Why Pet Care Needs to Be Treated Like a Real Profession

The pet care industry is full of passionate, skilled professionals, but still, they are not being taken seriously. Pet groomers, trainers, and sitters are often viewed as hobbyists rather than professionals. Something that we have done to ourselves by not taking education seriously and recognizing that we need to do better. This mindset undermines our industry’s credibility, delaying progress toward essential regulation and widespread recognition. It’s further compounded by the abundance of unprofessional videos circulating across social media platforms.

The Problem is too many of us have settled for being seen as “just” a groomer or dog walker. And that shows in all the underpaid professionals out there, the extremely low safety standards, and confusion about who’s qualified to care for your pet.

For Our Pet Owners:
The groomer you trust is often working without clear oversight, safety requirements, or validated credentials. That “cute cut” is more than a style, it’s skill, technique, safety, and early health awareness.

You’re not being “difficult” for asking questions. You’re being responsible.

For You Pet Pros:
Want to be treated like a professional? Then operate like one.
That means formal education, followed by real certification, setting boundaries, and building a brand that reflects your worth.

What Matters:
🎓 A diploma means you've been taught and earned a formal education.
✅ Certification means you've been tested and that is going to expire and you should have to be retested and submit in your CEUs annually.
📉 A "certificate" without either? That’s just paper.

SO what are we doing to create a solution?
We’re here to raise the bar. The WPGA offers formal, licensed education that leads to real credentials, so pet care professionals can be recognized, respected, and properly paid.

Join us in the movement to elevate pet care.
Because pets deserve more, and so do the people who care for them.

📎 Learn more:  CERTIFICATION                                                                                                📎 Join here:  The IAPEG