By Kathy Hosler
September 30, 2016
Many years back when I very first opened my salon, a young couple brought their toy Poodle, Spunky in to be groomed. We discussed the style of clip they wanted, as well as as they were leaving, I put Spunky in a cage to ensure that I might surface the pet dog I already had on my table. The other half promptly burst into tears as well as sobbed, “She’s putting him in a cage! She’s putting him in a cage!”
I assured them that it was for Spunky’s security as well as would only be for a few minutes. The other half stated that would be fine as well as he took his weeping other half as well as left. A couple of minutes later, he was back. His other half demanded that he get the dog. She couldn’t stand the believed of her ‘baby’ being in a cage.
I made a suggestion. “I have two grooming tables, what if I put a great blanket on one of them as well as then
let Spunky rest there (with a security loop on him, of course) up until I can begin him?”
Well, the other half was relieved as well as eventually the other half was happy. So, for fourteen years, that was exactly how we cared for Spunky…no cages for him. Of course, being connected up a grooming table, I had to regularly be conscious of Spunky’s every movement. It was not the suitable option for me, however as a new groomer, I tried my finest to please every client—even if that indicated a lot more work or issues for me.
This is a issue lots of groomers face—how do you keep the family pets in your care risk-free as well as secure, as well as still please your customers?
Cage–Free Systems
While some pet parents may believe ‘cage–free’ seems suitable for their valuable baby, there are lots of dangers connected with family pets roaming complimentary in a salon. a lot of shops have some type of containment system, even if they don’t utilize cages. one of the most prominent is the stall or suite. This type of configuration normally consists of a series of eyebolts along a wall that the dogs can be tethered to. a lot of have dividers or partitions to separate the dogs. lots of pet dog suites likewise have doors or gates on the front. They do not have a top on them, which assists the pet parent feel that their cherished infant is not in a dreaded cage.
This type of configuration can be made inviting as well as beautiful, with murals of outside scenes, beach backgrounds, as well as other holiday destinations put on the wall behind the pets. When planning a containment system like this, you have to believe about toughness as well as pet safety, as well as you will requirement to choose materials that are simple to clean as well as sanitize.
Cage Systems
For a lot of salons, cages are necessary devices for the risk-free operation of their business. You don’t have to refer to them as cages when you are speaking to pet parents, phone call them pet condos, puppy cabins, or relaxing canine cottages. a lot of facilities have banks of cages where the family pets are housed when they are not on the grooming table or in the bathtub. Today’s cages are extremely expert looking as well as have been created with the pet’s security in mind. They are available in lots of bright colors to coordinate with any type of shop’s decor.
The type of cage system that you choose depends upon exactly how you want to utilize them. They each have benefits depending upon the application. Banks of cages are commonly the system of option for the majority of grooming establishments. They are available in common sizes, or they can be custom-made created to in shape your salon’s needs. lots of produced cage bank systems have a laminated surface that is extremely durable. They have rounded inside corners as well as a increased non–drip front edge which makes them simple to sanitize as well as clean. And, a lot of have casters on them that make it a breeze to step them so you can quickly clean under as well as behind them.
A plus of cable cage units is that you can see the pet in any way times. They have flow–thru ventilation, as well as you can fasten a dryer or a fan on the side, top, or the front of them. a lot of of them have a slide–out tray under the floor for simple cleaning. On the downside, they may rust over time as well as they can be noisy.
Plastic or fiberglass cages can be stacked or utilized singly. They are lightweight as well as simple to clean as well as disinfect. a lot of come apart as well as can be nested for storage. Some family pets are calmer as well as a lot more material in these den–like units. If you have a non–stop barker, you can even drape a towel over the front of the cage to get rid of outside stimulation.
Safety First
The pet’s security must always be uppermost in your mind when you choose a containment system. You must do a complete inspection of any type of cages that you purchase. inspect the inside surfaces for rough edges that might injure a pet. look at the spacing of cable framework asnull