Grooming Safety Standard – Version 1.0

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Australian Grooming Safety Standard (AGSS)

Version 1.0

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Purpose:

 

The Australian Grooming Safety Standard establishes best-practice guidelines for professional pet grooming facilities to ensure animal welfare, workplace safety, hygiene, and operational professionalism.

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Scope of Application

 

This standard applies to all professional pet grooming environments, including but not limited to:

• Commercial grooming salons

• Home-based grooming businesses

• Mobile grooming services

• Veterinary clinics providing grooming services

• Pet daycare or boarding facilities offering grooming

• Any business or individual providing professional pet grooming services

 

The requirements of this standard apply regardless of location, facility type, or business model.

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Section 1 – Animal Welfare

 

Certified salons must demonstrate:

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• humane handling of animals at all times

• recognition of canine stress signals

• safe use of grooming restraints

• supervision of animals during grooming procedures

• monitoring of dogs during drying processes

• immediate response to injuries or distress

 

Animals must never be left unattended on grooming tables.

Aggressive or distressed animals must be handled according to documented safety procedures.

 

Section 2 – Grooming Safety Practices

 

Salons must demonstrate safe procedures for:

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• clipping and scissoring

• bathing and drying

• coat brushing and de-matting

• nail trimming

 

Groomers must monitor for:

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• Skin irritation or sensitivity

• Coat and hair condition, including matting or damage

• Skin abnormalities such as hot spots, cuts, wounds, lumps, bumps, cysts, or lesions

• Signs of overheating

• Signs of stress, fatigue, or discomfort in the pet

 

Section 3 – Hygiene and Infection Control

 

Certified salons must maintain hygiene practices including:

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• disinfecting tools between animals

• sanitizing grooming tables

• washing towels after each use

• maintaining clean bathing areas

• safe waste disposal procedures.

 

Section 4 – Equipment Safety

 

Equipment must be:

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• maintained in safe working condition

• inspected regularly

• used according to manufacturer instructions.

 

Electrical grooming equipment must be protected from water exposure.

 

Section 5 – Facility Safety

 

Facilities must provide:

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• safe flooring

• adequate ventilation

• emergency exits

• fire safety equipment

• clean working environments.

 

Section 6 – Staff Competency

 

Certified salons should ensure:

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• Groomers are trained in safe and appropriate animal handling.

• Staff understand and follow salon hygiene and sanitation procedures.

• Staff are familiar with emergency response procedures.

• At least one staff member with training in animal first aid is present or available during operating hours.

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Section 7 – Emergency & Incident Procedures

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The salon maintains documented procedures for responding to serious incidents or medical emergencies involving pets, including immediate care, documentation, and client notification.

 

Section 8 - Cage Dryer Restriction & Safety Policy (AGSS)

 

Policy Statement

The use of cage dryers presents a significant risk to animal welfare and must be strictly controlled within all AGSS-accredited salons.

Cage drying must never be used as a convenience tool and is only permitted under controlled, supervised conditions.

 

Restricted Use Requirements

 

Cage dryers may only be used when ALL of the following conditions are met:

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• The pet is assessed as low-risk and suitable for cage drying

• The pet is partially dried (towel dried) prior to use

• The dryer is set to cool or low heat only

• The pet is under constant supervision

• The drying time is kept to an absolute minimum

• The cage allows for adequate airflow and ventilation

• A timer or monitoring system is in place

• The staff member is trained in recognizing signs of heat stress and distress

 

Prohibited Use

 

Cage dryers must NOT be used in the following situations:

• ❌ On brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus)

• ❌ On elderly, unwell, or medically compromised pets

• ❌ On pets showing signs of stress, anxiety, or aggression

• ❌ On pets that are fully wet (not towel dried)

• ❌ Without direct supervision

• ❌ With high heat settings

• ❌ In poorly ventilated areas

• ❌ With faulty or untested equipment

 

Mandatory Monitoring Requirements

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• Pets must be visually checked every few minutes at minimum

• Any signs of distress require immediate removal from the dryer

• Staff must monitor:​

  • Drooling

  • Lethargy

  • Vocalization

  • Attempting to escape

• Panting

 

Recommended Best Practice (AGSS Preferred Standard)

 

AGSS strongly recommends:

• Minimizing cage dryer use wherever possible

• Prioritizing:

  • Hand drying

  • Stand dryers

  • High-velocity dryers (used safely)

• Using cage dryers only as a supplementary drying method

 

Staff Training Requirement

 

All staff must be trained in:

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• Safe operation of cage dryers

• Animal behaviour and stress signals

• Heat stress recognition and response

• Emergency procedures

 

Incident Reporting

 

Any incident involving cage dryer use must be:

• Immediately reported

• Documented in the salon’s incident register

• Reviewed to prevent recurrence

 

AGSS Compliance Note

 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Non-conformance during audit

• Suspension of AGSS certification

• Requirement for corrective action

 

Positioning Statement

 

AGSS promotes progressive grooming practices that prioritize:

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• Animal welfare

• Active supervision

• Reduced reliance on high-risk equipment

 

“We don’t ban cage dryers — but we strictly control them”

 

Continuing education in grooming practices is recommended.