New Grooming Guidelines
The Canine & Feline Sector Group (CFSG) has published new grooming guidelines. These national best practice standards affect all professional dog and cat groomers and outline the legal responsibilities, welfare requirements, and operational expectations for groomers.
Whether you’re a mobile groomer, work from a home salon, or run a high street grooming business, these guidelines affect you.
Key themes include:
- Following the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Minimising stress and anxiety in animals during grooming
- Keeping pets no longer than 3 hours unless licensed for daycare
- Ensuring hygiene, safe equipment, and clear handling procedures
- Holding relevant pet grooming qualifications and staying up to date with CPD
- Setting salon policies for cancellations, emergency plans, and coat condition management
What Grooming Professionals Need to Know
1. You Are Legally Responsible.
Groomers are considered temporary keepers under the Animal Welfare Act. You have a duty of care while a pet is in your salon or van.
2. Stress-Free Handling Is Key.
Know the signs of anxiety, fear and discomfort in pets. Don’t proceed with a groom if welfare is at risk.
3. Keep Your Environment Safe.
Your grooming area must be clean, well ventilated and safe. Cats and dogs should be separated at all times.
4. Training Isn’t Optional.
Formal qualifications are expected. The guidelines recommend a minimum OFQUAL Level 2 qualification and ongoing CPD.
5. Policies Are Your Protection.
Have a clear no-show policy, coat removal procedures, emergency contacts, and insurance.
Stay compliant with the grooming standards
To help you comply with the new standards, PIF has created:
✔️ A Full Compliance Checklist (to download and display)
✔️ Guidelines Overview for Pet Owners (to download and display)
✔️ Template and Policy documents, including; Cancellation and No-Show, Customer Complaints, General Consent Form, Health & Safety and more.
✔️ Links to supporting training courses and policies
Stay Compliant
Download the CFSG Best Practice Overview
This public document offers a concise summary of the full CFSG Best Practice Guidelines.
More in-depth guidance, editable templates and policy support are available in the PIF Members’ Area.
Join Now for Full Access
Already a member? Log in to download.
Keep Learning With PIF Education
Stay ahead of the new compliance expectations with discounted courses available to PIF members. These are tailored to help you meet the 2025 guidelines:
Pet First Aid
Covers emergency situations, injury response, and pet-specific first aid kits.
Behaviour and Welfare in Grooming
Understand stress signals, behaviour management, and how to handle anxious or aggressive pets safely.
Cat Grooming Essentials
Specialised guidance on grooming cats, separation protocols, safe environments, and products.
Understanding Canine Communication
Helps you identify behavioural cues, improve handling techniques, and reduce stress in the grooming process.
Support for Pet Owners
Let your clients know what to expect:
Download Pet Owner’s Guide to Grooming Best Practice
An easy-to-read summary to share with clients on animal welfare, grooming frequency, and what a compliant salon looks like.
CFSG Members
