Things to Know

Things to Know

When choosing a groomer for your pet, consider a person's qualifications and experience. It can be really challenging to sort out what is best for your pet because the industry is unregulated in Canada. Canadian Professional Pet Stylists aims to change how groomers are perceived. Educated, skilled and Certified Pet Stylists study for years and are willing to adhere to National Standards, including testing and examination. Additionally, they commit to providing services based on best practices and ethics within the regulatory standards in their jurisdiction as they pertain to licensing and regulations.

What is Grooming (download PDF)
Mats in Your Dog's Coat (download PDF)
To Shave or Not to Shave (download PDF)
Your Dog's Foot & Nail Health (download PDF)
Ears and Grooming (download PDF)
Facts about Fleas (download PDF)
Caine Growth Plate Closure Guide (download PDF)
Top Ten Reasons Your Dog's Haircut Costs More (download PDF)

Here are some important aspects to look at:

1. Is the Groomer certified through Canadian Professional Pet Stylists or another certification organization, or do they only have a certificate of graduation from a dog grooming school?

2. If they are certified, at what level are they certified to? Canadian Professional Pet Stylists have six tiers of certification:

  • Tier 1: Certified Canine Stylist Assistant
  • Tier 2: Certified Canine Pet Stylist
  • Tire 3: Certified Canine Specialist Non Sporting
  • Tier 4: Certified Canine Specialist Sporting
  • Tier 5: Certified Canine Specialist Terrier
  • Tier 6: Certified Master Pet Stylist

3. Do they have a business license?

4. Do they have business insurance?

5. Are they familiar with your breed of dog? If so, in what way? (ie. grooming, showing, breeding, etc.)

6. When you explain the length of hair that you want for your dog, is that something they can do?

7. If you own a double coated breed of dog, does the groomer recommend doing a "shave off"? Double coated breeds should NOT be shaved off unless a veterinarian has recommended it. Examples of double coated breeds: Husky, Malamute, Rottweiler, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, Pomeranian, Chihuahua and many more

8. How long do they need your dog to be with them?

9. What are their plans in an emergency?

10. Do they have a veterinarian that they work with?

11. Can you visit their shop and see the facility prior to bringing your dog?

12. If a student is doing the grooming of your dog, will they be supervised and their work inspected prior to releasing your dog?

13. If your dog has allergies or a skin condition, can the groomer accommodate those needs?

14. If your dog has physical problems or limitations, can they accommodate those?