Hi there! I am a groomer and there seems to be some confusion and I thought I would offer my explaination.
First, I agree with some of the other posts about not all groomers at Petsmart are bad (I am a private mobile groomer). It just depends on who you get. I think will all groomers you should be very specific (we are not mind readers
)
Second, as of right now there is NO across the board national certification for groomers (like say for people cosmatologists) or national regulations on how clean you keep your shop (there is always OSHA - general safety guidlines for all workplaces). Just about anyone can say they are a "groomer". You should look for some one with solid experience (with another good groomer as an apprentice) OR formal grooming school training (lenghth of schools can vary). Then a groomer can go a step or two further, some organizations (Nat Dog Groomers Assoc, Int Soc of Canine Cosmatologists, etc.) that put you through a MAJOR testing process (both written and actually grooming) to prove yourself and then at the end you can become a "Master Stylist". By having this certification it is proof that you know the breed standard cuts and the skin issues and conditions (not an easy process). These groomers may charge more but are certainly worth it. However, just because a groomer has not been "certified as a master stylist" does not mean he/she is bad.
Just do your homework and ASK ALOT of questions. If you are not comfortable then look elsewhere. It should be a pleaseant experience for ALL.
Hope this helps.