Is Mobile Grooming Right for You?
Is Mobile Grooming Right for You? So you’ve been thinking about going mobile. Maybe you’re tired of working in someone else’s shop. Maybe you love the idea of being your own boss, setting your own schedule, and taking your passion straight to your clients’ driveways. Trust me — I get it. The appeal is real. But before you start shopping for vans or picking out your logo, I want to have an honest conversation with you. Because going mobile is one of the best decisions some groomers ever make — and one of the hardest adjustments others have ever faced. The difference usually comes down to one thing: preparation. The Honest Truth About Mobile Grooming Mobile grooming is not just grooming in a van. It’s running a business on wheels — and that comes with a whole different set of challenges than a traditional salon. You’re managing the vehicle. You’re handling your own scheduling and routing. You’re responsible for your own water supply, power, waste disposal, and equipment maintenance. And you’re doing all of this while still providing top-quality grooms, client by client, appointment by appointment, every single day. That’s a lot. And it’s worth asking yourself honestly: is this the life I want? Signs Mobile Might Be a Great Fit for You Signs You Might Want to Think It Through a Little More None of these are dealbreakers. They’re just honest things to think about before you make a six-figure investment. The Research Makes All the Difference The groomers who thrive in mobile almost always say the same thing: they wish they’d done more research before they started. Not because they made bad decisions — but because there was so much they didn’t know they didn’t know. Things like: What should I actually look for in a mobile unit? How do I price my services so I’m actually profitable? How do I plan my routes so I’m not driving an hour between appointments? What do I do if my water system fails mid-groom? That’s exactly why I wrote the Mobile Groomer’s Companion Guide. It’s a 90-page research guide designed to help you ask — and answer — all the right questions before you make the leap. Not a how-to guide. Not a “here’s everything I did” memoir. A real, practical research tool to help you go in prepared. So — Is It Right for You? Only you can answer that. But I can tell you this: the groomers who go into mobile with their eyes open, who’ve done the research and asked the hard questions, are the ones who build businesses they love. If you’re seriously considering it, start with the research. Your future self will thank you. The Mobile Groomer’s Companion Guide is a 90-page research guide covering vehicle safety, pricing, routing, scheduling, and client & groomer safety. Everything in one place — before the big investment. Get your copy: https://spiriteddogproductions.com/books/
What Binngo Taught Me
What Binngo Taught Me On losing a pet in your care, finding a way forward, and why every groomer needs to be prepared for the worst day of their career. His name was Binngo. He was nine years old, a Maltese, and he had a known heart condition. His veterinarian had cleared him for grooming. His owner had no reason to worry when I pulled into his driveway. Neither did I. He had a heart attack on my grooming table. And he died. I want to sit with that for a moment before I say anything else, because I think it is important that you feel the weight of it. Not the liability. Not the protocol. Not what comes next. Just the reality of what it means to have an animal die in your hands. I had done everything right by conventional standards. I had a healthy-for-grooming clearance from his vet. I was experienced. I cared about the animals in my care. And none of it was enough to prepare me for that moment, or for the moments that followed, the call to the owner, the drive to the clinic, the grief that settled into my chest and stayed there for longer than I expected. What I did not have was a plan. I did not know the steps. I did not know what to say to the owner, or in what order to do things, or what documentation would matter later. I was making decisions in real time, in shock, while also trying to be present for a family who had just lost their dog. That is not a position any grooming professional should ever find themselves in alone. The Thing About Grief is That It Teaches You Binngo’s death changed me by redirecting me. I became a pet first aid instructor. Not because I wanted to turn pain into a credential. But because I kept thinking about all the groomers out there who were exactly where I had been, caring deeply, working hard, and completely unprepared for the worst day of their career. I became an instructor because I believed then, and I believe now, that knowledge saves lives. Not just the lives of the pets on our tables. The professional lives and emotional lives of the people who care for them. And here is what I know after years of teaching pet first aid to grooming professionals: almost no one comes into this work thinking about what happens when a pet dies in their care. We think about technique. We think about difficult clients and difficult coats. We think about building our businesses. We do not think about the phone call we might have to make one day, or the owner who will be waiting at the vet clinic, or the staff member who will be shaking in the break room afterwards and not know why. Bingo died on my table. But he is also the reason hundreds of groomers are better prepared today than they were before. That is the only thing that has ever made the grief feel like it had a purpose. What I Wish I Had Known I am not going to tell you that having a protocol would have saved Binngo. His heart condition was known. His vet had cleared him. Some outcomes are simply beyond our control, and that is one of the hardest truths of working with living animals. Even remembering how to do CPR would not have helped in this scenario, but at least I would have known I did everything I could have to save Binngo. But I will tell you this: having a protocol would have changed everything that came after. A protocol would include who to call first and what to say, how to request a necropsy report, preserve any video footage, and communicating with the owner. It means your staff has a place to process their grief. And when the shock clears, you have a record of what happened and not because I was covering myself, but because accuracy and transparency are what a grieving family deserves. It would have meant I was not alone in it. The steps matter. Not because they make the loss smaller. They do not. But because they give you something to do when everything in you wants to fall apart, and they ensure that the people who trusted you, the owner, the staff, yourself, are all treated with the care and seriousness the moment deserves. If a pet dies in your care, here is what needs to happen: These steps do not make it easier to lose a pet. Nothing does. But they ensure that when it happens, you respond with the professionalism and humanity that the situation, and the people in it, deserve. What This Profession Asks of Us Grooming is one of the most intimate services in the pet care industry. We handle animals in ways that even their owners rarely do. We see their bodies, their skin, their teeth, their anxiety, and sometimes their decline. We are often the first to notice that something is wrong. And we are sometimes the last to see them alive. That is not a small thing. It should not be treated like one. I teach pet first aid because I want groomers to understand that the animals in their care are not just appointments. They are living beings with hearts that beat and lungs that breathe and conditions that can change in a moment. Checking gum color. Knowing the signs of distress. Having a plan. These are not extras. They are part of what it means to be a professional in this field. And having a plan for the worst day is not pessimism. It is respect, for the animals, for the owners, for your staff, and for yourself. The best version of this profession is one where every groomer is trained, prepared, and supported enough to show up fully for every animal, including on the days when things
Out With The Old
Out With The Old: A Pet Professional’s Guide To Spring Cleaning What’s Really Holding You Back It’s not just your supply closet that needs a refresh. Spring has a way of making everything feel possible. The days get longer, the air smells better, and suddenly you’re looking around your business — and your life — thinking: how did it get like this? Most of us think of spring cleaning as a physical act. Reorganize the shelves. Scrub the tubs. Toss the shampoos you haven’t touched since 2021. And yes, all of that matters. But the clutter that’s really costing you? It’s not always sitting on a shelf. Sometimes it’s buried in your appointment book. Sometimes it’s in a policy you wrote five years ago and never updated. Sometimes it has a name, and they call every Saturday morning to haggle over your prices. This spring, let’s go deeper. Let’s clean out the things that are quietly draining your energy, your time, and your joy — so you can show up fully for the work and the clients that actually deserve you. Start With the Physical: Your Space Sets the Tone There’s real psychology behind a clean, organized workspace. Clutter competes for your attention. It signals — consciously and unconsciously — that things are out of control. And in a job that already demands so much of your focus and your body, a chaotic environment makes everything harder. Set aside time this spring to go through your space with fresh eyes. Ask yourself: You don’t need a renovation. Sometimes moving a table, clearing a counter, or finally throwing out that box of outdated products is enough to change how the whole space feels — and how you feel working in it. Then Go Deeper: Outdated Business Practices Here’s the harder question: when did you last actually look at how you’re running your business? Many pet professionals are still operating on systems, policies, and pricing they set up years ago — and haven’t revisited since. The industry has changed. Your costs have changed. You have changed. But if your practices haven’t kept up, you’re paying the price for it every single day. Use this spring as a prompt to audit the bones of your business: Your pricing. Is it reflecting your current cost of living, your experience level, and the market around you? If you haven’t raised your prices in the last year, it’s time to look at the numbers honestly. Loyalty to your clients is admirable. Undercharging yourself into burnout is not. Your policies. Do you have a late cancellation policy — and do you actually enforce it? What about no-shows? Aggressive pets? Health disclosures? If your policies live only in your head, they aren’t policies. They’re suggestions. Get them written, visible, and consistent. Your booking system. Are you still taking appointments by text and keeping them in a paper book? There are affordable tools built specifically for pet service businesses that can save you hours every week. If your booking process is costing you time and causing confusion, that’s clutter too. Your services menu. Are you still offering services you hate doing? Services that take twice the time for half the return? This is the year to quietly retire what no longer works and double down on what does. The Hardest Clean-Out: The Clients Who Are Costing You More Than They Pay Let’s talk about the thing nobody wants to say out loud. Not every client is a good client. And keeping the wrong ones — out of guilt, obligation, or the fear of losing the revenue — is one of the most expensive mistakes a pet professional can make. You know who they are. The client who haggles every single visit. The one who shows up late consistently and expects you to absorb it. The one who doesn’t disclose health issues and then gets upset when grooming takes longer. The one who leaves passive-aggressive reviews when they don’t get their way. The one who makes you dread Monday morning before the week has even started. Here’s the truth: that dread has a cost. It lives in your body. It affects the quality of your work, your patience with other clients, and the way you feel about a career you once loved. Releasing a difficult client doesn’t have to be dramatic. A simple, professional note — “I don’t feel I’m the right fit for your pet’s needs” — is enough. You don’t owe an explanation. You owe yourself a practice full of people who respect your time, trust your expertise, and make your work feel worthwhile. When you let go of the clients who drain you, you create space — literal appointment slots and emotional bandwidth — for the ones who value you. Make Room for What’s Next Spring cleaning isn’t just about subtraction. It’s about intentionally making room for what you actually want. When you clear out the clutter — physical, operational, relational — you can finally see clearly. You can ask bigger questions: What do I want my business to look like this time next year? Which services do I want to grow? What would it feel like to end every workday feeling good about what I did? Those aren’t luxury questions. They’re the questions that keep good pet professionals in this industry for the long haul — passionate, sustainable, and proud of what they’ve built. Where to Start If you’re feeling overwhelmed by where to begin, here’s a simple framework: You’ve worked too hard and cared too much to stay stuck in systems and situations that no longer serve you. This spring, give yourself permission to let go of what isn’t working — and make room for everything that will. The best version of your business is on the other side of that clean-out. Time to get started. What’s the one thing you’ve been meaning to clean up in your business? Drop it in the comments — sometimes saying it out loud is the first step.
When the Unexpected Happens
When the Unexpected Happens: Why Every Pet Business Needs an Emergency Plan and a Financial Safety Net You built your business from the ground up. The early mornings, the difficult clients, the physical toll, the endless love for the animals in your care — all of it has been worth it. You are not just a groomer, a trainer, a sitter, or a walker. You are a business owner. And that means the responsibility of keeping this thing running — through the good times and the hard ones — rests squarely on your shoulders. What happens to your business if everything stops tomorrow? The Illusion of “It Won’t Happen to Me” We are a community of optimists. We have to be — this work requires it. But optimism without preparation is just wishful thinking. Disasters don’t announce themselves. Fires don’t check your schedule. Floods don’t care that you’re fully booked. A health crisis doesn’t wait until you’ve built up your savings. And it’s not just natural disasters. Consider what could derail your business on any given day: Any one of these could happen to any one of us. The question isn’t if — it’s when, and how ready will you be. Why Pet Business Owners Are Especially Vulnerable Most of us are solo operators or small teams. That means there is no corporate safety net beneath us. No HR department. No paid leave policy. No backup location. When we stop, the business stops, but the bills don’t. Many pet business owners also operate on thin margins. We invest in equipment, supplies, insurance, and continuing education, and what’s left often goes right back into the business or into our households. Building a financial cushion feels like a luxury when you’re in survival mode — but the absence of one is exactly what turns a manageable crisis into a devastating one. What an Emergency Plan Actually Looks Like An emergency plan doesn’t have to be a 40-page document. It just has to exist. Here’s what it should cover: Business Continuity Who covers your appointments if you are suddenly unable to work? Do you have a trusted colleague, a grooming friend, or a referral partner who can step in? Your clients need to know their pets will be cared for even if you can’t be the one doing it. Having those relationships in place before you need them is everything. Communication Protocol How will you notify clients quickly if you need to close; planned or unplanned? A simple email list, a pre-written social media message template, and a text alert system can save you hours of scrambling in the middle of an already stressful situation. Important Documents Keep digital copies of everything in a secure, cloud-based location: your business license, insurance policies, client records, vendor contacts, lease agreements, and equipment warranties. If your physical space is compromised, you need these accessible from anywhere. Insurance Review Do you actually know what your policy covers? Many pet business owners discover the gaps in their coverage only after they need to file a claim. Sit down with your insurance agent annually and ask specifically about business interruption coverage, property damage, and liability. If you don’t have a policy that addresses all three, that’s your starting point. The Emergency Fund: Your Business’s Life Raft Financial experts typically recommend three to six months of operating expenses as an emergency fund for small businesses. For pet business owners, that number should cover rent or lease payments, insurance premiums, equipment maintenance, supply costs, and enough to pay yourself a reduced but livable income. If that number feels impossible right now, start smaller. Open a dedicated savings account, separate from your personal account and separate from your operating account. Treat it like a non-negotiable bill. Even $25 or $50 a week compounds into real security over time. A few practical ways to build it faster: The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About There is a particular kind of panic that sets in when your business is in crisis and you have no plan and no cushion. It is not just financial stress, it affects your decision-making, your relationships, your sleep, and your ability to show up for your clients and your animals. Preparedness isn’t just a business strategy. It is a mental health strategy. Knowing that you have a plan and a safety net, even an imperfect one, changes everything about how you move through uncertainty. It gives you options when everything feels like it’s closing in. Start Today — Not Someday You don’t need to do all of this at once. Pick one thing from this list and do it this week: And if you’re not sure where to begin, the work has already been done for you. Recommended ResourcesEmergency and Disaster Planning for Pet Business OwnersA dedicated course through Spirited Dog Productions that walks you through building your plan step by step, no guesswork, no starting from a blank page. This is exactly the kind of practical, industry-specific education our community deserves.Emergency and Disaster Plan Template by Kate Klasen & Mary Oquendo is a physical workbook designed specifically for pet business owners. It takes the overwhelm out of planning by giving you a clear, fillable framework to work through, because a plan you can write in and refer to is a plan you’ll actually use. You have already done the hardest thing, you built something. Now protect it. Because the animals in your care are counting on you to still be here. And so are you. Have you thought about your emergency plan? What’s one step you’re going to take this week? Share it in the comments, this community is stronger when we build each other up.
Is It Burnout — Or Something More?
Is It Burnout — Or Something More? When did grooming start to feel like something you had to survive rather than something you loved? Maybe it was the client who blamed you for a seizure you couldn’t have predicted. Maybe it was the review that lit up your Facebook page on your day off. Maybe you just woke up one morning and couldn’t find the part of you that used to care so much. That’s not weakness. That’s not burnout. That has a name: Compassion Fatigue. To understand what Compassion Fatigue is requires the input of someone more knowledgeable than myself. Catherine Anne (Frend) Gillihan, Retired NCG, BS/ Behavioral Science/ Resilience Trainer, Certified Crisis Counselor and Equine Facilitated Learning Practitioner offered up her expertise. How did you become involved in this type of work? Catherine: I am a retired groomer. When I retired, I started looking for my “second career.” I decided, as much as I loved helping animals and, at times, felt like my clients’ therapist, it was time for me to help people through understanding why we behave the way we do. I have seen so many cases of groomers “just losing it,” where the dog and sometimes employees end up paying the price. It was time to step up, take that lifetime of understanding the industry, couple that with becoming educated in mental health, and I became determined to get the word out. Compassion Fatigue and burnout are real and they will, if left untreated, create a volatile environment. What is the difference between Compassion Fatigue and burnout? Catherine: Compassion fatigue also is known as “Vicarious Traumatization” or “Secondary Traumatization.” It is the emotional strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events. It differs from burnout, but can co–exist. Compassion Fatigue occurs from exposure to one case or maybe the result of a series of traumas. Burnout is a cumulative process marked by emotional exhaustion and withdrawal associated with the increased workload and institutional stress, but is not trauma–related. These two conditions can co–exist simultaneously, or one can start before the other. What are the symptoms of Compassion Fatigue? Catherine: It can affect different areas of your wellbeing including some or all of the following: * Nervous system arousal (sleep disturbance) * Decreased cognitive ability * Impaired behavior and judgment * Feeling of isolation and loss of morale * Depression and PTSD * Loss of self–worth * Unable to modulate or control emotions * Impacts your view of the world and spirituality * Changes your psychological needs (increases or decreases your dependency upon safety, trust, esteem, intimacy, and self–control) * Loss of hope and meaning (may create an existential despair) * Unwarranted anger towards individuals, animals, or events. What are the real danger signs? Catherine: Finding yourself quick to anger with individuals and animals, and unable to understand why you cannot tolerate the usual stressors during the day. Normal day–to–day situations such as: dog barking, peeing or pooping in a kennel after a bath, a regular is having a bad day and cannot stand still may set you off. Ask yourself these questions: * Is my ability to function altered? * Am I regularly waking up tired in the morning and struggling to get to work? * Do I feel as if I am working harder but accomplishing less? * Am I becoming frustrated or irritated easily, almost with–out prompting? * Am I losing compassion for human clients and/or animals? * Am I experiencing frequent illness and migraines? What can a groomer do to prevent or deal with Compassion Fatigue? Catherine: Prevention can start with preventing burnout. Schedule regular time off, learn how to recognize your personal limits, STOP comparing yourself to others (which leads to poor self–esteem), recognize your busy times of the year and plan accordingly, develop boundaries within your business and personal life, and make a commitment to upholding them. Ask For HELP. It is never a bad decision to go and speak with a counselor; it is private and confidential. Join a group (again, confidential) to learn how to establish boundaries and release the stress and tension of daily client interactions. How can a groomer seek help? Catherine: Call your Primary Care Physician (I understand most in the grooming industry struggle with affordable healthcare.) If you use your insurance, generally you will need a referral. If you have insurance that does not require a referral for mental health, then you can go straight to finding someone in your area. All mental health visits are confidential, so don’t worry about using someone close by. Therapists cannot discuss your case with anyone. Mental Health professionals will not engage unless you engage, keeping your relationship 100 % confidential. Private Non–Profit Mental Health Clinics are popping up everywhere allowing for the noninsured or underinsured to obtain benefits upon a cash sliding scale (sometimes allowing for visits as low as $5 to $45). I am always available to reach out to; (keepthefaithfarm@gmail.com). I can enlist a wide range of colleagues to obtain the help that is needed. If you belong to a body of faith, most congregations have counselors on staff. I am proud to be part of such a supportive industry. I would like to reiterate: Ask For Help! If you recognize the symptoms and danger signs in another groomer, intervene. You may save the life of a pet or the groomer.
Stop Running on Empty
Stop Running on Empty: A Self-Care Guide for Pet Care Professionals Spring Edition You got into pet care because you love animals. But somewhere between the early morning drop-offs, the never-ending texts, the skunk emergencies at 10 p.m., and the sheer physical demands of the job — something got lost. You. Spring is supposed to be a season of renewal. Instead, for many of us in the pet care industry, it’s mud season — exhausting, relentless, and over before we ever got a chance to enjoy it. The flowers bloom, the days get longer, and yet we’re too burnt out to notice. But here’s what nobody tells you: burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning sign. And the good news? You don’t have to choose between running a thriving business and actually living your life. The bridge between those two things is self-care — and it’s more practical than you think. What Is Self-Care, Really? Self-care isn’t bubble baths and scented candles (though hey, no judgment). At its core, self-care is any action that helps you avoid burning out while improving your overall wellbeing — physically and mentally. Both matter. Neglect one, and the other suffers. For pet care professionals especially, this isn’t optional. The animals in your care can literally smell stress hormones on you. When you’re overwhelmed, they feel it — and they react to it. Taking care of yourself is, in part, taking care of them. 10 Self-Care Habits That Actually Work 1. Set Hard Boundaries Around Your Time Decide when your workday ends — and mean it. Silence the business phone. Don’t check texts, emails, or your Facebook business page after hours. Even if a client is in a panic. Think about it this way: have you ever called a business after hours expecting someone to pick up? Of course not — because you understood they were closed. You deserve that same respect. A pet that just got skunked at 11 p.m. will still be skunky at 8 a.m. Set your hours, communicate them clearly, and hold the line. 2. Move Your Body Every Hour You don’t need a gym. Just two minutes of sustained movement every hour — a lap around the building, a quick walk down the block. The human body was designed to move, and when we get overwhelmed, our bodies flood with stress hormones. Movement helps flush them out. As a bonus: your animal clients will notice the difference. Calmer you = calmer pets. 3. Protect Your Sleep The right amount of sleep varies from person to person — what matters is getting yours. If you struggle to fall asleep and it’s not a medical issue, try these: 4. Don’t Weaponize Your Snooze Button Hitting snooze doesn’t give you more rest — it interrupts your sleep cycle (which runs 60–120 minutes) and leaves you groggier than if you’d just gotten up. Instead, give yourself 10 unhurried minutes to wake up. A slow morning cuddle — with a partner, a pet, or just your pillow — does more for your emotional wellbeing than another 9-minute alarm cycle ever will. 5. Eat Like You Mean It Eat breakfast. Stop skipping lunch. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and gets your brain moving. A real lunch break — away from work — raises your blood sugar and keeps you sharp through the afternoon. You wouldn’t skip feeding the animals in your care. Show yourself the same consideration. 6. Feed Your Mind Something Good Queue up a podcast that makes you laugh, teaches you something, or inspires you. Save the rage-inducing news and true-crime rabbit holes for after work. What you let into your head during your workday sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. 7. Know When to Step Away Recognize your emotional state in the moment. If you’re hitting a wall, put the animal in a safe space and give yourself a few minutes to reset. This isn’t weakness — it’s professionalism. A grounded handler is a safer handler. 8. Do Something Kind — for No Reason Research published in Psychology Today found that random acts of kindness are powerful mood boosters. When you do something nice for someone else, you feel more in control of your own life and better about yourself. It doesn’t have to be big — a kind word, a surprise coffee, holding a door. 9. Use Those Gift Cards Already You know the massage gift cards you got at the holidays and never used? Your body has been carrying the weight of this job all season. Cash them in. You’ve earned it. 10. Try Meditation (It’s Not What You Think) A 2013 Psychology Today article found that meditation improves health, happiness, productivity, social connection, brain function, and self-control. If sitting cross-legged in silence isn’t your thing, try one of these accessible alternatives: You Can’t Pour from an Empty Bowl Here’s the truth nobody in the pet care industry says out loud: you cannot give your best to the animals in your care — or to the clients who trust you with them — when you’re running on fumes. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the foundation everything else is built on. This spring, don’t just watch the season change from behind a pile of work. Take the walk. Eat the lunch. Book the massage. Go to bed on time. These aren’t luxuries — they’re the non-negotiables that keep you healthy, present, and doing the work you love for years to come. The roses will be there. Make sure you are too. References: Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). Psychology Today. | Ricard, M. (2013). Psychology Today.
Burnout Almost Broke My Business
Burnout Almost Broke My Business Two years into my mobile grooming business, I was grooming eight pets a day, five days a week. On paper, I was crushing it. In reality, I was exhausted, achy, short-tempered, and quietly unraveling. The money was fantastic. But I had no time for myself, no time for relationships, and no energy left at the end of the day. I wasn’t building a dream, I was building a cage. And I was approaching burnout faster than I wanted to admit. At some point, every high-achieving pet professional faces the same question: Do I keep grinding or do I start taking care of myself? What Burnout Actually Looks Like Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s chronic stress that rewires how you function. It shows up as: 👉 Physical and emotional exhaustion.You’re tired all the time. Your muscles and joints never fully relax. You’re quick to anger. Meals become whatever is fastest and easiest, usually high sugar, high fat, and low nourishment. 👉 Cynicism and detachment.You lose clarity. You misinterpret comments. You react instead of respond. Clients who once felt manageable now feel unbearable. 👉 Feeling ineffective.You start questioning your career choice. The work you once loved becomes something you dread. 👉 Sleep disruption.You hit snooze repeatedly, never completing a full sleep cycle. You wake up just as exhausted as when you went to bed. That was me. The Wake-Up Call Around that time, I came across a long-term Harvard study that tracked 724 men over 79 years. The researchers wanted to know what led to happiness and success. The answer wasn’t money. It was relationships. The men who fostered close personal and professional relationships were the healthiest, happiest, and most successful. That hit me hard. Because I was sacrificing relationships for revenue. And that math wasn’t sustainable. I Didn’t Overhaul Everything Overnight I knew drastic, overnight changes would fail. So I adjusted slowly—intentionally. ✅ I Got My Schedule Under Control I had two options:Hire help.Or reduce workload. Hiring would have increased my stress at that stage of life. So I reduced. I released problematic clients.I raised my prices to offset reduced volume.I created my first Terms of Service.I enforced weight limits.I required frequency commitments.I implemented no-show penalties.And most importantly—I enforced them. Not everyone stayed. That was okay. Within a year, I was grooming six pets a day, four days a week. And my body—and mind—finally exhaled. ✅ I Treated Self-Care as Non-Negotiable Healthy breakfast.Prepared lunch.Scheduled lunch break. If I didn’t prep food the night before, I’d default to gas station survival mode. So I removed the excuse. Massage stopped being a luxury and became maintenance.Orthopedic mats and supportive footwear became mandatory.Meditation before bed replaced mental spiraling. Burnout doesn’t happen in a day. Recovery doesn’t either. ✅ I Repaired My Relationships All work and no play damages more than your joints. I blocked one full day a week for fun.Vacations became true vacations—no phone, no laptop.I walked with a friend twice a week.I extended trade shows by a day just to enjoy the city.I volunteered monthly with my dog. I remembered who I was outside of grooming. Your version of fun may look different:😎 Organized sports😎 Book clubs😎 Farmers markets😎 Spa days😎 Sailing, hiking, bowling, movies The activity doesn’t matter. Connection does. The Ripple Effect When I carved out space for myself, everything improved. My patience.My relationships.My creativity.My leadership.My joy in grooming. My business didn’t collapse. It stabilized. Here’s the hard truth: If your business requires you to destroy yourself to keep it running, it is not a successful business. It is an unsustainable one. You cannot pour from an empty cup.You cannot build longevity on exhaustion.And you cannot lead others while neglecting yourself. Burnout doesn’t just cost energy. It costs relationships.It costs clarity.It costs health.And eventually—it costs careers. But you can pivot before that happens. Slowly.Intentionally.Powerfully. Because the goal isn’t just making money. It’s building a life worth living. And that life includes you.
Why Checklists Are The Secret Weapon You’re Probably Under-Using
Why Checklists Are the Secret Weapon You’re Probably Under-Using I don’t know about you, but spending hours wandering a grocery store is my idea of torture—especially when I have to hit four different stores to get everything I need. That’s exactly why shopping lists are non-negotiable for me. A list keeps me focused, saves money, and gets me in and out without tossing random items into my cart just because they caught my eye. Five aisles at Walmart beats roaming the entire store every time. That same principle applies beautifully to your business. A checklist does more than remind you what to do—it removes decision fatigue, reduces errors, and saves time. When tasks are written out clearly and logically, you’re no longer relying on memory or redoing work because a step was missed. Repetitive tasks become faster, smoother, and far less stressful. In a grooming environment, checklists are pure gold. A cleaning checklist can outline each task in the most efficient order and clarify who is responsible for what. A client check-in checklist ensures nothing important is missed—so you’re not stopping mid-groom to track down an owner for information you should’ve collected upfront. Opening and closing checklists create consistency, making sure every day starts and ends the same way, no matter who’s working. And here’s the magic part: checklists train your brain. When you follow the same steps repeatedly, your brain forms routines—and routines dramatically speed things up. Think back to when you first started grooming. How long did those early grooms take compared to now? Once both you and the pet knew what came next, everything flowed better. The same thing happens with business tasks when you use checklists consistently. I proudly call myself the Queen of Checklists. I have one for just about everything—and it’s the reason I can juggle four nonprofit boards, create workshops, write blogs and articles, produce two podcasts, and still have time left at the end of the day. Checklists don’t just organize tasks; they protect your time. When your business runs on systems instead of memory, you free yourself up to go home, shut the door, and actually enjoy your time off—without wondering if you forgot something important. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to print my updated trade show checklist.
What Bad Teeth Can Teach Us About Biting Dogs
What Bad Teeth Can Teach Us About Biting Dogs Back in the Stone Age—when phones were attached to walls and voicemail lived on a cassette inside something called an answering machine—I came home one evening to a completely full message box. That alone was impressive, since I had cleared it the night before. The culprit? Muffin and Princess’s mom. She had left me an hour-long message explaining, in great detail, how her delightful Shih Tzus would never bite a groomer unless that groomer was mean. She needed a nice groomer. The message included a passionate account of the alleged torture her babies had endured at the hands of other, clearly unhinged professionals. After the first fifteen minutes, I fast-forwarded to get the gist. Wanting to avoid spending another hour on the phone, I started our conversation with my happy price. She promptly decided to find another “nice groomer.” But here’s the thing I didn’t fully consider at the time: What if there was a kernel of truth buried in that hour-long rant? What if Muffin and Princess didn’t bite because groomers were mean—but because their mouths hurt? Pain Changes Behavior Many pet owners don’t connect poor dental health with pain. Pets can’t tell us their teeth ache, but they can tell us they don’t want vibrating clippers or unfamiliar hands near their face. If a pet’s mouth hurts, they will protect it.That protection can look like flinching, snapping, growling—or biting. This is one of the many reasons a nose-to-tail assessment at check-in is essential for every pet, every visit. Not just for coat condition—but for safety, communication, and professionalism. A word of caution: never open a pet’s mouth casually. Any pet can be a bite risk. Approach carefully, observe first, and use restraint and assistance when needed. Why Dental Awareness Matters for Groomers Being aware of dental pain benefits you in three important ways: 1. Awareness of Behavioral Problems Think about how you feel with a toothache. Now imagine living with that pain and having someone reach toward your face with clippers or scissors. Small dogs, in particular, are more prone to periodontal disease—which helps explain why face handling is such a common trigger for bites in smaller breeds. Recognizing this allows groomers to adjust handling, timing, and expectations, keeping both pets and people safer. 2. Establishing Authority Through Education Many owners don’t realize that poor oral health is linked to serious systemic diseases, including heart, kidney, liver, and lung disease. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and weaken the immune system over time. Veterinary professionals often estimate that improving dental health can extend a pet’s life by three to five years—not to mention reduce long-term veterinary costs. Important note: lack of dental care is often due to lack of knowledge, not neglect. Educate—don’t shame. Compassion builds trust. 3. Increasing Your Bottom Line (Ethically) This benefit is twofold: • Longevity: healthier pets stay on grooming schedules longer• Retail: dental products are small, easy to stock, and highly beneficial It makes little financial sense to spend time educating clients about dental care—only to send them elsewhere to purchase products. Starting the Conversation With Clients The check-in assessment is the perfect time to open a dialogue about dental health. Signs groomers may notice include:• Flinching or pulling away• Quivering lips• Growling, snapping, or hissing• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums• Tartar buildup• Visible tooth roots or bulging crowns• Open sores or ulcers on the face or mouth• Bad breath Ask owners if they’ve noticed:• Face rubbing on floors or furniture• Difficulty eating or loss of appetite• Preference for softer foods• Increased sleeping Together, these signs strongly suggest periodontal disease. What Is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease develops gradually. Food particles and bacteria form plaque, a milky film that appears daily. Within three to five days, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus). Tartar irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis. Left untreated, inflammation spreads below the gum line, forming pockets that trap bacteria, cause abscesses, bone loss, and significant pain. Ways Groomers Can Help Easy Options • High-quality dental treats without hidden sugars• Dental toys with nubs (gum massage) or ropes (natural flossing) Moderate Effort • Chlorhexidine wipes used several times weekly• Dental gels applied along the gum line Maximum Effort • Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe toothpaste only(Human toothpaste contains detergents and fluoride that can cause GI upset.) When disease is advanced, referral to a veterinarian is essential. Why This Matters Educating clients about dental care improves behavior, safety, and overall health. It builds trust, strengthens your professional role, supports ethical retail, and—most importantly—helps pets live longer, more comfortable lives. And at the end of the day, isn’t that why we do what we do?
Is Your Business Still Serving The Life You Want To Live?
Is Your Business Still Serving The Life You Want To Live? Is Your Business Supporting You? About once a year, I step back and ask an important question: Is my business still serving me? I do this because my business exists to support my life—not the other way around. If it no longer aligns with who I am or what I need, the sooner I recognize that, the sooner I can make meaningful changes. A business is a tool. Its job is to fund your lifestyle, not drain your energy or trap you in a version of success that no longer fits. When I compared last year’s evaluation to this year’s, one thing became clear: my needs have changed. And that’s not a failure—it’s growth. I want to challenge you to take a similar look at your profession or business. This isn’t about whether it pays your bills. It’s about whether it supports the life you want to live. To do that honestly, I invite you to look at your work through four distinct perspectives. 1. How Does Your Business Benefit You Personally? For me, the answer starts with freedom. I support myself doing work I genuinely love—teaching. I was a stay-at-home mom until my youngest was sixteen. Before that, I depended on someone else to bring income into our household. Entering the workforce didn’t just bring financial stability—it brought choice. Having discretionary income for the first time was liberating. Being able to buy something because I wanted it, not because it was necessary, changed how I viewed my independence and my worth. 2. How Does Your Business Benefit Your Family or Inner Circle? My work allows me to pass along skills that aren’t taught in school—planning, follow-through, goal setting. I feel uniquely positioned to teach my grandchildren how to turn ideas into action and dreams into achievable plans. That’s a gift. And it’s one that extends far beyond income. 3. How Does Your Work Benefit Your Profession? For me, this is about legacy. My goal is to legitimize and expand access to online education in the pet industry. I want to mentor the next generation of professional pet educators and help raise the standard of learning and leadership in our field. When your work contributes to the growth of your profession, it becomes bigger than you—and deeply fulfilling. 4. How Does Your Business Impact Your Clients? I want the people who take my programs to see themselves as skilled professionals—confident, capable, and deserving of respect. When your work empowers others, it creates ripple effects you may never fully see, but they matter just the same. A Thoughtful Time to Reflect For pet professionals, the best time to conduct this kind of review is either before the holiday rush or just after it ends—when your focus isn’t scattered in a million directions. Your business should evolve as you do. If it no longer fits, that’s not a problem—it’s information. And information gives you options. So ask yourself honestly:Is your business supporting the life you want to live now? If not, it may be time to realign the tool you built so it works for you again.