Cat grooming and the feline microchip revolution

Cat Grooming - Training Matters

2021 was a big year for iPET Network, and it saw the launch of the UK’s first ever dedicated portfolio of cat grooming qualifications.

Previously the only industry qualifications available were add-ons to dog grooming courses.

But with the upsurge in demand for grooming of all kinds, and key differences in the core skills required to be a cat groomer, we decided that cats needed their own qualifications too.

Leading industry experts helped us develop the qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the Cat Grooming Industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.

The qualification is a balance of theoretical and practical learning to ensure that vocational skills lead the qualification with underpinned knowledge developed throughout. The practical training is now delivered at several approved iPET Network Training Providers around the country, offering the iPET Network Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Cat Grooming, iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling, iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management and the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Feline Emergency First Aid.

Because iPET Network is run by groomers, the courses move with the times too and you are learning from people who know all about the industry and all about animals.

According to PDSA figures 24% of the UK adult population have a cat, with 10.9 million pet cats being cared for in this country.

And with an ever more discerning customer base, which are increasingly demanding to see a qualified groomer, we believe the industry needs to level up, and get its existing skills recognised too.

This year, there is also a chance for existing grooming businesses to not only expand their offer with cat grooming, but with microchipping felines too.

In December the Government announced new pet microchipping rules for cats, in a bit to crack down on stray or missing felines.

The new rules say that every kitten has to be microchipped before the age of 20 weeks, otherwise breeders and owners could face a £500 fine.

Pet microchipping is a skill which existing businesses could easily add as a service, and that 2022 is the year to get qualified, as demand is set to be higher than ever.

With these new regulations coming in for cats, the time to add in microchipping as a service has never been better.

The qualification is inexpensive, and then you are up and running to start helping more people than ever be reunited with their precious pets.

The iPET Network microchipping course is regulated by Ofqual, and teaches learners how to carry out the procedure on dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, and after they qualify they and their clients will have access to the Track Your Paws service, which includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which could put pets and owners at risk.

After the course participants are all registered and ready to operate as Track Your Paws implanters, and get unlimited free microchips to give their business a flying start.

By Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty

To find out more about the iPET Network’s range of cat grooming courses go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty iPET Network

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