Kansas City, MO – A shortage of dog groomers is not what most would imagine we'd face during the pandemic. But here we are.
The term 'shortage' is relative, especially as it's been applied across the country to describe the state of affairs of the unkempt, unshorn and un-coiffed pooch class. What's really happening here, is more of a lack of desired service.
It's the age old law of supply and demand - too many dog owners want service, and not enough groomers to go around.
"It just mostly boils down to being underpaid and overworked," says Brooke Kesinger, owner of Pupperazzi Dog Spa in Leavenworth County, Kansas. A combination of job dissatisfaction and increased demand has groomers calling it quits, she says.
And that creates a backlog, a waiting list... a shortage. And it's not just here in the Kansas City Metro, but apparently nationwide. Pet owners are having to wait months to get an appointment with a groomer.
“It’s not really safe to squeeze dogs in and it’s not fair to the other customers who did book their appointment in advance," says Kesinger.
So if little Max, Spot or Daisy need a good bath or a trim, it could be a while before your pooch gets pampered.