Qualifications
Look for a recognised grooming qualification, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming. It means the groomer has been trained and assessed in handling, health checks, breed-standard styling and safe use of equipment.
Insurance and first aid
A professional groomer should be fully insured and canine first aid trained. It's reasonable to ask about both before you book.
The environment
Busy salons can be loud and stressful, with several dogs at once. Some dogs cope well; nervous, elderly or young dogs often do much better in a quiet, one-to-one setting.
Questions to ask
Before booking, it's worth asking:
- How long will my dog be with you, and will they be crated?
- What happens if my dog's coat is matted?
- Do you hand strip, and which breeds do you strip?
- How do you handle nervous dogs?
- What's included in the price?
Trust your instincts
A good groomer will be happy to answer questions, will ask plenty about your dog, and will be honest about what's realistic for the coat. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.