The Traveling Groomers Podcast

To every groomer, pet stylist, and canine cosmetologist who grabbed their travel mug and rolled with us — thank you. From trade show floors to grooming vans, airport mishaps to heartfelt conversations, the Traveling Groomers Podcast has been one incredible journey, and it only happened because of you. Your loyalty, your laughter, and your passion for this industry have meant more to us than words can say. While this chapter is coming to a close, the road we traveled together — and everything we learned along the way — will stay with us always. Keep rolling, keep growing, and never stop loving what you do. With so much gratitude, Chris and Mary. 🐾❤️Buckle up, because we're taking you back to where it all started! Long before we were rolling down highways and navigating grooming trade shows, there was one Women Petpreneurs episode that lit the spark and set everything in motion. Consider this your backstage pass to the very conversation that launched the Traveling Groomers Podcast — the laughs, the lightbulb moments, and the magic that happens when passionate pet professionals get together and just start talking. Enjoy the ride! 🚐✂️🐾

What were groomers taught that seemed like best practice at the time, but looks seriously questionable now? Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo revisit the old habits that shaped grooming, from skipping protective gear and wearing the wrong shoes to pre-bath, dematting, avoiding conditioner, and using harsh ear-cleaning methods.They also unpack the “get ’er done” approach to handling, including forcing dogs into uncomfortable positions and treating grooming as an adversarial relationship instead of a partnership. The conversation moves through better communication with veterinarians, improved product education, and the industry’s slow shift toward safer handling and ergonomics. Above all, this episode asks groomers to recognize that going home in pain, skipping lunch, and expecting early career injuries should never have been considered normal.

In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise, Michelle Knowles, along with Mary Oquendo, explore the importance of establishing clear, evolving standards in the grooming industry. Michelle discusses the Master Groomer Council Best Practices document, how groomers can use it to guide their salons and support future legislation, and why industry professionals, not outside authorities, should help shape those standards. The conversation also examines the role of continuing education, improved handling techniques, product knowledge, and the responsibility to speak up when a dog’s welfare is at risk. Michelle emphasizes that grooming is a constantly evolving profession in which every groomer and every specialty has value. The episode closes with a reminder that business education is just as essential as grooming technique. From taxes and financial stability to sustainable salon practices, groomers need a strong business foundation to build successful, long-lasting careers.

Welcome aboard the Traveling Groomers Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris Anthony and Mary Oquendo are joined by Dr. Jamie McNally, a PhD veterinary social worker and trauma therapist, to dive into the emerging topic of moral injury in animal care professions. Together, they explore what moral injury is, how it differs from burnout and compassion fatigue, and why it’s especially relevant to groomers, shelter workers, and veterinarians. The conversation unpacks the real-world challenges faced by pet professionals—from confronting public hostility and ethical dilemmas, to the cumulative weight of difficult encounters that can erode trust, agency, and personal wellbeing. Drawing from Jamie McNally’s recent research and lived experiences in both mental health and animal care, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical advice for anyone who has struggled with the heartbreaks and gray areas of working with pets and their people. So grab your travel mugs and join us for an eye-opening discussion about the unseen emotional toll of animal care—and how we can heal together.

Welcome to Healthy, Wealthy, And Wise! In today’s episode, hosts Denise Heroux and Mary Oquendo dive into the vital topic of pet first aid—why it matters, what real-life emergencies have taught them over more than 50 years of combined grooming experience, and why every pet professional needs hands-on training. From freak accidents to common grooming mishaps, our hosts share hard-earned lessons, tips for preparedness, and advice on protecting your business and clients through proper protocols and insurance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and essential information to help you keep pets safe and your business running smoothly. Let’s get started!