My very first job was as a bather at a grooming salon in Herndon, VA. I made it until lunch, clocked out, and never went back. Now, I am an over achiever, not a quitter, but the way the this salon was run showed me exactly what I did NOT want when my dog was going in for a bath or groom.
When people think about dog grooming, they often picture a calm salon, fluffy dogs, and a fresh haircut at the end. What most people don’t see is the reality behind the scenes. Grooming is one of the most physically demanding and emotionally challenging jobs in the pet industry, and it comes with real risks that are often overlooked or minimized.
Recently, one of our stores sent me photos of natural chews and I what I noticed was a groomer with a massive bruise on her arm caused by a dog bite. Seeing that bruise is what made me want to write this. It was a very real, very visible reminder of what groomers deal with far more often than people realize. This is not an isolated incident. Being bitten, scratched, bruised, or injured is an occupational hazard in grooming.
Groomers work hands on with dogs all day, every day. These are not always relaxed, cooperative pets. Many dogs are nervous, fearful, in pain, elderly, untrained, or experiencing grooming for the first time. Even the sweetest dog can react unpredictably when stressed, restrained, or startled. Bites, scratches, bruises, pulled muscles, and repetitive strain injuries are common.
Beyond bites, grooming is hard physical labor. Groomers lift heavy dogs onto tables and into tubs, bend and crouch for hours, and perform repetitive motions that take a toll on wrists, shoulders, backs, and knees. Most groomers develop chronic pain over time. This is not a job where you “just play with dogs.” It is exhausting, demanding work that requires strength, stamina, and constant focus.
The emotional side of grooming is just as heavy. Groomers manage anxious dogs, frustrated pet parents, time pressure, and the responsibility of keeping animals safe while using sharp tools near sensitive areas. They often see dogs who are severely matted, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed, and they have to make decisions that may upset owners but are necessary for the dog’s wellbeing. That emotional weight adds up.
What many people don’t realize is that groomers choose this work because they care deeply about dogs. They accept the risks, the sore bodies, and the stress because helping dogs feel better matters to them. They celebrate progress, like a fearful dog learning to trust or a puppy having a positive first experience, even when it takes time and patience.
Pet parents can help more than they know. Regular grooming, basic handling and training, honest communication about behavior, and realistic expectations all help keep groomers safe. Trusting your groomer’s professional judgment, respecting policies, and showing kindness go a long way. A simple thank you truly matters.
Groomers are skilled professionals, animal handlers, and caregivers rolled into one. Their job is not easy, and it is far more dangerous and demanding than most people realize. That bruise was just one moment captured on camera, but it represents the reality many groomers live every day. The next time your dog comes home clean, comfortable, and happy, take a moment to appreciate the person who made that possible.