Industry bodies launch grooming guidelines to safeguard animal welfare and raise standards

Leading pet industry organisations have launched new guidelines for professional dog and cat groomers, setting out clear standards designed to protect animal welfare and help pet owners make informed choices about grooming services.

The Guidelines for Dog and Cat Groomers, developed by the Canine & Feline Sector Group in partnership with the Pet Industry Federation and the British Isles Grooming Association, address the current lack of formal regulation in the pet grooming sector by establishing industry-leading best practices.

The guidelines represent a proactive approach to industry self-regulation, with the participating organisations hoping to demonstrate the sector’s maturity and commitment to high standards ahead of any potential government intervention.

The guidelines provide both groomers and pet owners with clear expectations around professional standards, safety protocols, and animal welfare requirements.

They covers everything from qualifications and insurance requirements to specific handling techniques for anxious pets, emergency procedures, and hygiene protocols.

The guidelines establish several key benchmarks for professional groomers, including:

• Minimum Level 2 qualifications in pet grooming with ongoing professional development;
• Comprehensive insurance coverage protecting pets while in the groomer’s care;
• Pet first aid certification and emergency veterinary contacts;
• Individual consultation processes assessing each pet’s specific needs and health conditions;
• Strict hygiene protocols including equipment sterilisation after every use;
• Maximum session times to minimise stress on animals;
• Separate and specialised approach for cat grooming services.

Rob Quest, Chairman of Canine & Feline Sector Group, said: “These guidelines represent a significant step forward for the pet grooming industry. By establishing clear benchmarks for everything from training to emergency procedures, we’re giving pet owners the tools they need to choose groomers who will keep their beloved companions safe and comfortable.”

Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, added: “These guidelines demonstrate the pet grooming sector’s commitment to continuous improvement and professional excellence. By setting these standards voluntarily, our industry is showing responsibility and leadership in animal welfare.

“We’re particularly pleased that the guidelines address the individual needs of different pets – recognising that a nervous rescue dog requires very different handling from a show-trained poodle, and that cats have completely different requirements from dogs. We encourage all groomers to adopt these guidelines and help raise the bar across the entire sector.”

David Bowles, from the RSPCA, said: “Too often the RSPCA has investigated complaints on pets being injured and even killed at the groomers owing to negligence or bad practice so it is vital that groomers show their customers they take welfare seriously.

“These guidelines will help fill that gap consumers are crying out for and in setting out the steps to ensure any grooming business is operation professionally it seeks to avoid any problems arising with your pet.  Prevention is always better than cure and following the measures set put on the document will make sure that animal welfare is front and centre of any business.”

The guidelines are being distributed to groomers, veterinary practices, and animal welfare organisations across the UK.

The Canine Times has been contacted by a TV production company that is making a new series for Channel 5 that will feature grooming-related videos with members of the public. If you would be interested in taking part email your name and a bit about your training and career history, with links to any relevant videos of yourself to thecaninetimes@hotmail.com