Your Safety,
Our Standard.
Welcome to our comprehensive safety framework guide.
Here you’ll find answers to key questions about salon auditing, compliance benchmarks, and the rigorous star-rating system we apply to support safer, higher standards across the pet grooming industry.
Operational Standards FAQ
Navigating the Australian Grooming Safety Standards framework is an important step toward salon excellence. Below, we outline key information about our audit protocols, certification levels, and the safety benchmarks that guide best practice within the grooming industry.
Who created this certification?
Developed by grooming professionals and safety specialists.
Is this recognised by the industry?
This is an independent industry safety certification.
Will customers care about this?
Pet owners can search for certified groomers to ensure safer grooming environments.
What happens if we fail the audit?
An improvement report is provided and a re-audit is available.
How long does certification last?
12 months or 3 year audit
What does the audit involve?
The AGSS audit includes a structured inspection of your facility, a review of safety protocols, evaluation of hygiene and sanitation standards, assessment of animal welfare practices, and professional groomer competency assessments to ensure your salon meets Australian Grooming Safety Standards.
What do we get for being certified?
Salons receive a certification certificate, window badge, website listing, marketing assets and an audit report.
Is this a government inspection?
No, this is an independent professional safety certification.
Why should we do it?
Your value proposition: improved reputation, safety verification, marketing advantage and consumer trust.
Who are audits for?
Audits are designed for all professional grooming entities including commercial salons, mobile groomers, and training academies seeking to validate their safety protocols.
How long does the assessment take?
The duration typically ranges from 2 to 8 hours depending on the facility size and complexity of operational workflows.
What criteria are inspected?
Assessors evaluate animal welfare practices, hygiene standards, equipment maintenance, facility safety, and staff technical competency.
What do the star ratings mean?
Ratings range from 1 to 5 stars based on a 100-point scoring system. A emerald 5-star rating represents the absolute peak of global safety compliance.
How often are re-audits requried?
To maintain certification, salons must undergo a formal re-assessment every 12 months to ensure continuous compliance.
How AGSS Ratings Work?
AGSS ratings reflect the level of safety, operational compliance, and animal welfare practices observed during the audit conducted at the time of assessment.
Where salons implement additional improvements following audit, they may request reassessment or rating review through AGSS.
Can mobile groomers get certified?
Yes. Mobile units are assessed against specialized criteria tailored to the unique spatial and technical requirements of mobile grooming safety.
Still have questions?
If your question isn't covered above, our safety audit team is available to provide specialized guidance for your specific facility needs.