Well, here is a real-life example of an incident involving Evthoxia Moustakas, a mobile groomer from CT, told from her point of view:

“I went to a new-to-me Bernese Mountain dog’s house. One of my coworkers groomed this dog six months prior but did not update notes on the dog. I did my usual 30-minute new-client intake regarding all aspects of the dog’s behavior, and the owner swore up and down the dog was fine with no issues.

His coat was impacted, and he was overweight at about 160 lbs. I managed to get him on the table and into the tub, and all was going well. I’m all of 5’ 3”, and his shoulders were above my head level. He’s massive. As I’m doing a deshed bath, there’s a lot of turning him back and forth so I can thoroughly saturate and work the coat.

As much as I wanted to react toward this dog, he was at a higher elevation than me, and he had perfect access to my face. Fortunately, I had my Bluetooth headphones in and called my managers at the office. They told me to hang tight, as they were on their way and to call the cops.

I ran out of the van and left the still-covered-in-shampoo dog tethered in the tub. My only concern was for my safety. I reach the client’s door, banging on it with my elbows, screaming for her. She came to the door and looked at me and her wet dog, who somehow managed to get out of the van and was now circling me. I told her what happened, that my managers were on their way and the police were coming, and all she could say was, “Yeah…he’s got a tendency to randomly attack and bite people for no reason…”

I just stared at her. I reminded her that I asked her for this information BEFORE the groom so I could make an informed decision if it was safe enough for me to groom her dog.

I got a ride to the hospital in an ambulance, with one of my managers driving behind me while the other took my van back to our shop.

Two years later, I refuse to groom a Bernese or even look their way. I was out of work for five weeks and still have issues with my hands.

The dog now had a record with the state, not just the town. That was all. The cops weren’t interested in filing charges. One more bite report though, and the dog will be put down.”

While Evie’s story is not an uncommon one, it is certainly unfortunate.

So, how do we protect ourselves?

• Ask the right questions.

  One of my client forms had five questions, each requiring an answer and a signature at the bottom. They included: Has your dog ever bitten anyone? If so, under what circumstances? Has your dog ever bitten a groomer or any pet professional? If so, under what circumstances? Has your dog ever tried to bite a pet professional?

• Keep updated notes.

  In Evie’s case, the last groomer noted behavioral issues but never entered that info in the client’s file. As there were no notes on this dog, Evie did specifically ask and was told by the owner the dog was fine. She did not have the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding Implied Assumption. She was not given the opportunity to refuse the grooming of a dog that bites without warning. And without written or video-recorded acknowledgement, this situation would end up as a he-said/she-said scenario.

• Require signed waivers.

  Legally enforceable signed waivers informing the owner of responsibility for pet bites in your state will go a long way in protecting you from a legal standpoint. A business lawyer should draw up this form so that it is legally enforceable in your state.

• Pay attention to body language.

  Look for those warning cues. If you’re still unsure of what to look for, there are some great behavioral programs out there.

• Do a thorough check-in.

  Identify those pain points on the pet before grooming, as this can be a trigger for aggressive behavior.

• Use available safety aids.

  There are too many safety equipment options to list. The best place to see them is at trade shows or ask for recommendations from your colleagues.

• Know when to refuse or stop a groom.

  You do not have to groom any pet just because they made an appointment.

And to answer the original question—No, getting bit is not in our job description. It only takes a split second to change your life, so you must take all possible precautions to keep yourself and the pets you are grooming safe, which is in our job description.

Designed to reduce the area of space on the grooming table that pets have access to dance upon, this tool ensures that pets stay close to the groomer without constantly repositioning. It eliminates the possibility that a dog can step off the far side of the table by mistake.

This is a safety loop with a twist! Rather than the traditional loop that encircles the dog’s neck, this tool fits under the front legs. It is great for all pets, but essential for those which have problems with their trachea or are experiencing neck or spinal issues.

By offering two points of restraint, one overhead and one under the jaw, the Groomers Helper helps prevent accidental falls, stops dogs from spinning, and—bonus for groomers—reduces the potential bite area by 90%.

This tool clips to the grooming arm and allows groomers to leave the arm set at one stationary level. Setting the grooming arm at one height saves time in moving it for each pet, and it keeps the animal safe from the arm accidentally slipping and falling. Simply shortening or lengthening the loop adjuster accommodates dogs from small to tall. The regular grooming loop is affixed to the adjuster and the adjuster is attached to a quick-release snap (see below).

These simple, inexpensive gadgets are must-have safety tools that should be used anywhere a safety loop is used. This tool lets groomers instantly and effortlessly release a dog in case of an emergency.

These tools make groomers’ jobs easier and keep large pets safer by allowing them to step up and down, eliminating any jumping that might cause injury.

One area of hazards we see with handling animals are those that have infections of the skin, ears, mouth, urinary tract, anal glands, etc. We often take precautions to prevent exposure if we know they are present, but we have to realize not all infections are apparent though. Even if they are, we sometimes fail to assess or consider the repercussions we could face.

Commonly, we are taught (or assume) that the shampoo will protect us in this process. Shampoo is designed to clean, and unless it is specifically designed to kill bacteria/fungus, it does not protect against infection. We do have the benefit that it may dilute the sources of infection in the bathing process, which gives us some coverage, but it doesn’t actually kill it, leaving us vulnerable.

Dealing with anal glands and washing the anal area is one instance where we should always wear protection. Fecal material is around 90% bacteria, and not always good bacteria. Did you know that Salmonella is one of the most common reasons for the recall of dog foods and reasons given to avoid raw diets? A dog fed a diet high in Salmonella will often shed it in their fecal material. Salmonella in humans often leads to severe bloody diarrhea and can be very deadly, especially in young children, due to blood loss and dehydration.

Parasites are another hazard associated with fecal material. Humans are not the usual hosts for most of these parasites, so many times they will take very different pathways in the human body. Roundworms, for example, are one of the most common parasites of our pets (also raccoons). These same parasites that usually cause digestive and respiratory issues in pets, when introduced to the human body, can end up in the blood vessels behind the eyes and in the brain, causing blindness and even severe neurological issues. This is especially scary in the developing brain of young children.

Infection and parasites are not the only hazards groomers face. They are also confronted with tiny hair slivers that tend to penetrate the skin, causing irritation and tissue abscesses. You will commonly see them between the fingers, between the toes (if not wearing closed-toed shoes) and any area of tight clothing. These are very small and can be next to impossible to find once under the skin. This has a higher incidence of occurring when short-haired dogs are shaved because of the trimmed hair’s stiffness and short length.

Probably one of the more common and most debilitating issues groomers deal with is Groomer’s Lung. It is a combination of breathing in hair slivers, bacteria, fungi, dead skin cells and probably even an occasional parasite. As young groomers, many do not worry about it affecting them because they think about bad things with a “that’s not going to happen to me” mindset. In addition, taking precautions is a pain and takes time and money, so many skip or ignore those steps. But before you go down that road, talk to some older/wiser groomers and let them educate you on what your life will look like if you don’t take this seriously. Groomer’s Lung is real, and there’s a high possibility you will deal with it at one level or another.

If you love what you do and want to do it for the rest of your life, you must work smart so that one or more of these hazards doesn’t shorten your career path. The chances of it being a problem in some cases may be slim, but even if it is a million to one odds, if you get it, it will be a 100% occurrence for you!

Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

Whether it’s a cat with a chronic health condition, an elderly feline, or one that’s easily stressed or aggressive, these grooms cannot be a cookie-cutter approach. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of handling such special cases, offering guidance and insights to ensure the wellbeing of both the cat and the groomer.

Health issues can also significantly impact a cat’s grooming experience. Conditions like arthritis can make handling painful, especially when manipulating limbs or applying pressure. Skin disorders, such as allergies or infections, can lead to soreness and sensitivity, causing a cat to react sharply to combing or clipping. Sensory impairments like vision or hearing loss can make a cat more easily startled or disoriented, leading to unpredictable reactions during grooming.

During the initial client conversation and the pre-groom assessment, it is very important to manage the expectations of the owners. Be clear that while every effort will be made to ensure a positive grooming experience, there may be limitations based on the cat’s behavior or health conditions. Ensure they understand that the cat’s wellbeing is the priority, which may mean not all grooming tasks can be completed in one session.

Also respect your own comfort level and expertise. Some cats may require assistance from a second person or their needs may be beyond what can be safely managed in your grooming setting. It’s perfectly acceptable to refer these cases to a veterinary clinic for grooming services. This not only ensures the safety of the cat, but also maintains the integrity and professional standards of your grooming business. Remember, referring a cat to a more suitable grooming environment is a sign of professional responsibility and care, not an indication that you are incapable or are giving up.

Choosing tools and grooming services that avoid pulling or injuring the skin can also prevent discomfort, which is especially important for cats with skin conditions, sensitivities or whose skin is more fragile. For cats with arthritis, a soft surface can be more comfortable, such as a mat in the bottom of the tub, grooming in your lap or using plush towels underneath them. Additionally, limiting shaving on these cats will greatly reduce both discomfort and the risk of nicking skin. Preventative grooming like bathing, blow-drying and gentle combing will help keep mat removal to a minimum.

In cases of arthritis, mobility issues, or cats showing signs of pain during handling or the grooming process, they should be given a quiet area to rest and owners should monitor the cat for any signs of distress or adverse reactions. It may also be appropriate for the owner to talk to their vet about potential pain-relief medication or supplements for future grooming sessions and/or for daily use for their cat.

Finally, regularly scheduled grooming appointments will keep their cat’s skin and coat in good condition, especially if the owner is unable to do the necessary amount of grooming at home. Provide a hand-out or other materials that the owner can take home to reinforce the information you’ve given them. By empowering owners with this knowledge, they can play an active role in the maintenance of their cat’s grooming needs and overall health.

Grooming cats with behavioral or health issues is a task that demands not just skill, but also a deep understanding and empathy for the unique challenges these cats face. From the initial assessment and the gentle handling during grooming to the critical aftercare, every step requires a tailored approach that prioritizes the cat’s comfort and safety. Educating owners is an integral part of this process, ensuring that the care and understanding extend beyond the grooming session.

As groomers, our role goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about contributing to the overall wellbeing of these special felines. By approaching each grooming session with patience, knowledge and compassion, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these cats and their owners, ensuring a positive and stress-free grooming experience for all.

What is sometimes worse is that we are working with water, electricity, elevated surfaces, and loud, powerful and sometimes sharp equipment and tools that can be challenging to use and clean, not to mention can be very dangerous. Still, we have chosen to do this for a living because, as groomers, we truly care about the animals we groom. Why else would we work so physically hard at a job that can too often be a difficult, even dangerous one?

Add to that the pressures that are on us to work more quickly, and we must ask ourselves, how do we balance what must always be the top priority of safety for the pets we groom and for ourselves?

The challenges and solutions we face fall into two categories, depending on how we work: either we are self-employed and/or we are the boss or manager ourselves, or we work for someone else.

We must also make sure all of the other tasks associated with the groom are accomplished as well: cleaning and disinfecting, client communication, record-keeping, equipment maintenance, laundry, and whatever else must be done to keep the business going. Take time to write a detailed list of everything that needs to be done in the day to do your job properly. I know this will take time, but it is time well spent. Putting it in writing really helps. And if you don’t have a Policy & Procedure Manual for your business, this will help you write one, making safety the priority.

Additionally, make sure you have optimized the shop layout, visibility, obstructions, escape routes, smoke alarms, good electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other infrastructure, fire extinguishers, lighting, flooring, all grooming equipment, tables, tubs, etc. Everything must work well and safely for the grooming experience.

Once you have a comprehensive document that lays out the big picture, you can start planning out your day, your week, and your month in a way that ensures important things happen and less important things that you don’t have time for are set aside. Make sure that you include all financial considerations. Do you need to raise your prices and take fewer dogs to ensure your business runs safely?

If we work for someone else, they may not even be aware of the pressures we face in the actual day-to-day of our jobs that can lead to compromised safety practices. It is up to us to communicate the issues effectively with the person supervising us. Be specific. Describe the challenges. Place the wellbeing of the dog as your top priority. Show also that safety is essential not only to you and the dogs, but also to the success of the business. Communicate what you need to be able to do your job safely. Again, if the business needs to raise its prices and take fewer dogs, then they must do so, because the alternative is unacceptable.

Once these issues are brought to light, one of two things will happen: the person in charge of the groomers will make changes to the schedule, the load, the facility, the equipment, the expectations, what kind of help and support staff you have, etc., or they will not make any changes to help you be able to do your job more safely. And if that is the case, you have a choice: to stay in that job and risk the unthinkable (i.e., hurting a beloved animal or getting injured yourself), or you can leave that job. In this post-pandemic era of a measurable boom in our industry, you will very likely be able to find another one, perhaps an even better one. Or, you can go into business for yourself so that you are the one responsible for making safety the priority.

A still common practice of compensation in our industry, commission-based pay for groomers is an old one and dates back to the days I still personally remember early in my career; days of very little infrastructure at all in the grooming industry. Most groomers worked out of their homes or other people’s homes or businesses, and most worked for cash under the table and on a commission basis. It was “piece work” where each dog was seen as its own job.

While the industry has improved dramatically in so many ways in the more than four decades I have been involved, and while salaried and hourly-wage grooming is now becoming the new normal, commission still persists as a practice in our industry. It has its pros and cons, but one concern I have is that it can take away from the larger view about the totality of the work we have to do in order to be safe: getting to know the dog, cleaning and disinfecting, careful handling of the dog, taking time to talk to the client, record-keeping, self-care, equipment maintenance, etc.

Many times I have seen groomers rush through their work because they reported to me that they were working on commission, so other priorities got ignored. Extra care around safety is often the first thing sacrificed under that kind of pressure. It doesn’t always happen that way, and it is possible to create a workplace that completely embodies a focus on safety and wellbeing of the staff and the dogs while being on commission, but a piece-work focus can sometimes interfere with building a bigger picture for the safety of all concerned.

Following the trend of most of the working world and the current direction the grooming industry is growing, putting all groomers on an hourly or salaried wage can be transformative. I was reluctant at first to change this practice in my own business, but once I made the switch to hourly and salaried, I became a believer. I saw more willingness from staff members to help each other. I saw better cleaning practices. I saw more emphasis on creating a positive, even fun experience for the dogs. I saw more information-sharing and a true team form where we all had a sense of ownership over all the dogs in our shop’s care.

When the focus is taken off the “piece work,” then all the extra steps like cleaning and safe handling practices are just part of the job. Commission, whether you like the practice or not, puts an undeniable pressure on the groomer to work faster than safety concerns might dictate. If groomers choose to continue the commission practice, at least consider raising your fees and reducing your load so that you can still earn a good wage while building in the time that is required to be incredibly careful at every step of the groom.

Good business management and employee supervision includes creating a sense of rapport between management and staff where there are shared values: everyone works hard, has a well-understood sense of expectations, and where safety and the wellbeing of all concerned is valued above all other things.

We should take that “view from above” on a regular basis to really examine the big picture, especially in safe practices. Set yourself a schedule and stick to it. Bring in an outsider that can put a fresh set of eyes on your situation to give you advice. There are many older, willing-to-mentor groomers around that are happy to come in and help you take a new look into your grooming practices to see what can be done to make it work better—and safer.

Regardless, groomers should regularly inspect their tools and upgrade when the time is right based on manufacturer recommendations. Before every use, check batteries, cords and plugs for any nicks or signs of damage. For clipping specifically, periodically inspect the blade drive, hinge and lock to ensure no parts are rusted, worn or damaged. Although clippers are sealed, moisture and hair can sometimes work their way into the device. To prevent clogging, regularly lubricate, inspect and clean clippers to prevent any problems before they begin. If grooming tools have disposable components like clipper blades or grooming pads, be sure to replace them regularly.

Before each session, groomers should pre-soak tools in a rust-preventive, pet-safe disinfectant and diluted water solution. From there they can use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to scrub down tools, paying special attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas to dislodge any remaining debris and ensure thorough cleaning. After soaking and scrubbing, rinsing the tools thoroughly with clean water will help to remove any residue. Allow the tools to air-dry completely before storing them, as drying prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.

For quick disinfection between sessions, use pet-safe disinfectant wipes to clean tool surfaces. This is particularly useful for scissors and shears, which may not be suitable for submersion. Aside from soaking, autoclaving and heat sterilizers can also be effective for certain tools.

While high-quality tools may come with a steeper upfront cost, the benefits can outweigh the initial investment. Those made with superior materials and craftsmanship will lead to greater durability, therefore providing better precision and a smoother operation. Established brands also typically offer warranties and reliable customer support, which can prove invaluable in case of defects or issues with the tools down the line.

Ergonomically designed tools and equipment can help reduce strain and fatigue on the groomer’s body. For instance, restraints like grooming loops, harnesses or non-slip surfaces can be attached to tables to provide extra support during long sessions while still safely securing pets. Each aid is adjustable to fit the size of the pet and should be snug, but not tight.

For electrical grooming tools such as clippers and dryers, consider using cord organizers or Velcro straps to properly secure and organize the cords to prevent tangles. For sharp instruments like scissors, shears and clippers, blade guards and covers will protect the sharp edges of blades, preventing accidental cuts and preserving their sharpness. Lastly, store tools in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with high humidity, as moisture can lead to rusting, especially for metal tools.

Ultimately, one of the most important parts of a groomer’s job is ensuring the health and wellbeing of the pets in their care. Whether you’re new to the industry or a veteran pro, it’s vital that businesses prioritize safety on a regular basis. Through routine maintenance, effective cleaning and sanitation, quality assurance and utilizing proper storage, groomers can effectively maximize the functionality of the equipment and tools they use—all while creating a positive and safe atmosphere for both themselves and their pet clientele.