specialized training or certifications as well as their experience and time in business.
- Visiting the facility to make sure it is clean and well-maintained.
- Checking reviews of the business.
Ask the right questions
Before you book a service, download the Pet Guardians Checklist to know what to ask, keep track, compare options, and make the best choice for your pet. Some of the questions to ask potential groomers include:
- Do you offer “meet-and-greet” appointments or book extra time at the first groom to help ensure a positive visit?
- Is the entrance laid out so animals don’t have to meet each other?
- Are the tubs and grooming tables sturdy? Do these have non-slip surfaces?
- If cage dryers are used, do you provide continuous supervision to ensure my pet does not get overheated or burned?
- Do you use reward-based techniques if a pet shows signs of fear or anxiety?
- Does the facility have a first aid kit? Do you carry liability insurance?
- Are guardians allowed to stay for the grooming which can be especially important for anxious pets?
- When is water provided?
Look for the right signs:
The groomer you are considering should also do the following to demonstrate their commitment to your pet’s well-being and ensure they can provide appropriate care:
- Ask you about your pet’s typical behaviour during grooming as well as their fears and favourite rewards.
- Inquire about your pet’s general health and vaccinations, including if there are any health concerns.
- Answer all your questions!
There are many wonderful groomers who provide services delivered with love and care. Finding them is possible when you know what to ask and what to look for.
The journey to finding the perfect stylist for your furry companion is just another way of showing how much your pet means to you! The bond they develop with a caring professional can significantly impact their happiness and well-being. By knowing the right questions to ask and the qualities to seek, you can ensure that your fur baby will be looking fabulous and feeling relaxed after their appointment, just like they’ve had a day at the spa!
For more information on how to make sure your pet gets the BEST care, visit BC SPCA’s AnimalKind Pet Care Services page.
Extra resources:
Pet Guardians Checklist
How to find the best dog trainer
Directory of dog trainers