When it comes to getting your dog groomed, you have two choices: dog grooming salons or mobile dog groomers. Both options have their advantages, so let's compare them and see what works for you.
Not sure what to choose out of mobile dog groomers and grooming salons? Don't worry, we'll get into each option's pros and cons. We've also asked an expert at the RSCPA for their opinion.
Let's get into it.
We spoke to Dr Samantha Gaines, RSCPA dog welfare expert, to learn more about the differences between grooming parlours and mobile dog groomers.
Dr Samantha Gaines is the Head of the Companion Animals Science and Policy department at the RSPCA. She leads a team of animal welfare specialists who use science and other robust evidence to advocate for good lives for pets, working and sporting animals.
Her areas of expertise include dangerous dogs legislation, racing greyhounds, and dogs kept for working purposes. She delivers the secretariat for the Dog Control Coalition which is working towards effective and sustainable dog control as well as repeal of Breed Specific Legislation.
She is also the Chair of the Cut the Chase coalition, which seeks to phase out greyhound racing across the UK’s nations. Previously, she was awarded a PhD from Bristol University after studying the effects of housing and husbandry on the welfare of kennelled dogs.
Let's see what Dr Gaines has to tell us about choosing between mobile dog groomers and grooming salons.
Comparing salons and mobile dog groomers
The RSPCA tells us that regular, professional grooming consistently leads to happier and healthier dogs.
Dr Samantha Gaines says "Regular grooming is really important for the health and wellbeing of your dog. It’s vital to keep a dog groomed to ensure their fur doesn’t matt, and to remove dead hair and dandruff.
"But it is also a really good opportunity to check your dog over and make sure there are no lumps, bumps or anything else that might be cause for concern.
"The longer, curlier or rougher the dog’s coat, the more maintenance is required due to the coat getting tangled and knotted. Examples of breeds where this is more prevalent include Afghan hounds, old English sheepdogs and poodles.
"It really does vary from breed to breed, and it is something we recommend researching before committing to adding a dog to the family.”
Naturally, there are many factors dog owners need to consider before picking a professional grooming service. Let’s start exploring them.
Your dog’s comfort
Professional dog grooming improves health and happiness. But making sure your dog has a positive experience matters too.
If your dog gets anxious easily, a mobile dog groomer might be a good fit. No other dogs will be present, resulting in a relaxed atmosphere.
In a salon, there are often other dogs around, which can be overwhelming for some dogs. With a mobile groomer, your dog can enjoy a tranquil, one-to-one experience.
Is it convenient?
Next, let's consider convenience.
Mobile dog grooming offers real flexibility since the groomer comes directly to your home. You don't have to take your dog anywhere or wait around in public for hours. You can even take care of other chores while your dog is being groomed.
Salons, on the other hand, require you to bring your dog to them and wait for the grooming to be completed. If your schedule is already packed, that’s a problem.
How much will it cost?
For many customers, cost is a major concern.
In general, dog grooming salons boast lower prices compared to mobile dog groomers. This is because mobile groomers have additional costs to consider. Travel time, fuel, and maintaining grooming vans typically lead to steeper prices.
Of course, costs will vary by location and the services you need. That’s the case whether you choose a grooming parlour or a mobile professional groomer.
What about the facilities?
What type of facilities will your dog experience?
Grooming salons are fully equipped with all the tools needed for almost any treatment. Some even have air conditioning to keep your dog cool during hotter months.
Mobile groomers have more limited space and might struggle to handle larger dogs, but that’s not always the case. Mobile dog grooming services can still provide a great grooming experience for most dogs.
Which grooming services are available?
Lastly, let's consider the services provided.
Grooming salons are likely to offer a complete range of services. Usually, that includes trimming and styling both long and short-hair dog coats, nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and blow drying.
Mobile groomers sometimes have simpler packages, due to more limited facilities. Again, though, these businesses are still more than capable of grooming your dog.
Can you groom your dog without help?
While it's possible to groom your dog without professional help, it isn't always a good idea.
Shirelle Moore, a dog grooming expert based at Wright Scruffs says “If owners are confident to cut nails, clean ears, and maintain their dog’s coat, great. However, groomers are there for the owners who are not confident grooming their beloved pet for fear of hurting them."
Accidents might not happen during every at-home grooming session, but even occasional mistakes are enough to put most dog owners off.
Shirelle adds "It's always better to play safe and leave this to the expert, inevitably, you always find something that needs sorting, so it's better to have the right skills and tools to ensure this is sorted."
It is possible to do at-home treatment then, but if that's something you're planning, you need to be careful. Shirelle explains that you can always seek guidance from professionals through formal lessons.
"It’s worth considering some training if you’re keen to do this yourself, some groomers run workshops on a 1-1 basis, teaching owners how to groom their dog."
Decision time: choosing a dog groomer
When it comes to choosing a dog groomer, Dr Gaines says “A professional dog groomer should go through many months of training to qualify and their job can be really challenging. Taking your dog to a reputable, professional groomer means your dog is less likely to be injured during the grooming process.
“However, the dog grooming industry isn’t regulated and anyone can set up as a dog groomer. Therefore, we would like to see the industry regulated to better protect animals.
“A dog groomer is responsible for meeting your pet's needs while they're in their care, so it’s important to do research to find a reputable groomer.
“You can try to verify a groomer by looking at what training and experience they have, and by asking other owners for reviews or checking these online.
"A good groomer will keep the dog’s welfare at the heart of what they do. They will allow owners to visit the facilities with their dog before booking an appointment, and will be happy to answer all questions.”
So, both dog grooming salons and mobile dog groomers can do a fantastic job for you. The key is vetting your pet's groomers before you take them for an appointment.
Salons have better-equipped spaces and the most varied services. If you have a sociable, confident dog, browsing the top dog grooming salons near you could be the right call.
Mobile dog groomers provide unbeatable convenience and a stress-free experience for your dog. If you’re short on time or have a timid pet, they might be the better option.
Consider what suits your dog’s needs and your own preferences. From there, choosing from the best salons and mobile dog groomers near you is simple.