How to choose a dog groomer

Start with the type of business

Grooming businesses work in different ways. A salon usually has more space and equipment, a home-based groomer often works with one dog at a time in a quieter setting, and a mobile groomer comes to you. None is better than another. They simply suit different dogs and different households.

Questions worth asking

• How long will my dog be with you, and will other dogs be there at the same time?
• How do you handle a dog that is nervous or unsure?
• What happens if my dog becomes uncomfortable during the groom?
• Have you worked with this coat type or breed before?
• What should I do before the appointment to help things go smoothly?

Look for a good fit, not just availability

A groomer who is comfortable with anxious dogs, puppies or a particular coat type will usually say so in their own words. Read how a business describes itself and the dogs it works with, because that description tells you more than a list of services.