ESTHETIC SKIN CARE –THE NEW FRONTIER FOR THE PET GROOMER

By

Michael C. Fleck D.V.M

(12/1/06)

     As in any industry, pet grooming is going through change and the survival of the groomer in the industry depends on adapting to these new changes. The appearance and the grooming cut will always be a big part of the groom, but today the groomer can act as a para-medical professional guiding the customer in caring for the general health of the pet. Emerging concerns and awareness of skin and hair coat is the groomer’s primary concern. Irritated red skin with or without itching and sores, excessive dryness or oiliness accompanied by flakes or slimy skin and unpleasant odors all should be addressed by the groomer. An argument can be made that the groomer has a responsibility to either offer guidance to the pet owner to seek veterinary evaluation and treatment or themselves provide an esthetic skin care treatment during the groom followed by dispensing cosmecutical products that will improve and maintain a healthy skin and hair coat.

     This professional approach serves two benefits for the groomer thus creating a Win-Win situation. It allows the groomer to help improve the health and well being of the pet therefore promoting a better bond between the pet and owner. Secondly and equally important, it can radically increase the revenues for the groomer by the “Add On” to the groom fee with an esthetic treatment and at the same time create a steady flow of retail revenue by dispensing cosmecutical products.

     Reality dictates that there is a limit to both the fees charged for the traditional groom and the number of grooms physically performed daily. If groomer revenues are to increase then new revenue avenues must be created. Since the obvious concerns of the groomer are the skin and hair of the pet “Add On” procedures during the groom and an increase in skin and hair retail product sales must be strongly considered.