ChoosingAGroomer

"Where happy Butterflies work:
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The following article was posted on the Showdogs List, in response to a query about tips for finding a safe groomer. It is posted here with permission of the author.

How to Choose a Safe Groomer,
by Rhonda Emery, professional groomer
Rivendell Grooming Salon
104 E. Main St.
Rogue River, OR 97537
(541) 582-9000

Choosing a Safe Groomer:

Any groomer that is professional would never even *consider* tranquilizing a dog to work on it. Most groomers will not even work on a tranquilized dog that the vet tranquilized, unless their shop is located at the vet's office. Many of us, instead of cage dryers, will use a box fan to start drying some dogs...then finish them with an HV...much safer that way. :)

With that being said...How to choose a safe groomer? I can only give you feedback on what my clients have told me, and what I would look for.

Is the shop clean when you walk in? I have many prospective clients walk in unannounced during the day to talk with me...and they comment how clean the shop is. There is only the hair on the floor of the dog that I am working on, tools not presently in use are put away and clean, tables not in use are clean, etc.
Are the brushes and combs clean, with the exception of the ones currently in use?
Are groomer tools put away out of the dog's reach?
Can you perhaps smell the slight scent of a disinfectant in the air? Or, is there a can of disinfectant within sight?
If possible, can you see how the groomer is handling the dog on the table?
Does she put him away in a safe place while she's talking to you?
Does she keep her attention focused on the dog on the table?
Ask how the groomer handles difficult dogs. I, personally, volunteer this information and show them the system that I use, called a LIPS system. Ask the groomer what their philosophy is about handling difficult dogs.
Does the groomer have a dog present in the shop?
How does that dog act and how does she interact with the dog?

Ask to tour the entire shop, including the bathing area.

Are there cage dryers present or just hand-held HV dryers? (If you don't know the difference looking at them, ask the groomer to show you the dryers and ask if they are cage dryers, have heat, etc.)

Do they use heat or are they air dry?
Is the bathtub clean?
Is there a potty place for the dogs?
What type/types of shampoo and conditioner are there? Are they safe for puppy/dog/kitten/cat use?

Is the groomer willing to give you names/numbers of several people she is presently grooming for, so you can call and talk to them? I keep a list of 3-4 people that have consented for me to give out their phone number for this purpose.

Do they attend continuing education seminars? There are several that are held once a year in different parts of the country, and several that you can take tests in your home town with a proctor...and you get certificates. Mine hang on the wall.

Is the groomer certified or in the process of being certified? (Many very good groomers are not certified, by the way.)

It would be extremely hard to determine if a groomer is "safe" with a pair of clippers or a pair of scissors, just on a spot visit or by asking. If a groomer and her shop passes an on-site inspection, and perhaps has a few pictures of dogs that she's groomed, and lets me talk with several of her current clients, I would give her a chance.

Rhonda Emery
Rivendell Grooming Salon
104 E. Main St.
Rogue River, OR 97537
(541) 582-9000
(c) April 5, 2003

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