Different types of grooming services

There are different types of services.  

• Home Base (one on one groomer)

• Salon

• Mobile

• In home (clients home)

• Vet Groomer

1.  Let's start with Home Base. This is a groomer that grooms out of their home. It can be in thier house, garage or detached building.  The first thing to be aware of is making sure your groomer is a professional and not just a neighbor that picks up a pair of clippers, make sure your groomer carries grooming specific insurance that protects you and your pets (not just home owners insurance) and makes sure your groomer has an area dedicated to grooming in a safe and well lit area (not just a table sitting in the middle of a cluttered garage).  Now, your home based groomer is great for dogs that are anxious around other pets and easily distracted by other groomers and pets in the room. Your home based groomer also has the abilty to adjust time needed to provide your pet what is needed for a more relaxing groom.  This is because they don't need to put time restrictions on how long it should take to groom your pet because they don't have a dog sitting in a cage waiting on them to get started. This is a luxury service and can be more expensive than other types of service. ​

2. Salon Groomer.. NOT all, but many times, there is several groomers and several dogs in this environment.  A lot of dogs do very well in this type of setting and this is a great service for the budget minded pet owner with a relaxed and happy going dog. However, grooms need to be completed in a specific amount of time. This can be very stressful for some groomers and pets. Dogs may need to be kept in cages for long periods of time. If a client needs to leave their dog for the day and the dog doesn't mind, this is completely acceptable. Some dogs just don't do well sitting in a kennel all day.  Groomers may not have the time to create a better experience by slowing down when dogs need a little more attention. That's not to say this is not a good option. A dog that is naturally relaxed and used to this type of service do really well.  Salon Grooming is going to be less expensive than a by appointment/one on one groomer.

3. Moblile groomer… This is a luxury service and your most expensive option.  You never have to leave your house! They come to you in a fully equiped salon on wheels. This is a great option for dogs that don't do well in a salon enviroment or don't travel well.  While mobile groomers are still on time restraints and might not have the ability to stretch out the groom, they do have more time than a salon groomer.  They are traveling so arrival times are not always exact and is more of a windo of time for arrival. Dogs must be groomed straight through, so if your dog HATES the drying, they may be groomed damp or may stress over being forced dried.  Mobile grooming is best for the well behaved dog that tolerate the entire process very well.

4. House Call Groomer…. This groomer brings all their equipment to you and grooms in your home.  This service is best for dogs that don't travel well, unsocialized pets or senior dogs that are very anxious about changes in their routine.  Even dogs that spend their life at a salon groomer do very well moving to this type of service. It is also a luxury service and can be more costly than a salon but not as much as a mobile groomer.  You will need to provide a location in your home that is well lit, has electrical outlets available and comfortable for your groomer and your pet. Make sure they have insurance!

5. Vet groomer…. This groomer works within a vet clinic. Your pet will need to adhere to all vet policies, such as vaccinations. These types of groomers usually have all the dogs come in at the same time and are kept at the clinic all day. In my opinion, this service is best for difficult or aggresive dogs and dogs that have health issues that may need a vet very close by. Such as senior dogs with medical issues. Unless the vet has a seperate entrance for their groomers, you pet may feel anxious and uneasy just walking in. 

 

Make sure you choose the best option for your pet.​

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