MILLARD, Neb. (KMTV) — Lori Shelton, the owner of All About Dogs Grooming Salon and Dog Daycare, says it's not just people who are eager to have their hair cut after staying home for so long. But finding a groomer might be more difficult than expected.
“Any of the good, respectable groomers in town are in two situations: either they’re really booked out for 2-3 months, or they’re not even taking any new customers which is the situation that we’re in right now," Shelton said. "We’re not even able to take on new customers.”
After voluntarily closing her shop for a few weeks, Shelton says her groomers are booked solid trying to play catch up.
She said an increase in people owning dogs is also keeping groomers busy. Puppies that were given as Christmas presents are now ready for the first grooms.
“And you’re also finding that a lot of people while they’re being shut down, and they're staying home, they’re adopting dogs," Shelton said. "So now those puppies and dogs need to be groomed.”
And its not just aesthetics that owners and groomers are worried about.
“Nails are long, coats are now long, so now you’re talking a health situation with dogs, that it needs to be taken care of.”
Dogs like huskies that need to have their winter fur taken off can face issues with regulating body temperature and skin irritation. Shelton’s advice:
“Brush, brush, brush, brush, brush brush. That’s the best thing we can tell you to do, is to brush your dog until you can get in somewhere.”
Though they are booked and not taking any new customers, All About Dogs is offering walk in nail clippings. They have curbside pickup for those not comfortable coming into the store.
If you’re looking to take your dog to a new groomer, Shelton encourages owners to check reports with the Better Business Bureau, check Facebook reviews and look to see how clean the salon is.
“If someone can get you in, I’d say take it,” she said.
