s a groomer of many years, I love what I do. But as we all know, pet grooming is a very physically demanding job, and by the end of a long day many of us are exhausted, often with an aching back, sore neck or painful wrists. What if you had something that would make your job easier and less taxing on your body?

It doesn’t matter whether you are mobile, a salon or house-call, or if you are a new groomer or one that has been grooming for decades, the majority of your day is spent standing at a grooming table. Hour after hour, day after day, everything you do is centered around the table. But are you using a grooming table that is right for you?

Since groomers come in all heights and sizes, as do the dogs they work on, grooming tables that are adjustable to a range of varying heights offer tremendous benefits to the user. Whether you use hydraulic, electric or even portable tables, having one that is adjustable is a must.

Problems with your back, neck, shoulders, legs or feet can all be caused by working at the wrong height or in awkward positions. When you have to stand on your tip toes or are hunched over while working on a pet, your body pays the price.

Since groomers come in all heights and sizes, as do the dogs they work on, grooming tables that are adjustable to a range of varying heights offer tremendous benefits to the user. Whether you use hydraulic, electric or even portable tables, having one that is adjustable is a must.

Problems with your back, neck, shoulders, legs or feet can all be caused by working at the wrong height or in awkward positions. When you have to stand on your tip toes or are hunched over while working on a pet, your body pays the price.

If you already have an adjustable table, are you using it to its fullest potential? Be mindful of how often you contort yourself into an unnatural position instead of adjusting the table. Let your equipment do the hard work for you.

Another huge advantage of using an adjustable grooming table is that you can groom while seated. If you do not already sit while you are grooming, you should give it a try for at least part of the groom. It will give your feet and legs a break. Training yourself to groom while seated could be invaluable if you ever experience an injury such as a sprained ankle that prevents you from standing for long periods.

Also having anti-fatigue mats in your work area is important for your comfort and health, and to cushion any of your tools that may accidentally fall. (I think that most of us can attest to this!)

Tables that go low enough for dogs to safely step onto and off of make it easier for the dog and the groomer. This is especially important if you groom large, older dogs that need assistance. Once you lower the table and the pet is safely on, you can raise it to a convenient working height. Often just a small adjustment can make a huge difference in your comfort and productivity. Grooming tables need to be sturdy at every height and offer a safe and stable work surface.

In addition to the table itself, there is a multitude of additional equipment available to assist you and keep the animal safe. There are various types of slings, harnesses, grooming arms and other specialty equipment that will help you work more efficiently, safely and comfortably.

Some tables have features like lighted tops to give you better visibility when scissoring or clipping. Others have tops that rotate which allow you to work on all sides of a pet without lifting and repositioning it. It can be a real bonus if you have a table that has wheels. This feature enables you to roll a big dog directly to the bathtub, saving you from removing the dog from the table then lifting it up into the tub.

Speaking of tubs, having one that is adjustable is also a big plus. Just like with your grooming table, it can be lowered for easy entry and exit of the dog, then it can be raised to a comfortable height for you to bathe the animal. Tubs that can raise up also allow the dirty water to drain faster.

Using the right equipment will allow you to groom faster, more ergonomically and a lot more comfortably, and it can certainly help you feel less pain and fatigue at the end of the day. Adjustable tables and tubs are indispensable pieces of equipment for today’s groomers and stylists, allowing you to enjoy the highs of your day and minimize the lows.