A professional groomer's "observation report" typically lists the major body parts of a dog or cat from head to toe. When the pet groomer observes a condition such as a lump, cut or scratch, they record that information on the report by body area. Some reports may record behavior, such as a pet favoring a leg indicating a possible condition of which the owner should be aware. Flea or tick infestations are noted as well as anything else that concerns the groomer.

There are not so professional reports out there being sold to pet groomers that basically just indicate, "your pet had a great day" or was "a bad boy." That's fun and a bit important but it does not assist pet owners to take steps to get veterinary care when appropriate.

We have a very strong and adamant opinion on the benefits of making written observations of every pet groomed, and providing an observation report to the pet owner for every grooming appointment. In fact, Madeline Bright Ogle, our company President created the world's first groomer's report in the 1960's and published in her award-winning business book, From Problems to Profits.

Maddie says, "I first created my Pet Groomer's Report and Health Alert form to ensure that employees would note observations that the front desk staff needed to bring to the attention of the appropriate pet owner. I also found that groomers completing the form did a more thorough grooming; the number of times they forgot to trim nails on this or that foot, or clean ears was remarkably reduced. But then another phenomenon occurred; the form started marketing regular referrals from veterinarians across Silicon Valley. They felt more confident referring their clients to us for grooming after seeing our professional observation reports show up in their offices. Our grooming clients were taking reports and pets to their veterinarians when we indicated an observation of something suspect. The doctors were very impressed by our standards of operation, and decades later they have sent us countless new customers. In the long run, the growth of my grooming business from this simple inexpensive form did more to earn referrals than any other form of print advertising."

Today, The Madson Management System in From Problems to Profits continues to firmly suggest the use of observation reports more than ever. In fact, it could be a key procedure required of vocationally licensed groomers should that day come.

Client-patient, or client-professional, relationships with a vocationally licensed professional is commonly and legally termed a "fiduciary relationship." Doctors, dentists, architects and other legally licensed professionals clearly understand their complete responsibility to adhere to legal determinations of their profession's fiduciary relationship. One of the key elements of any fiduciary relationship for all vocationally licensed professions is the method and content of their informing the client of information they need to know before services are provided so that they may make a more knowledgeable decision whether or not to accept services or products. For example, doctors and pharmacists know they must advise you of potential side effects of their treatments and medications so that you can make an informed decision as to whether to agree or disagree with their treatment.

In 1989, Maddie wrote her now famous suggestion for a fiduciary relationship statement for the working relationship between pet grooming business owner and pet owner client. It was a historical moment. In fact, without a legal fiduciary statement adopted by the governing lawmakers, the pet grooming profession will never become a formally licensed profession. Maddie understood that pet grooming business owners would have to inform pet owners of all grooming procedures and their observations of each pet in order to fulfill a legal fiduciary relationship statement. As a result, Maddie created the Madson Pet Groomer's Report and Health Alert observation form to relay her groomer and staff written observations to pet owners, and she developed a professional Pet Care Services Brochure to inform pet owners of her business' grooming procedures. Samples of both forms which you can use for models to develop your own are illustrated in her business manual, From Problems to Profits - The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses (Revised & Updated 1997).

Now pet owners, here is the bad news. Except for some pet grooming businesses following Madeline's published management system in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and some European countries, most of them are not going to supply you an observation report. The better professional grooming business owners are likely to inform you of conditions of concern, but unless you ask if they do provide a report for every visit, you may never know if they do until there is a problem.

Today, you will appear as a highly-informed pet owner consumer of pet grooming to ask for a written observation for every grooming. Good for you if you do. If the pet grooming profession was formally licensed you probably wouldn't have to ask. When you do find a pet grooming business providing you with a written observation report for every grooming, hurrah! You have likely found a sound professional whose other services are of a similar high caliber.