OVERVIEW
SOP 1.05, SOP 1.06, and SOP 1.07 establish a connected workflow for preparing a dog from bathing through final pre-groom approval. The process begins with reviewing the service, coat type, client requests, and known concerns before bathing. It then covers proper rinsing, product use, drying, brushing, coat preparation, and inspection for mats, skin concerns, parasites, and other unusual findings.
The drying procedure establishes safety standards for force dryers, stand dryers, fans, and approved kennel or cage airflow practices. It also addresses equipment checks, airflow direction, coat-specific drying, and warning signs such as excessive panting, breathing difficulty, panic, overheating, weakness, or exhaustion.
The final pre-groom assessment provides a checkpoint before the haircut or finishing work begins. The groomer confirms that the dog is dry, properly prepared, safe to continue, and still suitable for the original grooming plan. When problems are identified, the SOP directs staff to communicate with the bather, manager, lead groomer, or owner as appropriate rather than proceeding without clarification.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to review the dog's service, coat type, notes, and client requests before bathing.
- How to complete the bathing, shampooing, conditioning, facial, ear, and rinsing process according to service needs and shop policy.
- How to prepare different coat types for grooming through appropriate drying, brushing, combing, and coat preparation.
- How to inspect the skin and coat for mats, packed undercoat, sores, cuts, hot spots, parasites, and other unusual findings.
- How to inspect and safely operate drying equipment before use.
- How to use force dryers and stand dryers safely while monitoring the dog's breathing, stress, and tolerance.
- How to apply different drying approaches for curly, long, double, heavy, and other coat types.
- How to recognize when a dog is not safely tolerating the drying process.
- How to complete a final pre-groom assessment before grooming begins.
- How to communicate and document concerns when the coat, service plan, or dog's condition requires further review.
BUSINESS BENEFITS
Implementing these three SOPs creates a standardized process from bathing through drying and pre-groom assessment. Staff have defined checkpoints for reviewing service requirements, preparing different coat types, inspecting skin and coat conditions, checking drying equipment, monitoring dog safety, and documenting concerns. The procedures also establish clearer communication between bathers, groomers, managers, and owners when a dog is not properly prepared or the original service plan may need to change. Checklists and training sign-offs provide documented points of completion and help reinforce consistent procedures across the grooming team.
RECOMMENDED FOR
- Salon Owners
- Managers
- Bathers
- Groomers
- Grooming Assistants
- Mobile Groomers
- Veterinary Grooming Departments
- Training Staff
IMPLEMENTATION NOTES
Implement SOP 1.05 as the bathing and initial preparation procedure, followed by SOP 1.06 for safe and coat-appropriate drying. Once bathing, drying, brushing, and preparation are complete, use SOP 1.07 as the final checkpoint before grooming begins. Staff should complete the applicable checklists, document unusual skin, coat, behavior, or safety concerns, and communicate issues to the appropriate groomer or manager. These SOPs should be used together with the related procedures identified in the documents, including appointment check-in, busy-day appointment flow, grooming table setup, final groom quality check, heat-stress and drying safety, respiratory distress, injury response, and senior-pet safety procedures.
