Introduction

Finding a skilled and trustworthy pet groomer is essential for keeping your dog clean, healthy, and comfortable. Grooming is more than just making your pup look good—it plays a crucial role in maintaining their coat health, skin condition, and overall well-being. A good groomer will not only handle routine grooming tasks but also check for skin issues, parasites, and other potential health concerns that may go unnoticed at home.

With so many pet groomers available, it’s important to ask the right questions before booking an appointment. Understanding a groomer’s qualifications, services, and policies can help ensure your dog has a safe, positive, and stress-free experience. In this guide, we’ll go over 10 essential questions you should ask before choosing a groomer, so you can make an informed decision and find the best care for your furry friend.

1. What Grooming Services Do You Offer?

Not all grooming services are the same, so it’s important to ask exactly what a groomer provides before booking an appointment. Some facilities offer full-service grooming, which includes a complete bath, haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sometimes even teeth brushing. Others may focus on basic grooming services, such as baths and brush-outs, while leaving specialized tasks like haircuts or deshedding treatments as optional add-ons.

A standard grooming package typically includes a bath with shampoo and conditioner, brushing, drying, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. However, many groomers offer extra services, such as de-matting, flea treatments, nail grinding, or specialty haircuts for specific breeds. If your dog has specific grooming needs, be sure to clarify what’s included and whether additional services are available. This will help you choose the right package to keep your pet clean and comfortable.

2. Are Your Groomers Certified and Experienced?

A well-trained groomer should have both certifications and hands-on experience to ensure they can safely and effectively care for your pet. While not all states require pet groomers to be licensed, many professionals choose to complete certifications from organizations like the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) or International Professional Groomers (IPG). These certifications indicate that the groomer has received formal training in breed-specific grooming, safety procedures, and pet handling techniques.

Experience is just as important as certification, especially when it comes to different breeds and coat types. A groomer who regularly works with a variety of dogs will know how to properly trim double-coated breeds, detangle long-haired dogs, and handle short-haired breeds that shed heavily. If your dog has special grooming needs, such as a hypoallergenic coat or thick undercoat, an experienced groomer will know the best techniques and tools to use. Before booking an appointment, ask how long they’ve been grooming and whether they have experience with your dog’s breed to ensure your pup is in good hands.

3. How Do You Handle Anxious or Difficult Dogs?

Not all dogs are comfortable with grooming, and some may feel anxious, fearful, or even reactive during their appointment. A good groomer should have patience, experience, and effective strategies to help calm nervous pets and create a stress-free experience. Many professional groomers use gentle handling techniques, slow introductions to grooming tools, and positive reinforcement (such as treats and praise) to ease a dog's anxiety. Some also allow pet parents to stay for the first few visits to help their dog feel more secure.

If your dog is a senior, has special needs, or requires extra care due to anxiety, ask if the groomer offers one-on-one sessions or express grooming services (where the dog is groomed straight through without waiting in a kennel). Some groomers also specialize in working with nervous dogs and may use calming sprays, soothing music, or breaks between grooming steps to keep pets relaxed. Be sure to communicate any concerns about your dog’s behavior upfront, so the groomer can take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and positive grooming experience.

4. What Kind of Grooming Products Do You Use?

The grooming products used on your dog can have a significant impact on their skin and coat health, so it’s important to ask about the shampoos, conditioners, and other grooming solutions a facility uses. High-quality groomers typically choose hypoallergenic and pet-safe shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and sulfates. These products help keep your dog’s skin moisturized, reduce irritation, and maintain a healthy coat.

If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies, or a medical condition, many groomers offer specialized products, such as oatmeal-based, medicated, or fragrance-free shampoos. Some even provide flea and tick treatments or deep-conditioning options for dogs with dry or brittle coats. Before booking an appointment, ask if the groomer can accommodate your pet’s specific needs and whether they allow owners to bring their own preferred products if necessary. A knowledgeable groomer should be able to recommend the best options for your dog's skin type, coat condition, and overall well-being.

5. Can I Tour the Facility Before Booking?

A professional grooming facility should be clean, well-maintained, and designed with pet safety in mind. Before booking an appointment, ask if you can take a quick tour of the facility. A reputable groomer will have no problem showing you around, as transparency is a sign of a well-run business. Pay close attention to the cleanliness of grooming stations, the organization of tools, and how staff interact with the pets in their care. The environment should feel calm, safe, and free of strong odors.

While touring, watch for red flags that may indicate poor hygiene or safety concerns. Signs to be cautious of include dirty workstations, overcrowded kennels, excessive pet stress (such as loud barking and whining), or a lack of sanitation between grooming sessions. If the facility seems disorganized, smells bad, or if the staff is unwilling to answer questions, it may be best to look elsewhere. A high-quality grooming salon should prioritize your pet’s health, safety, and comfort at all times.

6. Do You Require Proof of Vaccinations?

A responsible grooming facility should prioritize the health and safety of all pets by requiring proof of vaccinations before an appointment. Grooming salons often have multiple dogs in close proximity, and ensuring that all pets are up to date on their shots helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases like Bordetella (kennel cough), canine influenza, and parvovirus. Asking about vaccination requirements before booking an appointment ensures that your dog—and others—will be in a safe and sanitary environment.

Most professional groomers require core vaccinations, which typically include rabies, distemper, and Bordetella. Some facilities may have additional requirements, such as canine influenza or leptospirosis vaccines, especially if they also provide daycare or boarding services. It’s always best to check with the groomer in advance to confirm which vaccinations are required and whether you need to bring documentation from your veterinarian. Keeping your dog’s vaccinations current not only protects them but also helps maintain a healthy grooming environment for all pets.

7. How Do You Handle Emergencies or Accidents?

Even in the most professional grooming environments, accidents can happen. Whether it’s a minor nick during a nail trim or an unexpected medical issue, it’s important to know how a groomer handles emergencies. A reputable groomer should have clear protocols in place for addressing injuries, including immediate first aid, notifying the owner, and seeking veterinary care if needed. Asking this question upfront ensures that your pet will be in safe and capable hands in the event of an accident.

Some grooming salons require their staff to have pet first aid training, which prepares them to handle minor cuts, overheating, or stress-related issues. Additionally, many well-established groomers have partnerships with local veterinarians for more serious medical concerns. Before booking an appointment, ask whether the groomer has first aid certifications, a vet on-call, or a policy for handling pet injuries. A responsible groomer should be transparent, prepared, and proactive when it comes to keeping pets safe during grooming sessions.

8. What Is Your Pricing and Cancellation Policy?

Understanding a groomer’s pricing structure and cancellation policy before booking an appointment can help you avoid unexpected costs and scheduling issues. Grooming prices often vary based on breed, coat type, size, and specific services requested. For example, a full-service grooming session for a small, short-haired breed may be significantly less expensive than a breed that requires specialized trimming, such as a Poodle or a Shih Tzu. Some groomers also charge extra for deshedding treatments, nail grinding, or specialty shampoos, so it’s a good idea to ask for a detailed price breakdown before your appointment.

Many grooming salons also have cancellation and rescheduling policies to help manage their schedule efficiently. Some require 24 to 48 hours’ notice for cancellations, while others may charge a late cancellation or no-show fee if an appointment is missed without proper notice. If you have a busy schedule, ask about flexible rescheduling options and whether they offer same-day or last-minute appointments. Knowing these policies ahead of time ensures that you understand the costs involved and can plan your pet’s grooming routine accordingly.

9. Do You Offer Mobile Grooming or Pickup Services?

For busy pet owners or those with dogs who struggle with car rides, mobile grooming and pickup services can be a convenient alternative to traditional grooming salons. Mobile groomers bring their fully equipped grooming vans directly to your home, allowing your pet to be groomed in a familiar and low-stress environment. This option is ideal for senior dogs, anxious pets, or owners who prefer one-on-one service without other animals around. Mobile grooming also saves time by eliminating the need to drive to and from an appointment.

Some grooming businesses also offer pickup and drop-off services, which can be helpful if you have a tight schedule or a pet that has difficulty traveling. Instead of bringing your dog to the salon yourself, a staff member picks up your pet, completes the grooming session, and then returns them home. If you’re interested in these services, ask about availability, additional fees, and scheduling flexibility to determine if it’s the right option for you and your pup.

10. How Do You Keep Records of My Pet’s Grooming History?

A well-organized groomer should keep detailed records of your pet’s past appointments, including haircut styles, skin conditions, and special grooming preferences. Tracking this information ensures consistency in grooming and helps groomers tailor each visit to your dog’s specific needs. For example, if your dog has sensitive skin, the groomer can note which shampoos work best. If your pet gets a specific haircut style, they can replicate it at every visit.

Keeping grooming records also helps groomers identify changes in your pet’s coat, skin, or overall health over time. If they notice new lumps, excessive shedding, or irritations, they can alert you so you can consult your veterinarian. Some grooming businesses store this information digitally, while others keep physical notes. Asking about record-keeping ensures that your pet receives personalized and consistent care every time they visit the groomer.

Conclusion

Choosing the right groomer is an important decision that affects your dog’s health, comfort, and overall well-being. By asking the right questions—about services, safety measures, pricing, and experience—you can ensure that your pet is in caring and capable hands. A professional groomer should be transparent, knowledgeable, and willing to accommodate your dog’s unique needs, whether that means using hypoallergenic products, handling anxious pets with patience, or keeping detailed grooming records.

Before committing to a groomer, take the time to research reviews, visit the facility, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to keep looking—your dog’s safety and comfort should always come first. A good groomer will not only make your pet look great but will also contribute to their overall health and happiness. With careful consideration and the right questions, you can find a trusted grooming professional who meets both your needs and your dog’s!