Is it time for your pet to go to the spa? Does he need a new fur do? How do you know that you’re going to a quality spa that will take care of your pet and treat him with the utmost care? Here are a few tips to consider when making that important decision.

Tink (age 3) & Belle (age 5) Walsh just back from the spa! (Thanks Sheila!!)

Ask about scheduling a tour before you book your appointment for your pet.

Does it look clean? Does it smell bad? How does the staff treat you? Do you get an overall feeling of comfortableness or uneasiness? We want our pets to undergo the least amount of stress possible, so if you’re uneasy, it’s time to consider another spa.

Ask about what training the staff has undergone?

Have they had any professional training or on-the-job training? How long have they worked there? What type of animals do they work with? Especially if you are wanting your cat groomed, not all groomers work with cats. Have they performed the services you are requesting previously?

If you have a purebred pet and you want a show cut style, is the groomer familiar and comfortable with that cut?

How booked are they for scheduling?

Will they be able to accommodate your pet’s needs? What is their cancellation policy?

Do they have referrals?

This is one of the best tools to utilize in inquiring about a potential facility.

Do they have office pets?

Depending on your pet’s temperament, this may or may not be a concern to you. However, if you have a cat and there is a dog on the premises, it may cause additional, unnecessary stress.

Do they have an emergency procedure?

If your pet gets injured or has an unexpected reaction, what is their response? (It’s a good sign if they ask you for your veterinarian’s information prior to the appointment.)

What information do they need from you?

Do they require proof of vaccinations? Obviously, this is a good sign to protect everyone involved.

What is the proximity of the location of the spa to your home?

If you have to travel very far, is your pet going to be so stressed by the time he gets to the location that the situation may get ugly just based on this alone?

Cost!

Prices can be dramatically different between spas and depending on which services you want. Also, the types of services offered can be very different. Some spas only offer the basic bath, groom, and nail clippings, and others offer everything from organic supplies, massages, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy. You may want to price out each service you request in order to make an “apples to apples” comparison between spas.

After you’ve made the decision and had the appointment, does your pet seem happy/comfortable? What did the staff have to say about how the appointment went? Are you happy with the cut and/or other services provided?

When all is said and done, it comes down to who you and your pet are comfortable with. We all want the best experience for all involved!