Mobile grooming or salon?

Although I chose to own a salon, I have a lot of respect for mobile groomers and envy them for offering the convenience I can only dream about offering with a salon. If you do not want your pet to be around other pets, dislike putting your dog in your car, do not want your dog kenneled, have a schedule that prohibits you from dropping off and picking up your dog from the salon, mobile grooming is a great alternative for you. Most mobile groomers require a pre-booked appointment as it allows them to plan their schedule and itinerary more efficiently. Many mobile groomers are exceptionally talented stylists with years of experience and I greatly recommend this service if you do not mind the higher cost and like the convenience of it.

Now, time to praise the advantages of a salon! Head to Tail is a busy salon that employs a full time secretary, 3 groomers and 2 bathers. Because we have many groomers and bathers, we can help each other when necessary such as lifting and supporting a heavy dog, holding a squirmy dog for a fellow groomer, helping another groomer with a specific styling challenge, etc. Although we are usually booked about a week in advance, we can usually fit in an emergency groom as we have the manpower to squeeze in an extra dog if needed. As we do not work on our dogs straight through like a mobile groomer, older dogs are allowed to rest between their bath and their actual groom if necessary. The groomer has the option of working on another dog while the older dog is resting and this scheduling flexibility benefits both parties.

Mobile or salon? It's a question of preference and I am glad today's discerning dog parents have that choice.