Choosing a Groomer: Questions, Green Flags and Warning Signs
Ask like an interviewer
How do you handle anxious or senior pets? May I see where dogs wait and dry? What happens if my pet won't tolerate something? Do you use cage dryers, and how are they monitored? What's your training background? Good groomers love these questions; defensiveness is data.
Green flags
Clean, calm premises; drying supervised at all times; willingness to do shorter or split sessions for stressed pets; asking about your pet's health, temperament and matting history; and honest pushback ('a full shave is kinder than dematting this coat') rather than silent suffering behind closed doors.
Warning signs
No-visitors policies for the working area, pets returned oddly subdued repeatedly, unexplained nicks or razor burn, refusal to discuss handling or sedation policies (groomers should never sedate — only vets), and marathon eight-hour holds in cages.
Set them up to succeed
Book seniors and anxious pets for quiet times, keep sessions short and frequent rather than epic, brush between visits so appointments aren't dematting battles, and tell the groomer everything — lumps, sore hips, ear infections. The pet can't brief them; you're the handover notes.
Something with their name on it
We press your pet’s name onto a small paw print keychain by hand, in one of ten colours, and post it anywhere in South Africa. R299 plus R73 delivery, or two for R449 delivered free.
See the keychain →