OVERVIEW
This SOP establishes a consistent process for preparing the grooming station and bathing station before a dog enters the grooming workflow. It covers table preparation, tool selection, safe storage of sharp equipment, clipper readiness, clean tools, bathing-station preparation, station safety during grooming, and resetting the workspace between dogs and at the end of the day.
A standardized station-reset process helps prevent common operational problems such as slippery floors, dropped or misplaced tools, dirty equipment being reused, supply shortages, unnecessary delays, and unsafe situations involving dogs on grooming tables. The SOP emphasizes that dogs must never be left unattended on a grooming table and that groomers should have necessary tools and supplies ready before placing the dog on the table.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to prepare a grooming table before starting.
- How to check the grooming arm, loop, table mat, and surrounding floor.
- How to gather the correct tools for the dog's coat and service.
- How to safely store blades, shears, scissors, and other sharp tools.
- How to check clippers, charging needs, cords, and backup equipment.
- How to maintain clean tools, towels, loops, and grooming surfaces.
- How to prepare the bathing station for pre-groomed dogs.
- How to keep the grooming station safe throughout the groom.
- How to reset the station between dogs.
- How to complete an end-of-day station reset and identify tool or supply needs.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
A consistent station setup and reset process helps staff maintain cleaner, safer, and more organized work areas. Preparing tools and supplies before the dog is placed on the table reduces unnecessary interruptions and helps keep the grooming workflow moving. Regular cleaning and tool separation support better hygiene and help reduce the risk of transferring dirt, odors, parasites, or disease between dogs. The procedures also improve tool accountability by identifying missing, borrowed, charging, damaged, dull, or repair-needed equipment.
RECOMMENDED FOR
- Groomers
- Bathers
- Grooming Assistants
- Salon Owners
- Managers
- Mobile Groomers
- Training Staff
IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
Use this SOP before starting a groom, rough-in, shave-down, dematting session, or pre-grooming process, as well as between dogs and at the end of the day. Staff should follow the setup and reset procedures consistently and complete the applicable checklists to verify station readiness. The SOP should be used alongside the related procedures identified in the document, including opening, closing, pre-groom assessment, final groom quality check, tool cleaning, animal handling, and tool disinfection procedures.
