Certified Master Groomers

Have you ever wondered what a  Certified Master Groomer actually is? What does it mean for you and your dog?

We should start by explaining that there are absolutely no rules, regulations, or governing body for pet groomers.  Quite literally, anyone can hang out a shingle and call themselves a pet groomer, even if they have no experience whatsoever.  Most groomers learn by apprenticing with an experienced groomer.  There are a few grooming schools around the country, but they are fairly few and far between.  It is interesting to note that just as there are no regulations on groomers, there are also none on grooming schools.

There are, however, several organizations that support dog grooming.  There is the National Dog Groomers Association of America (www.nationaldoggroomers.com), International Professional Groomers, Inc (www.ipgicmg.com), and the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (www.petstylist.com/ISCC/ISCCMain.htm).  All of these organizations offer voluntary certification programs for groomers.  All three programs involve both written and practical tests designed to test a groomer's knowledge and skills. The written tests cover things like behavior, proper handling, product use, breed identification, and more.  The practical tests involve grooming several different dogs of different types in front of certifiers who then critique and grade the groom.

Michell Evans, owner and head stylist of Canine Perfection is one of just a very few people in the world who is certified in all three organizations! She is currently working on becoming a Certifier for NDGAA. Once that goal is achieved, she will administer and judge the tests for aspiring groomers. All stylists hired by Canine Perfection will be required to be certified in at least one of the above organizations.

Why do we have these requirements? Quite simply, we want the very best for your pet. We want stylists who can give you the exact style you want for your pet.  From traditional breed grooms, to the new trends like Asian Fusion , to the individual style you devise, our stylists will be able to deliver exactly what you want.