How To Pick a Good Groomer: Why Not All Groomers Are Created Equal
Roman's Empire • May 4, 2025
What to Look Out For
The pet grooming industry is entirely unregulated--meaning literally anyone can buy a pair of clippers and start taking clients. No license is required. No safety or handling course. No hands-on training. And unfortunately, that lack of accountability leads to a wide range of service quality at best, with increased risk for severe injury at worst--and some very real risks to your pet's safety and comfort.
Experience Doesn't Always Mean Expertise
Many pet owners are told to "look for someone with lots of experience", but the truth is: years don't always equal skill. Clients have shared stories of seasoned groomers who were rough with their pets, rushed through the service, or used outdated and unsafe techniques. What you really want is someone who's invested in continuing education and certified in animal safety and behavior at a minimum. Some of the worst work and most abusive handling I've seen came from groomers with over 20 years of experience that chose to not only disregard continued education--but laugh at the thought of it.
Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
- You don't receive any intake questions. A reputable groomer will always ask about your pet's health, behavior, and past grooming experiences. If they don't--it's a sign they may treat all pets the same, regardless of individual needs, which could cause health and safety issues.
- They Don't Require Proof of Vaccination. I know this is controversial for some, however in the state of California, all groomers are legally required to have proof of vaccinations on file in the event an accident occurs. Skirting this law endangers staff and every other dog in the salon. Now, you can provide a vet note exempting your pet from vaccinations for health reasons if that is a concern.
- You Feel Uncomfortable Asking Questions or You are Met with Defensiveness when You Do. You should never feel uncomfortable, dismissed, or brushed off when asking questions for clarification. A professional welcomes your questions because they respect you and your pet and want to be on the same page.
- Online Courses are All They've Completed, If Any. Many franchise owners have no real knowledge or experience before they open up shop, all they see are dollar signs. There are also plenty of people in a similar boat, but rather than being fueled by money, they are only fueled by their love for dogs--sounds pure enough, but puts them in the same boat as those franchise owners that think they can pick it up as they go or take an online course and call it a day. This is a severe gamble on your pet's safety. You can memorize the ins and outs of dog grooming on paper but be completely clueless and unprepared in reality. This is a tactile industry that is much different in reality than in theory, and it is crucial to train under a seasoned mentor up to date with continued education.
- You Know Your Pet Struggles with Certain Services, But You Always Hear, "Everything Was Great!" Good groomers will inform you of any and all changes in health and behavior or report business as usual and are transparent if your pet had anxiety or fear surrounding the dryer or getting their nails done. There is bound to come a point where there is a change unless you are very close with your vet, whether it's subtle or not, and it is imperative knowledge to the owner that can aid in potential diagnoses when needed. Shady grooming practices train their staff to tell you your dog was perfect despite there being obvious signs of distress that go ignored to complete the groom to not only charge full price, but to get you to trust them to get you to come back-- and it is exceptionally more common than one would think.
- Yes-Men. Due to the lack of regulation and overwhelming amount of misinformation out there, it's very common for owners to request services that will harm their dog unbeknownst to them. A good groomer will educate you, offer a solution tailored to your pet's unique needs, and refuse the harmful request. An example is shaving your double coated dog for the first time because you think it will stop the shedding or asking to get the nails as short as possible by going past the quick (vein, and yes, I've gotten that request plenty of times). Good groomers will not accept the job unless you accept adjusted services.
- Lack of Communication and or Transparency. If they refuse to let you see the grooming area, won't explain their grooming process or policies or are vague, or discourage you from staying nearby, run for the hills. It is normal practice to not allow clients to stay at the salon or go into the groom room when they are working due to insurance and safety risks, however they should have no problem with you waiting nearby.
- Poor Hygiene or Facility Conditions. If the space smells bad or if tools or equipment look dirty or poorly maintained, you will be jeopardizing your pet's health by making or keeping your appointment. Due to the nature of the job, salons--mobile or stationary--have high humidity which can cause mold if not properly sealed and maintained. Dirty or poorly maintained equipment not only have an increased risk of injuring your pet but make them susceptible to infection if injured.
- Bashing Other Groomers or Businesses. There is no reason any good groomer will have anything negative to say about other groomers or salons in the area. If you bring a choppy cut from one salon to another to fix it, it should be met with questions - not condemning the previous groomer. The grooming industry is surprisingly catty, and unfortunately such people in the clique feel it appropriate to put others down to lift themselves up. This is a major sign they do not have a good knowledge base of behavior and all that can affect it, as there are a multitude of reasons why a dog can be sent home incomplete or choppy--it very well could have been done to keep stress levels down or to keep the pet from injuring itself.
See why grooming prices vary and why asking for a price match is damaging for more.
Conclusion
You trust your groomer with your pet's health, happiness, and safety. That's a big deal. Don't settle for someone who cuts corners, rushes through appointment, doesn't take the time to know your pet's background, or treats your pet like just another number. Do your research, ask questions, and trust your gut--your pet deserves nothing less.
How Roman's Empire Sets a Higher Standard
At Roman's Empire, we believe grooming should never be a gamble. We're AKC S.A.F.E. Certified, Fear-Free Certified, breed origin and standard knowledgeable, and involved in continued education to keep us up to date with any and all industry advancements.
Related Topics
Thinking of cutting out mats with scissors? Learn why this common mistake often leads to serious injury—especially in cats—and why professional grooming is the safest solution. Serving Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Westlake Village, and surrounding areas.
Learn why matting, behavior, or coat condition may prevent a style cut, tidy, or just a bath. At Roman’s Empire, we prioritize comfort, safety, and long-term grooming success. Serving Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Moorpark, and Simi Valley.
Learn how overgrown nails impact dogs and cats, the difference between trimming and filing, how cats shed claws, and why regular care matters. Serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and surrounding areas.
Learn why grooming kittens early is essential to building tolerance, reducing fear, and ensuring a lifetime of safe, stress-free cat grooming. Expert insights from Roman's Empire Mobile Grooming--serving Thousand Oaks & surrounding areas.
Cats are creatures of habit and sensitive to their surroundings. So when it comes to grooming, dragging them into a noisy, unfamiliar salon full of barking dogs and strange smells is often a recipe for stress—or a complete grooming disaster. That’s why mobile grooming isn’t just a convenience for cats—it’s a necessity. At Roman’s Empire, we offer luxury mobile grooming tailored specifically to the unique needs of cats, and here’s why it makes all the difference. No Car Rides, No Waiting Rooms, No Stress Transporting a cat can be a major ordeal. Many associate carriers and car rides with vet visits, which can elevate their stress before grooming even begins. Combine that with waiting in a salon filled with dogs and strangers, and you have a highly overstimulated, anxious cat before we even start. Mobile grooming eliminates all that. We come to you—no travel, no loud cages, no chaotic environments. Your cat stays in their familiar territory until we gently transition them to the mobile salon, where they are the only animal receiving care. One-on-One, Calm Handling—Always Cats require a completely different approach than dogs. They’re fast, sensitive, and often resistant to being restrained. That’s why cat grooming should never be rushed or forced—and why one-on-one attention is absolutely essential. In our mobile environment, your cat receives focused, calm, individualized care with built-in time for breaks and gentle desensitization. There’s no multitasking, no distractions—just feline-first handling from a trained professional. (See also: [ What Professional Grooming Actually Involves ]) Cats Are on an Invisible Timer When it comes to grooming cats, you have a limited window—an invisible timer that starts ticking the moment you begin handling them. Even the most tolerant cats typically have a hard stop when they’ve had enough. This limit isn’t based on how much grooming is left to do—it’s based on how long they can mentally and emotionally regulate being touched, restrained, and moved around. This is where mobile grooming shines: Fewer delays mean less energy is wasted during transport or waiting No noisy distractions to raise arousal levels prematurely One-on-one care allows us to read and respond to body language in real time, so we can pause or stop before your cat becomes defensive or shuts down Working in their best interest— not on a salon clock —is key to a safer, less traumatic experience. Less Noise, Less Smell, Less Overload Cats are extremely sensitive to smell and sound. Traditional salons can be loud, chaotic places filled with dryers, clippers, barking, and unfamiliar animals. The sensory overload alone can spike a cat’s stress hormones and make the entire experience miserable. Our mobile grooming van is quiet, clean, and calm . With medical-grade sanitation between appointments and one pet at a time, it’s as low-stimulation as grooming can get. Ideal for Senior or Sensitive Cats Older cats or those with medical conditions (like arthritis, kidney disease, or heart problems) and sensitive or fearful cats should never be subjected to unnecessary stress. And for cats who can’t be sedated or boarded due to health concerns, mobile grooming is often the safest solution. With zero travel and minimal disruption, they remain close to home where they feel safest, allowing grooming to support—not strain—their well-being. No Cages. No Force. We do not use cages, and we don’t force cats through grooming when they’re clearly stressed or shutting down. Instead, every session is guided by consent-based handling and feline-specific practices. Whether it’s a bath and brush, sanitary trim, or full lion cut, we let your cat set the pace—with the skill to complete the groom safely and efficiently when they’re ready. Consistent Grooming Reduces Anxiety Long-Term Mobile grooming makes it easier to stay on a regular schedule—and that consistency matters. Even though cats self-groom, they still need help with: Matting prevention (especially longhairs and seniors) Sanitary care Nail trims (for safety and comfort) Shedding management The more consistent the schedule, the less work needs to be done at each visit—which lowers stress and builds familiarity over time. (See also: [ Why Your Pet Should Be on a Frequent Grooming Schedule ]) We’re Cat Grooming Specialists—And That’s Rare Many groomers refuse to handle cats. Others only offer grooming under sedation or don’t have the experience to manage cat-specific behavior and anatomy. At Roman’s Empire, we’re trained in safe, stress-free feline grooming—and your cat’s comfort and safety are our top priority. See why cat grooming isn't like dog grooming . Transparency and Trust Every Step of the Way You’ll always know who’s grooming your cat, what we’re doing, and why. We provide full transparency, fair pricing, and clear policies—because your trust matters as much as your cat’s comfort. Every cat groom at Roman's Empire includes two trained staff members for optimal comfort and safety. Final Thoughts Mobile grooming isn’t just about luxury for cats—it’s often the safest, least stressful, and most humane grooming experience available. If your cat needs a gentle, expert touch from someone who understands how they tick. Roman’s Empire is here to help. Serving Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Moorpark, and Simi Valley. Ready to book? Reach out today or book online and let your feline experience grooming done right—on their terms.
Discover why maintaining a recurring grooming schedule benefits your dog’s health, comfort, and behavior—especially in a mobile setting with limited availability. Learn how consistent care prevents problems and guarantees your spot. Serving Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park, Moorpark, and Simi Valley.
Not all grooming prices are created equal. Discover why grooming costs vary, what goes into ethical pricing, and why cheaper isn’t always better in Thousand Oaks & beyond.
Learn why professional grooming is a skilled service--not a hobby or side-gig. Grooming isn’t a hobby—it’s essential care. Here’s why haggling or asking for discounts with your groomer is inappropriate, harmful, and ultimately costs more. Serving Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, and beyond.
Learn why at-home grooming doesn’t compare to and cannot replace professional grooming. Roman’s Empire breaks down safety, equipment, coat care, and results in Thousand Oaks & surrounding cities.
Learn why the Furminator brush causes severe coat damage in double coated breeds like Huskies, Pomeranians, Retrievers, Collies, and Shepherds. Roman’s Empire explains safer deshedding methods and why proper tools matter in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Calabasas & nearby.