What is the grooming policy for narcotic sedation?

• A. Decline and reschedule.
• B. Proceed with narcotic sedation if vet approves.
• C. Refuse all future grooming for the pet.
• D. Offer alternative non-narcotic sedation.

Answer: (A)

Safety and policy around sedation in grooming is about keeping pets and staff protected from the risks of controlled substances. Narcotic sedation is a controlled drug that must be managed and monitored by a veterinarian with proper facilities. Groomers aren’t authorized to administer or supervise these drugs, so the standard approach is to decline the service and reschedule. This ensures the pet can be groomed only when a veterinarian has properly addressed sedation needs—whether through a vet-approved plan or a different, non-narcotic approach. In short, it’s about avoiding on-site narcotics to prevent safety and regulatory issues, and steering the appointment to a time when appropriate veterinary care can be arranged.