I reached out to other groomers to see what hybrid tools they were dreaming about. The response was…silence, which honestly said a lot. Maybe we’re all too busy juggling dryers, scissors, rakes and reality to daydream about what could be. I decided to make my own list—part wishful thinking, part professional venting and part Sci-Fi pitch deck, so here it is…

1. The Smart Dryer: It senses coat density and adjusts air pressure and heat automatically, gentle on thin coats, powerful for double coats and maybe even quiet enough to keep everyone’s nerves intact.
2. The Modular Brush System: An all-in-one brush system complete with interchangeable brush heads that connect to a single ergonomic handle, as long as they stay lightweight and don’t turn into a juggling act.
3. The Sensory-Safe Dryer Shield: We already have Happy Hoodies, ear protection and a few filtered nozzles that reduce sound, but imagine something universal—a quieting shield or attachment that fits most dryers and dampens both decibels and airflow shock.
4. The Blade Buddy 2.0: A smart clipper that monitors blade temperature and adjusts speed based on coat density. It could even alert you before hitting a skin tag or sensitive area, a true safeguard for both pet and pro.
5. The Adaptive Guard Comb System: Magnetic guard combs were a good start, but anyone who’s watched one pop off mid-clip knows they’re not quite there yet. Imagine a single adjustable comb built into the clipper body. It slides smoothly to set different lengths, staying secure and streamlined without adding bulk.
6. The Integrated Mat Mapper: A clipper equipped with a built-in scanning function—whether thermal, ultrasonic or camera based—that helps visualize what’s under mats before you clip. One motion, two layers of awareness, it trims and informs at the same time.
7. The Dual-Action Nail Tool: A nail clipper and dremel hybrid that lets you trim and smooth in one pass—no switching tools, no extra cords, no wrestling match.

If we can dream it, maybe someday we can plug it in. Ridiculous? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely!

There’s also cost and scale to consider. True R&D takes investment, and our industry is made up largely of small companies and passionate artisans. But we’re also an industry of tinkerers. Groomers have been hacking and customizing tools forever. That creative spark is proof that hybrid innovation isn’t just possible, it’s overdue.

Someday we might unbox a “Hybrid Groomer Pro 3000,” a single-unit, silent, self-cleaning, cord-free device that brushes, dries, clips and praises us softly for doing our best. Until then, we’ll keep inventing in the margins, duct-taping dryer hoses, repurposing human tools and dreaming of a day when our gear evolves as quickly as our skills. Because behind every great groomer is an even greater pile of gadgets we wished worked together.

When I started in business as a veterinarian, advertising was frowned upon. Only the aggressive businesspeople would take out a phonebook ad. Today, only a small percentage of us even remember phone books. I thought I was doing well when I started mastering Myspace, only to have it quickly replaced with Facebook. Before I could learn that well, we had LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Telegram and TikTok taking over.

Years ago, I was serving on a committee with one of the big veterinary product lines that was trying to get into social media, and they came out with a five-year social media plan. They couldn’t understand when we told them that nothing in their plan would likely even exist in five years.

Marketing happens to be one of the fastest-growing areas, but understanding logistics and efficiency (i.e., planning and optimization of procedures) is another important aspect of business. Instead of just focusing on saving a few dollars on shampoo and conditioner like we have in the past, we could explore different application techniques to reduce waste and save money.

For example, rather than having multiple groomers work 8-5, try opening early and staying open later to accommodate your clients who work during the day. You could adjust the schedule so that different groomers come in at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.. Your fixed cost wouldn’t change, but your income will.

What about your computer system? Is it up to date with new trends? Does it just handle appointments and payments, or does it do things like tracking the time each groom takes? Most salons guess on the time it takes to complete a groom, which often means each groomer could take on more pets if they knew exactly how long each one truly takes. That is how the big companies make the profit they do.

For example, Boeing has a slow conveyor that moves the plane along for production, and they know exactly how long every step of the process takes (approximately three months from start to finish). They have shifts 24 hours a day and even have engineers and teams to ensure parts and tools are at the correct locations at the exact times they are needed. Start to finish, that conveyor NEVER stops, and if it does, it costs the business millions of dollars.

While building a plane isn’t exactly the same as grooming a dog, the point is that having the proper routine in place is critical to our efficiency. And our computer system can play a significant role in that by tracking each step. What are the things that mess up your daily schedule or slow you down? Can they be changed or eliminated? Is there a better computer program to help you? Could AI play a part?

How about your technique? What if you could significantly reduce your groom time on de-shedding big dogs like Great Pyrenees by dropping all the hair in the tub and eliminating your clean-up? How many extra dogs could you do? How much could you increase your income?

What if we increased the quality of the grooming experience? Clients are looking for value, not necessarily price. Offering a better experience will allow you to charge more and attract better clients. But what does that look like? Good customer service; well-dressed staff (you are judged on your weakest link); a facility that is clean, smells good, attractive and well-kept (paint, floors, tables, etc.); grooming products that are for the health of the pet, not just for cleaning and, of course, a great groom. Clients’ expectations are different today than they were 20 years ago.

Running a grooming business is not easy. Being able to keep up with the constant changes in marketing, business and grooming trends is even harder. But just like the old dog in the pack, if you want to survive, you have to keep up with the rest. Continuing to grow in what we do is actually what keeps us young, so keep teaching this old dog new tricks!

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.

Over the years, I’ve had many clients share the news of their pet’s passing. No matter how often it happens, it never gets easier. But I’ve learned that the way we respond in those moments can mean a great deal to grieving families. Our words and gestures, when genuine and compassionate, can bring lasting comfort.

I’ve had pet parents call me to schedule a final comfort groom for their precious friend when they knew the end was near. Those appointments are always difficult for me, but they mean the world to families who want their pet to leave the world feeling clean, comfortable and loved.

Others have called me from their veterinarian’s office tearfully telling me that they had to say goodbye to their cherished companion. Even in their deep grief, they tell me that I was such an important part of their pet’s life that they had to let me know. Of course, whenever this happens, I stop whatever I am doing and take the time to talk with them.

If I receive a voicemail or a text about a pet’s passing, I return the call at the end of the day. That allows me to have more time to speak with the client and also gives me a chance to process the sad news, as I really do become close to my pet clients and feel their loss deeply.

Often clients need to talk through their grief. They may share every detail of their pet’s last days and their passing, seeking reassurance that they did everything they possibly could have done for their beloved pet. Listening patiently and responding with compassion can help them begin to heal. Sometimes just hearing you say, “You gave them a wonderful life,” can mean everything.

When I learn of a pet’s passing, I acknowledge the family’s loss with a sympathy card and often a condolence gift. A handwritten card really stands out in today’s digital world and gives the pet parent something to keep that shows their pet was important and loved by others.

I am so sorry to hear that dear little Katie is no longer with us. She was one of the most gentle, loving, and sweet souls I have had the honor to care for. I will miss the wonderful visits we had when she came for her appointments.

Katie was a very lucky doggie—she had YOU to love her and to care for her every want and need. YOU made every day special for her. Thank you for allowing me to share in her life and her love.

With Love,
Aunt Kathy

One client framed the poem I sent about their dog, Hercules, and they keep it along with his picture in their living room over the sofa he loved to lie on. They say it puts a smile on their face every time they look at it.

Most of my clients have been coming to me for their pet’s entire life—some of them for longer than that, as I also cared for pets they had in the past. For many of those longtime clients, I also do something to honor their pet in addition to the card and poem. Here are a few of those gestures that you could also implement:

As their groomer, you had a unique relationship with the pet and your understanding words and thoughts can bring tremendous comfort at a time it is really needed. Honor their pet’s life and memory, share in their grief and assure them that their beloved companion will always be remembered.

A healthy skin microbiome entails the diverse ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and even mites) naturally residing on both human and animal skin. Skin is the largest organ hosting a micro-community of trillions of organisms that serve a critical role in maintaining skin health as well as providing the body’s first line of physical defense and immunity.

Marketers link microbiome health to common issues like dandruff, dryness, irritation and even hair loss, which makes the claims highly relevant to groomers, often interpreting microbiome-friendly to mean gentler and less disruptive to our pet’s natural ecosystem. But the fact is, skin biome science is nothing new. Advertisers are merely spinning things from another perspective. Since the global market for microbiome human cosmetic products is experiencing significant growth, pet product marketers understandably want to follow suit. All this allows brands to position their products’ perception as more innovative and effective by adding ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.

It’s important to note how the science of skin microbiome is still evolving, and some argue that its marketing claims have outpaced actual chemistry, understanding and practical applications for pet shampoo. There is also a lack of regulation consistency on what constitutes a microbiome-friendly product, which leads to ambiguity and potential “greenwashing,” where a regular product is simply labeled with the buzzword. This, along with the many loopholes and lack of regulations pertaining to pet shampoos compared to more restricted human shampoo products, must also be acknowledged.

Also consider how every pet shampoo requires the use of preservatives, given they are mostly contrived of water. Water, after all, is the breeding ground for bacteria growth, and the broad-spectrum preservatives employed in a shampoo’s mixture are designed to kill microorganisms, thus postponing premature spoilage. When a pet shampoo contains both a preservative and probiotics (living microorganisms), the preservative likely kills the probiotics before providing any significant benefit. In other words, preservatives may render probiotics dead from the start.

Probiotic shampoos may need more time for innovation and development given where skin and hair chemistry is today, and are probably not the best choice for supporting a dog’s healthy skin microbiome. Instead, try turning to the many dietary applications of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics for substantiated proven results. That’s not to say a probiotic pet shampoo won’t clean and leave a pleasing fragrance afterwards, or is harmful in any way, though. What matters most is whether you like the results enough to continue using them.

Concerns for harsh chemicals and certain known irritants have led to more manufacturers relying upon hypoallergenic fragrance options specifically engineered to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation. This is achieved by excluding common fragrance allergens as mandated by EU regulations, using purified natural isolates or less aggravating synthetic versions, and limiting specific component dosages and/or the fragrances’ total volume load in topical rinse-off and leave-on products.

Some fragrance companies have developed additives designed to engulf and disperse malodors using cyclodextrin technology, among others, without overwhelmingly masking with pungent scents. Shampoo manufacturers now call out these proprietary technology brands by name on their packaging and in their advertising, like the Symrise NeoFresh® system¹, a technology platform for managing and neutralizing malodors, and Belle Aire’s Ordenone®², a proprietary, concentrated deodorizing agent that works by encapsulating and neutralizing malodor molecules rather than masking them.

There you have it. Whether these new innovations and trends have already taken over the way you wash pets or have sent you down a rabbit hole of research, it is up to you to decide whether to embrace them or not.

1. Neofresh® is a registered tradename and proprietary technology of Symrise (Teterboro, New Jersey USA). https://www.symrise.com/scent-and-care/
2. Ordenone® is a registered tradename and proprietary technology of Belle Aire Creations (Libertyville, IL USA). https://belleairecreations.com/our-expertise/total-malodor-management-experience/

Dave Campanella is an entertaining seminar speaker, popular podcast guest, industry columnist and educator. He is Best Shot Pet Products sales and marketing director with over 30 years of pet industry wisdom. He and his wife Tracy (NCMG) co-owned a full-service pet salon and self-wash in Ohio prior to relocating with Best Shot to Central Kentucky 20 years ago. Together the Campanellas enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors, and breeding AKC registered Kerry Blue Terrier Champions under the Goodfellas prefix.

Right now, Gen Z’s are roughly between the ages of 12 and 29. Many are just entering pet ownership, caring for the first dog or cat they’ve owned without their parents. They grew up in a digital-first, value-driven world. Clients in this age group are often the most informed, connected and vocal generation of customers.

According to one survey, 48% of Gen Z respondents said they consider their pets equivalent to human children.¹ Many view their pets as “starter children” or are putting off having children altogether and opting for pet ownership instead.

This is important to take note of, as the shift in how owners of different generations view their pets will be a driving force that shapes the future of the grooming and pet industry as a whole. Gone are the days when clients drop their pets off mindlessly and don’t want to have a good understanding of exactly what will happen with them in your care. In my opinion, this is a great shift and will help to elevate our entire industry.

Many of them will research extensively online before booking. During this research, they’ll look for groomers who show their process: Is the workspace clean? Are they calm when handling pets? Do they use clear communication?

As grooming salon owners, we can market in ways that highlight all of this. Some examples include:

• Posting videos of the entire grooming process or filming a “Day in the Life” of your salon.
• Listing the products you use, along with their ingredients, and why you chose them on your website and social media.
• Displaying certifications and posting about how you’re continuing to learn and improve your craft.

Above all, be authentic in everything you share. It doesn’t need to be perfectly scripted, but it does need to be real.

In addition, digital convenience is essential for Gen Z. They expect online booking, digital reminders and mobile-friendly communication. Most prefer texting or messaging over phone calls. They also value speed and accessibility. If booking with you is harder than ordering DoorDash, you’ll lose them before they ever step foot in your salon.

Many younger clients are drawn to transparency about products, especially those that are cruelty-free, eco-friendly or community-minded. If your products fit those categories, make sure to highlight that in your posts or on your website.

Gen Z owners are more likely to pay premium prices for brands that reflect their beliefs. When developing your marketing strategy, look outside the grooming industry for inspiration. Think of skincare brands, hair salons and coffee shops, many of which do a great job connecting with customers across generations. Browse their socials and websites to see which posts are getting the most engagement.

Gen Z often craves connection and a sense of community. They don’t just want a service; they want to feel like they’re part of something. As for grooming salons, we have the advantage of the cutest subject matter when it comes to creating marketing content. (Think of how hard all of this would be if we were in the used car business!) It’s easy to create pet photo walls or “Pet of the Month” contests that make clients feel connected, and not just to your salon and staff, but to each other.

If you want to specialize in certain breeds, consider hosting breed-specific community events. Some fun ideas include:

• “Tacos & Terriers” with a local Mexican food truck.
• “Pastries & Poodles” partnering with a bakery near you.
• “Westie Wednesday Night Social” with a yappy hour at a local brewery.

Events like these help clients connect with you personally and with others who share a love for the same breed. Remember, clients of this generation buy from people, not faceless businesses.

As grooming salons, it’s wise to take note of this trend. By slightly shifting our marketing efforts and paying attention to what’s important to this rising generation, we can stay ahead of the curve. Understanding Gen Z’s mindset now will help you build a business that’s not only current, but future-proof.

The next generation of pet parents is here, and they’re ready to connect with groomers who are authentic, share their values and treat their pets like family.

1. Paw-rental differences: How each generation views their pets. (2025, May). Talker Research. https://talkerresearch.com/paw-rental-differences-how-each-generation-views-their-pets/
2. 2025 State of the Industry Report. (2025, March). American Pet Products Association. https://americanpetproducts.org/news/the-american-pet-products-association-appa-releases-2025-state-of-the-industry-report

Whether you file independently or work with a tax professional, this guide aims to help you navigate the 2025 tax season with clarity and confidence.

• Payments from grooming services
• Tips
• Cash transactions
• Electronic payments processed through Square, Cash App, PayPal, etc.
• Income reported on a W-2 or 1099 tax form

Even if you don’t receive a tax form, the IRS requires you to report every dollar earned. Unreported income can trigger audits, penalties, or difficulty qualifying for loans when expanding your business or trying to purchase large assets like a home or vehicle.

• Grooming Equipment & Supplies: Clippers, shears, shampoos, brushes, dryers, tables and other tools essential for grooming.
• Rent & Utilities: Salon lease payments, booth rental fees, phone expenses, etc.
• Advertising & Marketing: Business cards, social media ads, website hosting and printed materials.
• Continuing Education: Grooming-specific courses, certifications and industry seminars.
• Business Travel: Costs incurred to attend out-of-town industry expos, trade shows or continuing education events.
• Vehicle Expenses: Mobile grooming vehicle costs (fuel, depreciation, maintenance, etc.) or mileage when driving to the salon, for supply runs or business travel.
• Home Office Deduction: If you perform administrative tasks, such as managing appointments, bookkeeping or marketing from home, you may qualify. This will also help maximize your vehicle deductions.
• Merchant & Bank Fees: Bank and credit card fees, processing fees from Square, Stripe, PayPal, etc.
• Insurance Premiums: Professional liability and other business insurance. Health insurance premiums may also be deductible, but not as a business expense.
• Retirement Contributions: Employer contributions into a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA can reduce your business income while helping you plan for the future. Contributions to a traditional IRA may also be deductible, but not as a business expense.

• Permanently Increased Standard Deduction: The Bill makes the higher standard deduction permanent and eliminates personal exemptions for most taxpayers. For 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples.
• QBI Deduction (20%) Made Permanent: Self-employed pet groomers and S Corp shareholders can continue to claim the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction without fear of expiration.
• No Income Tax on Tips: The Bill creates a temporary deduction for qualified tips, claimed on Schedule 1-A. All tips must still be reported as income, but up to $25,000 of eligible W-2 or 1099-reported tips (cash tips do not qualify) may be deducted for income-tax purposes. The deduction applies only for tax years 2025–2028 and may be limited or disallowed at higher income levels. Most importantly, it does not reduce self-employment tax, you’ll still owe tax on all your tips.
• No Tax on Car Loan Interest: If you bought and financed a new vehicle with a gross weight rating under 14,000 pounds in 2025, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on your personal car loan thanks to the Bill. The catch? The “final assembly” of the vehicle must have occurred in the United States, there are income limitations that may disqualify you for the deduction and it is temporary, set to expire after the 2028 tax year.
• New Trump Accounts & $1,000 Pilot Contribution: A new tax-advantaged savings account for kids created in the Bill, parents can contribute up to $5,000 annually, though contributions are not tax-deductible. Funds cannot be accessed until the child turns 18, and some rules remain unclear pending further guidance. Most importantly, children born in 2025 may qualify for a $1,000 federal baby bonus, expected to be deposited into the account in 2026. To receive it, you must elect to do so on Form 4547 when filing your 2025 Form 1040.
• Early Expiration of the Clean Energy Vehicle & Home Improvement Credits: The Used, New, and Commercial Clean Vehicle Credits now expire early, ending September 30, 2025 (originally set to expire in 2032 or later). No credit is allowed unless an eligible vehicle was purchased before October 1, 2025. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Residential Clean Energy Credit are also cancelled effective December 31, 2025, meaning they may still be claimed on 2025 returns for prior-year improvements but are eliminated for 2026 and later.
• Major 1099-K Reporting Changes: Beginning in 2025, payment processors no longer must issue 1099-K’s until total gross payments exceed $20,000 and there are more than 200 transactions for the year.
• Retirement Contribution Limits: The IRA contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 for individuals aged 50+), while the SEP IRA and Solo 401(k) limit is $70,000.
• 100% Bonus Depreciation Restored Permanently: First-year bonus depreciation for business assets is now back to 100%—and it’s permanent! This could be used whenever you purchase grooming equipment over $2,500, such as tables, tubs, computers, laptops, tablets, even your mobile grooming van.

If you’re a self-employed pet groomer, you’re responsible for the full 15.3% self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), which is in addition to your regular income taxes, so be sure to plan ahead. Proper bookkeeping and staying on top of your quarterly estimated payments can prevent an unpleasant surprise at tax time.

If you own a grooming business through an LLC, confirm every year with the state that your business registration is active and up to date. And if your income is substantial, making an S Corp election could help you shield a portion of your income from that nasty 15.3% self-employment tax. However, always consult a tax professional to determine if this is the right strategy for you, otherwise it could end up costing you more than it saves you.

Friedman & Friedman Accounting & Tax Advisors, PLLC (aka Friedman Tax) is a family-owned accounting and tax-advisory firm dedicated exclusively to tattoo artists, pet groomers, body piercers, hair stylists, barbers and salon/shop owners. Founded and operated by two CPA brothers, the “Tattoo Tax Guys,” they bring deep experience in complex tax and accounting work, a passion for helping creative entrepreneurs, and a strong focus on exceptional client service. They offer full-service tax preparation and bookkeeping, LLC formation, strategic tax planning, back-tax cleanup, and consulting, all tailored to the unique needs of artists, stylists and pet grooming professionals.

Some groomers are noticing that more dog owners are taking an active role in maintaining their pets between salon visits. But that’s not always the case…

While pet industry trends and observations hint that owners are more likely to recognize what it takes to care for their dogs in recent years than in the past, groomers still have an important educational role.

As a groomer, you’ve probably encountered the dog owner who believes they don’t have to brush their dog because the dog was supposed to be low-maintenance. Or there is the puppy owner who calls for information, explaining that they will call back to book when their puppy needs a haircut, but then they wait too long.

These misconceptions can be frustrating for groomers to encounter. And while talking with clients about what to do doesn’t always yield the results you hope for, many clients will appreciate your tips and make lasting changes because of them.

The grooming industry continues to grow, and according to one article, part of the reason is the current trend of pet humanization.¹ When owners treat their pets like family, they seek more than just the basics.

Still, education on coat-care needs is lacking. One report found that pet owners face gaps in knowledge, tools, and access to care for their pets’ coats, highlighting the importance of increasing client knowledge about grooming for veterinarians and animal welfare professionals.²

Dog groomers have the opportunity to talk with clients directly about coat care—even before problems arise. For many groomers, educating their clients is an essential part of their role. Much like grooming takes practice, learning techniques for having meaningful conversations with clients is a skill, too.

It can help to be aware of how client education relates to your business and role as a groomer. You might begin noticing when clients respond positively to your feedback when you start paying attention to it. This is a rewarding part of working closely with pet owners.

“Educated clients mean happier dogs, better grooms, and less stressful visits,” says Vicki Doyle, groomer, consultant and owner of Groomed by Vicki located in England.

Vickie is also the owner of a shampoo line, which she launched amid an increase in at-home pet grooming, especially during the pandemic.

For Vickie, education might involve demonstrating brushing and combing techniques or talking to owners about reducing anxiety and preparing their dogs for the groomers. Education isn’t just about coat care; it also involves considering the dog’s behavior.

“I explain that grooming isn’t just a bath and a haircut,” she shares. “I give my clients tips on handling paws, brushing calmly at home, and getting their dog used to clippers (by having an electric toothbrush buzzing nearby) and a hairdryer too!”

For Nadia Bongelli, lead groomer at Doggieland Toronto and member of GroomTeam Canada, exposing puppies to the grooming process as soon as possible is an essential part of setting them up for success. She explains that new puppy owners often reach out, unsure when to start grooming their pup, and her suggestion is, don’t wait.

In addition to discussing the importance of puppy grooming, Nadia also talks with clients about the right tools for their dog’s coat type.

“I will ask a client to bring in their at-home tools and show me what they are using,” she explains. “More often than not, the tools they have are decent, but not exactly what I would use. It’s helpful to keep an inventory of my favorite brushes, combs, and sprays on hand.”

The relationship you build with your clients by sharing your time and expertise with them can make your business stand out. Like all aspects of business, you also have to take into consideration what education means for your business. You can’t spend a considerable chunk of time demonstrating brushing techniques for every client. It’s up to groomers and businesses to determine the best process for their salons.

It can be helpful to have a set of brushes available at the front desk for clients to see, along with any handouts or resources you want to provide. Some groomers even host in-person sessions or sell online courses to demonstrate basic grooming techniques.

Letting your clients know what you expect between appointments right from the beginning is essential. Some dog owners aren’t aware of what their dog requires. As a groomer, you can help guide and support them, which often results in more frequent bookings.

Whether or not you’ve noticed any trends in how involved owners are in the grooming process, it’s never too late to start thinking about ways you can have a positive impact that your clients will appreciate.

1. Maciel, E. (2024, October). How can pet grooming continue to boom? Global Pets. https://globalpetindustry.com/article/how-can-pet-grooming-continue-to-boom/
2. McDonald, S., Sweeney, J., Niestat, L., Doherty, C. (2022, February). Grooming-Related Concerns Among Companion Animals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.827348/full

By 1984 Sally approached her lifelong friend and fellow Pennsylvanian Gwen Shelly to help her in the growing business. They had been friends for decades and had known each other since first grade in elementary school. Both now adults, married and neighbors, Gwen teamed up with Sally to handle the growing demands of her business. They got advertisers and subscribers and were off and running, eventually helping groomers with other printed materials such as kennel clip cards and file cards for client recordkeeping.

Gwen said that early on the business interfered so much with Sally’s grooming business that Sally was going to give it all up. But she had one advertiser in her earliest Groom-O-Grams that was thrilled about the reach that it gave their business in an industry that had almost no means of sharing information. It was the advertisers, Gwen reported, that pressed Sally not to give up the publication.

Gwen shared that it was not easy to build the business at first, especially as a women-owned businesses. Even though most groomers were women, national business owners almost never were. And some printers did not even want to work with them because of this.

Sally was a very forward thinker and did not give up. She wanted to also help move the grooming industry to be more independent and business-like, so their company needed a name. Gwen told me the story of Sally looking out the window at a lovely nearby tree and admiring its bark. She thought of naming the company “Barkley,” but when she looked it up, she saw that name was taken. So, she changed the spelling of the final part of the name and Barkleigh Productions was established as a company.

By the time that Sally Liddick passed in 2012, she had lived to see her vision of a nationwide grooming community realized, where professionalism, good business practices, education and sharing were everywhere in our industry. Sally’s name lives on though, as it’s often heard in the “Sally Breaks” that take place during grooming contests. The judging was so long and tedious in the early days of competition that dogs were often standing on the tables for hours. Sally insisted that the dogs needed a break to go outside, and so Sally Breaks were instituted.

So from me and all other groomers, we offer a heartfelt thank you to Sally and Gwen, and all who worked to build a real community in this industry we love, for bringing groomers together through inspiring trade shows and education, and through this world-class magazine, page by page.

That’s what allows you to adapt. It’s the difference between following a recipe and actually cooking, and the difference between duplicating a groom and becoming a confident cat groomer.

It doesn’t matter where I’m grooming, I see it every day in my own cat grooming salon, in workshops and in private training sessions. One cat needs a firm, confident hold to feel safe, and another panics if you don’t give them a towel to dig into. One tolerates the dryer if you keep the airflow wide and flat, and another needs a break halfway through or they’ll mentally check out.

Learning to notice those differences is half the battle. Learning to adjust in real time? That’s the beginning of mastery.

Grooming cats the first few times can be a lot of trial and error. You’ll find out what works and what doesn’t—which can be the difference between a successful groom with little to no escalating or aggressive behaviors and a total meltdown with a cat going home half shaved.

Here’s the truth: You can watch a hundred videos, read every article and follow the best accounts online, but none of it will give you clipper confidence until you do it, over and over again. But fumbling with a cat you met for the first time is a sure way to get in over your head, compared to working with an expert who has lined up cats that fit your experience level and the goals you are trying to accomplish.

In the pop-up schools, each student grooms roughly 27-35 cats over the course of 10 days. And while the first few are slow, clumsy and awkward, by the end of the second week you can see their posture shift, their hands move with purpose and their voice calm the cat instead of startling it.

There are no shortcuts—you just have to get in there. You have to figure out how your body moves, how your tools feel and how the cats respond. And the fastest way to get there isn’t trying to tackle everything all at once or by yourself.

Each cat teaches a lesson, and having another experienced cat groomer in the room doesn’t just mean they are there to assist you, but also to increase the amount of “brain power” available for problem-solving.

The future of the grooming industry isn’t going to be about doing more cats, faster. It’s going to be about doing better work with more intention and creating positive, long-term grooming experiences for every cat in our care. That starts with recognizing that mastery isn’t a destination, it’s a practice.