04/14/2025
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WHAT YOU DON'T SEE AT THE DOG GROOMERS.......
You dropped your dog off at the salon and picked them up few hours later - fluffy, fresh, and happy. But what you saw was just the tip of the iceberg.
You didnāt see your groomer arrive early to open up the salon, disinfect tools, lay out fresh towels, and check the dayās appointments. You didnāt see them look over your dog from nose to tail before even lifting a brush - checking the coat condition, skin, eyes, ears, nails, and weight.
You didnāt see the careful way they clipped around a wriggly paw, or how they paused to let your dog calm down during the bath. You didnāt notice the matting hidden beneath your dogās topcoat, or the way the groomer worked slowly to avoid hurting the skin beneath it.
You werenāt there when they spotted a red patch of irritated skin, or a small lump you hadnāt noticed. You heard them gently mention it to you at collection - not to worry you, but because they genuinely care about your dogās wellbeing.
And after you left, you didnāt see the clean-down , the floor swept, tables cleaned, blades oiled, messages replied to, notes written up for your next visit, and laundry on again.
All of thatā¦ for a price thatās often lower than what youād pay for your own haircut. And your hairdresser?
They donāt have to bathe you, clip your nails, or hold you still while you try to bite the brush.
The truth is ā¦ā¦. dog grooming is so much more than a haircut.
Itās about health, hygiene, comfort, and trust. Itās about knowing dog anatomy, coat types, skin conditions, behaviour management, handling skills, and safe sc******ng techniques. Itās a profession that takes training, practice, and patience.
Most groomers got into this work because they love dogs. But that doesnāt mean they shouldnāt be paid fairly for the physical, emotional, and skilled work they do every single day.
If your dog leaves their groomer happy, healthy and looking good - itās not by luck. Itās because you have got a good groomer.
So next time, take a moment to thank them. Leave a review.
Tip them if you can. And above all - donāt undervalue them.
Theyāre doing far more than just washing the dog.
If you want to know more about the trade association for pet groomers and how we support them, contact the British Dog Groomers Association a division of the Pet Industry Federation www.petfederation.co.uk
