Finding the right dog groomer for you
Although the dog grooming industry is currently unregulated, there are a number of things that you can consider when choosing a reputable groomer, which will help you to be confident that they will meet your pet's needs. Have a look at the information below to help you find a great groomer for your pooch.
Have a good chat with the groomer and a good look around the premises. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
A dog groomer's responsibility
A dog groomer is responsible for meeting your pet's needs while they're in their care. However, there have been cases that have highlighted the need for owners to think particularly carefully when choosing a groomer. Dogs have suffered severe burns or even died in grooming establishments when equipment has been faulty or where animals have been left unsupervised while being dried.
First steps for choosing a groomer
It’s important that you leave your pet in the care of a responsible and reputable adult that will meet all of your pet’s needs.
When looking for a groomer, make sure that you:
- Ask your vet, friends and family for recommendations about groomers they’ve used. Visit places and speak to people.
- Meet the groomer before employing them – you need to be confident that they’ll care for your dog properly, and that your dog gets on well with them. The grooming visit should be a positive experience!
- Make sure you’re confident that the groomer will meet your dog’s physical and behavioural needs when left with them. For example, do they use reward-based training methods (praise or suitable treats) if required?
- Are the facilities clean and secure? It’s important that your pet won’t be at risk while being at the groomers. It should be a place where you’re comfortable leaving your pet.
- Do they ask for proof of vaccinations before using their services? This is important to stop the spread of contagious diseases between dogs. For information on vaccinations, ask your vet.
- How many staff do they have per animal? It’s important there are enough people to look after the needs of the animals in their care. A groomer that runs on an appointment-only basis can indicate that each dog is given the right amount of time and that the job is done properly, and that fewer dogs will be groomed at the same time – which could be stressful for your dog.
- Make sure you’re happy that the groomer will discuss any special requirements your dog might have and cater for them. For example, does your dog have sensitive skin, or a dislike of particular parts of their body being touched, like their paws? If so, can the groomer recognise signs of anxiety in a dog and know how to respond?
- Check their references and ask to see a copy of their police check or CRB certificate, to check they don’t have a criminal background.
- Check they have insurance to cover your pet in case of an emergency.
- A good groomer will also be able to show you how to groom correctly at home using the right techniques and tools. This’ll mean you can carry on their good work between visits.
- Be realistic about price. Though £10 may sound like a bargain for a grooming session, does it reflect the quality of the service? Are you happy that your pet will be well looked after?
Dog groomer qualifications
If a groomer hasn’t been trained correctly, then it’s unlikely that they will be able to completely meet the needs of your pet. Although the RSPCA is unable to verify the quality of any of the qualifications or associations listed below, you’re advised to consider the following:
- Groomers are not required to hold any qualifications, but it’s recommended that you use those that do; the most recognised qualification route for dog groomers in the UK is the City and Guilds qualifications. Ask to see any certificates.
- It’s also recommended that you find a groomer that belongs to a trade organisation. For example, groomers can join the British Dog Groomers Association (BDGA), through which they can keep up with trends on safety, health and other issues relating to grooming through continued education, training and support.
- The BDGA is part of the Pet Care Trade Association (a membership body for pet care specialist businesses). They have a list of groomers that they have accredited to a set standard, which aims to provide quality assurance to owners.
- There are written and practical tests that the groomer has to pass to gain this accreditation. Owners are encouraged to seek advice from the BDGA regarding choosing a good groomer.
- Groomers should know about important topics such as safety procedures, health and hygiene practices, how to handle pesticides, the anatomy of the dog, proper handling techniques, information about monitoring animal behaviour and first aid. A discussion with them should help you be sure that they are capable.
- The Pet Care Trust (a charitable part of the Pet Care Trade Association) also holds a register for Accredited Pet Care Professionals, which stores information about pet care professionals of all types, again with the aim to give the public confidence that the holder is skilled, knowledgeable and accountable.
- Awards may be a further sign that a groomer is recognised within the industry and, when you chat to them, it’ll become apparent how much experience they have.
Grooming equipment and products
We have concerns about the safety of drying equipment for dogs, particularly drying boxes. In these machines, dogs can’t remove themselves from the heat source even if supervised, which means they can’t control their own body temperature. There’s therefore a potential to cause suffering, distress and even serious health concerns.
There’s also a danger that equipment could be faulty or that staff don’t set the box at the correct temperature. There have been cases in the UK of dogs suffering serious injuries and even fatalities after the use of grooming equipment that didn’t provide control over the dog’s temperature.
Be aware of other equipment and products used by groomers. Clipper blades can cause irritation and cuts, but this shouldn’t happen if the blades are clean and being used properly. A skilled groomer should prevent any cuts from scissors too.
Make sure that you’re satisfied that all grooming equipment is well looked after and regularly serviced. Ask to see certificates as proof and have a good look around the establishment.
A good groomer will also use quality, professional products that won’t risk the health of your dog. They should be specially formulated if necessary, for example shampoos that are the right pH for use with dogs. Anything can be an allergen; an allergic reaction would make itself known within 24 hours. Be sure to discuss any specific requirements with your groomer, who should be able to recommend a product that is right for your dog.
Making sure your dog is happy with the groomer
If you decide to use a professional groomer, make sure that your dog is happy to be groomed. Socialisation is important, as is the use of reward-based training methods to gradually get your dog used to any grooming equipment and products, as well as the environment as a whole. It's important that dogs visit your groomer as soon as they're fully vaccinated so they learn that it's a fun place to visit.
Patience is key to making grooming an enjoyable experience for your dog – don't force them to be groomed if they don't enjoy it. If you're having problems, you could ask your vet to refer you to a suitably qualified animal behaviourist. They'll check your dog over first to make sure they have no underlying injuries or illnesses.
