Trimming Department

• Location. The trimming department location allows the clients to watch trimmer's as they work. Clients enjoy seeing the finish trimming and the proximity allows the trimmers to build better rapport with clients.

• Equipment. Trimmers use hydraulic grooming tables with four spot lamps illuminating each of them. Each trimming station has its own booster to run clippers more efficiently. "Vacuum attachments" on clippers draw unwanted pet hair into a cleaning receptacle. Drawers for tools and supplies are in a counter running the length of the trimming department.

Bathing Department

The bathing department is designed to prevent unbathed pets from soiling clean pets as they complete their bath and blow-dry.

• Location. The location of the bathing department near the rear of the salon reduces unwelcome noise and heat in the client reception department.

• Comb-out Table. Here, unbathed pets have an initial brush and comb-out before bathing ("prep work"). Comb-outs create most of the soil and hairballs in a salon. By containing the debris in one area it does not affect clean pets and is disposed of more easily.

• Stainless Steel Tubs. From the comb-out table pets go to one of three stainless steel tubs. The smallest tub is for very small pets, the medium tub for ill pets and medicated baths, and the large tub for all other pets. The tubs are sterilized after each use keeping the work area hygienic. Special traps in each tub collect pet hair and other debris preventing clogged pipes. A vinyl, non-slip board covers the floor of each tub and each bather's workstation. The vinyl boards with many little holes are on the floor of the tub allowing water to drain. This permits the pet to stand out of the water and protects both pet and bather from slipping. In addition, the boards prevent soap burns caused by pets standing in soapy water. Be sure the boards have holes small enough to prevent the smallest pet's feet from getting caught. Ceramic tile covers the walls above the tub for easy cleaning. A hydraulic lift reduces the risk of back strain from lifting very heavy pets into the larger tub. In addition, the top lip of the large tub is three feet from the floor.

• Central Pump System. A central pump dispenses temperature controlled water and three types of shampoos. Hoses from each pump to each tub distribute the water and shampoos.

• Drying Area. From the large tub pets can walk along a non-slip, laminate covered, drying counter to one of four drying stations.

• Grooming Tools. Bacticide sterilizes combs, brushes, and ear-cleaning forceps. Sterile glass containers hold cotton balls.

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Caging Area

The placement of cages allows observation of the pets. It is as vital to oversee the safety of pets waiting in their cages as it is to safeguard pets being groomed.

Employee Rest Area

Each employee has a locker for personal belongings. The refreshment center, aside from dispensing cold drinks, includes a sink, refrigerator, and microwave. A small table with chairs provides seating during lunch and breaks.

Exterior

• Parking. At least four well-lit parking spaces are available.

• Lighting. In addition to lighting in the parking area, the entry to the salon must have adequate lighting controlled by solar switches.

• Potty-walking area. An enclosed, gated potty-walk area enables clients to walk their pets before leaving. Flowering plants refine the area. Sterilizing the area every day prevents it from offending clients and neighbors. A doggie doolie permits convenient and hygienic disposal of pet stools.

Copyright 1989, 1997 Madeline Bright Ogle All Rights Reserved

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