If its your first time visit, ask the groomer to look at the schools grooming area. Make sure the equipment used is right for your dog. Look in the kennel area to see if there is fresh water and the cages are clean. If your dog is put into a soiled kennel, they have a high chance of catching a transmittable disease. Make sure there is a soft area for the animal to lie on like a blanket or towel. A red flag should go up if you see multiple colors of hair on the floor. This means that the dog grooming school work area is not sanitizing between animals. Look at the clippers. Be assured that they are sanitized. If the clippers have dried blood or hair on them, you need to look for other dog grooming schools in your area.