Protect Our Pets: Require Mandatory Licensing and Training for Dog Groomers Nationwide
Protect Our Pets: Require Mandatory Licensing and Training for Dog Groomers Nationwide
The Issue
Too many pets are being injured—or worse—due to the lack of regulation in the pet grooming industry. It’s time for the U.S. to require proper training, licensing, and oversight for all professional groomers. Our pets deserve safe, competent care.
My dog was injured during what was supposed to be a first time grooming appointment. What should have been a routine visit turned into a traumatic event—an experience no pet owner should ever have to endure. Sadly, my story is not unique.
Across the U.S., countless pets suffer injuries or die every year in the hands of untrained or inexperienced groomers. The reason? There are no federal laws requiring dog groomers to be licensed or formally trained (NDGAA, 2025).
This lack of regulation means that anyone—regardless of skill or education—can call themselves a “professional” groomer. And the consequences are heartbreaking.
According to the ASPCA, pets have been seriously injured due to improper handling, unsafe equipment, and careless techniques (ASPCA). Injuries include cuts, burns from overheated dryers, eye trauma, and severe psychological stress.
A 2018 investigation by NJ Advance Media uncovered at least 47 pet deaths at PetSmart grooming salons across 14 states in just three years (USA Today). This isn’t just negligence—it’s a crisis.
Some states have tried to address the issue. New Jersey introduced “Bijou’s Law” after a dog named Bijou died during a grooming session. The proposed law would require grooming-specific education, testing, and adherence to safety standards (CBS News). But legislation like this needs to happen everywhere—not just in a few places.
We’re calling on Congress to pass federal legislation requiring:
1. Grooming-specific education and certification.
2. Standardized exams to demonstrate knowledge.
3. Continuing education and re-certification
routine inspections and accountability measures.
These standards already exist in the human cosmetology industry and other professions—why not for the people who care for our beloved pets?
Our pets are family and cannot speak for themselves. Let’s make sure every grooming appointment is safe, professional, and humane. Sign and share this petition to demand nationwide licensing and training for all professional dog groomers today.
1,639
The Issue
Too many pets are being injured—or worse—due to the lack of regulation in the pet grooming industry. It’s time for the U.S. to require proper training, licensing, and oversight for all professional groomers. Our pets deserve safe, competent care.
My dog was injured during what was supposed to be a first time grooming appointment. What should have been a routine visit turned into a traumatic event—an experience no pet owner should ever have to endure. Sadly, my story is not unique.
Across the U.S., countless pets suffer injuries or die every year in the hands of untrained or inexperienced groomers. The reason? There are no federal laws requiring dog groomers to be licensed or formally trained (NDGAA, 2025).
This lack of regulation means that anyone—regardless of skill or education—can call themselves a “professional” groomer. And the consequences are heartbreaking.
According to the ASPCA, pets have been seriously injured due to improper handling, unsafe equipment, and careless techniques (ASPCA). Injuries include cuts, burns from overheated dryers, eye trauma, and severe psychological stress.
A 2018 investigation by NJ Advance Media uncovered at least 47 pet deaths at PetSmart grooming salons across 14 states in just three years (USA Today). This isn’t just negligence—it’s a crisis.
Some states have tried to address the issue. New Jersey introduced “Bijou’s Law” after a dog named Bijou died during a grooming session. The proposed law would require grooming-specific education, testing, and adherence to safety standards (CBS News). But legislation like this needs to happen everywhere—not just in a few places.
We’re calling on Congress to pass federal legislation requiring:
1. Grooming-specific education and certification.
2. Standardized exams to demonstrate knowledge.
3. Continuing education and re-certification
routine inspections and accountability measures.
These standards already exist in the human cosmetology industry and other professions—why not for the people who care for our beloved pets?
Our pets are family and cannot speak for themselves. Let’s make sure every grooming appointment is safe, professional, and humane. Sign and share this petition to demand nationwide licensing and training for all professional dog groomers today.
1,639
Petition created on May 20, 2025