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The\u00a0<\/span>pet grooming association – which represents more than 100 groomers – said the lack of national accreditation standards is a concern that could put animal welfare at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n It is working to introduce more holistic certification requirements to ensure groomers are trained to handle animals safely, alongside conducting seminars and workshops to upskill the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n The association\u2019s president Esmond Low said the goal is to raise standards without making it harder for groomers to earn a living.<\/span><\/p>\n “This industry has never, ever been regulated to an extent where groomers should be doing this and that. We have that for pet boarding (and) pet trainers, but never for pet grooming, except for the code of conduct,\u201d he noted.<\/span><\/p>\n The Code of Animal Welfare currently sets baseline expectations for pet groomers through \u201cminimum standards\u201d and \u201cbest practices\u201d, such as using body-support harnesses instead of neck restraints.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRaising standards means not making things exceptionally difficult for the groomers, because it’s their livelihood after all. But minimum standards to make sure that they are protected,\u201d Mr Low added.<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond accreditation, he stressed that public education will also play a key role in safeguarding animal welfare.<\/span><\/p>\n In response to CNA\u2019s queries, Ms Jessica Kwok, group director for industry standards and regulatory at NParks\u2019 Animal and Veterinary Service, said the agency supports initiatives that raise animal health and welfare standards in the pet sector.<\/span><\/p>\n