The Spokane Dog Grooming Shortage
Her weary eyes make it clear to me that she is worn thin today. Like butter scraped over too much bread, as Bilbo Baggins would say.
It is more of a stress induced tiredness. A result of a multitude of grooming clients that goes far into the evening. Yet, Melissa of Devils to Angels Dog Grooming still strives to make it to the evening dog obedience classes she volunteers to teach at the same dog training club I belong to (Lilac City Dog Training Club). She is a champ! An individual who deeply cares about her community, her business, and the dogs in her care. Melissa is one of the kindest groomers I know.
Melissa is tired because there is currently a big shortage of groomers in the Spokane area. Partly due to a large population of dogs brought on by Covid (people at home) but more in part to the closure or retirements of long time groomers. Most days, Melissa’s wait list goes back by months, not weeks. It was a dream to run her very own grooming salon and I know she is proud of it. She doesn’t want to have to turn anyone away so the wait list makes do. And, she isn’t the only one who is hanging on gallantly to give the very best to her customers.
Another friend of mine, Nancy, owns and operates Wash-N-Waggin Mobile Grooming. She has become so energized about the shortage of dog groomers in Spokane that she has actively sought new groomers who are interested in learning the job. Nancy sometimes ponders of starting a school to train these folks. I know she is currently training three but has room to train three more. There is an initial cost to training but the earning potential makes it all worth it.
I have discovered that the pay is good. Many groomers can make more than those with a 4 year degree and all it takes is 10-12 weeks of training. I have done my own grooming for many years now but each breed has a different coat type that takes specific grooming care. Those in training get to learn all about the various coat types and clips.
It’s important to learn dog behaviors, as well. Some dogs are frightened by the process while others can become angry. Discovering how to work with each personality to make sure every dog has a positive experience is huge. The good ones, like Melissa and Nancy, put the dog’s experience at the foremost. If the dog leaves decently happy and looking good, then the groomer is happy and the owner is happy. A win-win-win.
On top of a great grooming service, Nancy also has started a dog bakery company that produces unbelievably creative products…dehydrated chicken liver, hearts, beef kidney, homemade bone broth that goes into all her Doggy Bark treats, Doggy Bark Busy Bones, Marrow Pupcicle Treats, Surprise Twists, and bark biscuits. Fun, fun stuff! All organic and state certified. I know I’ve shared it before but I just love what she has started.
My take away with the current climate of groomers in Spokane is to give them a lot of grace until more folks have been trained, look for the groomers who care about a dog’s experience, and find someone who is proud of the business they have created. Just like Melissa and Nancy.
To read up further on either grooming or dog training services around the world, check out the block circle I am part of with our first stop at Kylee Doyle of Kylee Doyle Photography, serving pet parents in the greater Sacramento area.