Paws and Pens Newsletter: The Growing Need for Medically Trained Groomers
In the world of pet grooming, there’s a critical gap that often goes unnoticed—the need for groomers with a background in animal medicine. Many pets simply don’t fit into the typical grooming salon environment. Whether they are extreme geriatrics, highly anxious, reactive, aggressive, or suffering from severe medical conditions, these pets require specialized handling that most groomers aren’t trained to provide.
That’s where I step in. With 25 years of experience in every aspect of animal welfare, I’ve built my career around helping the pets that others can’t—or shouldn’t—handle. I hold four college certifications in Grooming, Veterinary Assistance, Acupressure, and Holistic Nutrition, along with 12 CE certificates covering Shelter Medicine, Pet CPR, and more. My background as an Animal Control Officer, Veterinary Technician, and Shelter Medicine expert has given me the skills to groom safely and compassionately, even in the most challenging cases.
By choosing to support my services and my store, you’re not just ensuring your pet receives expert care—you’re also helping to provide grooming for rescues, shelters, and fixed-income families who might not otherwise have access to specialized grooming.
There’s a growing demand for medically trained groomers, and I’m proud to be part of the solution. If you know a pet that struggles with regular grooming, I’m here to help.
Paws and Pens Newsletter: Why Not Every Groomer Can Handle Every Pet
Grooming is more than just a bath and a haircut—it’s a physically and emotionally demanding process, and for some pets, it can be dangerous if not handled properly. While many groomers are great at making pets look their best, they aren’t always equipped to handle pets with extreme medical or behavioral needs.
The Challenges of Grooming Special-Needs Pets
• Extreme Geriatrics: Senior pets require delicate handling. Grooming can be stressful, and without proper monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, a routine groom can quickly turn into a medical emergency. Additionally, a groomer must be cautious not to overextend fragile hips, knees, and joints to prevent unnecessary pain or injury.
• Aggressive & Reactive Dogs: Full aggression isn’t just about stopping a bite—it’s about understanding body language, de-escalation techniques, and safe handling skills to prevent injuries for both the pet and the groomer. Reactivity requires quick thinking, redirection techniques, and sometimes medical insight to recognize if the behavior is linked to pain or underlying health conditions.
• High Anxiety Pets: Some dogs and cats experience extreme anxiety during grooming, making them difficult to handle. I use specialized acupressure and bodywork techniques to calm their minds and create a sense of security, allowing them to be groomed safely and comfortably.
• Pets with Medical Issues or Severe Skin Conditions: Skin allergies, infections, and chronic health problems require careful product selection, monitoring, and an understanding of how these conditions affect the pet’s overall health. This is where my veterinary background plays a crucial role—I don’t just groom these pets; I assess their condition throughout the process to ensure their safety.
Why Medically Trained Groomers Are Needed
Any regular groomer can provide a stylish haircut or even a trendy dye job, but when it comes to special-needs pets, more training and expertise are essential. Grooming isn’t just about appearance—it’s about ensuring a pet’s physical well-being throughout the process. That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to filling this gap in the industry.
With 25 years of experience in animal welfare, including certifications in Grooming, Veterinary Assistance, Acupressure, and Holistic Nutrition, plus additional training in Shelter Medicine, Pet CPR, and proper sanitation protocols, I provide the level of care these pets require. Throughout each groom, I monitor vital signs, stress levels, and overall comfort to make sure the pet is safe at all times.
How You Can Help
When you book a groom or shop from my store, you’re directly supporting a service that makes a real difference. Your purchases help fund grooming for rescues, shelters, and low-income families—giving special-needs pets the care they deserve.
Not every pet is easy to groom, but every pet deserves to be safe during the process. That’s where I step in.
Together, we can make a difference—one groom at a time.