We suggest you invest a top quality grooming
table, especially the electric or hydraulic tables that raise and lower. Give your back a
break. Large dogs can sometimes walk onto a table with less assistance and lifting on your
part when the table lowers. Wall mounted drawers with shelves to hold grooming tools and
supplies. Mirror is optional. Some groomers like them, others quite the opposite. Some say
mirrors distract pets, others the opposite.
Fatigue floor mats to stand on at workstations
can make a great difference in your comfort. Have them at all workstations. Very few
groomers say they can groom sitting down. If you want to I suggest you look at some very
unique stools designed for hairstylists in the beauty industry for people. They are hard
to describe but there are very advanced designs available that provide support without
actually fully sitting down. You just have to be there to understand. Take a look.
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Grooming Tools
If you are attending a school, your
"toolbox" you purchase from the school or an authorized provider will have the
minimum grooming tools you need. Budget for extras though. You need extra blades so that
when your blades are being sharpened you have extra sets.
For each groomer, you need at least two
clippers, two scissors, and a generous supply of blades and attachments including at least
two of everything. Some groomers use a clipper booster too. Add nail cutters and files,
slicker brushes, combs and de-matting tools. For ear cleaning, you may use hemostats.
We've put together basic student toolboxes for
less than $1,000, but really with extra blades and at least two clippers etc, you must
budget at least $1,000 to $1,500 per groomer.
Grooming Equipment
There are so many variables here, we prefer to
list the possibilities. You need to review industry trade magazines and supply catalogs,
and talk to other professionals for assistance in best equipping your operation.
Tubs: We suggest at least one
large and one small. Cats and puppies are appropriate for the small tub, and the larger
one is multi-purpose. Traditional porcelain tubs are fine but you will to have a carpenter
frame and mount the tubs. Stainless steel tub units are available.
Bathing System: Bathing units
are very popular, almost
essential to many. We like them for the savings they generate from
better use of shampoos and some have a definite massage effect pets love and
they can quickly loosen dirt
and dander.
Dryers: There are large units
with multiple air hose outlets, and stand alone models on wheeled bases. Always have a
backup.
Clipper Vacuums: You can
remove many of those millions of tiny hairs that will affect over the years ahead by
attaching a specially made vacuum system with hoses to your clippers. We strongly
recommend their use. Clipper-Vac is the most popular and industry leader, but several
manufacturers have come out with variations in 1997. Test and buy quality. Make sure, very
sure, that the system fits your choice of clippers. Some of the less expensive
systems are very noisy, and pet grooming businesses are already noisy as it is.
Pet Lifts: The well-equipped
groomer will reduce the need for lifting pets. Take care of yourself. Some create ramps
from the tub that pets can walk out of the tub onto drying counters. There are
commercially made devises though that reduce your lifting, such as manufactured pet lifts
and ramps. Keep in mind that not all pets will walk on steps or ramps, so a lift is much
better. In absence of that, all large pets should be lifted properly by two or more
persons.
You will want a repair and maintenance kit for
your equipment and tools.
Grooming Supplies
Like grooming equipment, there are many
possibilities. You need to review industry trade magazines and supply catalogs. If you are
attending a school, you will get a good idea there of what supplies you need. Here are
basics:
Ear powder,
nail bleed powder, cologne, shampoo concentrates,
de-fleaing agents, conditioners and blow dries, cotton,
Q-tips, pet lotions to soothe skin after clipping, clipper
oils, blade disinfectants, clipper cleaners, bandanas,
ribbon, grooming bands, grooming loops (nooses - what a
poor word to use!) disposable gloves, bathing towels,
muzzles, and many groomers find a use for homemade
products with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, corn starch, and
dry boric.
Don't overlook hand lotions for employees
whose hands tend to dry from bathing pets.
Library
You need a good first aid book that covers
dogs and cats. We like videos for animal CPR video, as well as pet first aid and people
too. These are great tools for training more professional employees. Pet massage videos
are great also as the technique can soothe anxious pets and make them easier to groom in
just a few minutes.
You should a picture reference books for all
breeds, and a photo album showing the various trim styles for pet owners. Subscribe to
industry trade magazines, and maintain a library of them. Invest in the books mentioned on
our PetGroomer.com Library Menu. Encourage your employees to
learn more about pets, pet care and small business.
Where to Find Grooming Products
PetGroomer.com provides you with easy access
to many suppliers of pet grooming products. You can check for suppliers in the PetGroomer.com Resources Directory.
Pet industry trade shows are a terrific way to
see pet grooming products and talk with product representatives. Look in the
PetGroomer.com Calendar for a show near you. Don't forget that
many products are advertised in leading trade magazines.
Members of the pet grooming industry often receive complimentary subscriptions.
