The Discerning Pet Parent
Hey guys! This past month has been nuts, but the candied kind 🤣. Anyway, I thought I'd blog about choosing qualified professionals for your fur kids.
When it comes to choosing a Vet for our fur babies it's usually not a difficult endeavor to locate educated and licensed professionals since Veterinarians have completed atleast 8 years of medical school AND hold a doctorate. It usually comes down to who you personally like best, who offers the treatments you will need (as in treatment for large animals/ exotic pets/ or domestic pets), and who your friends or family may recommend. You know that these professionals have a college degree and have trained to care for your pet.
Grooming isn't as clean cut. Many states DO NOT require licensing or certification (KY does not), this is confounded by the use of false certifications available online. How does a pet parent know who to trust? Here's a few important points
1) Most groomers have completed an APPRENTICESHIP under an experienced groomer. This training can last over a year and includes breed specific grooming techniques, safety training, proper handling technique, identification of dermatological issues, basic first aid, and customer service. Ask your potential groomer how long they trained under another groomer and how long they themselves have been grooming.
2) Certification is not mandatory in all states but it is in some. Some groomers do not maintain certification simply because they are so dedicated to the clientele they NEVER take days off to take these tests (ahem lol). Certified groomers have a clean criminal record, have completed a written test AND complete groom graded on site by a Master Groomer, and pay annual fees and complete periodic testing to maintain their status. Certification is ONLY legitimate after testing by nationally accredited programs like NDGAA. Beware of false certificates from online "schools" like ABC (Animal Behavioral College), Penn Foster, or other internet courses. DOG GROOMING CAN NOT BE LEARNED ONLINE, this is a dangerous practice. If a groomer is claiming certification be sure to investigate it, someone using false certificates should not touch your pet.
3) Grooming can be a spa-like experience for your fur friend, however a groomer who is solely focused on vanity is not educated. A fur friend's health is always first and looking fabulous comes second. And I'm not just referring to physical health but also mental and emotional. Groomers who force groom fur kids straight through are NOT providing a pleasant spa experience and are creating grooming anxiety. Taking time to allow a fur kid to relax after its prep and bath is almost always necessary, after all I don't go to the spa to get a rapid massage or quickest mani/pedi on record. If your groomer chats with you about skin issues, health concerns, or any physical note made during grooming, they are truly out for your pet's best interest. Groomers can be the "frontline" if your pet is becoming ill, since we are hands-on and evaluating your pet's well being as we go.
4) Some groomers have specialties or other advantageous skills. For instance, some groomers are well versed in nervous or aggressive dogs, some are trained to handle larger dogs, some are great with puppies, and others have a breed specific knack. Some stylists have previously worked in a different pet profession, maybe as a Vet Tech. Previous experience shows the groomer's dedication to the field.
So friends, ask questions. Lots of questions! Don't assume that someone who claims to be a groomer has completed the necessary schooling to handle your precious babies. We are personally responsible for who we entrust our pets to.
Jackie Weissinger
*Pet Stylist since 2002
*Apprenticeship completed 1+ years (under instructor from Nash Academy Of Animal Arts)
*Educated in styling over 200 breeds
*Specialty in large and geriatric dogs
*Specific training: Canine anatomy, parasite infestation, dermatitis, hand scissoring, advanced
poodle styles, hand stripping, pet safety, therapeutic bathing, AKC standard haircuts, and first aid.
When it comes to choosing a Vet for our fur babies it's usually not a difficult endeavor to locate educated and licensed professionals since Veterinarians have completed atleast 8 years of medical school AND hold a doctorate. It usually comes down to who you personally like best, who offers the treatments you will need (as in treatment for large animals/ exotic pets/ or domestic pets), and who your friends or family may recommend. You know that these professionals have a college degree and have trained to care for your pet.
Grooming isn't as clean cut. Many states DO NOT require licensing or certification (KY does not), this is confounded by the use of false certifications available online. How does a pet parent know who to trust? Here's a few important points
1) Most groomers have completed an APPRENTICESHIP under an experienced groomer. This training can last over a year and includes breed specific grooming techniques, safety training, proper handling technique, identification of dermatological issues, basic first aid, and customer service. Ask your potential groomer how long they trained under another groomer and how long they themselves have been grooming.
2) Certification is not mandatory in all states but it is in some. Some groomers do not maintain certification simply because they are so dedicated to the clientele they NEVER take days off to take these tests (ahem lol). Certified groomers have a clean criminal record, have completed a written test AND complete groom graded on site by a Master Groomer, and pay annual fees and complete periodic testing to maintain their status. Certification is ONLY legitimate after testing by nationally accredited programs like NDGAA. Beware of false certificates from online "schools" like ABC (Animal Behavioral College), Penn Foster, or other internet courses. DOG GROOMING CAN NOT BE LEARNED ONLINE, this is a dangerous practice. If a groomer is claiming certification be sure to investigate it, someone using false certificates should not touch your pet.
3) Grooming can be a spa-like experience for your fur friend, however a groomer who is solely focused on vanity is not educated. A fur friend's health is always first and looking fabulous comes second. And I'm not just referring to physical health but also mental and emotional. Groomers who force groom fur kids straight through are NOT providing a pleasant spa experience and are creating grooming anxiety. Taking time to allow a fur kid to relax after its prep and bath is almost always necessary, after all I don't go to the spa to get a rapid massage or quickest mani/pedi on record. If your groomer chats with you about skin issues, health concerns, or any physical note made during grooming, they are truly out for your pet's best interest. Groomers can be the "frontline" if your pet is becoming ill, since we are hands-on and evaluating your pet's well being as we go.
4) Some groomers have specialties or other advantageous skills. For instance, some groomers are well versed in nervous or aggressive dogs, some are trained to handle larger dogs, some are great with puppies, and others have a breed specific knack. Some stylists have previously worked in a different pet profession, maybe as a Vet Tech. Previous experience shows the groomer's dedication to the field.
So friends, ask questions. Lots of questions! Don't assume that someone who claims to be a groomer has completed the necessary schooling to handle your precious babies. We are personally responsible for who we entrust our pets to.
*Pet Stylist since 2002
*Apprenticeship completed 1+ years (under instructor from Nash Academy Of Animal Arts)
*Educated in styling over 200 breeds
*Specialty in large and geriatric dogs
*Specific training: Canine anatomy, parasite infestation, dermatitis, hand scissoring, advanced
poodle styles, hand stripping, pet safety, therapeutic bathing, AKC standard haircuts, and first aid.
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