How to Pick a Mobile Pet Groomer

by Jodi Hicks, Mobile Pet USA
© 2001 Jodi Hicks All Rights Reserved Published here with the permission of the author.

Mobile dog grooming is gaining popularity as pet owners long for convenience and personalized care for their loved ones. A mobile pet groomer comes to you, bringing a vehicle equipped to give your dog the same professional grooming offered in a shop. It offers convenience for you and less stress for your dog.

Mobile grooming appeals to all sorts of owners. Hard working pet owners, who don't have the time to take the dog to the groomer, enjoy the convenience of having the dog groomed while they are still at work! Stay-at-home moms love getting the pet cleaned while the children nap, instead of loading everyone into the car for several trips to the shop. Some people are homebound for medical reasons, and other times it's the pets that don't like the car ride. Whatever the reason, having your pet groomed right in your driveway is a convenience well worth the extra money.

There is a high demand for good mobile groomers, so call for an appointment 2 - 3 weeks in advance. Look under Pet Grooming or Pet Services in your local phone book, and the mobile groomers will either have "mobile" in the name of the business or will specify that they come to you. You could also call your state's association for groomers to ask for a recommendation.

When you call for your first appointment, ask how much they will charge for your particular breed of dog. Remember that you will pay more for the convenience, usually $10 - $15 more than if you were to take your dog into a shop. For that price you should expect your dog to be the only one being worked on and he should be hand dried, not put into a cage for any reason.

Trust your instincts. Do you get the feeling on the phone that this groomer is in the profession because he loves animals? If you're going to pay a premium, expect to get professional, loving care for your dog. If the groomer is rude to you, chances are he won't have patience with your dog either.

When the groomer arrives for the first time, he should take some time to get to know you and your dog. He should ask what type of a cut you would like and offer advice on caring for your dog's coat. Be sure to tell him if your dog has any temperament or medical problems.

Make it a point to escort your dog into the vehicle, and take a good look around. Of course there will be some hair, but it should be clean and animal friendly.

While your dog is being groomed it will be disruptive for him to see you, but try to peek in a window from time to time where he can't see you, just to make sure your loved one is being handled with care.

Overall, mobile grooming is a great way to reduce the stress of grooming for both you and your dog. It offers a much more personalized touch and you have the advantage of seeing where your dog will be groomed and knowing that he is being treated kindly.

Jodi Hicks is President of Mobile Pet, USA, which offers a Complete Training Manual and Video Guide to help people establish their own mobile dog grooming businesses. She runs her own mobile grooming service in Littleton, Colorado, and is a member of the Colorado Professional Pet Groomers' Association and Professional Mobile Groomers International. 1-877-9moblpet

Copyright 2007 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved