What legislation do dog groomers need to follow?

The Animal Welfare Act was passed in 2006 and represents the most significant change to animal welfare law in nearly a century. Under this Act owners have a legal duty to meet the five welfare needs of their pets and whilst in our care we as Dog Groomers also share the same responsibility. All dog owners have a duty of care and are required by law to ensure the welfare needs of their animals are met. The five welfare needs include the need for a suitable environment, the need for a suitable diet, the need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, the need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and the need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury or disease. You need to make sure your pet has a suitable place to live, providing an appropriate environment, shelter and resting area. You need to make sure your pet has the appropriate diet to maintain full health and vigour as well as the provision of fresh water at all times. You have a responsibility to make sure your pet has the company it needs, including the opportunity to spend time with other dogs and people or kept away from animals that they are fearful of or which can lead to aggression. You need to ensure that pain, disease or injury are prevented or that if they are not preventable, that any pain, disease or injury is quickly diagnosed and treated.

Although the dog grooming industry is currently unregulated, there are a number of things that you can consider when choosing a reputable groomer, which will help you to be confident that they will meet your pet's needs. A dog groomer is responsible for meeting your pet's needs while they're in their care.

The Animal Welfare Act brings together and modernises previous welfare legislation and ensures greater protection for all animals under human care or supervision in England and Wales, which means that you will be responsible for the welfare of any animals you groom while they are in your care. Be aware that careless pet groomers have in the past faced criminal prosecution for acts of negligence and cruelty involving incidents such as burns to animals caused by incorrectly used dryers and other equipment. As you may be using chemicals that are potentially harmful, you should be aware of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations. COSHH is important in order to protect yourself and your staff from harm as even mild substances like shampoos and sprays can cause skin issues if used often without protective equipment. Although, be aware that if you use copyright music in your business, even just background music from a radio in your salon or mobile van, then you will need a Music Licence from PPL PRS, which can be purchased online. There are no specific licences that apply to pet grooming establishments. However, as with most businesses there are relevant legislations to be aware of - especially since you will be working with animals.

You should be aware of animal welfare legislation that is designed to protect animals. The Animal Welfare Act brings together and modernises previous welfare legislation and ensures greater protection for all animals under human care or supervision in England and Wales. You will be responsible for the welfare of any animals you groom while they are in your care. Dog and cat welfare codes of practice exist to provide animal owners and keepers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, as required under the Act. You must comply with workplace health and safety and fire safety legislation. Be aware of the potential hazards of working with animals, such as dog attacks and infections resulting from cat scratches and bites. You should be aware of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).