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POLICIES

Australian Groomers Safety Standards (AGSS)
Safety & Animal Welfare Policy

1. Purpose

The Australian Groomers Safety Standards (AGSS) are designed to promote safe, humane, and professional grooming practices across Australia. These standards support the wellbeing of animals, protect groomers and staff, and ensure high levels of hygiene, safety, and professionalism within grooming facilities.

AGSS aims to provide a framework that aligns with Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) principles and internationally recognised grooming care standards.

2. Commitment to Animal Welfare

AGSS members must treat all animals with respect, patience, and compassion at all times.

Groomers must:

  • Handle pets using humane and stress-minimising techniques
  • Never leave pets unattended on grooming tables or in bathing tubs
  • Monitor pets closely during drying, bathing, and grooming procedures
  • Use only safe grooming tools and equipment
  • Recognise signs of stress, injury, or illness and respond appropriately

Animals in distress or requiring medical care must be referred to a licensed veterinarian.

Professional grooming standards emphasise humane handling and continuous monitoring of animals during grooming to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

3. Groomer & Workplace Safety

AGSS requires grooming businesses to maintain safe working environments.

Safety practices include:

  • Use of non-slip flooring around bathing areas
  • Safe handling and restraint equipment
  • Regular equipment maintenance
  • First aid kits available onsite
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and non-slip footwear
  • Safe ergonomic working practices

Maintaining equipment in safe operating condition and following workplace safety procedures helps prevent injuries to both groomers and animals.

4. Hygiene & Sanitation

All grooming facilities must maintain strict hygiene protocols.

Requirements include:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting grooming tables between pets
  • Sanitising grooming tools and equipment
  • Regular cleaning of bathing tubs and drying areas
  • Hand hygiene before and after handling animals
  • Proper waste disposal procedures

Maintaining sanitation reduces disease transmission and protects both pets and staff.

5. Client Communication & Consent

Before grooming begins, the following information should be collected:

  • Owner contact details
  • Pet identification and breed
  • Medical history or conditions
  • Behaviour concerns
  • Vaccination status (where applicable)
  • Grooming instructions and consent

Clear communication ensures safe handling and proper care for every animal.

6. Professional Conduct

AGSS members agree to maintain high ethical and professional standards.

Members must:

  • Conduct business with honesty and integrity
  • Maintain accurate client and pet records
  • Provide services within their training and competence
  • Continue professional development and education
  • Comply with all relevant Australian animal welfare and workplace safety laws

Industry associations across Australia promote similar codes of ethics to maintain professionalism and ensure humane treatment of animals.

7. Incident Management

In the event of an accident or injury:

  • The animal must receive immediate care.
  • The owner must be informed promptly.
  • The incident must be documented.
  • Appropriate veterinary care must be recommended if required.

All incidents should be reviewed to improve safety procedures.

8. Continuous Improvement

AGSS supports the ongoing improvement of grooming standards through:

  • Education and training
  • Updated safety procedures
  • Industry collaboration
  • Adoption of best practice animal care methods

Standards may be updated periodically to reflect new knowledge in animal welfare, grooming technology, and workplace safety.

✔ Last Updated: 31.03.2026
✔ Issued by: Australian Groomers Safety Standards (AGSS)

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