There are many experienced groomers who are the best out there, but that are not qualified. They’ve been grooming dogs since before grooming qualifications existed! You’ll still find that these groomers are up to date with all the latest techniques and trends, and in fact they are often the mentors giving seminars to all new budding groomers!
But we live in a new society where gone are the days when you could get a job in a grooming parlour without obtaining a qualification. So much is invested into new staff that Qualifications prove to employers that they are serious about grooming. But just because someone is qualified doesn’t mean they have much hand on experience. During their course they will often only actually groom a handful of dogs, and although they may have had a work placement, they may have only been bathing the dogs.
So, check what qualifications a groomer has, but also find out how much experience they have.
Look for approved logos on their advertising.
Great news is that The Pet Industry Federation is in the process of trying to regulate dog grooming, so the grooming industry is becoming safe guarded against unprofessionalism.