A lot of advertisements today are centered on pet grooming services. But do you really need them for your pet?

 

While many people think it's always a yes, it actually depends on the specific pet and your own comfort level. It's probably okay for you to groom your short-haired dog, for instance, but not if it had longer hair. It may also be that you simply lack time and tools, aside from experience and the ability itself of providing quality pet grooming. Poodles, for example, are hard to groom unless you are a pro. Or pets may have to be regularly clipped or given flea baths, or get their matted fur removed. 

 

Usually, trained pet groomers can do all of these things more safely and humanely for animals, especially the removal of severe mats which may lead to accidental cuts. Extra information about this re described at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/pet-grooming/. Remember though that these groomers aren't miracle workers, so you still need to be in control of your pet's grooming requirements. One "side benefit" to going pro is discovering potential threats to your pet's health, such as lumps, infections and the like.

 

Finding Professional Pet Groomers 

 

A good way to begin is to ask relatives, friends or colleagues if they might be able to recommend some names. Also check the Yellow Pages or ask your local/national association of pet groomers.

 

These mobile dog grooming professionals may be certified or registered, but there is no government regulation for this industry. Check your area's consumer affairs agency to know of any major unresolved issues that a facility may be involved in. As soon as you have narrowed down your list of options, call your major prospects and ask what their specific services are, their charges and their business hours. Also request for a number of names of past or current clients that they have, and do interview these people.

 

Evaluating the Grooming Facility 

 

Before you actually choose a groomer, make sure you have toured their facility, considering the following factors during your assessment:

 

Does the facility have enough lighting? Does the facility look and smell clean? How do the staff attend to the pets.? Are they friendly and caring? How about the cages? Are the animals happy and comfortable with what space they have? Are dogs and cats separated from each other? Do they monitor pets during blow-drying, if only to avoid overheating? Do they keep records of your pet's grooming, medical and vaccination background, as well as emergency contacts? All of these play an important role in your choice of a mobile cat grooming professional.

 

The Charges 

 

Finally, look into the cost factor. How much you pay depends on such issues as your location, the animal's size and specie, the degree of matting, or simply how hard or easy the job is. More extensive grooming means higher costs. Of course, if you're getting mobile grooming services, that will be even pricier.