Finding a Good Pet Groomer

Finding a good pet groomer is comparable to finding a good stylist, or barber. Unfortunately, not enough people or pet owners actually put a whole lot of thought into choosing either. While you have the option to go to a different barber, your pet doesn't necessarily have the same luxury. Frankly, pets don't deserve that happening to them. Here are some tips that you can use to ensure you find a pet groomer that you can work with. If possible write down your experiences, impressions, or answers so that you can later on contemplate them.

• Create a pool. The first thing that you need to do when finding a good pet groomer is to create a pool of possibilities. Get names, numbers, and recommendations from friends who have pets, family members, your local pet store, and even the phone book. Create a list of no less than five names, but no more than 15, and write down their address as well. With this list in hand, you can begin your search. Ideally, you should put each name at the top of its own piece of paper so that you can take detailed notes.
• Interview some. Go around to the names that you have collected. As you go to each of the facilities, remember that they are running a business. As such they may not be able to set aside time so that you can conduct a detailed interview. That being said, they should be able to ask a couple simple questions, and have no problem with you looking around.
• How is their facility set up? When looking around the facility, does it look clean and well maintained? Do they have the proper facilities for holding a pet when it is not being cleaned or groomed? While the facility and the equipment that it contains doesn't need to be brand new, they should at least look to be in good working order.
• What is their specialty? Just as some barbers and stylists prefer to work with a certain segment of the population, groomers also have specialties. If they do specialize, do they specialize in your particular type of pet, and just how much experience do they have? In the event that they do not specialize, be sure to ask how much experience they have (either with your pet, or in general).
• What are their prices? Another similarity between a barber or stylist and a groomer is that there will be a range of prices. What is the range, and what services are offered? Are there any limitations that you should be aware of, or any requirements that you should be aware of? For example, do you have to have your pet picked up before a certain time, or have proof of vaccinations on file prior to service.

Now that you have inspected a few different operations, it's time to begin making your decision. If you kept detailed notes as you interviewed each facility, you should have no problem. Simply compare each of the notes, and make your decision. Don't forget to also take into consideration the way that you felt while you were in each facility. Believe it or not, if you don't feel comfortable somewhere, then chances are good that your pet won't either.