In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by guest Teri DiMarino, award-winning professional groomer of over 50 years, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the pet grooming industry. Angela and Teri talk about why so many pet parents struggle to find a groomer they trust, why the grooming industry is almost completely unregulated, what actually happens when you drop your dog off “for just a few hours,” and how to know if your dog is safe behind those salon doors. They get into hot-button topics like matted doodles, seniors and special-needs dogs, shaving double-coated breeds, anal glands, ear plucking, cage dryers, pricing, tipping, and why honest communication with your groomer can literally protect your dog. Teri also explains the standards of care, safety, and sanitation she’s helped create for groomers, and what questions you should be asking before you book your next grooming appointment.

Episode Recap:

• Angela opens the episode discussing the common struggle to find a pet groomer you trust, and her past experience owning a grooming salon. (00:50)
• Teri shares her 52-year career in pet grooming and why pet parents often struggle to find a groomer they connect with (02:40)
• They discuss why licensing doesn’t necessarily stop bad groomers, but regulation and accountability can help protect both groomers and pet parents. (05:40)
• Teri explains how the Standards of Care, Safety, and Sanitation were developed by multiple grooming organizations to set best practices for safe, clean salons,  and how these standards are now recognized worldwide. (09:30)
• Teri explains why some dogs have incidents in salons, often due to hidden health conditions or misinformation from owners, and how accountability should work both ways. (13:55)
• Teri breaks down the difference between licensing, certification, and registration, and the misconceptions pet owners often have about what each means. (17:00)
• Teri and Angela remind pet parents to always be honest with groomers, explaining that lying about biting, brushing, or matting can cause injuries, legal issues, and unnecessary suffering for the dog. (21:00)
• Angela and Teri tackle the “to shave or not to shave” debate, explaining why shaving double-coated breeds doesn’t keep them cool and can actually damage the coat (28:40)
• Teri explains the debate around ear plucking, encouraging groomers to take a conservative approach, only clearing the ear canal when needed, keeping ears clean and dry, and referring severe cases to a vet. (39:57)
• Teri and Angela emphasize the groomer’s vital role in spotting early health issues, urging pet parents to trust their groomer, and tip generously (46:04)
• Angela and Teri discuss client misunderstandings, false reviews, and lawsuits in the grooming industry (50:30)
• They wrap up the episode with a brief touch on responsible vaccination practices, microchipping, and due diligence in animal rescue. (57:26)

Episode Resources:

• Download Angela’s Holistic Groomer Checklist for Pet Parents & more at AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads
• The California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Inc.
• World Alliance of Grooming Associations Inc.
• Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] 
• Sign up for episode reminders and updates from Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino
• Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.com

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