Prices can be higher for fancy breeds.

Anyone who's tried to wash a dog or cat in the tub at home knows the value of a professional pet grooming service. But weather you want to drop off the pets and pick them up later in the day or make use of a facility's self-serve washing stations, you want to know that your pet will receive the best possible treatment while at the groomer's. To ensure this, you'll need to visit the business and have a talk with the groomers.

Cherie Hughes is a dog groomer and the owner of Scrub Your Pup, a Chicago based pet grooming salon. Here she offers advice on what to look for when choosing a pet groomer:

• Have a look around.
  Visit the pet grooming facility without your pet, just to have a good look around. Make sure the place is clean, well run, and has a positive atmosphere.
  
• Talk to the groomer.
  Meet and talk to the groomer one on one. Ask about his or her background in grooming, experience with animals, training, and certification.
  
• Find a real pet-lover.
  Try to gauge the groomer's attitude towards animals. Is this is a genuine pet-lover or just someone who is earning a paycheck? Will he or she go the extra mile to make sure your pet is happy and healthy?
  
• Prices vary.
  The price of grooming will vary depending on the services desired and the breed of the pet. Getting a bath for a Labrador Retriever might cost you about thirty bucks, while a haircut for a Standard Poodle could start as high as sixty-five dollars. Make sure to ask about prices before you settle on a service.
  
• Do-it-yourself grooming.
  Hughes' facility allows customers to come in and wash and groom their own pets. For fifteen dollars she provides towels, brushes, shampoo, and everything you need to wash your own pet. It's a money-saving option that saves you from messing up your own tub and can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your pet.

For more about pet care, grooming, and boarding, check out the following websites:

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
www.aspca.org

Ani-Med Pet Care Information Tips
www.animed.org

American Veterinary Medical Association: Care for Pets
www.avma.org

Pet Education.com
www.peteducation.com

The Humane Society of the United States: Choosing a Groomer
www.hsus.org

Next: Board Your Dog