pet cause

tackling errant groomers

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Injuries that happen during grooming sessions are one of the most emotionally charged problems facing pet owners today. Should stiffer measures be put in place to ensure higher standards? By Bryan wong

ometime last year, Choi Pei Shan had brought her nineyear-old female Chihuahua, Summer, for her regular grooming session at JJs Ark, which has since closed down. Unknown to her at that time, the ownership of the establishment had just changed hands, and there was a new groomer in tow. Pei Shan gave the groomer a brief on her dogs prevailing condition, I made sure to inform the groomer about Summers sensitive skin, and even provided her with a medicated shampoo, urging her to use it instead of what was available in the shop. When Summer was

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picked up later, a casual check revealed two wounds, including a serious looking gash at the side of her body. When pressed for an explanation, the groomer and shop owner were nonchalant about the whole matter. We were given a variety of reasons that ranged from Summers sensitive skin to an explanation that such nicks by a clipper will heal within three days, said Pei Shan. Despite Summers injuries, the pet shop still expected to be paid: They said it was because of the services rendered that payment is due, though they offered a discount. After bringing Summer home, the gash had started to bleed. Pei Shan brought Summer to the vet and it was confirmed that only a pair of scissors, not a clipper or sensitive skin could have resulted in such a wound. Due to her mature age, we had to go back to the vet another four times over the next three weeks before it healed completely, explained Pei Shan. After her experience, Pei Shan is now concerned about how groomers are certified in Singapore. The groomer revealed to me that the last time she accidentally cut a dog; it healed within a couple of days. It drove me nuts when I heard that. This was in addition to giving me antiseptic meant for humans and assuring me it would suffice. When pets contacted the now-defunct JJs Ark for their side of the story, all requests for a proper interview were denied. When probed further, the owner finally commented on the incident, It was an accident and I had thought this issue to have been resolved. These are animals and they cannot be expected to stay still during grooming. I dont think it is right to always blame groomers when incidents like this happen. Pei Shans case is not unique and there have been verbal complaints to pets about groomers injuring their furry clients, and returning them in undesirable conditions. A local celebrity shared with pets once that her furkid was returned wet and shivering from a grooming session. She has since decided to only allow her dogs to be groomed under her supervision at home. Amber Veterinarys resident vet, Brian Loon, says the number of injuries from grooming are not that serious yet, We only

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. should there be a complaint towards a groomer who possess a SKC certification, feedback on their service should be given to us, and we will start a proper investigation.
Chua Ming Kok, Director of SKC

Summer, a nine-year old Chihuahua, who had to go through weeks of medication before recovering. A picture sent in by our reader on how serious the wound was.

see or hear of a handful of such incidents yearly, and the number of complaints hasnt particularly changed over the years. A groomer who did not wish to be named said such incidents do happen though there are steps to rectify the issue. Bleeding from minor external wounds can be controlled with styptic powder, while bigger wounds will require a visit to the vet. However, all injuries must be communicated to the owner clearly. a governIng Body? Groomers in Singapore are mostly accredited by two bodies; the Singapore Kennel Club (SKC) and Dog Groomers Association of Singapore (DGA) who hold annual grooming examinations and competitions. While skills are picked up at various grooming schools across the island, such examinations offered by the

two organisations are used to measure their skills as a groomer. The candidates also need to go through a theoretical examination where one of the criterions is the ethics of groomers. Standards are dependent on the organisation. In some cases, overseas judges and invigilators are brought in to monitor and ensure that a level of competence is maintained. A handful of groomers receive their education from other countries like the United States. In 2011, there were 21 people who were certified by the SKC, while DGA accredits about 30 every year. Director of SKC, Chua Ming Kok, said complaints on errant groomers are not uncommon but reveals that these were mostly directed at unlicensed vendors, There are many such complaints from causing clipper burns, improper use of grooming products to even cutting various parts of a dogs body. However, should there be a complaint towards a groomer who possesses a SKC certification, feedback on their service should be given to us, and we will start a proper investigation. Chairman of DGA, Alex Ang, says that most grooming professionals are also dog lovers and are only working towards establishing their businesses. Pet groomers who place safety as a priority and work towards clearly understanding what their client wants should be supported by pet owners. Groomer and dog trainer, Owen Sim, who had assessed Summers condition

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pet cause
I feel if all groomers were accredited under a similar system like PADTV, it will safeguard the welfare and safety of the canine. It will take some time to iron out the details, but I am sure this will benefit the industry as a whole.
Owen Sim, dog groomer and trainer

said pet owners need to do their homework when choosing a groomer. They should check around with trusted aides and vets as this will minimise such accidents from happening. Ming Kok admits that there is still room for improvement, Groomers must constantly upgrade themselves and be knowledgeable on the different breeds. Only then can they be viewed as professionals. Alex agrees, saying that the industry needs to come together to share their experience and knowledge, This will strengthen the market and lift standards. I believe this will not only promote ongoing professional development, but

will essentially educate pet owners how to seek out a groomer suited for them. However, Owen feels that the issue at hand is more than just raising the standards of grooming, I feel if all groomers were accredited under a similar system like the Panel for Accreditation of Dog Trainers (PADTV), it will safeguard the welfare and safety of the canine. It will take some time to iron out the details, but I am sure this will benefit the industry as a whole. Pei Shan echoes Owens sentiments and says that there needs to be a watchdog like AVA to step in. From what I know, all the AVA can do now is speak to the owner of the shop to improve on their services if an animal is injured. But with their use of sharp equipment every day, a mere dressing down from grooming organisations is barely sufficient. I hope it does not take a fatality before something is done, she says. A spokesperson of AVA said that there are currently no plans to accredit pet groomers the same way as dog trainers though a growing number of animal owners are pushing for something to be done.

What do you think about pet groomers in Singapore? Would you trust pet shop groomers or are you more comfortable with freelance groomers who work under your supervision at home? Email at contact@petsmagazine.com.sg

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