Petco grooming

[Malu'sMom]

I don't know if this is a stupid question but this community was very helpful when I was trying to figure out potty training!

I just took my year old Cavalier to get groomed professionally for the first time, I thought my effort wasn't cutting it.

My question is: do you tip groomers? At Petco you don't even pay the groomer, you take the slip to the register. I loved the gals there, they did a fabulous job. I don't know if when you pay $42 that's enough or is tipping done in this situation like when I get my hair cut?

I just don't want to look like a skeez because I didn't! Thanks so much!

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

I've never had Missie groomed at a chain store type groomer, but we do tip her groomer (a few dollars--or more one time when they stayed late for us to come get her so she wouldn't spend the night) that's a privately owned business. Don't know if that helps. :blush: $42 seems like an awful lot for grooming, too. Was that a great package?! Missie gets clipped, nails clipped, ears and teeth cleaned for $18, and they do a wonderful job. Could be your area, too, though.

[shandoggy1]

I groomed at Petco for 5 years and I always got tipped Some people tipped me $5, $10, & even $15 or $20 I worked in an area that had money though Some people bash Petco and I take it a little personal because I went to a Professional grooming school that was established for over 25 years before I worked there I know that they have been known to hire some bad groomers, but they usually don't last long. Whether you go to some little hole in the wall shop or some big chain store you take a chance anyways. I'll tell ya one thing, those chain stores are very clean inside. I have worked for some small single owned shops that I didn't last long in because they weren't kept clean. Hope that helps

[Cassiepeia]

No idea. We don't tip in Australia.

Can we see pictures of your lil' one with her new hair do? I love your avatar it melts my heart.

Cass.

[Beryl]

I use a professional groomer every 2 weeks for either a touchup (shave face/feet) or full grooming and tip 10-20% depending on the quality of the service. Poor dog.

Chains like Petco & Petsmart can be very good or terrible. I like the chains because you can watch what is going on after the bath and I agree with the above comment that they can be cleaner. Getting to know the groomer assigned at the chain and expressing your appreciation -- via a tip -- can help ensure better service.

I've also used a "Master Groomer" who was certified and worked out of a day care facility. There was a definite difference in quality.

$42 is a lot but it depends on the area and what is being done. I've paid up to $50 for my German Shepherd when his coat was being blown.

[Malu'sMom]

So $42 sounds high?

She had just a basic trim, cavaliers don't get a special cut. They trimmed the fur on the pads of her feet but not on top (they have cute hobbit-like furry feet!). They cut out a knot behind her ear. They cut her nails. Also shampoo and blow dry.

They were really great. But if there are other great people, which I know there are, why pay that much if I don't have to?

[Malu'sMom]

I am trying to find my camera! She still has one green bow in!

[Shelties]

42 sounds like alot, but i wouldn't know, I groom Casey on my own, don't trust those grooming people .

[Ritz459]

Well, I work with a groomer, and they don't always get tips, but they like it when they do! lol I think it depends on the person and the quality of the dogs haircut. I'm trying to think of what it costs to get your pet groomed at PawPrints....I think for larger dog (say, a Golden) it costs about 40 some odd dollars, but say for a Schnauzer, it costs about 32 or something like that....naturally, if the dog is heavily matted or requires extinsive grooming, they charge more.
The dogs get a bath of choice (flea bath, medicated bath, whatever), blowdry, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and the haircut of the owners choice.

So yes, 42$ does sound like a bit much, but if they are good groomers and your dog isn't terrified to go there, then I'd say the extra money is worth it!

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Malu, I'd call around and get price estimates. That still sounds like alot to me for the very little they did, and on a small breed. If it was a large dog I'd expect that, but I think $42 for that is rather ridiculous.

[Beryl]

LOL!

They tell me that smaller breeds are harder than the larger ones because they can be squirmy and they have to take extra care to not hurt them with the clippers and scissors.

My vet confirmed that and suggest that I think really hard about doing any clippering myself. She did show me how to express his glands though. (yuk!)

[TambeLover]

I don't think we ever tipped the groomer when i used to get tambe groomed at a petsmart. i hope your dog does okay at your place b/c my tambe got an ear infection as a result of the groomers not being careful and leaving water in his ears! now we take him somewhere else

[Novel]

I guess I'll be the dissenter here, but, $42 doesn't sound high. When I groomed, my lowest groom was $37, and that was the bath, foot pads, nails, ears... Any grooming over that, depending on the breed, and the price went up.
And yes, a tip was always appreciated, but never expected.

[RIo&Nickysmommy]

I had a great groomer and was paying 2 years ago $35. But she is lost somewhere. Never can get in touch and never in. I took my two Cockers to Petco 2 months ago and just last thursday. Each dog cost me $50.. a piece and that was bath hair cut, nails ears and paws. First time I took them they did a real good job. This time not very impressed. Nicky has some razor burns it looks like in his groin region - which I called the vet about . Looks like its gonna be ok. If I go back will make sure I get the first groomer that had them. Its very difficult to find a really good groomer. The first petco hair cut was great second was ok. AS for the razor burn- guess it can happen. I always tip what I think is really well. I tip $20.00 per dog- I figure they are their for a few hours and Rio is real fidgety. So on average every 6-8 weeks I pay out at least $140 between my two dogs. Winter time we let their hair grow in.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[Sheltiemama]

I have always groomed my shelties myself. From bath to blow dry. Trimming ears, pads and the sometime necessary sanitary clip on the bum. So I can't help you on how to tip a professional.