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 PET DISH: Make sure groomer isn't a dirty-dog fly-by-night

Did you know anyone can call themselves a pet groomer?

That's because there's no state licensing required. So it takes a little diligence on an owner's part to be sure their pet is in responsible hands.

"We do a lot more than just wash and cut hair," said Dawn Omboy, a champion dog stylist from Columbus. "We ask about everything from a pet's health to nutrition to personality."

Today, there are three main national organizations that pet groomers can belong to. The groups certify the groomers and offer continuing education classes. There also are schools where people learn grooming techniques. Melissa Sirianni, a representative of the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, said some schools are as short as four to six weeks. They recommend 16 weeks to six months.

"Some people come out of a four-week school and open a shop," Sirianni said. "You can't even learn how to bathe a dog properly in four weeks."

Grace Woodford, who owns Graywood Academy of Petcare & Design, a school for pet groomers in Newnan, said her course is 640 hours.

"We cover everything from bathing techniques and the art of pet styling to anatomy and health and salon management," said Woodford, who also runs the Dog House kennel and grooming shop.

To help people make an educated choice of groomers, we asked several groomers, as well as officials at three grooming associations, for their tips. Here are the questions they say you should ask before settling on a groomer:

• Ask if they belong to an industry association, like the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists, International Professional Groomers Inc. or the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

• Ask where they learned grooming, how long they studied and if the groomers take continuing education classes.

• Does the groomer look professional?

• Is the facility clean and does it smell fresh?

• Can you check out all areas of the shop? Be wary if an owner won't let you see where pets are shampooed, dried or clipped.

• Will they let you watch? Most groomers say pets are harder to handle if an owner is there, but many have two-way mirrors or other ways owners can observe their pet while it is being groomed.

• Do they require that pets being dropped off be up to date on their shots or show papers proving they won't transmit or catch a common illness?

• Do they have liability insurance?

• Ask for references.

• Do they ask about any medical problems your pet might have? Many groomers will also ask about diet, environment and even who your dogs play with.

• Ask if they hand-dry a dog or put them in a cage with a hot dryer on them to dry. Dogs have died when left unattended under a hot dryer, and it's especially dangerous to pets with flat faces or that have difficulty breathing.

• Do they sterilize their tools and work space between each client? Ask to see how they disinfect tools.

• How do they handle problem dogs? Always be truthful if your dog is a biter, has been abused or is shy. It's safer for the groomer and your pet.

• Will they work with your vet to help alleviate a pet's problems?

• When you pick up your pet, do they make suggestions on maintaining your pet?

• Does your pet appear happy when going back? Some pets are just naturally afraid of bathing or grooming, but if a normally outgoing dog is terrified, ask questions or stay to observe on the next visit.

For more information on the grooming associations, go to www.petstylist.com, www.nationaldoggroomers.com or www.ipgcmg.org.

QUICK TIP

Choke collars should never be left on an unattended animal. Take them off as soon as you're finished using them, and never, ever, tie up an animal on a choke chain. They can easily become tangled and die.

BYLINE:    SANDRA ECKSTEIN
DATE: April 8, 2007
PUBLICATION: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA) 

Local Kennel Achieves National Recognition

Grace A. Woodford, owner of The Dog House Kennel and Grooming, Inc., was notified June 19 that her boarding kennel has been awarded the status of “Accredited” by the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), the International trade association for boarding kennels.

Accredited status is conferred on those facilities which successfully complete the Facilities Accreditation Program, which is administered by the Colorado Springs-based association and which requires that participating kennels pass detailed inspections in 16 different areas of animal care and management.

The program was developed by a panel of pet owners, veterinarians, humane organizations and kennel operators over a five-year period.

It is designed to provide boarding kennel operators with standards of excellence in all areas of pet care, and to provide pet owners with a method of identifying those kennels which meet the standards.

In announcing the accreditation, Mrs. Woodford said, “We are proud that our kennel had achieved accreditation, and are happy to join the ranks of the other fine kennels nationwide who have been so recognized.  It is a tough program, but we feel that our customers’ pets are worth it.”

The Dog House Kennel had been in operation in Coweta County since July 1990 and offers boarding, grooming and training.  It is located at 22 Jefferson Place off Jefferson Street behind Pizza Hut in Newnan.           

1991 - Re-printed with permission from The Times-Herald, Newnan, GA