08/25/2026
Something that seriously needs to be talked about in the dog grooming industry is the lack of regulation.
Anybody can pick up a pair of scissors or clippers and call themselves a “dog groomer.” No required schooling. No required certification. No standardized education proving they understand canine anatomy, skin and coat health, sanitation, safe handling, recognizing signs of stress, or how to safely use extremely sharp tools on a moving animal.
And we aren’t working on objects. We’re working on people’s pets.
A groomer is trusted with someone’s dog behind closed doors, often for hours at a time. We use scissors around eyes, tongues, ears, paw pads and other extremely delicate areas. We work with elderly dogs, puppies, anxious dogs and dogs with medical conditions.
Yet the barrier to calling yourself a professional groomer can be shockingly low.
There are MANY incredible groomers who have spent years educating themselves, attending seminars, earning certifications, learning proper techniques and investing thousands of dollars into becoming better at their craft. They deserve to have their professionalism recognized.
I’m not saying a piece of paper automatically makes someone a great groomer. Experience matters tremendously. But I do believe there should be basic industry standards for safety, sanitation, animal handling and professional competency.
If someone is going to accept money to put another person’s animal on their table, “I bought some clippers and watched a few videos” shouldn’t be enough.
Our pets deserve better standards, and professional groomers deserve an industry that actually recognizes the skill and responsibility this career requires. Sincerely, someone who’s tired of seeings dogs poorly groomed because they charge a cheap price, but I guess it’s charge your worth 🙈🫣🐩🐾
