A good groomer does more than make your pet look nice — they handle your pet safely, spot early skin or health issues, and make future visits less stressful. Here's what to look for.
Questions worth asking
- What's their experience with your breed or coat type? Curly, double, and long coats each need different handling.
- How do they handle anxious or reactive pets? A good groomer has a calm, patient process rather than rushing through it.
- What products do they use? Worth asking if your pet has sensitive skin or allergies.
- Is the facility clean and well-ventilated? A quick look around tells you a lot.
Red flags to watch for
- Reluctance to answer questions about their process
- No visible separation between anxious/reactive animals and calmer ones
- Overbooking that leaves pets waiting in crates for long stretches
- No willingness to stop if your pet becomes distressed
What a good first visit looks like
- A brief consultation about your pet's coat, temperament, and any sensitivities before the appointment
- Clear communication about how long the appointment will take
- A calm handoff and pickup, with notes on anything they noticed (skin issues, ear redness, mats, etc.)
Reading reviews
Real reviews from other pet owners — including how a business responds to feedback — are one of the best signals of consistency. On Pawly, groomer profiles show verified reviews tied to real completed appointments, not open reviews from anyone.
Ready to look? Find groomers near you on Pawly and compare real profiles, services, and reviews before you book.