The AGSS Advisory Board
AGSS is supported by an advisory board of experienced industry professionals who contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of safety standards, ensuring they remain practical and relevant to real-world grooming environments.
​
Industry Knowledge and Guidance
The advisory board provides insight based on practical experience within grooming environments, helping to ensure that AGSS standards remain:
​
-
Relevant to real-world operations
-
Practical in application
-
Aligned with industry needs
-
Focused on improving safety outcomes
Role of Advisory Board
The AGSS Advisory Board serves as an independent guiding body, focused on establishing and maintaining the premier metrics for pet safety and professional excellence across Australia.
01
Reviewing and refining safety standards
The advisory board contributes to the ongoing review of AGSS safety standards, ensuring they remain accurate, relevant, and aligned with current industry practices and expectations.
02
Providing industry perspective and feedback
Drawing on real-world experience, the advisory board provides practical insight into everyday grooming operations, helping to ensure that standards are both effective and applicable in salon environments.
Suupporting the evolution of the AGSS framework
03
The advisory board supports the continued development of the AGSS framework, helping guide its growth in a way that reflects industry needs while maintaining consistency and integrity.
The Advisory Board
The AGSS Advisory Board is composed of independent industry leaders dedicated to governing safety standards, ensuring ethical transitions, and maintaining the metric protocols that protect pets and professionals across the grooming sector.
Carolyn Pietzner
Founder- Pet & Skin SpecialistÂ
_edited.png)
Patricia Begaud
Fire & Electrical SafetyÂ
Linda Goggan
Nutritional Advisor- for groomers
_edited.jpg)
Chenelle Conquest
Pet Industry Mentor
.png)
Shayla Knipe
Pet Stylist
Aline Serra
Dog Behavouist
From vet nurse, to pet business owner, to pet industry mentor, I’ve always had a passion for animal health and welfare.
​
When vet nursing ended for me, I still wanted to find a way to positively impact the lives of animals, which led me to starting my own dog walking and pet care company. Over the 10 years I spent building and running that business, one thing became painfully apparent to me, there is still such a lack of regulation and accountability across parts of the animal industry.
​
When I moved into business consulting and mentoring, this became a huge part of what I wanted to stand for. I don’t just want to help people build successful pet businesses, I want to encourage, educate and inspire business owners to hold themselves to a higher standard, whether there are rules telling them they have to or not.
​
I’m incredibly passionate about seeing our industry continue to move forward and evolve, with genuine standards, accountability and better outcomes for the animals at the centre of everything we do.
​
That’s why accepting an invitation to join AGSS was a complete no-brainer for me. I’m so excited to be part of something that is going to support and uplift groomers who want to hold themselves and their businesses to the highest standard. Because at the end of the day, the animals are the ones who have the most to gain from an industry that expects better of itself.
​
And as a little thank you from me, any AGSS Professional member, whether you join now or down the track, is welcome to book a free 30-minute business consult with me.
​
Bring along one issue you’re currently facing in your business and we’ll talk it through together. I’ll give you practical, supportive guidance and some clear steps you can take to start moving forward.
A World Champion Dog Stylist and master educator with over two decades of experience, founder and CEO of Stylish Canine a Premium Boutique Salon, Groomers Academy Queensland, and co-founder of SYNARII a smart salon system, dedicated to salon excellence, safety, and pet industry leadership.
Carolyn Pietzner is the Founder and Advisory Board Chair of the Australian Grooming Safety Standard (AGSS). With over 26 years of experience in the professional pet grooming industry and qualifications as a Pet Skin Aesthetician, Carolyn is passionate about advancing safety, professionalism, education, and best practice across the Australian grooming sector.
Â
Through AGSS, she is leading the development of nationally recognised standards that support animal welfare, workplace safety, ethical business practices, and continuous professional development for grooming professionals.
FCF Fire & Electrical is a locally owned and family-operated fire protection company committed to delivering exceptional service and quality workmanship. We take pride in helping businesses and property owners maintain safe, compliant environments through professional fire protection and electrical services.
​
Our focus is on providing reliable, customer-focused solutions while ensuring all fire safety systems are inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with applicable Australian Standards and legislative requirements. With a strong emphasis on integrity, attention to detail, and long-term client relationships, we strive to give our customers complete confidence that their fire safety compliance needs are being managed by experienced professionals.
​
At FCF Fire & Electrical, we believe that quality service, technical expertise, and genuine customer care are the foundation of everything we do.
​
Why they partner with AGSS
​
To assist business owners in the grooming industry with meeting their fire compliance obligations.
​
Advisory Board members provide independent industry insight and guidance.
Participation does not constitute operational involvement, decision-making authority, or endorsement of individual accreditation outcomes.
​
Independent governance supports transparency, accountability, and industry confidence in the AGSS framework.
Advisory board members will be announced as appointments are confirmed.