Imagine how you would look and feel if you never bathed, brushed your hair or trimmed your nails. To be healthy and happy, your pet needs basic grooming, too.

You should be able handle the brushing and other simple grooming procedures yourself. This type of regular grooming helps build a close bond between you and your pet and keeps you informed about the condition of their fur, skin, teeth, nails and ears. Grooming may include bathing, combing, brushing, clipping nails, cutting or shaving mats, cleaning ears and controlling external parasites. If you are having trouble handling your pet for regular grooming, see our Training page for help from a trainer. 

You also may not have the time, tools, experience or physical ability to adequately groom your pet. For example, some animals have their fur groomed into particular styles that require a professional. Or a pet may require regular or seasonal clipping, medicated or flea baths, removal of skunk odors or harmful substances or removal of matted fur. Typically, a trained professional can more safely and humanely handle tricky procedures and temperamental or frightened animals. (Removing severe mats should always be done by an experienced groomer to avoid accidental cuts.)