How to find a best-in-show groomer for your pets

A good groomer can save you time and hassle, whether you’ve got a pup with an easy-to-maintain flat coat like beagles and pugs, or a fuzzy breed that requires a pro to maintain its ’do, such as Afghan hounds and standard poodles. Some pros also take care of cats.

A grooming session typically includes bath and blow dry, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a hair trim or cut. Time and effort required depends on the breed and the pet’s temperament. Your pet’s ideal grooming frequency depends on breed, size, coat type, and your standards.

Consistent grooming improves hygiene, and having someone familiar with dogs periodically inspect your pet can help you spot potential health problems. Also, frequent grooming helps keep your pet’s coat in good condition, resulting in easier and less expensive appointments. With some breeds, waiting too long between grooming sessions can result in the coat becoming too matted, requiring a full shave.

Groomers work in dedicated pet salons, as well as pet stores, boarding kennels, and at some veterinary practices. Some have mobile operations that come to your home and do the work in specially equipped trucks or vans.

Here are tips on how to find the right groomer at the right price.

Good sources of intel are your vet, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

You can also use online reviews. Until Nov. 5, Inquirer readers can view nonprofit Delaware Valley Consumers’ Checkbook’s ratings of local groomers via Checkbook.org/Inquirer/groomers. The majority of these ratings are positive, but we also receive comments that warn of rough treatment, sloppy work, and rude service.

Even among highly recommended groomers, you’ll find a wide range of pricing.

To cut hair and groom a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever, Checkbook’s undercover shoppers were quoted prices ranging from $65 or less to $135 for the cocker spaniel and from $85 or less to $156 for the golden retriever.

Don’t assume that low prices signify lousy work—several of the least expensive groomers received high marks from their surveyed customers.

A veteran groomer has had time to perfect the craft and become expert at assessing dogs’ behavior so they can respond appropriately to nervousness and agitation.

Also ask whether the groomer is familiar with your breed — even highly experienced pet pros won’t have extensive experience with all of them. The best groomers will be upfront about their limitations and, if necessary, direct you to another pro who knows the breed better.

Several organizations certify dog groomers, including the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. Since the time and effort required for certification are substantial, certification indicates a groomer is serious about their profession and possesses at least basic skills.

Still, many skilled groomers haven’t bothered to take the time or pay the fees to become certified.

Pet groomers should also be certified in cat and dog first aid and CPR to quickly handle salon emergencies like lacerations, heatstroke, or choking. The American Red Cross offers this certification.

Do you want basic grooming services, with no concern that your dog’s trim meets exacting breed-specific standards? Or do you have much higher expectations — a scissored haircut, a sculpted trim, or hand stripping for a terrier?

If you have a certain look in mind, share photos.

Most groomers require appointments. You can usually drop off pets in the morning and pick them up either just after grooming or anytime before the shop closes.

If your pet becomes very upset when visiting a groomer, or it’s difficult to transport them due to age, an injury, or another reason, consider using a mobile grooming operation. They generally offer one-on-one service, minimizing exposure to other animals and keeping the process shorter.

At a groomer’s shop, each pet should have its own space and access to clean water.

Assess how dogs are handled. If dogs are positioned under blow dryers and left to dry instead of hand-dried, staff should be able to easily monitor them. Some breeds must not be left to dry using blow dryers at all, for safety reasons.

Avoid groomers that sedate animals.

While touring the facility, also size up the staff. Does everyone seem to be knowledgeable and caring? Are they willing and able to answer any questions you have?

Make sure the facility requires vaccination records, to prevent disease spread.

And be sure to ask about insurance. The grooming company should have liability insurance to cover veterinary costs should your pet get injured while in its care.

Delaware Valley Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help consumers get the best service and lowest prices. It is supported by consumers and takes no money from the service providers it evaluates.