08/27/2022
In light of the salon’s upcoming closure, I’ve been getting a lot of requests for recommendations for another groomer.
Here’s what I’m telling people.
I know of local groomers/grooming places. Some I have met personally. One was a teacher of mine when I got my first grooming diploma. This same person was a certifier in one of the agencies I got some certifications with. Some have been grooming for a long time, have owned grooming shops, are/have been teachers and certifiers, have completed the process to become Certified Master Groomers. This said while I may know of other groomers/grooming places I am not doing referrals because I haven’t been to their places, know anything about them,…
This said, here’s some information for your consideration. I am not trying to create waves. This comes from a place of creating awareness. It’s because I care and want people to make an informed decision.
Grooming is an unregulated industry. As such anything goes. Some things I’d strongly recommend people consider, when searching for a groomer, are as follows:
Do they have a Master Business License for the operating name? Does it specify it’s for dog grooming? Is it currently valid (they expire every 5 years)? It is my understanding that any business, regardless of hours of operation i.e., part-time/full-time needs one. I have one (it expires in 2023). If they say they have one, ask to see it. Maybe it’s my Legal/Compliance/audit background; but to me it’s not true unless I have proof.
Does the salon have a devoted landline? Website? Is it only a social media page (i.e., Facebook) and a personal cell phone? Is it cash only? Is tax charged? Some of these things may be flags as to whether it’s a legitimate business or not. Is the phone number/salon listed in the phonebook/on YellowPages as a business listing?
What training does the owner/staff have? Was it done thru an accredited program thru a College; including course curriculums recognized by the Ministry of Education? Ask to see it. College certificates only. If they state they were trained thru a college, what college? And what was the program? How long was the program? Was it full or part-time? Was it online; or in person? Was it for Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician which includes a grooming component? Or did they go to school for grooming? How many hours/months/years? I have 2 College diplomas for grooming and combined they took me a few years. One program was done part-time. The other full-time. One for Groomer’s Assistant, thru Algonquin College. Another, for Dog Grooming, thru Pet’s Beautiful which is a recognized private career college. Both have accredited programs and are accredited colleges. Both the programs and schools are recognized by the Ministry of Education. In addition I have some grooming certifications thru various different groups and agencies – Pet First Aid (done every 3 years and is part of my insurance for the salon. The Pet First Aid course was 2 full days.), IPG,… Was there a placement aspect?
Are they insured? For how much? What types of insurance? Thru what firm? Is everyone i.e., dogs, all staff covered? What about liability? I have 5 million in coverage. Staff and dogs are both covered in addition to myself. Mine is thru KRS Insurance/ProFur.
Do dogs/animals need to be vaccinated? Is there a legal agreement drafted by a practicing lawyer?
Regarding staff, are they actual staff; or are they subcontractors? Paystubs? T4s? Records of Employment? I do all these things. All are done thru an established accounting firm to ensure they are done correctly in accordance to the requirements.
What about the tools/products used on the dogs? Are they CSA certified i.e., dryers,…? What do they use for shampoo,..? Are the tools regularly serviced by someone licensed to do so? Legitimate businesses? All my equipment is certified, maintained, and sanitized on a regular basis.
Do a stop by/unexpected visit to see what things are like when you’re not there.
If they have a sign, do they have a sign permit from the Municipality? I do.
If they operate from home is the home zoned for it? Mine is. I went thru the process of getting special zoning to account for the salon. In doing this I also have an agreement with the Municipality of North Grenville which outlines several things – hours/days of operation for example. I also have commercial septic, had to have the salon and it’s construction inspected and approved by the Planning Department. This included engagement thru The Water Conservation Authority, impact to roads,…
I personally would recommend a shop where the actual owner is the only groomer; or is one of the groomers. One that is present during the operating hours. Some shops have a shop owner, which isn’t a groomer and hasn’t gone to school for it. Basically a financial backer. I groom every dog personally. I also have an assistant with me at all times, for the dog’s safety and comfort.
In summary I would exercise the same care and concern one would do prior to leaving a young child with someone/a business i.e., daycare.
I hope this helps. Either way there’s a big demand for groomers. Especially in light of all the people who have opted to get/add a furry family member, to their household since COVID began. As such I would begin the search for a new groomer more sooner than later.
Wishing you a smooth and safe transition whatever you choose.
