In my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a beloved doodle named Atlas, was brutally beaten, repeatedly, by a groomer. This horrific act was witnessed by multiple people, including the salon owner, yet none intervened to stop the abuse, and poor Atlas died as a result.  The individual responsible for this murder, and those who failed to protect Atlas from his killer’s violent attack,  should not be allowed to work with animals. But, sadly, my community is outraged because this salon continues to operate as if nothing happened, and there has been no justice for sweet, innocent Atlas. We believe, that if groomers were required to be  licensed by the state, they would be on notice that such behavior is unacceptable. Licensing should require that pet safety is always a groomer’s top priority and ensure that they perform all grooming services with the highest duty of care for the animals entrusted to them. Failing to meet these minimum standards and causing harm to a pet would result in the loss of their license.

Just as the professionals who cut and style human hair are required to be licensed, pet groomers should be also.  All human stylists must demonstrate knowledge of industry safety standards to earn and maintain a state license. However, there are no federal or state laws requiring pet groomers to be licensed in order to practice their very similar profession. This lack of regulation is dangerous and irresponsible. It leaves our pets vulnerable and unprotected by allowing unsafe groomers to avoid accountability.

By making licensing mandatory for all pet groomers, we can ensure that they are performing at the level of the industry standard for safety and care and are are adequately trained in handling animals safely and ethically. We must demand states    regulate the grooming profession because it is the only way to protect our pets once they go behind the closed doors at the grooming salon. If licensed grooming professionals could potentially lose their career for it, then perhaps they wouldn’t punch our pets when they run out of patience, or at least maybe others would intervene and stop them to maintain their own license which requires them to prioritize pet safety at all times. 

Please sign this petition today calling on all state lawmakers to require all pet groomers be licensed before they can perform professional grooming services for our beloved animal companions.

In remembrance of Atlas. ❤️