Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies
Your favorite brands and many more all in one place!
At Technogroom we are proud to supply our customers with an extensive range of professional grooming products from around the world.
Not only are we the sole importer of many popular brands, but we also develop and manufacture our own unique products in house at Technogroom.
Our Service Center Will Help Keep Your Salon Running
Keeping your equipment in top working order is essential to your business.
We can service or repair any make and model of blasters, clippers, dryers, tables and sharpen all types of blades.
To find out more about our service centre, please call us or visit our website.
Happy New Year!
Wow, what a celebration! I hope that you all celebrated as much as I did! Appropriately, responsibly, and pondering all of the cool things that the dog grooming industry can offer us in 2025!
Speaking of that, we’re kicking off this new year with a little look into some of our New Year’s Resolutions. What could they be, and how do they compare to last year? Let’s find out!
We’re also, once again, touching on dental care and health and safety, as we normally want to kickstart off the new year with some top info to consider for your upcoming months within the industry.
That being said, we hope that your year is off to a great start, and you enjoy this January issue of TGM. From all of us here at the magazine, let’s kick off the year right!
Pets4Homes
Pets4Homes’ bold solution to safeguard pets from Christmas impulse buys.
As the holiday season approached, Pets4Homes (www.pets4homes.co.uk) the UK’s largest pet rehoming platform, stepped up its efforts to prevent pets from becoming impulse Christmas present purchases.
With the aid of AI moderation, the platform actively blocks Christmasthemed ads that promote animals as seasonal gifts, helping to reinforce responsible pet ownership and protect animal welfare during a time when impulse pet purchases often lead to increased cases of pet abandonment.
In the months leading up to Christmas, Pets4Homes had significantly ramped up its moderation efforts, to address animal welfare concerns tied to gifting pets for the holidays.
Giving pets as Christmas gifts is inadvisable as it is connected to higher rates of pet abandonment and financial instability. For example, during the 20212022 Christmas period, the RSPCA saw rates of pet abandonment rise by 29%.
From 1st October and 11th November of 2024, the platform’s automated system alone had flagged and removed 394 Christmas-related pet ads, a staggering increase of over 1,000% from the 32 ads flagged in the same period in 2023.
This initiative follows a successful 2023 holiday season, during which Pets4Homes blocked 3,128 festive pet listings—an increase of 36% compared to the previous year. Pets4Homes has also increased its outreach to sellers, sending over 400 educational reminders to discourage holiday-inspired pet gifting.
Dalma Szucs, Head of Trust and Safety at Pets4Homes, comments: “The Pets4Homes holiday initiative addresses the troubling trend of animals being marketed as impulse purchases for the festive season. Promoting responsible pet ownership is vital to the well-being of animals and prevents the unfortunate cases of pet abandonment that rise after the holiday season.
“By educating buyers and setting clear standards for pet listings, we’re helping ensure that pets are not impulsively bought as gifts, but rather brought into homes ready to care for them.
“Pets are lifelong commitments and are at risk of being neglected or abandoned if bought without due consideration, as buyers realise they have neither the time nor the funds to properly care for puppies bought as unwise Christmas gifts. Pets do not make good presents.”
Pets4Homes’ platform utilises its AI system to enforce strict listing standards to protect animals, with measures to verify breeder identities, monitor banned breeds, and ensure images and descriptions are accurate. Alongside this, Pets4Homes runs educational campaigns to inform sellers and buyers on ethical pet ownership, discouraging holidayinspired pet gifting and advocating for a lifelong commitment to pets.
Photo by Maximiliano I. Pinilla A. on Pexels
iAwards
Outstanding achievements in animal care and training are set to be recognised at a brand new awards ceremony, and nominations are open now!
The iAwards are sponsored by Groomers, My Pet Online and iPET Network, in collaboration with Andis, and will celebrate those professionals who go above and beyond to make the lives of the animals they care for better.
Fabrics by the yard
There are ten award categories which span everything from teaching to apprenticeships, and organisers hope that the iAwards will give industry professionals the chance to celebrate together, and meet other like-minded service providers too.
The categories are:
1) Dog Grooming Tutor of the Year
2) Animal Sector Tutor of the Year
3) Groomers Dog Groomer of the Year
4) Cat Groomer of the Year
5) iPET Network Training Provider of the Year
6) iPET Network Student of the Year
7) Canine Business of the Year
8) Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year
9) Dog Grooming Apprentice of the Year 10) Apprentice of the Year working within an Animal Business
The awards event will take place at the Blakemere Village resort in Northwich, Cheshire, and will be a night of fun, prizes and pizza for everyone to enjoy.
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of the iPET Network, said: “We are so excited for the iAwards, and to celebrate those wonderful individuals and organisations that excel in all they do for animals and education.
“We are so proud of our industry and qualifications are so key to that. This event will celebrate the people who are shining in all that they do, and helping to keep the nation’s animals cared for.”
To find out more about the iAwards go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/newsstories-ipet-network/iawards/ and you can nominate at www.groomerslimited. wufoo.com/forms/r7d87pw1egqokd/
Dorwest donates £8000 to charities
Herbal pet care brand Dorwest Herbs have donated £8,000 from the Dorwest Foundation to local and national charities - launched as part of 70th anniversary celebrations to show commitment to ongoing charitable giving.
The Dorwest Foundation helps dogs and cats that are in need of care, health and quality of life improvement as well as supporting dogs that are trained to help humans either in an assistance, rescue or medical capacity. Dorwest donates to established animal welfare charities on an annual basis through the sales of special foundation products, Keeper’s Mix® & Keeper’s Mix® Sensitive, with 10% of profit from every sale donated.
This year Dorwest were able to continue aid with four more amazing charities, including:
JR Whippet
Rescue -
whippetrescue.org.uk
Helping whippets in need for over 50 years, including whippets who have been lost, abandoned, or have strayed, neglected or ill-treated, suffering from physical and/or mental distress and those threatened with destruction or sale to dealers.
Waggy Tails Rescuewaggytails.org.uk
Small local Dorset charity founded in 1994 has been rehoming dogs in the Poole & Bournemouth area for 30 years. Providing new homes, foster care, emergency rescue and ambulance and sponsorship for dogs in need.
Stronger Together Animal Rescue (STAR) - staradopt.
org
Aims to save lives and relieve the suffering of dogs and cats in need of care and medical attention by the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of unwanted animals from Cyprus to happy homes in the UK.
Helpful
Hounds Assistance Dogs - helpfulhounds.org. uk
Mental health charity that helps with the growing demand of young people who would greatly benefit from having an Assistance Dog, including young people with Autism as well as Down’s Syndrome, Acute Anxiety and a range of diagnosed disablements.
In previous years the Dorwest Foundation has donated to various charitable causes, through funding, vouchers, products and equipment, including through dog shows and other events.
Jo Boughton-White, Dorwest MD comments: “Every day brings new
challenges to charities, especially in the last few unprecedented years. This cash makes a real difference and I want to thank each and every one of our customers who have contributed. We hope to help even more dogs and cats going forward, and we send a huge thank you to all those who work in the charities for their endless care.”
To find out more, read about Dorwest’s recent visit to Waggy Tails Rescue in the latest blog. For more information on the Dorwest Foundation, visit dorwest.com or for more information on Keeper’s Mix® & Keeper’s Mix® Sensitive call one of the friendly, expert team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com
Photo by Jesús Esteban San José on Pexels
Search launched for UK’s favourite cats
Cat owners across the UK are being invited to nominate their pets for the UK’s biggest celebration of cats – the National Cat Awards.
The annual star-studded event, run by Cats Protection, showcases the nation’s most amazing cats, with heartwarming tales of devotion, courage and companionship.
Entries open on 15 January and owners have until noon on 28 February to nominate their cat in one of four categories. Owners or colleagues can also nominate a vet who has provided exceptional care for a cat in the Vet of the Year category:
Family Cats
For cats who make a family complete, whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.
Incredible Cats
Recognising cats with a remarkable tale –maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.
Senior Cats
Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special. They may have led an action-packed life, been by their owner’s side through life’s ups and downs, or embraced a new lease of life in their golden years.
Connected Cats
Supported by Sure Petcare: For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide. They might play a big part in their community, have their own social media following, or add their own brand of magic to a workplace.
Vet of the Year 2024
For vets who have provided outstanding
cat care, going out of their way to support cats and their owners.
Cats Protection Director, Catherine Cottrell said: “Cats are one of the nation’s favourite pets, and bring fun, comfort and companionship to millions of people. They live alongside us in all sorts of ways, from the sociable cat who greets all the neighbours to the homely lap-cat on our sofa. There are the superfriendly cats who thrive in the company of busy workplaces, or within their communities, and even those solitary, shy cats who prefer to keep their distance can bring us great joy.
“The National Cat Awards is all about celebrating every cat, and what they bring to our lives. We’re looking forward to sharing some amazing, heartwarming and inspirational stories to showcase the
special role cats have in our lives.”
Category winners will be selected by a public vote and the Vet of the Year will be selected by a panel of judges, before being announced during a ceremony in London on 24 September.
The Cat of the Year 2025 will be selected from the four category winners. This year’s winner will inherit the title from Marley, who provides comfort and companionship at a safe house for women who have been enslaved, exploited and trafficked.
To nominate your cat, or for further information about the National Cat Awards, visit www.cats.org.uk/nationalcat-awards from 15 January.
To find out more about Cats Protection, visit www.cats.org.uk
Photo by Lina Kivaka on Pexels
Brenntag Specialties
Brenntag Specialties announces exclusive distribution agreement with Pathway Intermediates for ‘Lipidol’ Animal Nutrition supplements in Europe.
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution, announced a new and exclusive distribution agreement between Brenntag Animal Nutrition and Pathway Intermediates, the leading European manufacturer of absorption enhancer in Animal Nutrition. The agreement is for the distribution of Lipidol, the first absorption accelerator for the Animal Nutrition industry in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Benelux and Nordic.
The Lipidol range, the world’s first absorption accelerator, contains highly concentrated functional Lysophopholipids. Lipidol accelerates nutrient absorption, thereby enhancing livestock performance and minimising nutrient and energy losses in the feed. This new agreement is the next step building on the extensive experience gained in the cooperation between the companies in CEE with the Lipidol range since 2014.
Wouter Vullings, Director at Brenntag Animal Nutrition EMEA, said: “We are looking forward to expanding our long-term collaboration in CEE towards the Benelux and Nordic region. Pathway Intermediate’s Lipidol range complements Brenntag’s existing Animal Nutrition portfolio of performance enhancers. This agreement supports our long-term strategic goal to expand our presence as a leading Animal Nutrition solutions and ingredient supplier in the Animal Nutrition and Pet Food industries in the EMEA region.”
Edward Youngman, CEO at Pathway Intermediates, said: “This extended partnership will allow Pathway Intermediates to expand its footprint to full market coverage in these key regions and efficiently serve a number of
new customers through the dedicated Brenntag team. Joining forces in this way has been a successful journey in CEE already, we look forward to a fruitful
continuation and expansion of our cooperation that will benefit both parties and their customers.”
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
6th April 2025, South Of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Heywards Heath, RH17 6TH
To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
New Year’s Resolutions
New Year, new you? Let’s dive in to some ways that you, as a groomer, can help yourself and your business out a little in January! Photo by Kiersten Williams on Pexels.
Always improving
As we all know, dog grooming is a diverse and dynamic industry with so many moving parts to consider! As the industry is always changing, it’s time to take a look at what we can do along with it for 2025!
One of the first things to consider is that the dog grooming world has a huge portion that is technologyfocused these days. It’s not uncommon for groomers to have technology that is designed to make the process as smooth and easy as possible, whilst still maintaining some of that industry charm that we all know and love!
So, what is something that you can do with this in mind to make your life that little bit easier going forward? Well, you can always make the switch to a booking app! Booking and scheduling apps are designed with business owners in mind, and will do nothing aside from making your job that much easier! It will take care of so much of the admin work, and will even let your clientele know what your hours are and who is on staff so that you don’t have to! Just one of the more convenient ways to run your business in 2025.
The above, combined with the integration of grooming technology within your grooming business is nothing short of a win-win! In short, streamlining is the way forward. Your staff and clientele will thank you for it!
On the flip side of software and tech, however, is the more holistic approach to the dog grooming world. We’ve seen a notable rise in eco-conscious grooming, as well as the health and well-being of animals, and this is something that we encourage everyone to consider when trying to add something to their resolution list!
We’re seeing so many more groomers incorporating natural and organic products into the mix. Not only does this do more natural good within the industry, but it also demonstrates value to your clientele who have more of a natural approach to the world. In short,
Photo by Alotrobo on Pexels
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
demonstrating that you care will no doubt bring more revenue into the fold, as well as return clientele.
Speaking of your clients, we encourage you all to take a look at making a more personalised experience for your loyal clientele during their visits over the course of the next year! We’ve seen the feedback it can bring, and trust us, you want it!
Recognising not only your human clients’, but also their pets’, needs is crucial to demonstrating that you want to go the extra mile to lend them a helping hand. Providing a unique, comfortable and overall good experience is crucial for word-of-mouth advertising and will do nothing but help you increase the value of your grooming business. Keep an eye out for what you can do to improve your personalised experiences in 2025!
When considering the above, keep in mind that no two pets or clients are the same. Every situation is unique, and you should tailor your experiences to better fit that. Think about everything, from the types of scissors to the shampoo.
Next up on our list of New Year’s Resolutions to go along with everything else, we want to emphasise the importance of education within our industry. Now, you may be thinking that you already know all of the tricks of the trade at this point. Even if that is true at the moment you’re reading this, it might not be tomorrow.
Our industry is constantly changing,
evolving, and growing. I can’t stretch enough the importance of staying up to date with the industry, whether that’s a new tool that’s coming out or a new technique that will dazzle viewers of the next big dog show.
Stay up to date with all of the latest
workshops, webinars, and events to ensure that you’re ahead of the curve and constantly delivering exceptional services to your clientele, both new and old!
Mobile grooming has been growing exponentially over the years, and 2025
Photo by Ryan Klaus on Pexels
Photo by Samson Katt on Pexels
TOUGH ON PATHOGENS, GENTLE TO SKIN
Fast acting formula for fast results
For use on all mammals, birds & reptiles
100% safe, non-toxic, no-sting
Quickly relieves, soothes & calms
Safe to be licked and ingested
Staight to use wound flush for first aid care
Safe cleansing for in ears and eyes
Reliable germ preventative patient aftercare
Daily cleaning for skinfolds & wrinkles
Maintains healthy itch free skin
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MADE IN BRITAIN
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
will be no exception! If you want to really change the way you’re operating, and strive for something that will not only make you more accessible to your clientele but make things more convenient for them also, then be sure to take a look at mobile dog grooming.
Whether this becomes your new full-time thing, or simply an addition to what’s already in motion, going mobile has so many benefits, and could be an amazing addition to your business in 2025!
A lot of your clients simply don’t have the time to make it to you constantly, so why not bring the fun to them? It’s the perfect convenience for pet owners, and dogs may even be grateful to you for coming to them to help calm their nerves, as opposed to an anxiety-driving car ride and an unfamiliar building.
Circling back around, sustainability is our next topic of interest for a new potential 2025 spin on things! Adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable products or dimming the lights are turning into game changers for not only the pet grooming industry but for the world in general.
As the world is evolving, pet owners are becoming more eco-minded and will be striving to incorporate more of this in their daily lives. Their pet grooming sessions are no exception to this, and it should be expected that they would come to you over someone who isn’t acting as strongly towards everything.
Consider looking into methods to minimise water consumption, demonstrate things like this on your social media platforms and discuss it with your clientele when they come in for their next visit. Find things that align with your clients, and ensure to bring it up with them to maximise your compatibility.
Overall, there’s no one thing that you should limit yourself to when changing things for the better. In fact, you don’t even have to wait for the new year. Positive change can happen at any given moment, and whether it’s something small such as ensuring you greet your customers in a different way, or changing your entire business model to better yourself for the industry, I have complete faith that doing the right thing will reap the rewards you’re after.
Let’s start 2025 off right, with a healthy and positive attitude towards change!
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Photo by Arina Krasnikova on Pexels
Reiki for Dog Groomers can help! This comprehensive Home Learning course teaches you how to use Reiki energy healing to calm dogs and create a peaceful grooming environment.
• Discover hands-on techniques to soothe dogs before and during grooming services, making your job easier!
• Reiki can help transform your salon into an oasis of tranquility!
• Re-energize yourself between appointments. No more feeling drained at the end of the day!
• A deeper connection with the dogs in your care. Learn Reiki from expert teacher Rob Fellows and unlock your natural healing abilities… and make each day a little more...aahhh.
Dental Care
Dental care is as important as many other things in the pet grooming industry. Here’s some handy information to pass on to your clientele! Photo by Gabriel Bucataru on Pexels.
Doggy dental
Being a dog groomer isn’t solely about making a dog’s appearance look more presentable. It’s also about helping your clientele to understand the importance of internal care for their animals. Dental care can combine the two, so let’s take a look at how you should be implementing this for you and your business.
Often overlooked when someone is considering becoming a dog groomer, dental hygiene within the pet grooming world can matter so much more than one might think! As with people, it’s a crucial area of the body to take care of for a myriad of reasons, so let’s chat about why!
Imagine that you’re in your grooming salon, happily working away, when suddenly a client comes in and brings their furry family member with them. The pup shares with you an excited smile, but you can’t help but notice that their dental hygiene is less than satisfactory. Much like us, dogs also suffer when their teeth and gums aren’t looked after.
So, first off, why should you be worried about a dog’s dental hygiene?
As a pet groomer, it may fall on you to educate your clientele on why dental health is just as important for pets as it is for them. They will often come to you for information on the subject, so it’s important that you do your research.
The first thing that we’ll be talking about today is to be expected. The
Photo by Rufina Rusakova on Pexels
Photo by Aleyna Hazal Özçelik on Pexels
potential smelly dog breath can come from bad dental hygiene. As a dog owner myself, I can tell you that it’s not pleasant! The nice bonus of your dog having better breath is the most common thing that people may think of when thinking of their pet’s dental health.
Dental problems seen in dogs can also lead to some major health issues if you aren’t on top of things. As the mouth is essentially the gateway into the body, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find issues spreading throughout the body due to a lack of tooth and gum hygiene.
You won’t want a dog to get sick from an infection, so be sure to recommend that your clientele do their best to keep doggy dental hygiene at the front of their mind.
Imagine if a dog didn’t want to eat their favourite treats simply because of mouth pain or some other sickness that comes with poor hygiene. Heartbreaking!
You should be passing on the importance of all of this to your clientele, to begin with, but you may be confused as to where to start if you’re new to finding out about dental hygiene. There are so many routes that you can take to better educate yourself on the matter!
As we always mention, education is a vital part of this industry, as things are always changing and we’re always meeting new people who are looking to get involved within the industry.
From online courses to workshops and seminars, there are a huge number of ways to get a little bit of extra education
within your business in the dog grooming world. Not only will this benefit you and your career, but will almost absolutely benefit your furry friends as well!
Many of these sessions and paths can demonstrate the basics of dental hygiene for dogs, help you identify the most common causes of dental issues and even help figure out the specific issues that a dog may be suffering from. Take a quick online search to see what education may be happening near you, and don’t forget that many places offer online learning too!
Take it from us, there are countless articles online, pre-recorded webinars and even simple videos on the key things to get you started. We always
recommend making sure that the educator is a professional in their field, so keep an eye out for the best ones!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to any professionals in the field that you admire, or have heard people talking about a lot recently. Learning from the real pros can give you some incredibly valuable insights into what it takes to get started on dental hygiene within the industry.
We’ve spoken with some groomers over the years who have even teamed up with veterinarians to get the best info, and hands-on experience within their grooming salons.
Even if you can have a discussion with a vet on some simple things to keep an eye on, this can be a fantastic way to kickstart your dental-focused grooming
Photo by Amar Preciado on Pexels
Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels
career.
Keeping in touch regularly with a vet, or even having one who works within the same space as you, is one of the best ways to develop your knowledge outside of education. A hands-on approach, shadowing a vet and simply being in the environment will do wonders for your pet grooming wheelhouse!
Something that we insist on here at Total Grooming Magazine is that of investing in quality rather than something that will save you a quick couple of quid. As with all of your tools, you should be putting your all into considering what would be the best for your business. Familiarise yourself with the best quality stuff, such as the correct toothbrushes
and how certain dogs may interact with them.
A little gentle brushing here and there can make a world of difference, so knowing your stuff is of the utmost importance when choosing the correct tools for the job!
We mentioned talking with professional vets and professionals before, but don’t simply rely on just that! You should be networking and chatting with people as often as you can to get the best insights on how you can improve your setup, and even share some tips of your own!
This industry is so fantastically sociable, so it would only make sense to talk to your fellow groomers as much as
possible to see the best results! Start a conversation, share ideas and see what you can learn from your fellow groomers! Lastly, remember that there is always something to learn. As technology evolves, so does the way we treat it and so does the way we learn about it. There are constantly new advances within the dog grooming world, and we encourage each and everyone one of you to keep an eye out for the next big revolutionary thing that may shape your pet grooming career!
Start your pet grooming off right in 2025 and be sure to share all of your new found dental knowledge on social media so that we can stay in touch!
Photo by Blue Bird on Pexels
Add Cat Grooming to your portfolio
Here are five reasons why working with cats is worth considering for 2025. By Katie Gwilt, The Kat Lady.
Ilove working exclusively with cats and have spent a lot of time learning about their behaviour, nutritional needs, anatomy and physiology as well as their grooming needs. I spend a lot of time educating people about these wonderful animals and disbanding as many stereotypes as possible. Once we start to understand cats more, we can truly appreciate them and their quirks.
An Emerging Field
It is still relatively difficult to find a cat groomer and the public is still just learning about the benefits of grooming their cats. There is such potential and you can specialise in so many different fields as competition increases. I work a lot with elderly and anxious
cats who find grooming difficult and I love this aspect of my job the most. I find so much satisfaction in seeing an elderly matted cat be able to stretch and play again once those lumps have been removed.
It’s like they become a kitten again. You could specialise in working with kittens or one of the many breeds like Maine Coons or Persians who need regular grooming.
Consider being a Mobile Groomer
I work as a mobile groomer who does house calls. Many cats do not travel well and many of their owners really struggle to get them into a carrier making house call a great option. It takes so much stress out of the whole appointment for
the cat and their owner before you have even started.
A lot of my customers are also elderly and find having a cat a lovely companion that they do not need to go out and walk etc so may not drive or have the best mobility themselves. Likewise, a few of my clients have physical or mental health conditions that make cats a much more suitable companion than a dog that requires more physical care. I love the flexibility being mobile gives me as I am not really suited to being in one place all day. It’s a win-win for me, the cats and their owners.
Cat Owners
I have found so much variety among cat owners but anyone who looks for a cat groomer genuinely really cares about the
Grooming one of my first private clients after I finished my training in 2020 (CeCe)
welfare and wellbeing of their felines. All of my customers are a delight to work with and all understand the way that I work. I take a holistic approach and work out what is best for the cat and their humans which is not always the prettiest end result initially.
I spend time introducing the cat to the grooming process as often they don’t come to me until they are elderly and have never been groomed before. We go at their pace and work on the priorities first, desensitising them, counter-conditioning any negative associations and getting them comfortable.
Later grooms will build from there and I am so glad that all of my customers understand this and appreciate this approach. For any who don’t, I can refer to another cat groomer who is more of a show cat specialist and is a better fit for them.
Continued Learning
If you are looking to expand your grooming knowledge in general and try something new then cat grooming is a great avenue to pursue. There is a whole new set of skills to learn including handling and behaviour which varies significantly from working with dogs.
Maybe you have been working with dogs for many years and just need a little change in your routine to reignite that spark for the work. I redo my feline first aid training every couple of years and will be topping this up again in 2025 to make sure I am current in my knowledge. There are different poisons that affect cats than dogs, especially plants. Remembering that anything a cat steps in or brushes against it can ingest when they groom themselves is always worth bearing in mind.
This is also important when thinking about the products you are using with cats. A little more research is needed about their senses as well. Cats have so many little habits and quirks that you don’t find out until you start to work closely with them which will really make you smile.
Profit and Increased Pricing
This is the last and least reason for me to work with cats but it is worth mentioning for those looking to increase their revenue. As working with cats is still a
very specialist field and requires extra training, you can charge more than you can for grooming dogs.
It is still a premium service with few cat specialist groomers out there. The price also hasn’t been driven down by oversaturation and people trying to underbid each other for clients. You can really know your worth and charge accordingly if this is something you love and are
good at.
I always recommend doing a specific cat grooming course and taking the time to learn some cat behaviour and handling techniques before working with cats. Have a look for cat grooming courses local to you if you would like to learn more and you are welcome to reach out to me to chat about the wonderful world of cat grooming.
Sox who I groomed this year (2024)
Training my apprentice in 2024 as my business has grown enough to take on a second cat groomer
Chloe McAlister
This month’s featured groomer is Chloe McAlister, 21 who is celebrating a full year of working as a cat groomer with The Kat Lady holistic grooming business in Liverpool.
Business owner Katie Gwilt, first met Chloe when she was volunteering with Artemsis Alpacas and Katie was doing some sensory enrichment work with the alpacas there.
She was interested in what Katie did so she offered to take her out to observe for a day.
Katie said: “Cats are quite picky about which humans they will let in their personal space and I remember that day we had a real mix of cats with very different temperaments.
“Chloe seemed to handle herself really well and the cats all reacted well to her so after thinking things over she said she would like to train with me. I found an apprenticeship programme where she could gain an animal qualification with a local college and then she started officially.
“She has come such a long way over the last 12 months, especially as someone with very little cat experience and a fear of them!”
Here Chloe describes her experience as an apprentice cat groomer in her own words...
Getting Started with Cats
Over the past year, I’ve learnt a lot about cats. I started off rather weary of them and didn’t know how to read their body language. With help, I got over that fear rather quickly and began to see why so many people love cats. I realised how loving they can be and even during a groom some of my clients like a bit of stroking and afterwards, I love to make a fuss of them if they’ll allow.
It was hard learning all of the different techniques and ways to move cats during their groom as sometimes they just don’t want to do certain things like lay on their side, so I’ve learnt to just follow the cat’s lead and in certain situations, I just have to make do with whatever the cat is comfortable with to get the knots off despite how weird the position may be!
I never knew how thin the skin was
on their tummy and how much it really could move, I find myself holding my breath sometimes while using clippers on the tummy and in the armpits getting knots out because it is so delicate down there. Having some wiggly clients makes it harder and does make me nervous because it’s always in the back of my mind how quickly their skin can be cut.
Confidence in Working Alone
Since May when I was signed off to work alone and see my own clients, I have begun to build up a solid client base
who I see regularly. Seeing all the cats improving and having a chat with all the lovely people is great and building up that relationship with people and having their trust to work with their cat is such a nice feeling.
Over time seeing the cats beginning to trust me and allowing me to do more with them is amazing and really makes all of the time spent making them comfortable and going at their own pace rather than rushing is worth it as gaining that trust is so important to me.
Grooming the older cats is so interesting as they need more
Grooming very fluffy Monty
consideration, especially when it comes to things like arthritis as that really affects how I handle the cats and gives me more to think about while I’m grooming them as they won’t want me moving them and especially the affected joints too much so I learnt to sit the cat on my lap when doing their back claws so then I don’t have to move their back legs as much.
Introducing Herbs to Cats
Using the herbs after grooming is really interesting as different cats will choose to interact with different herbs depending on what they are feeling like. The herb I usually first offer to most cats is Valerian Root as it helps with any stress that may have come from the groom and they turn quite playful after they realise what it is.
Some cats eat it straight away but others like to roll in it and I have a few cats who like to just put their face straight in it which is rather entertaining to watch. I have learnt older cats tend to like comfrey or calendula which help with their sore joints as they both have antiinflammatory properties.
Due to this, I tend to offer a few different herbs and whichever the cat chooses I put a bit out for them sometimes on the towel or on the base of a scratch post close by so it doesn’t scatter on wood or tile floors. Using herbs is a nice way to end the session and it helps the cat to associate the groom with a good thing at the end and they do begin to realise they feel better after they have been groomed.
Continually Learning
Throughout the year I have learnt so much about cats and their needs, different health issues they are susceptible to as they get older and what symptoms they tend to display for these so I can see certain things and make recommendations for the cat.
Ever since I began to work alone I have been working on different ways to groom cats especially when they don’t like certain areas being touched so you have to do a bit and go back to it again throughout the groom. It has definitely been an interesting journey and prior to this I had never even known cat groomers existed as I didn’t realise they’d need regular grooming to help remove knots and to keep them comfortable all year round.
Grooming an elderly arthritic cat on her lap for the cats comfort
Completing her feline first aid training
Health & Safety
Start your year off safely, and healthily. Trust us, it’s important! Especially around your pet grooming business! Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.
Safe start to the year
To round out this January issue of TGM, let’s take a moment to talk about something that can often be overlooked, and turn into an issue, if not looked at properly - health and safety!
If you’re a regular reader of Total Grooming Magazine, you’re probably well aware of how passionate we are about the welfare of both pets and people within grooming salons. I know, I know… It’s not the most entertaining thing to chat about, but trust me when I say that it’s one of the most crucial parts of any pet grooming business in the world today!
So, let’s take a moment to discuss all of the benefits of a good health and safety regime within your pet grooming business!
Naturally, the first question that should be answered when we bring this up is normally something lining up with people asking why they should investigate health and safety in the first place. I mean, you’ve not had anything
go wrong yet, right? Well, bad things can be just around the corner if you’ve not been taking the correct procedures!
As we all know, pets can come in all shapes and sizes, each with a unique personality. Ensuring that there is a safe, healthy and hygienic environment for your fluffy clientele is of the utmost importance when considering health and safety aspects within your pet grooming business.
Simply put, you should be considering making a safe space where pets can feel comfortable, secure and overall, looked after. This is one of the best qualities of a fantastic dog groomer!
Cleanliness is the next major factor that we would like to tackle. This doesn’t just mean a quick tidy up at the end of a long day, but in fact, a deep clean
to really ensure that your area is safely sanitised and ready for the next staff member and fury client who may enter.
This isn’t just limited to the worktop spaces! Ensure that you’re thoroughly sanitising your tools, mopping your floors with some disinfectant and ensuring that everything is left to the best quality before your next client walks through the door.
A clean salon isn’t just to show off, it’s genuinely a real line of defence against germs and a way to keep your staff, yourself and your furry friends safe during their time within your grooming business. Speaking of keeping safe, there’s nothing quite like knowing the ins and outs of every single piece of equipment that’s there to help your grooming business run! I’m talking of course about
Photo by Impact Dog Crates on Pexels
your clippers, brushes, scissors, and everything else that you might need to complete your grooms.
Making sure that these pieces of equipment are clean is essential, as they can see lots of bacterial reproduction within your grooming business. Make it a habit to constantly clean and disinfect your tools after every groom, and you’ll reap the rewards in the long run!
The customer is the next person we want to consider after you and your staff. People have allergies. Making sure that your salon is allergen-free is a crucial part of running a business. Even for your staff. Someone who may be sneezing around scissors probably isn’t the best thing! Again, ensure that you’re disinfecting and clearing up regularly to avoid any accidents!
Ultimately, when considering health and safety, we want you to put in the work. I know it sounds like a lot, but when not taken seriously, it can produce so much more work in the long run! This can include, but not be limited to, sickness, health, legal fees, loss of clenetele and so many other dangers!
We encourage you to research the best products, ways of cleaning, and even to talk with your fellow groomers to see how you can best equip your grooming salon for health and safety in 2025.
Here’s to a safe, healthy and happy year!
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels
Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels
In to 2025!
Happy New Year! And here’s hoping that 2025 is going to be the best year yet! By Rachel Bean.
2024 was pretty action-packed for Team Bean, and from helping dogs and people in Thailand and Kenya to my dog Chilli and the Joe Lycett Live Show winning a BAFTA Award it really has been a year full of surreal surprises.
At the start of the new year it’s always a time for looking back at the year gone, and looking forward to what is in store for the coming twelve months. That’s pretty exciting, but also for small business owners can be daunting. We can do it I am sure!
So, for my new year’s tip I am sharing something that every person who is involved with dogs should know, how your dog’s tennis ball can save their life!
A lot of dogs love tennis balls, and whether you throw one for them to chase, or they like to carry it in their mouth for the walk, the brightly coloured items are a staple part of life with a canine companion.
For many of our dogs a walk just
isn’t the same without their treasured tennis ball, and we all have seen the tremendous lengths that some dogs will go to retrieve a ball, leaping into the air, or even jumping head first into water.
But, what many of us won’t know is that your dog’s tennis ball can actually save their life, and the UK’s top canine first aider Rachel Bean is sharing a top tip, which every dog owner should know.
Canine First Aid is far from just the basics of CPR and choking first aid, some techniques are bordering on genius.
This is an injury I have had experience with working in Veterinary Practice and is more common than you think.
If a dog lands on a fence post or a sharp broken branch they can damage the brachial artery which runs through the armpit. Like humans, it’s a difficult place to tourniquet, so the best action is to apply pressure immediately using your fist, hands, and fingers.
Your dog’s tennis ball is a great object to use to help reduce blood loss. If a ball
is squeezed in the armpit, it compresses the brachial artery, stopping the blood flow.
Jam it in the armpit and keep it there as hard as possible until you get to the vets. It may just reduce blood loss enough for the dog to recover, and save their life.
And if you have a dog that loves to fetch, it is also very useful to know how to deal with a stick injury.
This can happen occasionally and can occur when the dog bites the tongue or bites down on a sharp stick, which should be avoided.
It usually looks worse than it is and after a few minutes it can stop. Saliva contains proteins which play a role in the different stages of wound healing. Saliva contains substantial amounts of tissue factor, which dramatically accelerates blood clotting.
If the injury is minor but doesn’t clot quickly and stop bleeding then do call the vet as there could be a clotting issue.
If the tongue is split then a veterinary visit will be necessary as they often need stitching.
The most serious tongue injury is when the lingual artery is severed, usually by a stick injury or similar. This can be lifethreatening owing to the severe blood loss.
To find out more go to www.rachelbean.co.uk
Animal Talent & Casting Agency
Urban Paws UK
Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.
London: 020 8161 6556
Manchester: 0161 808 1667
E: info@urbanpawsuk.com
W: www.urbanpawsuk.com
Grooming Supplies
Artero
Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.
W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming
Facebook: artero.grooming.uk
Instagram: @artero.grooming.uk
Petcetera
Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!
T: 01948 668100
E: info@petcetera.co.uk
W: www.petcetera.co.uk
Facebook: petceteraetc
Instagram: @petcetera_etc
Industry Services
Pet Industry Federation
Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.
T: 01234 273933
E: info@petfederation.co.uk
W: www.petfederation.co.uk
Facebook: petindustryfederation
Twitter: @PetFedUK
Instagram:@petindustryfederation
LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services.
T: 0203 797 6308
E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk
W: www.montystreats.co.uk
Organic Grooming Products
Secret Weapon UK
Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.
T: 07923 368137
W: www.secretweaponuk.com
Facebook: Secret Weapon UK
Instagram: @secretweaponuk
Burns Pet Nutrition
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.
T: 0800 0181890
E: sales@burnspet.co.uk
W: www.burnspet.co.uk
Facebook: burnspet
Instagram: @burnset
Twitter: @burnspetfood
Raw Feeding
Natural Instinct
At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers.
T: 01276 608500
W: www.naturalinstinct.com
Facebook: NIPetfoods
Twitter: @NIrawpetfoods
Instagram: @naturalinstinctfood
Shampoo
Bugalugs
Bugalugs Pet Care produces high-quality pet products trusted by professionals worldwide. Manufactured in the UK’s Lake District, our bestselling range includes grooming supplies, dental care items, and supplements for pets.
T: 01900 837942
W: www.bugalugspetcare.com
Facebook: @bugalugspetcare
Instagram: @bugalugspetcare
TikTok: @bugalugspetcare
For All Dogkind
Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)
T:. 020 7148 0316
E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk
W: www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Natural Pet Treats
Pet Food
Sharpening
Shear Ease
Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!
T: 01407 832 800
E: office@sheareaseltd.com
W: www.sheareaseltd.com
Leucillin
Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!
Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.
T: 0345 548 9800
E: info@leucillin.co.uk
W: www.leucillin.co.uk
Facebook: leucillin
Instagram: @leucillin_skincare
Training and Education
Capel Manor College
Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.
T: 0303 003 1234
E: study@capel.ac.uk
W: www.capel.ac.uk
Facebook: capelmanorcollege
Twitter: @capelmanor
Instagram: @capelmanor
Four Paws Groom School
Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.
T: 01606 333765
E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
Facebook: fourpawsgroomschool
Instagram:@fourpawsgroomschool
Haddon Training
Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.
T: 01672 519977
E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk
W: www.haddontraining.co.uk
Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd
Instagram: @haddontraining
iPET Network
International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.
T: 0800 433 4700
E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Facebook: @ipetnetwork
Instagram: @ipetnetwork
KD Grooming Studio
KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.
T: 01963 34110
E: info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kellydavis.uk
Facebook: KdGroomingStudio
Instagram: @kdgroomingstudio
National Pet College
Offering City & Guilds dog
grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.
T: 01234 984450
E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk
W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk
Facebook: nationalpetcollege
Instagram: @nationalpetcollege
Pet Passion to Profit
Mentoring Pet Grooming Professionals to earn more money and have the business they dream of; changing lives of groomers and the grooming industry one business at a time!
E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com
W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com
Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit
Facebook: groups/doggrooming businesshelpandsupport
Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1
Rob Fellows Reiki
Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too. Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day.
E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com
W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers
Facebook: RobFellowsReiki
FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers
Instagram: @reikirobfellows
Summit Groomer Training Group
Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you.
See our website for details.
T: 01535 661776
E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
Skincare
