10/16/2026
🐾 THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT DOG GROOMING THAT NOBODY TALKS ABOUT! 🐾
I want to take a minute to talk about something that I feel doesn't get talked about enough in the grooming industry. Why is there such a high turnover rate with dog groomers? Why don't groomers always stick around?
I've been asked this question before, and I want to give y'all a little insight into what really goes on behind the scenes.
A lot of people think being a dog groomer is the easiest, most enjoyable job in the world. We get to play with puppies, love on dogs, give them baths, and make them look cute all day, right?
WRONG! 😅
Don't get me wrong, we absolutely LOVE what we do! But there is an ugly side to grooming that most people never see.
🐾 We get bitten, scratched, kicked, and sometimes seriously injured. I've seen groomers get hurt badly enough to need stitches. There are days we go home bleeding, bruised, and completely exhausted.
🐾 Not every dog is the sweet little angel you see at home. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "My dog would NEVER bite!" or "My dog is so good!" And sometimes that same dog acts completely different on the grooming table. They're scared, nervous, anxious, or simply don't want to be messed with.
🐾 Grooming is extremely hard on your body. We stand for hours, bend over tubs, lift heavy dogs, and use our hands and wrists constantly. Back problems, wrist pain, carpal tunnel, and aching feet are very real in this industry. There are days I personally hurt so badly that I can barely walk right.
🐾 It's mentally exhausting, too! Imagine trying to safely groom a dog that is screaming, fighting, biting, or constantly moving while you're holding sharp scissors or clippers. You're trying to keep that dog safe, keep yourself safe, and still make sure the dog goes home looking beautiful.
And then sometimes, after all that hard work, people still don't understand why grooming costs what it does or why their dog takes a little longer.
This is why I appreciate my regular clients SO MUCH! ❤️
The ones who bring their dogs every month or every other month, who work with us to keep their dogs comfortable with grooming, and who understand how much work goes into what we do. Y'all truly make our jobs easier, and I appreciate you more than you know!
Now, let me explain something else.
Over the years, I've trained several groomers. Some have gone on to open their own businesses, some have changed careers, and some have simply decided grooming wasn't for them.
And you know what? THAT IS OKAY!
I will NEVER be upset with someone for doing what they feel is best for themselves or their family. Sometimes people want to better themselves, take a different opportunity, or find something that isn't so physically demanding.
Sadly, we're losing another groomer who has decided that grooming just isn't for her. She's moving on to work at a veterinary office, and I completely understand and wish her nothing but the best! ❤️
Her decision is actually what made me want to write this post.
People sometimes automatically assume that when groomers leave a salon, there must be drama, something wrong with the business, or something going on behind closed doors.
But sometimes the truth is simply that DOG GROOMING IS HARD!
It's not for everybody. You have to have patience, a strong work ethic, a love for animals, and you definitely have to be one tough cookie! 💪🐶
I've been grooming for years, and I can't even begin to tell y'all how many times I've thought about walking away myself. There have been days I've been so physically exhausted and hurting so badly that I've questioned how much longer my body can handle it.
But then I look at my clients, the dogs I've watched grow up, the relationships I've built, and the business I've worked so hard to build.
And I remember why I started. ❤️
I genuinely LOVE what I do. I take so much pride in my work, and I love seeing a dog walk out looking and feeling amazing.
But I also want people to understand that groomers deserve appreciation, patience, and respect. We are not just playing with dogs all day. We are working extremely hard, physically and mentally, to take care of your babies.
So the next time you see your groomer, thank them. Be patient with them. Understand that they're doing a job that takes a whole lot more than just loving dogs.
And to all my fellow groomers out there, I SEE YOU! ❤️🐾
I know the aches, the pains, the bites, the stressful days, and the days you just want to throw in the towel.
This industry isn't for the weak, and those of us who keep showing up do it because we truly love these animals.
Thank you to all of our amazing clients at Back Porch Pet Spa who continue to support us, appreciate us, and trust us with your babies. It means more than you will ever know! ❤️
🐾 Much love, Kaylee
Owner of Back Porch Pet Spa
