Members Pledge

Our Member Pledge & Code of Ethics

At The Holistic Grooming Academy (HGA), we take pride in our promise to elevate the grooming profession with ethical, compassionate, and science-backed practices. All members, students, and graduates commit to our Member Pledge to uphold these standards in every interaction with animals and clients.

Our Ethical Values: What We Stand For

We uphold six core values in every grooming environment:

Compassion

Honour the emotional and physical needs of each animal with empathy and respect.
Choice

Choice – Prioritise canine consent and employ cooperative-based methods, always avoiding force or intimidation.
Care

Care – Tailor grooming to each dog's unique needs, providing humane, low-stress experiences.
Consideration

Consideration – Foster an inclusive, respectful environment - tact and clarity guide every interaction.
Creativity

Creativity – Adapt your approach with open-mindedness, ensuring every practice supports individual well-being.
Commitment

Commitment – Engage in CPD and science-led learning to advance both skills and animal welfare.

🌿 HGA Exclusive Member

This logo shows that the groomer is part of the HGA Membership community. It means they have pledged to uphold the HGA Code of Ethics, commit to low-stress, animal-centred practice, and engage in ongoing learning. ⚠️ It does not mean they are accredited by the HGA or assessed in their grooming skills - it signals a commitment to ethical values.

Join The Membership!

📚 HGA Student in Training

This logo is awarded to individuals currently enrolled in one of our Diploma or accredited courses. It shows they are actively studying holistic and behaviour-led grooming methods with The Holistic Grooming Academy. ⚠️ It does not yet represent accreditation with the HGA, but demonstrates they are on the pathway to becoming qualified.

Enrol On Accreditation

🐾 HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist

This is the highest recognition logo, awarded only to graduates who have successfully completed the Holistic Grooming & Behaviour Diploma. It demonstrates: Advanced understanding of canine behaviour science Proven skills in low-stress, cooperative care Commitment to ethical, animal-centred grooming ⚡ This badge means the groomer is a certified specialist, trained and assessed to uphold the Academy’s professional standards.

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The HGA Membership Pledge

By becoming part of HGA, individuals agree to:

Always use positive, non-dominance based approaches in animal care.
Maintain transparency in their care plans and customise grooming for each animal.
Foster cooperation and trust using consent-based strategies.
Use only HGA-approved tools for welfare cases and strive for restraint-free environments.
Communicate honestly, and refer to qualified professionals when beyond scope.
Be mindful in language and behaviour, reflecting an up-to-date understanding of animal emotion and behaviour.
Adhere to the HGA Code of Ethics as long as they are part of the community.

Breach of these ethical standards may result in membership suspension or revocation.

FAQs

Does HGA Membership guarantee high-quality grooming standards?

Unfortunately, no—while members pledge to uphold ethics, we cannot enforce daily practice. We recommend pet owners do their own vetting and contact us if they notice any concerns.
What does “Behaviour Grooming Specialist” mean?

It means the groomer has completed our Behaviour Grooming Diploma, demonstrating advanced knowledge in canine psychology alongside grooming skills.