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Joining a dog grooming organisation is a great way to take your skills to the next level and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.
The International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) offers a range of benefits to its members, including access to exclusive events and educational resources.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the ISCC's annual conference is a must-attend event to network with other professionals and learn from industry experts.
The ISCC has over 1,000 members worldwide, making it a great community to connect with like-minded individuals and share knowledge and best practices.
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Benefits of Joining
Joining a dog grooming association can bring numerous benefits to your career. Voluntarily joining an organization will gain you credibility as a professional groomer.
You'll stand out from inexperienced and unskilled groomers, who may not have the same level of training or expertise. Many associations require an annual fee to maintain membership, but it's a worthwhile investment.
Associations can provide opportunities for further education, which is essential in a field like dog grooming where techniques and standards are constantly evolving. Some associations constantly examine new techniques and disseminate best practices to keep groomers at the top of their game.
Key Certification Associations
If you're looking to get certified as a dog groomer, there are several key associations to consider.
The Canadian Professional Pet Stylists is a great place to start, as they offer three levels of certification with separate written and practical tests. To take their certification test, you'll need to be a member with them first.
One of the most notable partnerships in the industry is between the iPET Network, the British Isles Grooming Association, and The Groomers Spotlight. This collaboration aims to enhance learning opportunities and training in the industry.
If you're looking for a certification association in the US, the National Dog Groomers Association of America and the American Professional Pet Groomers Association are both reputable options.
Here are some key certification associations to consider:
Professional Organizations
If you're a dog groomer looking to advance your skills, it's worth checking out some of the professional organizations in the industry. One such organization is the Canadian Professional Pet Stylists, which offers three levels of certification that require both written and practical tests.
Membership with Canadian Professional Pet Stylists is required before taking their certification test, and annual fees range from $35 to $50 depending on your status as a student or established groomer.
In the British Isles, the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), the iPET Network, and The Groomers Spotlight have combined forces to enhance learning opportunities and training in the industry. They're offering new and exclusive courses as part of the iPET Network's Professional Development Recognition Scheme, designed to provide continued high-quality training to those working in the animal care and veterinary science sector.
For a list of some of the leading pet grooming organizations, check out the following:
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- American Professional Pet Groomers Association
- International Professional Groomers
- National Groomer Association of Canada (NGAC)
- International Society of Canine Cosmetologist (ISCC)
What to Expect
As you explore professional organizations, you can expect to find a variety of benefits and resources tailored to your needs.
Membership fees can range from $20 to $1,000 per year, depending on the organization and your level of involvement.
You'll have access to networking opportunities, which can be a game-changer for your career, as seen in the American Marketing Association's 500,000+ members who connect and collaborate with peers.
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Many organizations offer certification programs, such as the Society for Human Resource Management's SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials, which can boost your professional credibility.
You can also expect to find a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, conferences, and online courses, like the National Association of Social Workers' 500+ hours of continuing education.
Professional organizations often have a strong online presence, with social media groups and forums where you can connect with others in your field, as seen in the National Association of Realtors' 1.4 million+ followers on Facebook.
Some organizations may also offer mentorship programs, like the American Institute of Architects' mentorship initiative, which can provide valuable guidance and support in your career.
You'll have the opportunity to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends, through publications and newsletters, such as the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Business magazine.
Membership can also provide access to exclusive events and conferences, like the National Association of Broadcasters' annual convention, which can be a great way to learn from industry experts and make connections.
As you navigate the world of professional organizations, remember that each one has its unique features and benefits, so take the time to research and find the ones that best fit your needs and goals.
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Canadian Pet Stylists
Canadian Pet Stylists offer a Federally registered certification association for dog groomers.
Their certification process involves three levels, each with separate written and practical tests. To take the certification test, you must be a member with them first.
Membership fees range from $35 to $50 annually, depending on whether you're a current student or an established groomer.
Groomers
If you're looking to get your pet looking and feeling its best, professional groomers are the way to go. There are several organizations that can help you find a reputable groomer.
The National Dog Groomers Association of America is one such organization that sets the standard for dog grooming in the US. It's a great resource for finding a skilled groomer in your area.
You can also check out the American Professional Pet Groomers Association, which offers certification and education for pet groomers. This ensures that the groomer you choose has the skills and knowledge to give your pet the best care possible.
Intriguing read: Looking Good Dog Grooming
The International Professional Groomers is another organization that provides education and certification for groomers. They also offer a range of resources for pet owners, including tips and advice on how to care for your pet's coat.
If you're in Canada, the National Groomer Association of Canada (NGAC) is a great resource to check out. They offer certification and education for groomers, as well as a range of resources for pet owners.
The International Society of Canine Cosmetologist (ISCC) is another organization that offers certification and education for groomers. They specialize in canine grooming and offer a range of resources for pet owners.
Here are some of the organizations mentioned above, listed for your convenience:
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
- American Professional Pet Groomers Association
- International Professional Groomers
- National Groomer Association of Canada (NGAC)
- International Society of Canine Cosmetologist (ISCC)
Industry Developments
The pet grooming industry is taking a major step forward with a groundbreaking partnership between top organisations. iPET Network, the British Isles Grooming Association, and The Groomers Spotlight are teaming up to enhance learning opportunities and training in the industry.
This unprecedented collaboration aims to give existing groomers access to continuous professional development to enhance their skills and learn new ones. Learners can be assured of the quality mark through iPET Network's Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation.
The partnership is a result of the industry's clear mission to strive for excellence by uniting together. BIGA's Heidi Anderton hailed the partnership, saying it's wonderful to see unity in the industry supporting qualifications and awards.
The courses will be delivered in bite-sized chunks, allowing groomers to learn alongside their existing work. BIGA will assist in creating these programmes and offer them to all members.
The Groomers Spotlight's Julie Harris is pleased to encourage and support formal training for dog groomers. The online search engine has always promoted education and professionalism in the dog grooming industry.
The iPET Network's commitment to developing skills in the grooming industry is evident in this partnership. By offering this scheme, the deep knowledge that groomers have developed over the years can be recognised across different areas.
Related reading: How to Learn Dog Grooming
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog groomers need a license in PA?
In Pennsylvania, dog groomers are not required to have a specific license, but it's essential to understand sales tax regulations and exemptions for their business
How to become a dog groomer in North Dakota?
To become a dog groomer in North Dakota, you can pursue certification and training through the National Dog Grooming Association of America (NDGAA) or other programs. While formal licensing is not required, certification can help you establish credibility and expertise in the field.
Sources
- https://blog.qcpetstudies.com/blog/2017/09/6-associations-every-certified-dog-groomer-join/
- https://www.vetclick.com/news/top-pet-grooming-organisations-combine-forces-to-enhance-fe-training-in-the-industry-p9180.php
- https://petboss.com/the-go-to-list-of-pet-industry-associations-for-every-pet-niche/
- https://urbanpooch.com/services/
- https://accrandallpointe.com/service/pet-grooming/
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