Professional groomers and stylists must keep a pet first aid kit nearby and know where to find an emergency veterinarian, according to the industry’s first-ever safety and sanitation guidelines. These and 42 other standards were announced Friday at Groom Expo, an annual pet grooming show in Hershey, Pa. The Professional Pet Groomers and Stylists Alliance developed the protocol after soliciting ideas from group members and veterinarians. “I am proud to say that this document represents the expertise gained from literally hundreds of thousands of hours of hands-on, professional experience,” said alliance spokeswoman Teri DiMarino. The group’s founding members, including the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and the National Dog Groomers Association of America, unanimously endorsed the guidelines, which are available online at http://bit.ly/1G0FB0v. “All across the country, thousands of pets are entrusted to our care every day,” DiMarino said. “We have a responsibility to pet owners, their pets and our fellow groomers and stylists to provide the highest level of safety and care when grooming a pet. These standards of care reflect that.” The guidelines do not address techniques for grooming or styling an animal. Instead they focus on housing, equipment and safety. Among the standards: A first aid kit that includes eye wash products and equipment must be available for use with pets and people. Someone familiar with pet first aid must be present when animals are around. The name and contact information of a local emergency veterinarian must be readily available. Crates, enclosures, tubs and tables must be cleaned between pets. Tabletops and tub bottoms must have non-slip surfaces. Only one pet is allowed in a crate or drying cage unless the owner waives the requirement. Enclosed pets must be able to sit, stand and turn around comfortably. Pets confined for more than four hours must be offered fresh water.
