Tools for Pet Groomers

There are many careers open to people who enjoy interacting with animals, including pet groomer. Pet groomers specialize in bathing, trimming and brushing animals as well as performing other basic hygiene-related services. To become a pet groomer you need a few basic pieces of equipment.

  1. Clippers and Blades

    • One of the primary jobs of a pet groomer is to trim and shape the coats of long-haired animals. The clippers and scissors used for this are similar to what hairstylists use on humans. Different set of blades are used for different purposes; some clippers allow you to change blades easily, while others require tools. A pair of clippers comes with guides in various lengths, generally sold together in a set. You will also need professional scissors for trimming by hand.

    Tables

    • There is a surprising variety of grooming tables to be found. If you have a traveling grooming business then you can purchase a folding table. Hydraulic tables employ a hydraulic pump, operated by means of foot pedals, to raise and lower according to your height and the height of the animal, allowing you to save your back. The most costly option is an electric table which has a height adjustment and also provides additional lighting. Additional features are wheels and swiveling arms which hold a leash you can use to help keep in the animal on the table.

    Dryers

    • There are three basic kinds of hair dryers employed by animal groomers. A cage dryer is designed to hook onto the animal's cage. A stand dryer is placed on a tall stand and can be used at the grooming table. There are also portable dryers for use in house calls. Many dryers come with detachable hoses that can be applied directly to the animal's coat to speed drying.

    Other Grooming Tools

    • Basic pet grooming involves brushing animals to remove excess hair, dirt and tangles. There are simple tools to help you do this. Brushes come in many shapes and sizes appropriate for animals with different fur lengths. Flexible shedding blades and stripping knives are both designed to remove layers of extra hair from an animal's coat to decrease shedding. Other necessities include nail clippers and clotting powder which stops the bleeding anytime an animal's nails get cut too short and start to bleed.