A lot of pooches out there are pretty straggly these days because pet groomers have been closed for six weeks—and it may be a while yet before they can take the “closed” sign down.

Some groomers have raised questions as to why they’re a couple of rungs down the ladder under the province’s phased-in reopening plan.

Rhonda Coady, the owner of Furrever Grooming, says clients are telling them that their pet’s fur has become matted, and their nails need to be cut.

Coady says these issues can quickly grow into larger problems.

She contends that having doggie daycare centres open before groomers must be an oversight. Coady doesn’t see why a dog needs to go to doggie daycare.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says essential employees who have to work may require the service.

She says part of the concern about grooming is how close employees must get in order to properly groom them. As well, she says veterinary clinics can provide services in case there are health concerns.