Expert QA

My groomer of many years just closed her business, and I need to find someone else. Are groomers required to be licensed, and are there other factors I should consider when selecting someone new?

From the Editors of The Dog Daily

Business and permit licenses required for pet groomers can vary from state to state, so contact The National Dog Groomers Association of America for additional information. You could also contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if anyone has filed a complaint against a particular groomer. Ask your veterinarian, friends, local pet shop staff and others for recommendations.

If you still come up short, note the lighting and cleanliness when visiting a grooming business for the first time, as well as how dogs and cats are separated. Cages should be adequately sized. Observe how well the groomers interact with the animals and their owners. Groomers should handle their charges with care, always monitoring the proceedings. Some less-experienced groomers, for example, leave dogs alone when the canine's fur is being blow-dried, but that can lead to dried skin and even burns.

With such investigative homework on your part, you should be able to find a skilled professional to take care of your dog's grooming needs.