Pet Grooming as a Career

Pet Grooming as a Career

According to APPA, more than 84 million households own a pet, with a majority of them being dogs and cats. So it is no surprise that we spend thousands of dollars every year taking them to the veterinary, paying for surgical procedures, buying food, vitamins, toys, and kennel boarding. Another expense that has become popular over the years is pet grooming. In the beginning, it was your basic grooming of a bath, brush, and nail clipping. Now it has become more advanced with more people wanting their pet to enjoy a spa-like experience.
It is believed that the first dogs to be groomed were Curly-Coated Retrievers, clipped short by their 16th-century European hunter-owners to make them better hunters. Fast forward to today and you will see that it has become more sophisticated focusing on the latest fads and trends for all dog breeds. We can thank Blanche Saunders, who passed in 1964, for popularizing pet grooming in America.

What It Takes

While this industry is still thriving, more people are looking to becoming professional groomers or open doggie day spas/grooming salons. So what should you consider before taking your first step toward becoming a pet groomer? You should probably make sure you really love animals and have lots of patience. Not all dogs will stay still while you are clipping them. Make sure you don’t have any allergies you're unaware of. You will be working with different shampoos and conditioners, cleaners, and dyes. Remember you will be on your feet for hours at a time and is a physically demanding job. Know the trends for all breeds, including cut styles, colors, even nail color trends. Be sure to do your market research in the area you want to open your business at. Know your competition, make sure you have enough customers to sustain your business.

Decide which training course is right for you. You need to understand all the technical details on how to cut a dog and handle them. A good way to promote your business is to team up with a local veterinarian and to get some experience, you can intern at a pet grooming business.

There are no strict formal education requirements for becoming a dog groomer, however, most groomers acquire training through apprenticeship programs. Groomers can also be trained by one of 50 state-approved grooming schools which usually last 2-18 weeks. You could join the International Professional Groomers organization, and apply for the written and practical tests.

Diamonds in the Ruff in Abilene

Diamonds in the Ruff employes a trained staff and is a member of the International Professional Groomers Association and International Boarding and Pet Services Association. They also have considerable knowledge in pet care, boarding, and grooming. We will happily care for your dog while giving them the spa-like experience they deserve. Contact us at 325-695-2931 or visit us at www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com to learn more about what we have to offer. We love what we do and treat every pet like they were our own.

How to Make Your Indoor Cat Happy

How to Make Your Indoor Cat Happy

Everyone has this idea that cats are big jerks. They tend to look at you with unhappiness, bring you dead things, swat at you when you try to pet them or knock items off the table with attitude. Well, there is a reason why they do this and why you may think they are unhappy. Sure you could just let them spend their time outside thinking that will make them happy, but it might not. Letting your feline fella roam outdoors may do more harm than good. Spending time outdoors could put them in danger by exposing them to vehicles, predators, and diseases. Some cat owners also worry about the effects of outdoor cats and birds. If you are concerned but want to give your cat a little outside playtime think about adding a bell to their collar.

There is something you can do to keep your crabby indoor cat entertained and happy while you’re home or off at work. These tips are worth giving a try:

• Give them some space that will make them feel safe and secure. Vertical space is good too. An elevated perch will give them their own space to look down at you and judge you. 
• If you’re in to have your couches custom scratched great! But if not your best bet is investing in a couple of scratch posts. This will help them be engaged without ruining your furniture. 
• Before you leave your house, open the curtains to give your cat a view to observe the outdoors. They need visual stimulation to keep them going and from getting bored. 
• When you are home, spend some time with your little guy. This will make them, and you feel better. Who doesn’t like petting a cat and hearing them purr? 
• Having plenty of toys around can channel their inner huntsman. By nature that is what they are built for. It will also keep them interactive and moving, keeping them in good health. This also includes catnip. Fast moving toys and wands with feathers are a favorite in my household, but nothing tops the laser pointer. 

Cozy Cattery to Keep Your Cat Active

There are so many misconceptions about cats, one being that cats don’t need us as much as we need them. Cats are known to be antisocial animals which are not true. Cats form bonds to their humans like dogs, although they may not need as much attention like dogs, they still need social interaction. If you are worried that your cat is feeling left out or seems lonely, consider taking them to a cattery. Diamonds in the Ruff has the best cattery in Abilene that will treat your furry feline like it was one of our own. We have a professionally-trained staff that strives to provide our guest with the highest quality of care possible. Contact us by calling 325-695-2931 or visiting www.diamondsintheruffpetboarding.com. You can also book online through our Facebook page as well.