The Holistic Grooming Academy's Code of Ethics

We and all HGA students/members/graduates uphold the following strict ethical pledge in the care of Animals:

  • Compassion

    We promise to demonstrate a high level of compassion for both humans and other animals. It is important that we seek to understand the individual needs of the animals we work with to ensure that they receive the best standard of care at all times, and that we refrain from unfair judgement when carrying out our duties as Professional Pet Care providers.

  • Choice

    We promise to ensure that the animals we work with are given plenty of opportunities to adjust to grooming processes, and to provide agency where required. It is imperative that we respect an animals right to consent, and appropriately implement the use of cooperative based methods to help an animal feel safe. Intimidation and unreasonable force is strictly prohibited.

  • Care

    We promise to make the welfare of animals our main priority in pursuit of grooming tasks. It is crucial that all animals receive a bespoke care plan that reflects their individual needs. When faced with 'welfare' cases requiring urgent assistance, we will provide our services as low-stress as possible to prevent prolonged suffering. Humanity before vanity, always.

  • Creativity

    We promise to ensure our chosen methods and approach is one that reflects the needs of the animals in our care. As such, we understand that there is no methodological process to our roles and therefore, our workspace must be adaptable to accommodate to various needs. Creativity, open-mindedness and the ability to think outside the box is crucial for our roles.

  • Commitment

    We promise to remain committed in learning and advancing our knowledge and skillsets, covering a broad range of topics that will help to enhance the service of care all animals receive. We will actively invest in reputable CPD to ensure that our services remain updated and backed by modern science. We will keep track of our learning through a CPD log.

  • Consideration

    We promise to take into consideration the needs of others and remain inclusive and supportive of both our peers and the general public. We will be honest, open and approachable. It's important to ensure that we accept and embrace others without discrimination. Bullying, intimidation and humiliation tacts are strictly not tolerated.

Dear Pet Carer/Professional,

Please read for more information on The HGA's Code of Ethics and Members Pledge.

An HGA Student/Graduate is invested in learning ways to enhance the service they provide in ways that consider and respect other animals as sentient, emotional beings.

Because of this, they are taught ways to increase safety in the professional grooming environment by utilising the benefits of a more cooperative-based practice. 

Our students and graduates must agree with our Code of Conduct and sign the Members Pledge (below) to demonstrate their commitment to using only positive and compassionate methods of care while working with animals. 

Failure to comply to these very strict ethical standards would result in the immediate termination of their membership/graduation status. 

We have two different logos you should look out for:

1. Our Members Logo is for individuals who have subscribed to our monthly membership or who are actively learning via our Accreditation and have access to our CPD events throughout the year. This logo doesn't guarantee a dog groomer is competent but does show their interest in learning more holistic, science-backed methods of grooming. It's up to the dog professional/carer to do their own due diligence in this instance.

2. Our HGA Certified Logo is for individuals who have underwent our advanced Accreditation and passed the course. These individuals have demonstrated a thorough understanding of our approach and are competent in their roles as Holistic Groomers.

If you have any concerns about the conduct of your HGA groomer, you can follow the guidelines provided in our Complaints Policy (see Footer). 

Equally, we LOVE to hear all of the good experiences dog carers/professionals have with our HGA groomers, and welcome you to share with us your experiences and thoughts on their services via our e-mail ([email protected]) and/or socials (@theholisticgroomingacademy).

Rest assured all HGA students are against the use of punishment, and will not use any aversive tools in their practice. 

Finally, if you are reading this as a dog carer we would like to politely remind you that your dog's progress relies on you having an open heart to the unorthodox processes of The HGA - we may not be what you first expect, but we promise to uphold our duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of your dog while we work on helping them to truly enjoy their grooming sessions.

If you are looking to find your nearest HGA member/graduate groomer, please follow the 'Directory' link below.

Members Pledge:

Disclaimer: The HGA must stress that although we have measures in place to safeguard the pledge and ethics, we rely on an element of trust and cooperation from both the general public and our members.

  • To only use positive, non-dominant based methods when caring for an animal.

  • To be totally transparent with their approach to caring for an animal and to devise a bespoke care plan that suit the individual needs of an animal.

  • To work with an animal using consent and choice to encourage cooperation and trust.

  • To only use our approved handling devices when faced with Welfare cases, and to strive for a restraint-free grooming environment that respects boundaries and an animal's need for agency.

  • To be honest with both carers and other pet care professionals and only offer advice to the limitations of their expertise, and otherwise refer a dog carer and dog to the appropriate pet professional in times they feel it's required.

  • To be mindful of our words and the way we handle and communicate to and about animals to ensure that our actions reflect our understanding of animal emotion, behaviour and communication. To refrain from stereotyping and to ensure that our words and actions reflect an ethical and updated approach to care.

  • To adhere to The Holistic Grooming Academy's Code of Ethics of the HGA for the duration of their membership/graduate status.

FAQ

  • It says 'behaviourist' in the Certified Groomers Logo, what does this mean?

    Our graduates have been taken through an advanced education in canine behaviour and positive training methods within the context of professional grooming. As such, the term 'Holistic Grooming Behaviourist' refers to the graduates ability to risk-assess, observe and communicate with a dog within a professional grooming environment to devise a bespoke care plan based on the dog's individual needs. This should not be confused with a qualified clinical behaviourist.

  • Does HGA Membership guarantee a groomer works within your guidelines?

    Unfortunately not. While we do all that we can to safeguard the integrity of our establishment we cannot guarantee that all of our members invest time to attending our events, or that they will indeed practice as per our Code of Conduct and Members Pledge Ethics. With that in mind, we always recommend that you do your own due diligence before entrusting a professional to care for your dog, and should you have any concerns about one of our HGA members, students and/or graduates, that you contact us immediately with as much evidence to support your complaint. Our email is: [email protected]

  • What's the point in the logo if you cannot guarantee competency?

    We strive to raise awareness of the need for a more cooperative and canine-centred dog grooming world. Our establishment represents a future where dogs come first and as such, we strive to welcome as many individuals into our community as possible so that they have access to the relevant and reliable resources to further expand their knowledge and skillset. We rely on our members/students/graduates being honest but we do dedicate time to mystery shop and spot check at random in hope this might encourage them to adhere to our policies. their promise.