If you have pets, you want what is best for them. When it comes to grooming, you have three primary choices. You can groom them yourself, take them to a grooming facility, or use a mobile pet grooming service. The first option is not necessarily ideal, especially if you are inexperienced. You may also not want your pet to associate you with unpleasant experiences like nail trimming. Taking your pet to a grooming facility may also not work for you, especially if you have a busy schedule or a pet who is easily stressed.
A mobile pet grooming service offers multiple benefits for you and your pet. When you fully understand those benefits, you may never want to use another method again. However, there are also some potential worries associated with mobile pet grooming. Here is an overview of the mobile pet grooming process, along with some tips for selecting the right mobile pet groomer for you and your furry friend.
The Definition and Popularity of Mobile Pet Grooming
Mobile pet grooming is the practice of performing basic maintenance care on animals from an ever-changing location. Sometimes mobile pet groomers create “pop-up grooming” facilities in neighborhoods. They offer their services on particular days in certain geographic areas. Using that set schedule, clients book appointments. However, often mobile pet groomers have their own recreational vehicle-sized grooming vans. They drive their vans directly to the homes of their clients on an as-needed basis.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 272,000 animal caretakers working in the United States in 2020. Many of them were mobile pet groomers. Due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of mobile pet grooming has continued to increase throughout 2021. Many pet owners have not wanted the added stress or risks associated with visiting animal grooming facilities with pandemic-related regulations in place.
Benefits of Mobile Pet Grooming
There are many reasons you may want to hire a mobile pet grooming service. One of the main reasons is convenience. Hiring a mobile groomer to come to your home is the best way to fit pet grooming into your busy schedule. It is also most convenient when you have multiple pets requiring grooming services. Home grooming allows you to avoid the lengthy and stressful process of loading them in your vehicle to take them to and from a grooming facility. Other important benefits of mobile pet grooming include:
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An antisocial pet does not have to deal with other animals.
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A pet that gets car sick does not have to endure a long car ride.
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Mobile grooming vehicles are often more sanitary than standard grooming facilities.
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There is no waiting in a waiting room or cage.
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A pet seen regularly by the same mobile groomer often bonds with that groomer, making the grooming experience more like a fun visit with a human friend.
Common Mobile Pet Grooming Services
When you hire a mobile pet groomer, you can typically choose from several services or service packages. Bathing and nail trimming are two of the most common services offered. However, most mobile pet groomers offer a range of other standard or semi-common services, such as:
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Flea and Tick Treatment
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Ear Cleaning
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Teeth Brushing
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Fur Trimming and Styling
The mobile pet groomer you hire may also offer special services based on your pet's specific situation and requirements. For example, a nervous pet may benefit from aromatherapy services. Your groomer may also offer emergency on-call services. For instance, you may have the ability to call the mobile groomer for an emergency visit to bathe your pet after he or she is sprayed by a skunk. Familiarize yourself with all services offered before selecting a mobile groomer so you can prepare ahead for such situations.
Average Cost of Mobile Pet Grooming
You might wonder how much mobile pet grooming costs. According to Thumbtack, the national average cost is $60 to $80 per grooming session. However, the actual amount you must pay is determined by many factors. For example, mobile pet grooming is often more expensive near large cities, such as Los Angeles, California. The services you require also impact the price. You must typically pay more for specialty services, such as flea and tick treatments. Conversely, you may pay less per pet when you have multiple pets groomed, if your groomer offers a multi-pet discount.
Selecting a Mobile Pet Groomer
Do not automatically select the least expensive mobile pet grooming service in your area. You must compare services offered, schedules, and reputations to find the best mobile grooming service. Ask friends or family members for recommendations and read unbiased online reviews. Also, ask any groomer you are considering for references. Additionally, make sure the groomer you select is honest, friendly, and willing to answer questions. If he or she denies requests, such as your request to see the inside of the mobile grooming unit, select a different groomer.
When choosing a mobile pet groomer, you must also stay informed about local and state regulations. Many areas do not regulate mobile pet grooming at all. Therefore, it is up to potential clients to carefully assess groomers. As a result, quite a few pets have been injured or killed by incompetent groomers. However, there are areas where mobile pet grooming is carefully monitored, such as in Miami-Dade County, Florida. If you live in such an area, ask to see each groomer's required licenses and credentials before finalizing your mobile groomer choice.
Saving on Mobile Pet Grooming
Selecting a mobile pet grooming service is only half the battle. It is also important to keep the service affordable. Ask your groomer if there is a discount for multiple pets. The groomer may also provide a loyalty discount for booking multiple appointments or a friend referral discount. To save on grooming costs, you can also stick to basic, short cuts. Fancy styles cost more and require maintenance more often. Another way you can keep costs down is to make sure you are always prepared when the mobile pet groomer arrives, especially if you must pay an hourly rate for services. That way you can keep your costs down while still making sure your pet gets the pampering he or she deserves.