Is Your Pet Groomer Certified?

If you have a dog, or a cat, you need a qualified groomer you can trust. That’s why pet grooming requires proper training, just like any other profession. After all, a good skills set is what really matters.

Let’s see. There are great groomers and there are terrible groomers. Then there are those that are somewhere in the middle. And, as we would expect, it’s the bad and the really bad ones that enrage pet parents everywhere. Unfortunately, those are the stories that make the news. However, they do serve as a warning. And if we learn from them, we can take precautions ourselves to avoid sad and tragic outcomes.

So, let’s take a look at some basics. Is your pet groomer certified? Here’s what you need to know.

Training To Become A Pet Groomer

By acquiring an education to become a proficient pet groomer, an individual can gain respect in the community. He, or she,  can either be an employee in someone else’s business or work independently.

And, how does a pet groomer get certified? Well, firstly, training programs are often available at a local community college. You can also attend a career school, take an online and/or blended course, or else serve an informal apprenticeship with a licensed groomer. The duration of a course varies, but the longest is 480 hours (16 weeks).

The Course Broken Down

The study program covers how to handle cats and dogs of varying sizes and temperaments, as well as bathe them, style their hair and trim their nails. Students are also taught how to recognize the signs of certain health issues or diseases and take the necessary precautions. Extremely important, too, is knowing how to sterilize equipment and maintain a hygienic work environment.  

The ultimate achievement in this chosen profession is to become a Master Groomer.

How Groomers Get Certified

Like all professions, becoming certified is proof you have learned the basic skills to begin a successful career in your field. Pet groomers are no exception and, in the USA, they can obtain certification through one of these three organizations.

National Dog Groomers Association of America. https://nationaldoggroomers.com/

International Professional Groomers, Inc.

International Society of Canine Cosmetologists.

To Sum Up

Don’t miss next week’s blog for more on the pet grooming profession. The risks and dangers. Mistakes and mistreatment. Licensing and regulations.

If you did happen to miss the above-mentioned blog, not to worry. Here’s the link: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/pet-grooming-profession-regulated/

And, if you think you’re up to taking on part or all of your pet’s grooming routine yourself, this will be a great help: https://petpeevesunmasked.com/brushing-combing-pet-tools/

Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!