Grooming salons ‘struggling to keep up’, industry warns
It comes as 3.2 million households across the nation have purchased a pet of some kind during the pandemic
The large-scale influx in the purchase of puppies and new dogs during the pandemic has led to “never before-seen” demand for dog grooming in the UK, according to the iPET Network.
Grooming salons around the UK are reportedly “struggling to keep up” according to the network, which offers dog grooming qualifications. It is now appealing for prospective groomers to “ become part of the growth industry”.
It comes as 3.2 million households across the nation have purchased a pet of some kind during the pandemic.
From 2020 to 2021, there was a boost in dog numbers from nine million to 12 million, but with 17 of the 20 most popular dog breeds needing regular grooming or treatments this has led to a surge in grooming demand.
In the UK in 2019 830 people received certificates in a Level 3 dog grooming qualification, and this has risen to 895 in 2020. Nonetheless, the iPET Network said more groomers are still needed.
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, who run the canine sector-specific iPET Network, said: “The demand for dog grooming has never been stronger, and these millions of new puppy parents need to be reassured that the groomer they choose holds a nationally recognised qualification.
“Sadly, because of the pandemic lockdowns some grooming businesses in the UK have not survived. That coupled with the giant demand the remaining ones are experiencing means only one thing; We need more qualified groomers.”
