7 Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Pet Groomer

For most pet owners, our four-legged friends are more than just pets— they’re family. So it’s natural that we want to ensure that our fur baby receives the best care possible, even when it comes to who takes care of their grooming. As with most businesses out there, not all pet grooming services are created equal which is why you should take time to ask some important questions before hiring a pet groomer.

Dig For the Information You Need
Once you’ve narrowed your options, there is no substitute for having an in-person conversation with your potential groomer. Phone calls are great as the first contact, but they can be deceiving. You can usually tell a lot about a groomer when talking to them in person, so take the time to meet with the groomer to discuss your questions and concerns. This will ensure that you are completely comfortable with putting your pet into the groomer’s care.

Here are some important questions to consider asking:

1. How long have you been grooming and where were you trained?
This person will be taking care of your precious fur baby, so it’s likely you’ll want someone who has been grooming for a while— or at least, has been properly trained.

2. What is your grooming process?
Every grooming salon has its own process in how they provide its services. Some topics you might want to cover could include:

• How long do they keep pets for grooming
• Where will your pet be kept before and after his or her appointment
• Whether or not your pet will be supervised
• Are there regular potty breaks

3. Can I see the grooming space?
If the grooming salon has nothing to hide, then this shouldn’t be a problem. However, many groomers will request that you come before or after they are grooming pets to minimize the disruption to the dogs and cats being groomed. if you don’t like what you see, find a different groomer.

When it comes to watching your dog get groomed, don’t be taken aback if the groomer says no. A lot of times, owners can be a big distraction for their pets, which can make the whole process difficult for everyone involved.

4. How is your pricing structured?
Prices for grooming typically depend on the size of your pet, the breed of your pet, the services being done, coat condition etc. At Sudsy Puppy, our pricing is all-inclusive and based on an hourly, timed model that includes hands-on prepping, bathing, and grooming your pet to your desired style. Not all dogs, with the same breed, are created equal. Your friend may have the same breed as you, but they may have vastly different coats, condition, desired look, and demeanor for grooming. Our timed pricing model is more accurate to the time we actually spend with your pet.

5. What steps are in place to ensure my pet’s safety?
Accidents happen, but it helps to have a groomer you have absolute confidence in handling anything which might happen. After all, your fur baby is literally in their hands. Don’t hesitate to ask about the status of their equipment or about the ingredients in the products they use. Find out what restraints they use and then research to see if they are ones known to keep pets from spinning, getting tangled in the loop, leaping, and/or falling from tables and biting. The more you know, the more at ease you’ll feel.

6. What are their emergency procedures?
If an injury or accident should happen, it’s good to know how that groomer will handle it. Find out if they have first-aid supplies such as gauze, bandages, peroxide, and antibiotic cream on-site to treat your pet if needed. What happens if your pet needs medical attention? Do they call you or take the pet to the vet themselves?

7. What are their cleaning procedures?
The grooming salon should smell clean and should not smell old or musty and they should have good air circulation. Ask if they sanitize between pets. Good grooming salons will not only sanitize the grooming table but will sanitize the tubs, crates, floor and tools after every pet. Do they have a washer and dryer? Are towels washed and dried after every use or do they hang them out to dry without washing them?

Asking the Right Questions Will Ease Your Mind
Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, or any other questions you may have, especially if your pet has any medical needs or issues, such as arthritis or allergies when hiring a pet groomer. If they seem reluctant to answer, keep looking! If you look for a groomer, in the same manner, you’d look for any other professional, you’ll eventually find the perfect match for you and your furry friend. If you’re looking for a top rated dog grooming salon in Severna Park or Crofton, contact us today for an appointment.