Here are some things to look for when choosing a groomer and tricks other groomers may use and what to look out for.
**Experience**
Make sure that when you are looking into experience you aren't getting the total of the shop. Some places will say 10+ years experience when they really mean 4 years for one groomer and 6 years for another. Also look out for "animal" experience. Being a pet owner does not constitute as grooming experience.
Bark N' Bubbles Experience: Brynn 8 years, Lindsay 1.5 years, Steph in training. These are actually grooming years, not including bathing and other pet experience.
**We don't rush**
When this is said, it usually means that the groomer lacks the skill to produce an exceptional groom in a timely matter. Your dog will be standing there longer than necessary just to produce a half decent groom.
At Bark N' Bubbles most grooms do not take more than an hour to an hour and a half. This includes EVERYTHING from the bath, dry, brush, nails, ears, and clipping. There are exceptions such as Standard Poodles and Newfies that usually take about 2 hours.
**Certified**
There are only two organizations that can certify a groomer. The IPG and the NADGG. A groomer may receive a certificate from the school or instructor they were taught by but that does not constitute certification.
Brynn is planning on certifying with the IPG unfortunately, it takes a lot of time and travel that she doesn't have right now. Certifying mainly covers show style clips that are not always practical in regular pet grooming and there are plenty of great groomers that aren't certified. Just watch out for those trying to pull the fur over your eyes :) Brynn has a certificate printed out from the groomer she apprenticed under, yet does not call herself certified.
**Licensed**
A business license is required to run a business, however there is currently no profession license for pet grooming. It is said to be in the works but it will take a lot to actually pass the law. Any true professional in the business will benefit if it does pass because as of now anyone can pick up a clipper and call themselves a groomer.
Everyone at Bark N' Bubbles believes in doing their best at all times. We work hard at what we do and take pride in our work. We believe if you are not going to do it right and with passion, why do it?!
**Open Concept**
Open concept shops are great. It usually means that your pet will not be caged. However make sure the safety of your pet is kept in mind. Can your pet walk right out the door should it get off the table?
Bark N' Bubbles is an open concept shop and you can see the grooming area at any given time but the safety of your pet is our priority. Your pet is kept safely behind three doors. If your pet is a known jumper, you will be notified as soon as your pet is ready to go home and should you not be able to get back in time he/she will be kept in the bathing room with Steph or tied to a wall hook in the middle room with Brynn and/or Lindsay.
**Cleanliness**
Even though this profession requires work with wet and sometimes smelly dogs, and a ton of fur, the shop should be clean. At stinky shop is not a good sign.
We work extremely hard to keep our shop fresh and clean. Any "accidents" are picked up immediately. Our tub and drying area is cleaned through out the day and throughly scrubbed at the end of each day. Our shop is mopped with germ killing steam and is completely safe for your pet. The only disinfectants used are safe for animals and are purchased through and all natural distributer. Stench is NOT an option!
**Walk-in or immediate appointments**
While we all love instant gratification, think twice if you can get into a shop right away. ANY good groomer should have at least a few week wait.
To the dismay of our clients that don't book in advance, we are usually no less than 3-5 weeks book out year round. We always recommend that you pre-book your next appointment!
** Not allowing customers to watch**
This is a controversial topic because most pet owners want to be able to see their pet being groomed. What they may not understand is that if your pet can see you, it is going to get excited making grooming near impossible.
We welcome anyone to stay in our front room area, but ask that you do not talk or peek around the corner. Even if you are sitting there quietly your pet may know you are there and we may ask you to step outside for your pets safety. You are welcome to peek at other pets while your pet is not being groomed if you are interested in seeing what goes on.
There is a current trend of grooming shops popping up everywhere because the pet profession hasn't gotten a hard hit like most of the economy. Remember the listed tips to find the best salon for your fur baby. Just because someone bought a pair of clippers, a tub and a table, does not mean they are a true professional.