Home Based Groomers

[j]

For those of you who have a home based grooming business

Do you ask clients about the vaccination status of their animals before accepting them as clients? Or how they behave with other dogs?

Do you let dogs play together after they have been groomed? Dogs that have never met before?

The other day, I went to a groomer I have never used before. I wasn't asked about their vaccinations (they are current). I told her that one of my dogs has recently had surgery for cruciate ligament and luxating patella (so she was aware he may be a bit tender around that area when clipping him)

I found out later that my dogs had been let out to play with other dogs in the back yard after they had been groomed, and that the back yard has several levels "but most dogs work out to use the steps"

It wasn't even something I thought to ask about as I was of the opinion that they would be in a crate/cage after being groomed and not being put with other dogs. They weren't being supervised while they were in the backyard, so when I asked if anything had happened to him she wasn't able to say so, just that she hadn't heard him yelp and she would expect to if he had been injured

(I phoned her to ask if anything had happened as he is now holding his leg up again and had previously been doing pretty well on it, only occasionally holding it up while he went down our stairs)

[Guest belgian.blue]

Personally I wouldn't go back. Dogs that haven't met before shouldn't be allowed to play without supervision, even after you told her your dog had recent surgery.

Whenever I open my grooming business I would never allow the dogs to play unless the owners first gave permission to do so. Thats just bad business!!

Did she do a good grooming job on your dog?

[j]

They have been clipped off short all over which is what I asked for. Ears are clean, nails are clipped, length of coat is even.

No complaints with the way they look.

Was just surprised that it wasn't until I phoned that I knew they had been running about with other dogs. My other dog (not the one who has had surgery) is a "bit funny" with other dogs sometimes. Nothing bad, can just be a little quick to get defensive if someone is in his face. I didn't even think to mention that to her as I wasn't thinking it would be an issue.

Guess I will have a longer list of questions to ask when I'm looking to use a groomer again.

I normally clip them off myself but thought I would start summer with a proper job so it is easier to follow. Might just have to go back to dodgy back yard hair cuts from me.

[Colliewood]

I have a mobile business BUT I know if I were at home there is no way I would let dogs play.

I am responsible for their well being and some dogs simply should not play together and those that can should be supervised.

Is she a trainer? even if not she should know better.

[j]

I don't know whether she is a trainer or not. I just rang her out of the yellow pages . In my district and not too far from work for drop off and pick up.

[Dogsfevr]

so did you leave them all day by your choice or did they groomer say how long they had to stay or did you drop off & pick up after a set time for there groom only??

As to mixing no it would never happen here.Clients are paying for a grooming service & if mixing was a thing they wanted to offer then they should be getting you to sign a contract such as doggy daycare etc etc

[j]

I dropped off, discussed with her when I could pick up. I had a committment between particular hours so told her I could pick up before that time or after that time. She preferred after that time.

[Clyde]

For those of you who have a home based grooming business

Do you ask clients about the vaccination status of their animals before accepting them as clients? Or how they behave with other dogs?

Do you let dogs play together after they have been groomed? Dogs that have never met before?

No, I don't ever ask about vaccinations but I rarely take on new clients. I'm not overly concerned about vaccination status but I wont groom dogs who have been adopted from shelters/pounds until they've served 14 days with their new owner. I live in an area where people have the income to take top care of their dogs so they all vaccinate as per the local vet anyway.

I always ask how they are with other dogs.

If a dog is dicey they definitely get crated. Or a new clients dog gets crated too. If I know the dog very well ie- have been grooming it for years, then I will allow the dog to roam around my courtyard but there is rarely another loose dog at that time. I work by appointment only so I don't have alot of dogs here at the same time. Owners are asked to bring the dog in when I'm ready rather than all in the morning like most places.

I know quite a few of my clients have jumped shipped from another groomer nearby as their dogs were terrified of all the other dogs in together.

[becks]

I wouldn't necessarily think of looking for another groomer next time the dogs need a haircut, just make a strong point that you want them crated on their own when not being groomed.

The groomer should have had enough sense to keep your injured dog under close supervision at all times though.