Choosing a groomer

Published 2026-01-12

Most Florida groomers are competent, caring professionals. A few aren't. Here are the warning signs to watch for, both before booking and during your first visit.

Before booking:

• No physical address or only a P.O. box (mobile groomers should still have a real service area)
• Refusal to provide references or recent client photos
• No insurance (ask — legitimate groomers carry liability insurance)
• Pricing wildly below market (e.g., $20 full grooms in an area where $60 is normal)
• Negative reviews mentioning rough handling, injuries, or dogs returned in worse shape

During the first visit:

• Dogs visible in the salon look stressed, panting heavily, or panicked
• The groomer doesn't ask about your dog's history
• You're rushed through intake
• Cages are dirty or smell bad
• You're not allowed to see the grooming area
• Restraint methods include muzzles or strict tying without explanation

After the appointment:

• Your dog has unexplained nicks, cuts, or hot spots
• The cut is wildly different from what you requested
• Your dog is fearful of the next grooming appointment beyond their normal anxiety
• The groomer can't explain decisions they made (like a much shorter cut than agreed)

If anything in this list applies, find a different groomer. Florida has plenty of options.