If your furry friend is in need of a wash, cut, blow dry or mani-pedi, you don't have to look far to find someone willing to help.

But when it comes to pet groomers, there's a huge gap between willing and able.

If you tune into Animal Planet you may find Groomer Has It, a reality show whose purpose is to choose the country's top pet groomer.

In the first week the contestants were introduced, including Jasper, a Boston native who, according to his bio, "has been running his own booming 'dawg' salon for over seven years."

Yet at the end of the first episode, there was something missing from the dog Jasper was picked to groom. That something was a hind leg. Thank goodness the victim was a stuffed, toy dog.

Despite the mishap, the judges deemed Jasper capable enough to move on to the next round of competition.

PetGroomer.com, a Web site dedicated to pet groomers and groomer wannabes, estimates that there are more than 4,000 dogs and cats for every U.S. grooming business.

And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pet groomers will increase 12 percent by 2010.

With the odds in favor of pet groomers, it's no wonder the Web site boasts, "Career opportunities are nearly limitless!" In a time of job cuts and recession, the business offers great possibilities for pet lovers looking for a career boost.

If there's a reality TV show about it, it must be big! But therein lies the problem for pet parents.

With so many groomers, how do you pick one that's right for you?

More Than Just Bad Hair

"It's no longer just a matter of a bad haircut," says Sandy Grossman, a South Florida pet mom. "Hair will always grow back. But there are safety issues to consider."

Grossman's border collie, Mable, developed a skin rash that her vet suspected was caused by a brush that had not been properly sterilized.

Melissa Perez tells a heartbreaking story about her father's dog.

"He took Minnie to a groomer, and the woman left her in the dryer so long the dog suffered burns all over her body. She survived, but has had health problems ever since."

Some groomers are registered or certified by a grooming school or professional association. But beware. There is no government agency that regulates or licenses pet groomers.

How To Choose

So, where do you start?

Ask for recommendations from friends, neighbors and your veterinarian.

"If you like the way someone's dog looks, find out who does her hair," Grossman advises.

You can also contact the National Dog Groomers Association of America. This is especially helpful if you're planning a long trip and will need to have your pet groomed while you're away.

After narrowing your search, call groomers to ask about services, costs and hours. Then take a drive to check out the facilities. You should also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against them.

You might also ask for a few current clients to call and interview.

The Humane Society suggests you ask several things before making an appointment. You should see if the facility is well lit and clean, note if the staff appears knowledgeable and check if the cages are big enough and separated by species.

Also, make sure the staff keeps complete records, including vaccinations and emergency contact information.

Most facilities won't allow anyone near the grooming areas, mostly because they don't want people getting in the way. But a reputable groomer should not hesitate to let you take a brief tour of the facility.

Don't just drop your pet off and come back. Would you drop your child off for a haircut? At least the first couple of times, stay and watch, experts suggested.

If the facility has a long waiting list for an appointment, it's a sign it is good. If they can take your pet any time, be careful.

If your pet has special needs, skin conditions or health problems, let the groomer know.

You should also know that groomers are not licensed to dispense tranquilizers. If your pet needs to be sedated during grooming, take him to a veterinarian with an on-staff groomer.

If you're still unsure about what to do, take your cue from Bob McCann, whose four short-haired miniature dachshunds have him wrapped around their little paws.

"Get a low-maintenance dog," he advises. "I bathe my babies in the Roman tub, brush them, trim their nails, and they're good to go."