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Massachusetts State Senator Richard Tisei (R-Wakefield) recently introduced a bill that calls for the licensing of pet groomers and would establish a state board to oversee the licensing process. Senate Bill 186 also sets forth a number of provisions for pet grooming facilities.
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Courtesy of Furballs Pet Grooming Salon |
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) has issue an alert about the proposal, claiming it includes “questionable standards.” A public hearing on SB 186 is scheduled for May 19 before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure.
Senate Bill 186 defines a pet groomer as someone who is “licensed as a bather/brusher, all-breed basic groomer or all-breed master/teacher groomer engaged in the practice of pet grooming, who bathes, brushes, clips or styles a pet for financial remuneration.”
The measure calls for the establishment of a Board of Registration of Pet Groomers in Massachusetts, which would consist of four licensed pet groomers with at least five years experience and one representative from the public. The board would be responsible for:
• Providing for and regulating the practice of pet grooming
• Providing for and regulating the apprenticeship of pet groomers
• Setting sanitary rules
• Overseeing the process of examinations for licensure, such as prescribing the subjects, time, manner and place of examinations
• Issuing licenses to individuals who pass examinations in bathing/brushing, all-breed basic grooming and all-breed master grooming/teaching.
• Overseeing the process of registering pet groomers
• Maintaining a list of the names and addresses of licensed pet groomers along with a public record of any license suspension, revocation or other disciplinary action
• Reinstating a suspended license and registration in any case where a majority of the board members approve
• Establishing standards for the operation and approval of continuing education programs
Under the proposal, individuals seeking licensure in Massachusetts must be at least 18 years old and “of good moral character” before being permitted to take an examination in any of the three categories. In addition, prior taking the exam, prospective licensees would have to complete a certain amount of training at a registered and accredited school, organization or association or as an apprentice under a licensed all-breed basic groomer or all-breed master groomer. Those seeking licensure as an all-breed groomer or as an all-breed master groomer/teacher also have the option of presenting proof of certification from a national groomer association approved by the board.
Once licensed, each groomer would have to keep and maintain records for each animal groomed for two years from the date of service. Groomers must also prove they are sufficiently insured to cover any liability for negligent acts.
SB 186 defines a pet grooming facility as “a mobile or permanent commercial establishment where a pet may be bathed, brushed, clipped, styled or have its appearance maintained, or a shop in which a licensed pet groomer or stylist or a holder of a limited license provides a service for which a license is required under this Act.”
Pet grooming facilities would be subject to the following provisions, among others:
• Pets not undergoing the grooming process must be kept in structurally sound cages that allow them to make normal, postural adjustments.
• Each pet must be caged separately.
• Outdoor facilities must not be used in inclement weather.
• Indoor facilities must be maintained at a healthy temperature.
• Sanitary conditions must be maintained at all times.
• Adequate water for drinking and bathing must be provided at all times.
• Pets may not be left unattended.
In its alert, issued today, PIJAC says it is unclear how the proposed bill would function. For example, PIJAC asks what cost controls would be employed for those providing training so as to prevent Massachusetts groomers from facing exorbitant costs in an effort to become licensed.
PIJAC recommends the bill be sent to a study group for further examination and that input from pet groomers be considered.
Posted May 18, 2009 |