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.

The HGA Three Tier System

Please find below a description of the three tiers available within The HGA.

1. Our Members Logo is for individuals who are interested in learning more about The HGA Philosophy, and have decided to learn through a series of webinars via our resource hub. While this shows their support of more ethical methods of professional grooming, it does not guarantee that a member will be integrating our processes in their salons. This is simply a monthly membership to educational resources that anyone can choose get access to for a small monthly fee. 


2. Our Student In Training logo is for individuals who have invested in our advanced Behaviour Grooming Diploma and are currently being privately supported/mentored by one of our award-winning tutors. The 'Student In Training' logo means that the groomer is actively transitioning and practicing HGA Philosophy while they learn, which means that they may require permission from you to record grooming sessions for grading purposes. This is a 24-month long learning process covering advanced education in areas of professional grooming that will allow your dog to receive the best possible standard of care going forward.

3. Our HGA Behaviour Grooming Specialist logo is for individuals who successfully passed our advanced Behaviour Grooming Diploma, and are now considered competent in HGA Philosophy.

This logo reflects a commitment to the ethical treatment of animals, and the highest standard of professional competency in the field of behaviour grooming protocol.

IMPORTANT:

If you have any concerns about the conduct of either a HGA Member, Student or Graduate, please contact us immediately via our T&Cs (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).

We would like to politely remind you that your dog's progress relies on you working with your HGA Groomer.

The HGA Ethical Pledge

All tiers require participants to agree to the following ethical pledge:

  • 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.

FAQs

  • Does being an 'HGA Member' 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.