The vet, one groomer and the boarding camp all came via word of mouth.

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Groomer Philip Hendricks of Preferred Pet Grooming recommends creating a routine that begins with brushing and ends with a bath.

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Bryant notes that nail growth can vary based on the animal, so ask your groomer or vet when it's best to trim.

CNN: Pet grooming tools for a less hairy summer

"Grooming is so much more important once it does get hot, " says mobile pet groomer Michael Bryant of Snazzy-Pet USA in Atlanta.

CNN: Pet grooming tools for a less hairy summer

The association has established written tests and a hands-on exam that helps determine which members of the trade are "worthy of being called a certified master cat groomer, " Ms. Raisanen says.

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The Furminator, a line of fine-toothed combs created by professional groomer Angie Porter, has gained a cult-like following among pet owners for its ability to remove a pet's undercoat with little fuss.

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As we took a mellow run down some beautiful corduroy groomer on a bluebird day, I watched Stein, who has a uniquely classic form, swishing his hips side to side and perfect rhythm.

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Ms. Raisanen, a groomer in Fairview Park, Ohio, helped found the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America in 2008 to establish better education standards for the animal specialists who trim, clip, style and fluff felines.

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But: If yours is a "personal service corporation"--meaning the corporation's main output is your own work effort, for instance as consultant or pet groomer--then all your profits are taxed at a flat 35% corporate rate and you'll usually do better with a passthrough.

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