Paws for thought visits the iPET Network and finds out more

Paws for thought...

Paws for thought finds out more about the iPET Network and its groomer training courses including the latest ‘fast track’ courses for experienced groomers:

Recently celebrating signing up 40 training providers and a partnership with Animal Courses Direct, the ‘by groomers for groomers’ Awarding Organisation iPET Network has secured its standing and reputation in the world of education and grooming.

Sarah Mackay, who together with business partner Fern Gresty set up iPET Network with a dream of creating qualifications for the Canine and Feline industry. In turn creating a network of accessible and friendly Training Providers for the UK’s army of existing and would-be groomers to deliver the qualifications. They spoke to Total Grooming about their business, and why they believe training and qualifications are so important.

A lifelong dog lover, Sarah had groomed dogs as a teenager, but then stepped into a corporate career in HR, quality and training and left the grooming world behind.

But five years ago Sarah decided to ditch the corporate life to transfer her skills in grooming and training and was offered a Dog Grooming Tutor role at Four Paws Groom School, which was run by Fern. The pair hit it off, iPET Network was formed and their idea to design and offer Dog Grooming qualifications created by groomers for groomers was born. This allowed new or experienced learners to have choice when searching for qualifications knowing that iPET Network are upping the standards and creating qualifications that really work for the industry, the learners and pets that deserve the best care.

This ethos has been praised and

Sarah Mackay, who together with business partner Fern Gresty set up iPET Network

championed by leading industry lights Stuart Simons and Colin Taylor.

Colin said: “This is different because it’s not just a qualification, it’s designed with thought behind it by dog people, and that for me is really important.”

Sarah, speaking about starting the business and realising their dream, said: “Fern had advertised for a tutor and I ended up coming on board as a partner to develop the business. That was four years ago and it’s gone from strength to strength from there.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think it would be as big as it is, and from an employment point of view that has been great too because we have been able to hire local people in the areas that we cover.

“People have really resonated with our ethos which is all about doing it right and maintaining the quality, the feedback from our training providers and learners is that they can see the difference between ours and other training, because the support and roundness of the qualification adds value the whole way through. That is really important to us, and we have been able to expand in a way which never compromises that.”

The grooming industry is as-yet

unregulated, and many longserving groomers have never completed any formal qualifications, with many feeling uncomfortable with the looming threat of legislation.

But iPET Network have addressed this in a respectful way, with a fast-track course which takes into account these veteran groomers’ existing valuable skills.

Sarah said: “As an industry we all have to be advocating for qualifications, just because you are doing it right, it doesn’t mean that someone else is. And when things go wrong it has an effect on trust in the entire industry.

“Some people say they can’t believe you can do a dog grooming course in 30 days, but with 22 hours of training I passed my driving test.

“That didn’t mean that I was the best driver I would ever be at the end of it, but I had the solid foundations and skills that I needed to learn from there. That is what this is all about, building strong foundations in the subject and animal welfare and it needs to be fair for everyone.”

Since its inception iPET Network has expanded beyond simply dog grooming, offering courses in other animal subjects too such as canine nutrition and first aid.

To create these qualifications the business sources the very best experts to advise on course materials, most recently canine nutrition consultant Lisa Hannaby.

Sarah and Fern have also now expanded the Four Paws Groom School brand to include sites in Kent (teaming up with business partner Sarah Sturley) and with Shropshire coming soon, the iPET Network qualifications are delivered by 40 training providers around the country.

Sarah added: “The sky really is the limit with animal welfare at our hearts. This is something that we believe in so much and we can’t wait to see where it takes us, and the industry that we love.”

Want to feature in Total Grooming Magazine?

Send an email to: editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk, or write to us at: Total Grooming Magazine, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD.

Be:Loved

Be:Loved is a luxury but affordable British pet care brand that believes the best relationships are based on trust, love and respect. With knowledge of animal care in our DNA, we take our own practical, natural remedies, honed by different generations, and reimagine them for modern life to care for and indulge you and your pet.

Everything is made in the UK. Our quest is for a greener world hence all products are made from sustainable ingredients, and reduced plastics & packaging wherever possible. We test everything on ourselves and all products are made by hand. All products have lovely, natural fragrances and are presented in beautifully designed packaging that fits seamlessly into your home.

Using ingredients handpicked from hedgerows, our stylish range of soaps, sprays and balms are perfect for everyday care and pampering alike, and the luxurious and moisturising ingredients protect and nourish hands while giving your pet the natural boost they deserve, even those with sensitive skin.

Dote on them. They deserve it. Let them Be:Loved

Discover more at www.wearebeloved.co.uk