Finding the right groomer for your pet is an important decision. By following four simple steps, you can make that decision a little easier.  

Step 1: Get Referrals. Ask your vet, friends, neighbors or associates to refer you to a good groomer. Keep in mind, though, that some vets have in-house groomers and will obviously refer you to them first. Also, don't hesitate to ask someone for a referral if you happen to see their pet and they appear well-groomed. Once you have a few good groomers in mind, get referrals of a different sort from them, clients of theirs who you can call and talk to.

Step 2: Ask Questions. Before choosing to go with a certain groomer, first interview them. Depending upon the size of the business, you'll want to first interview the owner or manager rather than a hired groomer. The following are questions that you should ask:

• Where and how did they learn to groom?
• Did they attend a grooming school or serve as an apprentice somewhere?
• How much experience do they have in grooming?
• When was the business created?
• Do they keep permanent written histories of their clients and pet services including styling preferences, history of appointments, contact information including emergency information and veterinarian's name, location of the pet's vaccination records, and any health and behavior conditions?
• Is there a dedicated manager who is not also a groomer?
• Can they accommodate any particular styling preferences for your pet?
• Are they a member of any professional organizations?
• Do they have photos of their work?
• Do they offer client services as well as pet care services such as convenient hours, competitive prices, professional client and telephone procedures, convenient scheduling, and other client courtesies.

Step 3: Tour the Facility. If any groomer doesn't allow you to tour their facility, move on to the next groomer on your list. Even if you're interested in a mobile grooming van or a grooming business in a home, be sure to take a tour of it. When you walk into the business, use your senses by listening, looking and smelling. You want to determine if the property is noise controlled, if it is well-maintained and clean inside and out, and whether or not there are any foul odors. Also pay attention to the staff and how they interact with each other, the pets and the pet owners.

Step 4: Make Your Decision. Take into account and consider all of the information that you have gathered through the previous steps. No doubt you'll find the groomer that is right for you and your pet.