We work with moving animals and sharp tools, so ensuring we have great lighting at our grooming table is a must. Unfortunately, not all workplaces are equipped with optimal lighting options, leaving us grooming with parts of the animal poorly lit. The inability to clearly see what we are working on can lead to a poor finish at best and injuries to the pet at worst. Inadequate light also contributes to eye strain on the stylist's part, and who has time for that?
If you can access natural light beaming in through windows, see if placing your grooming table close to that area is possible. Clean the windows frequently and ensure they are not obstructed with plants, drapes, shades, or clutter so the most possible light can reach your table.
See if existing light fixtures can take LED bulbs. LED light closely mimics natural light, making it easier for groomers to see fine fur, tiny external parasites and minute details of the pet's skin. They also produce less heat and don't have the annoying flickering quality common to most fluorescent lights. Look for LED lights in the 3000k to 5000k range, which will most closely duplicate natural light. The 3000k will be slightly warmer without altering the natural color of the pets as you look at them. This type of light saves energy, and the bulbs are long-lasting.
If your current fixtures cannot be easily replaced, consider buying free-standing lights that can be placed near your table. Modern LED floor lamps with a flexible "gooseneck" head can be easily adjusted to direct light right where you need it. Look for lamps with a broad, flat light rather than the smaller spotlight variety to get the most coverage of your work area. If you are scissoring black feet on a black tabletop or trying to scissor a dark-coated dog's underline, these lights can make a world of difference in your end results; the moveable head of the lamp will allow you to direct the light exactly where you need it. (Pro tip: for added visual clarity, slide a piece of white paper under the paw you are working on. You'll be amazed at how much better you can see every little detail as you scissor.)
If floor space is minimal, check out clamp-on LED lights designed for crafters. Depending on your table setup, this type of lighting could be temporarily affixed to your grooming arm or tabletop. The drawback is that a wiggling dog could dislodge and break the light, but this problem could be solved with some clever adaptations or by attaching it to a nearby piece of furniture.
Great lighting will help you achieve your best work, allowing you to see past pesky shadows so every little "sticky outie" is visible and can be dealt with before you see that dog trotting out the exit door.
