A dog groomer plays an important role in you and your dog’s life. Just as your hairdresser shapes your image for the period of time it takes to grow back, you want a dog groomer that can do the same in a way that everyone’s happy with. When we say everyone that includes your dog. Your sweet little pooch needs to feel comfortable when they realize it’s dog grooming day.
In our neighborhood (Plano, Texas), dog owners go nuts trying to find the best dog food, dog treats, and toys for their canine companions. It’s a regular occurrence for people to treat their pets like a son or daughter. You can literally see the passion and pain in their eyes when they realize they need to decide on a brand of kibble and stick with it-potentially for the entire dog’s life. Just imagine the stress they endure when they need to leave their wiggle butt for in a kennel or in the care of a groomer.
If you’re equally as passionate about the welfare of your snuggly little fur baby, you’re in luck. We’re going to list some helpful questions to ask your groomer in order to find the best pet grooming Plano TX offers. We mention Plano because it’s where we’re from but these questions will of course be the same for whichever city you’re living in. If it works for the people of Plano, it will work for you too.
If it’s your first time leaving your dog with a groomer you might be a little hesitant to just drop your dog off and walk away… If you’re shopping for pet groomers, you’d want to know what to ask the groomer before making your final decision. Don’t worry about hiring a groomer for your puppy or dog if you’re a little nervous.
Many pet owners share this sentiment. Leaving your dog in the care of a stranger can be difficult, especially if they’re staring up at you with those huge puppy dog eyes. A competent dog groomer should not be startled by your queries, and in fact, it should assist tick off several questions they should ask you during a first appointment.
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Background, Experience, And Grooming Methods
Get your grooming candidates on the phone if you have any questions about the dog groomer’s previous work with dogs. This is the time to ask. If your dog is prone to anxiety or social phobia, you may want to inquire about how experienced the groomer is with dogs that need special care and attention.
If your furry friend exhibits signs of hostility or stress, how will they handle the situation? If new matting is discovered, what will you do? At this point, you should be able to learn more about their training and ask for recommendations.
Who, What, Where, When, And How?
When it comes to your questions, now is the time to go even more specific. When comparing dog groomers it’s important to have a system that you can automatically eliminate candidates based on logistics or special requirements.
For example, is there a time of year when the dog groomer is closed for business? If you have a dog that has to be groomed every 4-6 weeks, you may want to avoid using a groomer who is closed during the school holidays or for the entire month of January.
Another consideration is that if they’re only available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and you have a job that doesn’t accommodate the timing. This arrangement may be too difficult to execute when you’re thinking long-term for you and your family.
Consider whether your dog will be waiting alone or in a group. You don’t want your dog vulnerable to an attack if they themselves get nervous. Some groomers have an assistant that supervises the dogs in an enclosed dog yard. Some might hold them in a cage. Which one is right for your dog?
Ask how long the grooming process will take when you inquire about the length of time it will take to complete. You should also use this opportunity to find out if they will be groomed by more than one member of the team or groomer. The person who will be grooming your dog should be the one to meet and drop off your dog at the beginning of the grooming process.
Dog groomers should inquire about your pet’s preferences, health issues, and other personal details. You’d like this to be done in person with the groomer to make sure they understand your dog’s needs.
Grooming Cost And Payment Methods Offered
Even if safety is the most important consideration, we can’t deny that pricing is on your list of concerns. As a result, these are some of the first questions you should ask a dog groomer when you first meet them. Additionally, inquire about payment methods and due dates to ensure you’re on the same page as everyone else.
There is nothing worse than arriving at the shelter to find out that the price has gone up or they only accept cash. Finding a bank machine when you’re trying to get your dog home is an inconvenient situation.
Ask About Cancellation Policies
If you need to cancel or amend your reservation, now is the moment to find out how much notice is required. Life gets in the way sometimes, so make sure you are aware of any terms or conditions that may apply. Some groomers will send you a bill if it’s a same-day cancellation. While they may be within their rights to do so, it’s better to be prepared than be surprised.
Professionalism
It’s a common courtesy for a groomer to at least pretend that they like your dog. It’s highly unprofessional for a dog groomer to show disdain, aggression, or any lack of enthusiasm when they meet, greet and treat your dog. If your groomer has a scowl or even slightly yanks your dog’s leash-run the other way!
How are the tools kept? Is everything sanitized? Your dog runs the risk of four major infectious agents. A clean and orderly grooming facility is an encouraging sign of a good groomer. So is a clean-smelling facility! To ensure the safety of your dog, check to see if vaccination and sanitation policies include kennel cough as well as other immunizations and practices. There is a good chance that if any of these professional basics are missing, the price will reflect it.
Understanding What Happens During A Groom
When it comes to dog grooming, you may not be surprised to learn that there is no standard definition. Some groomers prefer to wash twice, while others may wash once. Some want to use organic shampoo, and some prefer to work with specific brands. Are the nail, ear, and eye examinations all part of the process? They should be. Others may charge additional fees or not offer but it’s important to find a groomer that offers the full range of services.
Asking about the process of dog grooming will not only help you compare prices but will also allow you to tailor the service to the specific demands of your dog.
Dog groomers should be prepared to answer these inquiries and have additional questions of their own for you, as well. They should make you feel at ease, and they should be able to consult with you and your dog in person if necessary.
Be mindful that your dog groomer is providing a service and you’ll likely have a long-term relationship with them, so choose wisely. By now you should be able to make a well-informed decision that keeps you and your bob barker safe and happy!
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