Angie's List: Tips For Picking A Pet Groomer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Owning a dog or a cat – like nearly half of all Americans do – can be very rewarding, but it's also a big responsibility.

You not only need to feed, walk and clean up after your pet, you should also keep it groomed - professionally. If you're looking for a pet groomer, Angie's List has some tips to make sure you pick the right one.

A trip to the groomer is a regular occurrence for Bo, and may be right for your furry friend, too.

"Ideally, pets should be groomed every four to six weeks. The hair follicle releases the hair about every 21 days, and so in order to prevent matting and excessive undercoat, four to six weeks is a good amount of time," pet groomer Teresa Black said.

A thorough grooming may include a bath, brush out, ear cleaning, haircut and nail trim. A good groomer will get to know your pet and be able to identify potential skin conditions, tooth issues or other physical ailments.

"I believe an important part of grooming is building a relationship between the groomer and the pet. This is especially important if you have a shy or fearful pet. They need to get to know each other," Black said.

But, not all groomers are created equal. Most states require a license, but not certification. Less than 20 percent of all dog groomers have attained the title of Certified Master Groomer.

"You want to check their experience and certification. You also want to visit the shop. Check to make sure the facility is clean, well ventilated; that they use products that won't dry out your pet's skin; and that they use fresh towels with every groom," Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks said.

A standard grooming may take a few hours and costs anywhere from $30 to $90 depending on your pet's size and hair length. Some shops may charge extra if the animal bites or is hard to handle during the process.

"A regularly groomed pet is a more happy and healthy pet," Black said.

Hicks said you should also ask if the groomer has experience with your breed of dog, especially something like a cocker or schnauzer with a specific fur pattern.

The bottom line, she says, is that you want to feel comfortable leaving your pet with the groomer and knowing that he or she will care for it the same way you do.

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