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How Does a Pet Groomer Spend a Workday?
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The tasks a pet groomer performs during his workday depends on the type of appointments he has scheduled. The many different breeds of dogs require different grooming methods, so the groomer must be knowledgeable about the different styles of cuts and the methods used to achieve them. The groomer's workday will also depend on whether he works in his own shop, or if he is employed by a larger groomer or even a pet supply chain store that offers on-site grooming.
The Grooming
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Most of the workday will be spent grooming dogs. Some dogs will need to be shampooed, combed, blow dried and styled. Long haired dogs may arrive with mats and tangles. The groomer has to spend time detangling the dog's hair before it can have a bath. The groomer gives the dog a bath by using overhead hoses to spray the dog down, shampoo it and rinse it.
Pet owners prefer their dogs to be clipped in certain styles, so the groomer must talk with the dog owner to figure out which style is preferred. Each long haired breed has a specific style of cut. The groomer must know how to accomplish the cut. Sometimes the groomer will refer to a book on pet styling to help out if she is uncertain.
Short haired breeds are less work, as they usually only require a shampoo and a small amount of trimming. Pet owners may have requested that the dog's rear end be shaved, both for cleanliness and health issues. Naturally, dogs can become squirmy when this is done and another groomer may have to help hold the anxious pet still.
Nail clipping can either be a huge battle for the groomer, or can be a calm and smooth experience. It may take two groomers working together to trim the nails of a particularly unwilling dog. Groomers must know how to calmly restrain the dog while the other groomer does the clipping. Part of the groomer's daily duties will be reassuring dogs in a soothing calming tone. The groomer must not become angry or impatient with the dog.
During bathing, the groomer needs to be on the lookout for any flea infestations or skin conditions that the pet owner should be told about. If the pet has fleas or skin irritation, the groomer may decide to use a shampoo specifically for the condition. In worst cases she will advise the owners to see the vet.
Shop Maintenance
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Much like beauticians, pet groomers are required to clean their area after each client. A large hairy dog may leave a huge amount of hair that must be swept up and disposed off. Work stations must be wiped down and disinfected after each dog. The groomer may also be responsible for customer service. In this case he will accept payment, run the register and answer phones to make appointments. If the shop sells dog accessories such as shampoos and conditioners, the groomer will assist the dog owners in finding the items they want to purchase for home use.
Laundry may also be on the list of duties. If the shop uses towels to dry the dogs, the groomer will see that these are kept washed, dried, folded and stored. The large aprons worn during baths will either be washed and dried or bundled up to send out to a service.
Some groomers are expected to do book work during their workday. This may include computer work, ordering supplies or even logging in new inventory.
The groomer's workday can be calm or completely crazy, depending on which pets are scheduled for grooming. If the groomer accepts walk-in clients, she may have a surprising day, as she will have no idea how new pets will react. A few groomers may refuse unruly pets, then they must explain to the upset owner why their dog isn't groomed.
eHow Article: How Does a Pet Groomer Spend a Workday?
