Dog Grooming
Groomer Licensing:
Friend or Foe
By Kathy Hosler
Does it strike fear in your heart with thoughts of some dark unknown power taking control of your business? Do you think that it might be a good idea and could be a good thing for our industry? Or, do you simply ignore it, thinking it will go away? Well, think again.
Pennsylvania has introduced a bill to license dog groomers. This bill came about through Pennsylvania State Representative Bernie O'Neill, whose pet died due to an alleged incident by a Pennsylvania groomer.
Groomer To Groomer contacted Representative Bernie O'Neill and asked him to share the circumstances of his dog's death and why he proposed HB#2194. He declined our request saying... "Due to a misrepresentation that took place a few months back, I have decided not to discuss my personal situation at this time. As well, since the bill is still in the working stages and is far, far away from the final product, I will not be discussing the context of the bill at this time either."
With that said, we ask, "What is licensing?" A good definition appears in Occupational Licensing: A Public Perspective by Benjamin Shimberg. Licensing describes the process by which an agency of government grants permission to an individual to engage in a given occupation upon finding that the applicant has attained the minimum degree of competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety, and welfare will be reasonably protected.
Groomers all over the United States have been discussing licensing for years. Now, because of HB#2194, it's time to do more.
"Groomers must unite in a positive way," encourages Marlene Romani, of MDC Romani, Inc. and founder of The Pennsylvania Academy of Pet Grooming. "If we don?t stick together, it will be a very sad day for our industry. It could mean that the things we have created all these years could be changed by people who don't understand our industry."
The Groomers Licensing Founders Committee, GLFC, was formed in 1996 in Chicago. All of the industry associations signed a manifesto supporting licensing at that time. The committee is made up of individuals from the pet grooming industry that are dedicated to encouraging growth and security, and promoting professionalism within the industry.
The GLFC initial agenda was to both educate and gather feedback from the grooming industry and believes that vocational licensing may be the best vehicle for accomplishing these goals. The purpose of the committee was, and is, several fold:
- To examine vocational licensure as a way to realize the objectives above.
- To evaluate organizational, educational, economic and political requirements of vocational licensure.
- To help educate members of the grooming industry with regard to these issues.
- As appropriate, to help create a representative body to work toward grooming industry initiated and maintained vocational licensing.
"I believe licensing will bring professionalism and much needed unification to our industry," states Kathy Rose, Chairman of the Groomer Licensing Founders Committee. "It is within our capabilities as groomers to take control of our own destiny. We can come together to form a united cooperative which will benefit the consumer, the pet, and the professional groomer."
Ms. Rose continues, "I admire those asking questions and becoming involved, for possessing the integrity to care about this industry and having the courage to voice their opinions."
"The first thing that groomers need to know is that awareness is the key," emphasizes John Nash of Nash Academy. "Lawmakers don't know what groomers do; only groomers know what they do. That is why it's critical for groomers to be involved and to have input."
Now that HB#2194 is in the works, Pennsylvania groomers are worried. Do you know why they are afraid? It's the fear of the unknown. Fear that our careers and way of doing business will be changed and controlled by someone we don't even know.
This fear has caused some groomers to go the route of Chicken Little who cried, "The sky is falling, The sky is falling" over and over again. Now is not the time to panic. Don't let licensing become a scary word to you. Now is the time for groomers to come together, learn about the process of a bill, and form a united front.
Many groomers don't really know if they are for or against the licensing of groomers. They have questions and are searching for the answers. Here are some of the often-heard questions and comments from groomers. I have been grooming for years and have a good business and great clientele. What would having a license do for me?
Others say "I have a successful grooming salon, and I am happy with my business and the way I run it. It would be great to have a license, but not if it means that someone else decides what I can and cannot do in my own salon. And, what kinds of costs will be involved?"
Still others say, "NO Way! I don't want licensing period. I don't want anyone telling me how to run my business. If there are groomers who are not qualified, they won't last and will go out of business. Licensing won't change that."
Even though this bill is in the Pennsylvania legislature, the possibility of licensing affects groomers in every state. Groomers must research this bill and its contents, respectfully make their feelings known to their representatives, and intelligently move forward. Knowledge is power. Educating oneself about the issues is the answer. It is time to turn stumbling blocks into stepping-stones.
Should you be for or against the licensing of groomers? That is something that each groomer must decide. But, it is imperative that everyone must make an informed decision.
Let's consider some of the advantages and disadvantages of groomer licensing as seen through the eyes of groomers and other industry experts. "Licensing will validate the grooming professional," affirms Donna Owens of California. "Groomers have invested money and time to become a professional. Licensing will give groomers the satisfaction that someone just can't put up a sign and say I'm a groomer. Licensing will actually protect groomers."
Cindy Blatt, a Pennsylvania groomer, shares her feelings. "I believe we are headed towards licensing. I think we need to be prepared and pro-active. We need organization and leadership. I would like to see a State Groomers Association evolve from all the meetings that are taking place regarding the current bill.
From there we can decide what is important regarding licensing. What excites me most is that Pennsylvania groomers are coming together and supporting one another against this bill. I do not believe this bill will make grooming any safer for the dog. I believe it will push groomers to go underground and set us back 40 years."
"The disadvantages of being licensed would be having government involved, which is always costly. Having someone who may not know much about grooming deciding how, when, and where we may practice our trade (which is what we are currently dealing with)," Cindy continued, "Unless we organize as a profession statewide and form a committee made up of groomers from different backgrounds, within that organization, I don't believe we will get a bill that would benefit the majority of PA groomers."
Marlene Romani voices her feelings on the pros and cons of the licensing issue. "The disadvantages are very few. The worst will be the acceptance and structuring. It will require new groomers to make a commitment before entering our industry. The present bill needs to be revised, but I personally feel it can be done through proper avenues."
"We need to agree and work together, or others from other professions will start to plan our industry," said Marlene. That is precisely what happened with the PA bill. It initially was to be governed by a Board of Veterinarians. "The advantages will be great, because we will get the respect we deserve. We will move from just a trade to a recognized and respected profession. I also feel groomers will be able to increase their wages."
One of the issues that really divides the groomers in Pennsylvania is grandfathering existing groomers. The bill does not go far enough in that area. "I believe groomers are a strong and assertive group and those of us out there making a living at what we do, should be grandfathered," says Marlene. "Remember, we want people in our profession to help direct this bill. We will be able to speak but, if we want to be heard, we must remain professional. The worst thing we could do is panic."
Kathy Rose of Pets of Perfection and a founding member of the GLFC sums up her thoughts on this ground breaking industry issue. "Pet grooming is an ever growing entity that generates many millions of dollars into the pet industry. Animal enthusiasts from all walks of life are entering this vibrant vocation in increasing numbers."
"What is the basis for educating these new groomers? There are absolutely no guidelines whatsoever for entering the grooming profession, and far too many have gone into it with insufficient training and education," says Rose. "A strengthening of the educational system would reduce the likelihood of unqualified individuals grooming professionally and provide a safer environment for pets and groomers alike."
"Many groomers are fearful that the long arm of the law will come into our 'little' profession. What many groomers do not realize is that it is already there and growing ever stronger without input or direction from the grooming population."
"The threat of laws requiring groomers to work under the license of another profession is a real possibility. Licensing laws created by the grooming profession would offer some measure of protection from these risks. Groomer initiated licensing laws can help to create a stronger, safer, and more successful profession."
"It is not a matter of IF licensing comes, but WHEN. The successful unification of the pet grooming industry can be realized one issue at a time, one step at a time." Kathy Rose, Chairman GLFC.
Why is there a need for licensing? According to Sally Liddick, editor of Groomer to Groomer, "Sadly, there are unqualified people taking up clippers and shears and injuring pets. I feel that there will come a time that many states will require licensing due to injuries to pets. The PA bill came out of such an alleged unfortunate experience. We need to be ready."
What will licensing mean for groomers? According to Liddick, "It is my feeling that a good bill will enhance the grooming industry. I have not talked to any licensed professionals who would go back to being unregulated. I challenge all groomers to talk to their licensed friends in other professions and find out the benefits before taking a stand."
What will it mean for pet owners? Liddick says, "Pet owners know nothing of our industry's certifications. But they do understand licensing. Overall, I feel licensing will provide a better educated groomer that the public will have more confidence in."
"Whether groomers want licensing or not, every state should have an association of groomers," stresses Sally. "When licensing arises there will be a group for the legislature to talk to. That was the problem in Pennsylvania. There was no association and so the working groomer had no representation. This is absolutely critical in determining whether the groomers of any state want to stop a bill or get one started. They must be there at the onset."
The most important thing to remember is we groomers are a FAMILY! Families don't always agree, but through thick and thin families stick together. They work together, encouraging the efforts of all the members, respecting each other's opinions, and always striving to do what is best for all.
Groomers are a family and we are in this together. What happens in Pennsylvania will affect the entire grooming industry and will map its future. We all know the saying ? "You will reap what you sow." Together, let us sow the seeds that will give our profession a fruitful harvest.
Contact us today about your licensing issues.
Links to Licensing Websites
- PetGroomer.com - http://www.petgroomer.com
- Groomers BBS - http://www.groomers.net
- Pro Dog http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.com