Basic Etiquette on Tipping Your Pet Groomer 3.0: Holiday Tips

So... People are getting curious about how to tip their groomers.  This is great news!

But sadly, people do not yet realize that during our holidays, namely christmas/hannukah, it is proper etiquette to tip extra.

"Holiday Tips" usually come from pet parents who have used the same groomer all year long.  These are the pets that are considered request dogs and "clientele" to the groomer.  Some pet parents tip regularly thru out the year and then tip extra on their last groom before the holidays, or they bring their groomer a gift.  Other pet parents don't tip at all during the year but bring a nice fat tip with a card at years end.  And then there are the lovely people who bring something for the entire salon!

My home salon in California used to fill up with popcorn tins, candies, cookies and various bath sets or other niks and naks!!!  It was truly magical!  We received gift cards, jewelry, checks and cash....  The average "Holiday Tip" was at least $50.
Here in Florida it is very different.  Of course the world has turned upside down in recent years but the trend is still very different.
In corporate salons, many times the same groomer doesn't get to groom their favorite dogs because of scheduling conflicts.  Only die-hard, devoted pet parents will wait for their favorite groomer and ask for them by name.  These pet parents are the ones that really should tip extra for the holidays!

But even if its your first time in a salon, holiday season is typically the busiest time of year for groomers, and showing your appreciation with a little holiday bonus tip is the right thing to do.  Or bring your groomer a little gift set from Target or maybe some homemade cookies...!  Anything to show your appreciation for a job well done and for devoted service to your precious pet.

Yes!  Tip extra for the Holidays!!! 

Basic Etiquette on Tipping Your Pet Groomer 2.0: Cats

Basic Etiquette on Tipping Your Pet Groomer has been my most popular blog by far.  This is very encouraging to us groomers!

In 2.0 I'd like to add a few words about Cat groomers. 

Not just any groomer will deal with Cats.  It is much more challenging than dealing with dogs, on every level.  So if you find anyone period who grooms Cats - they've already scored their tip! 

Of course all the usual criteria apply - Was your Cat treated well, was your Cat injured during the process, does your Cat look like you wanted it to...?  

Having mentioned this list, one should understand that Cats listen to NO ONE.  And they have no real filter when it comes to expressing their emotions, especially pissed-offedness!  

It is downright dangerous to groom a Cat.  Because they can and will hurt you much more easily, and because they resist in such a wiley, catlike way, it is much easier to hurt them when doing haircuts. 

If a dog accidentally gets nicked with the clippers during a groom, its not a good thing but its usually not really a big deal either.  A Cat on the other hand has skin like rice paper.  Its thin, cuts very easily, and once it is cut will continue to split like a ripe watermelon!  So haircuts are exceptionally challenging for Cats.

The bathing process is much more dangerous for the groomer.  Cats are tuff as nails and really aren't easily hurt as far as the restraining process.  But their claws and teeth are used like the weapons of a ninja when they're upset.  A Cat bite is the worst!!!  A Cat bite is the only serious bite I've ever gotten in 12 years of grooming.  And it was a sweet Cat, during its bath....

So... If you find a Cat groomer, and you get a good vibe from them, TIP GENEROUSLY!  If your Cat has not been injured, the groomer deserves that tip!  If your Cat got a bath and actually got dried, the groomer deserves a bigger  tip!  If your Cat got a haircut that actually looks good, the groomer deserves a very large tip!

Much respect to all the Cat groomers.  And many thanks to those pet parents who "get it" and show their appreciation with generous tips.  We thank you!!!