Would you like to hear something genuinely scary?

People don’t actually need ANY qualifications or training to set up a dog grooming business in the UK.

None.

It is a completely unregulated industry. But thankfully, that is changing.

In the years since Covid, the number of people applying for and completing training to become a dog groomer has sky rocketed. Agencies such as iPet Network, City & Guilds, AIM and the OCN are making amazing progress in making education and training much more accessible. And it is encouraging that so many new and existing groomers are looking to become qualified, not just in the technical skill of grooming but also in areas such as canine behaviour, first aid, nutrition and business.

Historically, dog grooming has often been seen as a hobby industry and not taken seriously at all. It is possible there is some truth in that, but with the rise in dog ownership and the change in dog owner demographics, the dog grooming industry is being forced to become more professional and accountable.

There is a common myth that all we do is play with dogs all day. At worst, we are viewed as the people who just shave dogs down, no matter what we have actually been asked to do.

In truth, a good dog groomer is a key part of a dogs care team, that includes the owner, their vet, walker, boarder and anyone else involved with the welfare of that dog.

We will usually see a dog more frequently than their vet. We can often spot changes in their health and wellbeing before an owner does. When a groomer is allowed to build up a relationship with a dog and their owner, we see them every 6-8 weeks and can notice subtle changes in e.g. how they are carrying themselves, if they appear sore or grumpier than normal, any new lumps or changes in the skin and coat. It can be as nuanced as a change in the smell of their breath, a lose tooth or a change in the shape of their genitals.

I guess the point I am trying to make here is that a good dog groomer is more than someone who gives a dog a haircut (and that in itself is a whole other discussion!). We invest countless hours and significant amounts of money into our businesses and although there is still a way to go, our industry is finally starting to get its act together. Whether we will get to the lengths of needing to be fully licensed remains to be seen.

But, in the mean time, lets each do what we can to raise the profile of skilled, dedicated, professional dog groomers who’s one aim is for the dog in their care to leave the salon happier and healthier than when they came in.