ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR
Kennedi Travis BS, CPDT-KA, FFCP
FELINE NAVIDAD
NUTRITION FOR CATS
Sandra Porter- Gonyea CFMG
Tina Allison GROOMER OF THE MONTH
Joslyn Williams
HUMANITY OVER VANITY HUMANITY OVER VANITY
TheFurryPhoenician
EDITOR
MERCEDES SCHENK
ISSUE SPONSOR
ALL THINGS PAW
DECEMBER 14
APGG JINGLE + MINGLE
JANUARY 11
POMERANIAN WORKSHOP WITH JOSLYN STEEN
JANUARY 25
ANXIOUS CAT CLASS WITH MERCEDES SCHENK CFMG
FEBRUARY 1
OLGA ZABELINSKAYA CLASS
FEBRUARY
SERENITY SESSIONS WITH MALISSA CONTI DIENER MHG
THE MOBILE GROOMER’S DRIVERS ED WITH CARINA ORZCO MARCH
APRIL
BATHER BOOTCAMP WITH ADRIANA WELCKLE
MAY
FELINE FRESH WITH MERCEDES SCHENK CFMG
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
HUMANITY OVER VANITY HUMANITY OVER VANITY
No one chooses a career with animals because they want to make their life harder People enter this field because something in them aches to make a difference--a deep, instinctive pull toward creatures who can’t speak for themselves
Whether we fell in love with a childhood cat, rescued a stray dog, or simply found peace in the quiet moments of animal company, our introduction into this industry is rooted in admiration and compassion.
We are drawn to this work because it feels like purpose It’s what fills the space between who we are and what we believe in But when that passion becomes a profession; when it becomes how we pay our bills, build our schedules, and measure our days--the waters can become a little murky
And that’s when the thing we once held sacred starts to slip away
When grooming or caring for animals becomes a mean to an end rather than a connection, we risk forgetting what brought us here in the first place The line between pet and product begins to blur The animal in front of us becomes a task that needs completion, an appointment to get through, a marker on a spreadsheet It’s not intentional, it’s not overnight, and sometimes we have to sit back and remind ourselves that these lives in our care are not ours to commodify
Respect in animal care isn’t just about gentle hands--it’s about mindful choices It means recognizing subtle communication, respecting limits, and learning to adapt our techniques rather than forcing compliance It means continuing education not just in tools or trends, but in temperament and trust It means investing in a wider toolbox--one that includes empathy, restraint, patience, and humility
It’s easy to talk about compassion when a groom goes smoothly It’s harder to practice it when a cat spits, dog growls, or a schedule runs behind But those are the moments that test our integrity--the moments that define what kind of professional we truly are
Compassion isn’t passive; it's active, deliberate, and often inconvenient It’s knowing when to say, “this groom should be done another day” or even harder, “I’m not the right fit for this pet ” This goes for any high intense emotional state: fear, aggression, anxiety Those decisions don’t reflect failure--they reflect respect Respect for the animal’s boundaries for the profession’s standards, and for ourselves
We can’t pour from an empty cup, and we can’t advocate for animals if we’ve forgotten our own “why” It’s in those quiet moments--a cat finally unclenching, a nervous pet exhaling into trust--that we’re reminded this work isn’t about perfection It’s about presence
This is especially true for new groomers or those trying to make a name for themselves We often challenge ourselves with harder tasks, tougher coats, more difficult grooms, and more reactive pets in an effort to prove our skill But perfection and excellence aren’t achieved in a single groom--they’re cltivated over time through trial, error, and education Every experience, even the difficult ones become a lesson that helps refine us
Clients can be unpredictable--sometimes demanding, sometimes even threatening--but we must remember that while they’re the ones paying for the service, the true client is the animal on the table before us They are the one’s whose well-being depends on our professionalism and boundaries It’s okay to tell the customer you’re not comfortable It’s okay to stop a groom, turn it down, or afterwards refer out when something isn’t in the animal’s or your best interest
When those moments arise, don’t disparage the owner or make excuses Speak objectively about what happened and why, so they can find someone better suited to the pet’s individual needs Don’t lie and say everything went perfectly when it didn’t
Honesty builds trust--not just with the clients, but with yourself
This is especially true when it comes to cats The first experiecne can be overhwelming for them Some may panic, hiss, flip out, or completely shut down. But with positive conditioning and consistent gentle exposure, they do improve Each visit can become an opportunity to build trust and resilience We don’t make claims, “cats hate water”, “cats hate getting shaved”, or “cats groom themselves” and make over-arching claims We must emphasize professional observation over assumption, documenting behavior objectively rather than lying on mythos or emotion
We notate:
Cat displayed sensory sensitivity to the sound of the dryer or clipper vibration
Cat showed stress when confined in the tub; responded better to limited sights with air muzzle
Cat tolerated bath well but exhibited tension during drying
Cat vocalized and swatted when combed near tail, likely sensitive in that area
Cat did well for the first 20 minutes then displayed restlessness and overstimulation mid-dry
Taking detailed behavioral notes will help track an animal’s progression over time, recognize patterns, and make informed decisions that improve their overall experience Most importantly, detailed notes validate the cat’s individuality Each cat has unique triggers, preferences, and thresholds By taking time to notate their responses, we acknowledge that individuality and adapt our care accordingly That is the essence of compassionate, ethical handling--treating every cat as a sentient being, not a stereotype
Furthermore, pet parents deserve to see that development, to understand the emotional progress as much as the physical results Our work doesn’t just clean them, it teaches them We shape their comfort with human touch, which carries an importance far beyond aesthetics.
An animal having a difficult time isn’t an automatic reflection on your skill or professionalism It signals a moment for observation and potential growth The best professionals don’t stop learning; they question, adapt, and evolve with every session True professionalism is built on compassion, not perfection That’s humanity over vanity
TINA ALLISON
What first inspired you to become a dog groomer, and how did your journey begin?
I was between jobs when a friend invited me to help bathe dogs What I thought would be just a temporary opportunity quickly became something I truly loved, and it set me on the path to a career I’m passionate about
How long have you been grooming, and how has your style evolved over the years?
I’ve been grooming for almost 6 years now when I first started grooming, I was absolutely terrified of doing anything over a half inch long and now I am obsessed with long fluffy haircuts
Are there any grooming trends or techniques you’ve embraced recently that you’re excited about?
I’ve recently started to add Asian fusion techniques into my grooming I love That it’s so cute but practical for parents to keep up with
What tips would you give newer groomers looking to grow their skills or build confidence?
I tell new groomers that this profession takes time to truly learn Go to every class you can, watch all the videos available, and learn from the groomers around you Almost every groomer I’ve met grooms differently, and that’s part of the beauty of this field You’ll always be learning something new, even ten years down the road
How do you stay inspired and continue improving year after year?
Seeing the transformation in each dog and the joy it brings their owners keeps me motivated and inspired
What’s your favorite breed to groom and which one keeps you on your toes?
This is a heart take but doodles are my favorite breed to groom All of them are so different And that’s why they’re also the ones that keep me on my toes 24/7
What is your ideal grooming playlist?
My email playlist I made in high school
If dogs could talk, which breed do you think would spill the most tea during a grooming session?
I think Corgis would spill the most tea They are always side eyeing and judging . I know they see everything that goes on in their households
If you could groom any mythical creature, which one would you pick and why?
I’d groom a unicorn because who wouldn’t want to style a shimmering mane and tail? Plus, I imagine their coat would be pure magic, literally
If you could swap jobs with a dog for one day, what kind of dog would you be and why?
I would switch jobs with an Anatolian Shepherd because running around a farm and protecting livestock sounds like a blast
“UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER” CREATIVE
Groomer: Mercedes Schenk CFMG
OPAWZ Forest Green + Hot Red
EDUCATION BEGINS EARLY EDUCATION NEVER STOPS
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UNITY COMING R: OUR FIRST T VACCINE
This past weekend, I got to see one of my biggest dreams come to life I hosted a Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic for cats right here at my shop, Kitty Corner Spa & Boarding, in partnership with my local rescue, The Rescue Ranch
My goal was simple to bring our community together and help make cat care more accessible Thanks to Rescue Ranch’s amazing partnership with Petco Love, we were able to offer:
Free 3-way vaccines
1-year rabies vaccines for $15
3-year rabies vaccines for $25
Microchipping for just $10
By the end of the day, we had helped 56 families get their cats updated on their vaccines and microchips!
It was such a beautiful sight to see so many people come together to care for their kitties. This event meant so much to me. When I started Kitty Corner Spa & Boarding, my dream was to help cats in every way I could through grooming, boarding, education, and community outreach
Being able to host something that brings all of those things together reminded me exactly why I started this journey I’m so thankful for everyone who came out, waited patiently, and supported this event It was a long day, but such a rewarding one
Together, we made a real difference and I can’t wait to do it again.
Christmas is just around the corner and you know what that means! Santa Paws is loading up his sleigh, and our pups have only a few days left to show they belong on the nice list But let’s be honest: the holidays can be downright confusing for our furry companions
Routines flip upside down, houses fill with guests, boxes arrive at the door, and suddenly there’s a big sparkly tree in the living room that looks like a chew toy With a little understanding, planning, and enrichment, we can help our pups navigate the chaos and shine during the most wonderful time of the year
This can be a very confusing time for Fido, so we do need to give them some leeway Routines are disrupted during the holiday hustle and bustle, family and friends gathering in your home, traveling, and decorations can all be things that cause even the most well-behaved and well-trained dogs to struggle with being on their best behavior! One thing we can do to negate this is help set our dogs up for success by managing their environment, teaching them what the expectations are, and providing them with appropriate enrichment that allows them to exhibit natural canine behaviors (digging, chewing, chasing, etc ) in an appropriate way
UNDERSTANDING CANINE STRESSORS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Many things during the holidays that give us immense joy can be very stressful to our beloved pets. These can include loud noises such as music, people laughing and singing (we all have that one cousin who
ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR
couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket), package deliveries, and even changes in our schedules Dogs do love a good routine Decorations can even be stressful for our dogs as they are a sudden change in their home environment They can even look like fun new toys to chew on
So how do we help our dogs handle these stressors so they stay on that nice list? Management is first and foremost This can include sticking as close to routine as possible Try to feed your animals at their regular times Go on that walk when Fido expects it If it is early in the morning, you can always hop back into bed when you are done for some cuddles! Keeping to a routine will help keep your dog’s stress level low, which in turn prevents “problem” behaviors from occurring
Another management tool we can utilize is keeping our dogs away from things that might get them into trouble Just like young children, our puppers are going to be very curious about decorations such as Christmas trees, ornaments, and strings of lights (electricity!) When I have a young dog or puppy in the house that hasn’t experienced Christmas yet, I will typically block off their access to these things with playpens by incorporating them into the décor themselves This prevents unwanted marking, chewing, and general destruction
Providing a little extra exercise can go a long way too After all, the holidays are about spending extra time with loved ones This is the perfect opportunity to go on that extra walk, explore a Sniffspot, go on a Sniffari, or try out a new toy with a game of fetch The
KENNEDI TRAVIS BS, CPDT-KA, FFCP
possibilities are endless
On the flip side, it is also important to provide Fido with space, especially when company comes over In my home, my dogs have the option to go hang out inside their crates when they get a little overwhelmed When my doggies are inside, they are off limits to pets This allows them to make good choices when they get overwhelmed, rather than “acting out ”
Keep them out of the kitchen and dining area altogether! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure This solution will prevent counter surfing, sampling of the food (which isn’t always dog-safe), and begging Many of the treats we enjoy on the holidays are not pet safe Keeping them away from the kitchen and dining area helps prevent an emergency vet visit Providing your pet with something to do in another area of the home while cooking, eating, and cleaning up is also a great idea Chews, stuffed enrichment toys like KONGs, or even Lickie Mats keep them content while the humans enjoy dinner
With potential company coming in and out, remind visitors to shut doors and keep gates closed so that your pets don’t tour the neighborhood It may also be a good idea to keep them at home instead of taking them with you to other houses or events Some dogs are just happier at home! I know mine are
TRAINING TIPS FOR A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
Training is also a great way to help set your dog up for success while keeping the howlidays pleasant for everyone Although it may be too late to train new behaviors for this year’s festivities, you can always utilize these for next year
Reinforcing what your dog already knows is a great start Remember to reward them for good behavior with their favorite treats, too This reminds them to be on their best behavior
Practicing real-world scenarios is also helpful, such as teaching a calm greeting routine. Repetition is your friend with this activity, and you may need some volunteers to help Practice by having someone ring the bell or knock on the door Leash Fido and have some treats on hand Don’t answer the door until they are calm Ask them to do something they already know, such as sit Remember to reward good behavior When you answer the door, ask your guest to ignore your dog until they are calm before greeting Focus on having Fido do something like a sit or a “find it” to redirect excitable behavior Make it part of the routine so it becomes predictable Predictability helps Fido stay on their best behavior because they learn what the expectations are.
If something like this is too stressful for you, not to worry! You can always use a baby gate or some other barrier to prevent your dog from rushing the door A crate may also be useful Simply have your dog go into their crate every time someone is at the door Reward this behavior and let them out to greet once they are calm A controlled exit (such as having them sit after exiting the crate) is useful as well
A solid “leave it” cue may also be helpful This helps keep your dog from chewing on things they should not, eating things they should not, and so much more Consistency is key when teaching this skill When I teach “leave it,” the item is off-limits forever no exceptions This helps cut down on confusion
A good recall is also useful With people in and out, doors and gates may get left open If your dog decides to take a tour of the neighborhood, calling them back can prevent them from getting lost or hurt Practicing this skill often helps ensure your dog is reliable when it matters most
If you are having trouble with your dog’s behavior during the holiday season, then it may be time to call in a positive reinforcement trainer proficient in behavior to help prepare for next year’s festivities
There is no shame in asking for help The goal is to set your dog or puppy up for success they aren’t “bad,” they just need a little extra support.
FESTIVE ENRICHMENT TO KEEP YOUR DOG ON THE NICE LIST
Providing December-themed enrichment can also help our dogs stay on their best behavior You can wrap some of your dog’s favorite toys or put treats into a gift bag and have them “open” it for some fun A Christmas-themed snuffle mat or stuffed KONG can also be a hit Providing chews such as bully sticks, cow ears, cow tails, tracheas, gullet sticks, lamb ears, collagen chews, rabbit feet, or duck feet can help relieve stress Chewing and licking naturally release endorphins in your dog’s brain, helping them stay calm and self-soothe. It’s a win-win in my book.
With proper preparation, training, enrichment, clear boundaries, and exercise, your dog can shine during this holiday season and stay on the nice list for Santa Paws! Just remember to give your canine companion some grace as this can be a confusing time for them
hat meant seeking specialized continuing education with the NCGI and, just as importantly, finding a workspace free of dog smells, dog sounds, and dog energy.
FROM SOLO TO SUPPORTED:
FINDING MY PLACE IN THE FELINE GROOMING WORLD
After 18 years in the pet grooming industry, I made the decision that changed everything: I wanted to become a feline-exclusive groomer That meant seeking specialized continuing education with the NCGI and, just as importantly, finding a workspace free of dog smells, dog sounds, and dog energy In my area, corporate salons and private groomers offered dog-and-cat services, but nothing existed that was truly for cats only If I wanted that kind of environment, I’d have to create it myself
BUILDING A BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH
The easiest starting point was house-call grooming I launched my service, built a client list quickly, and within just a few months I had more clients than my childcare schedule and my living room could reasonably manage I needed a salon space, and I needed it fast
Money was tight. I opened Toe Beans Cat Grooming with a small loan from my aunt and what I had earned through house-call appointments the cost of setting up a salon insurance, taxes, licensing, small renovations ate at my bank account and my patience But despite the stress, Toe Beans grew It grew fast
I, however, wasn’t thriving
The truth is, business ownership is great until you realize that if you aren’t physically in that salon working, the bills don’t get paid Qualified cat-exclusive employees are practically mythical creatures, so hiring help wasn’t realistic I did eventually bring on an assistant, but the business side of things weighed on me constantly I wanted more time with my kids, my husband, my pets, my life yet I couldn’t allow myself to take a breath because stepping away felt financially dangerous
A NEW OPPORTUNITY WALKS IN
About a year and a half into running Toe Beans, the owners of a new cat café in the next town reached out They were exploring the idea of adding a grooming service and wanted my input. I was thrilled to meet people who understood niche feline care, and even more excited to have somewhere to refer the clients who were filling my waitlist
They visited my salon We talked extensively about hiring, safety, workflow, expectations everything They were thoughtful, motivated, and genuinely wanted to serve the feline community well We kept in touch as they built out their space and searched for a groomer When they offered me the job, I politely declined I was grateful, but I didn’t know them well enough yet, and even though I was personally struggling, the business was financially fine
When they opened, we became each other’s supporters: exchanging referrals, visiting each other’s shops, celebrating wins It felt like the start of real community during a chaotic time
THE BREAKING POINT.... ...THE STARTING POINT
After relocating my salon, I found myself struggling even more with the balance between work and family. I loved my clients and loved my work, but I was stretched thin trying to run everything on my own My conversations with the café owners continued, and every time I visited, something just felt right We had similar goals We saw the same gaps in our industry I shared openly that I wanted to do more for the cat grooming community, but I didn’t know how to add one more responsibility to my already full life
They reminded me: their offer still stood
We discussed every fear I had the risk of closing my business, the fear of working under someone else’s rules, the worry about disappointing my clients, the terror of letting go of something I had built with my own hands Every concern I voiced was met with thoughtful reassurance and practical solutions
So I did the scary thing:
I said yes
FROM OWNER TO EMPLOYEE
’ve now been an employee at Don’t Stress Meowt Groom & Board for four months, and the relief of not carrying an entire business on my back is indescribable
Most of my clients followed me, so I still get to care for the cats I’ve known for years but now I get to focus solely on grooming, not on payroll, scheduling, repairs, taxes, social media, licensing, emergency coverage, or any of the endless tasks that come with running a business
If my kids get sick, I don’t panic If I get hurt, the business doesn’t collapse
And yes, I get free coffee (A perk that deserves its own paragraph )
Of course, there are adjustments This is someone else’s dream, and it’s my job to honor their standards when representing their business even during difficult client interactions But honestly? That’s the only real downside I’ve found Being part of a team fills my cup in ways I didn’t expect Sharing my passion with coworkers has reignited my own spark to educate and inspire others in the feline grooming world
What I learned, is that you don’t have to do it alone
Becoming a business owner was something I believed I had to do to grow It turns out, it wasn’t the only path The stress, the pressure, and my own inability to slow down were costing me time with my family and draining my joy
Choosing employment wasn’t giving up it was choosing sustainability
I’m still figuring out my work-life balance (that’s a me-thing), but now I have an employer who supports continued learning, encourages my teaching goals, and invests in my growth both inside and outside their business
Cat groomers often have limited options, but I hope anyone on their feline-exclusive journey finds community in the chaos the way I did. For me, that community started with business owners supporting each other and it led me somewhere better than I imagined
I’m happier
I’m healthier
I’m more present with my family
And I’m exactly where I ’m meant to be
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CATS
FELINE NAVIDAD NUTRITION FOR
As a lifelong cat owner and a pet professional for many decades, I have learned a lot about pet nutrition We, as American consumers, have been duped into believing that the pet food brands we see on TV and the grocery store shelves are healthy for our pets
There is a vast array of pet foods on the market, and I am not here to promote any one brand My hope is to give you knowledge and guidelines so that you can go out and pick the food that best fits your lifestyle and budget Although what I am going to share applies to dogs, I am gearing this information toward cat owners
Cats are true carnivores This means the universe created these animals to survive on animal-based proteins ( meat and organ meat) Cats do not have the enzymes to metabolize plant protein (grain and veggies) Unlike dogs, cats require Taurine to survive Without it, they can suffer from blindness and heart disease, among other diseases Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in meat and organ meat Lack of it can be fatal
Because plant proteins are less expensive than meat proteins, pet food representatives argue that they can replace naturally occurring nutrients with synthetic ones and get the same results as a meatbased diet Synthetic Taurine is manufactured in China With all the news about tainted products from China and our pets, I would want nothing to do with that
Can your cats survive on a plant-based diet? yes Will they have great health and longevity? probably not
Even with meat protein, you need to be cautious Learn to read labels Meats by-products, animal fat, and meat digest are generic terms They can be anything from road kill to dead cows, full of antibiotics, to euthanized cancer-ridden farm animals, to euthanized shelter animals including the drugs that killed them
Yes, I just said rendered dogs and cats from shelters They call these 4D Proteins Diseased, Decaying, Dead, and Disabled animals are rendered for our pet food Along with the collars they were wearing, drugs in their system, carrying along with them any diseases they had ie: cancerous tumors
Read labels and look for specific meat protein, such as fish, turkey, beef, and organ meat, in the first 3 slots on the ingredient list
Now about the carbohydrates Many of grocery store brands and veterinary brands use corn as their main protein source Corn is a carb and turns to sugar in the system Because consumers are getting smarter and are reading labels, companies such as, Hills Science Diets are now using the word Maize in their ingredient list They are hoping consumers may not realize maize is corn, and still buy their products Carbohydrates as a protein source should be avoided for the above reasons, but also for much more.
Cats in the wild hunt prey and ingest 1-2% carbohydrates, while a pet cat fed a plant-based diet ingests 40-50% Sometimes more, in the cheaper brands A diet high in carbohydrates is detrimental to their health, in the long run
The current fad is Grain Fee diets The consumer needs to be educated The pet food companies are using fillers such as peas, and potatoes which are both carbohydrates So the Grain Free label is somewhat meaningless The rise in disease can be attributed to the immense amount of carbohydrates in our pets’ food
There is a video on Planet Paws website that shows you how much carbs/sugar is in some of the popular brands Take time to go to that site and research the subject The video they do about the subject is eye-opening
Finding the right pet food for your cat is a personal one It really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and cat’s preferences A speciesappropriate diet also known as a raw diet is best Not all of us have the means or time, to do this for our kitties However, there are many commercial brands of raw or dehydrated raw available to pet owners
If you cannot do a raw food diet, then consider a high-quality meat protein, truly grain-free, kibble, supplemented with quality canned food You will find these foods at a pet specialty retailer or online Many of these smaller retailers have trained their employees to guide the consumer to the best choices for their pet It helps take some of the confusion out of choosing a pet food
A few words on canned food Canned food is a better choice than dry kibble for cats First, they contain little or no grain, but they contain meat and water Many cats live a life in a constant state of dehydration They need water and do not get enough for their needs Being a desert animal they instinctively have a low thirst drive If a cat eats a mouse, it gets about 70% water When they eat dry food, they only get 5-10% water Canned food contains about 78% water, and does a better job of keeping kitty hydrated A constant lack of water can lead to urinary tract issues and expensive veterinary bills, and possibly even cost the kitty its life Water is that important!
Cats are not drawn to drink water, like a dog Some prefer running water or live water One can find all kinds of cat fountains available, on the market, to supply this in your house This is why some cats prefer to drink out of a water faucet, in a sink They might detect chlorine in tap water, so bottled or filtered water may be a better option
One tip, I read about, is taking a couple of leaves of catnip and crushing it under the water This makes a wonderful, fresh kitty tea, of sorts, that your cat may enjoy
So although a bit lengthy, I hope this has given you insight on making better food choices for your cat I have proven this myself by owning several cats that have lived well into their 20s with no disease Veterinarians are not trained in nutrition unless they have taken it upon themselves to get in the know. They take a few classes sponsored by Hills Science Diet, Purina, or some other large pet food corporation They are then given incentives to sell those foods to their clients We must be an advocate for our pet’s health and good nutrition is key
Disclaimer I am not a veterinarian I am a lifelong pet owner, and pet professional, who has done my research and applied what I have learned to caring for my own pets and my client’s pets I have had great results and share what I have learned with all who will listen You do not have to take my word for it. We live in an age where information is available at our fingertips
SANDRA PORTER-GONYEA CFMG,
NCGI CERTIFIER
Sandra Porter- Gonyea, CFMG, NCGI Certifier, CCE, Certified Pet Tech Instructor, is a lifelong cat owner Currently employed as the director/instructor at The New York Academy of Pet Styling, Victor, NY, located in upstate NY Sandy continues to groom cats in her business The Cat Spa, and is a feline grooming educator
JOIN THE GUILD
The Arizona Professional Groomers Guild a non-profit organization comprised of professional pet groomers in the state of Arizona Originally founded in 2022; it began as a social club, establishing a strong community first before collaborating into an association to better support each and every groomer To be a member of the Arizona Groomers Guild is to prioritize competency and compassion through continuing education and community
There is no license or certification required to groom in the United States The APGG recognizes the importance of continuing education and the impact professional development has on individuals and the animals and people we serve
Working with live animals can be an emotionally taxing career, and compassion for oneself as well as the animals we service is vital The APGG prioritizes whole health for both humans and animals and actively seeks to find methods in bettering everyone’s overall well-being
Our organization is founded on community and mutual collaboration We pride ourselves in open discussion to learn new skills and ways of thinking Together we develop, support, network, advocate, and connect to enhance not just our industry but to grow professionally
Memberships are $150 annually.
FROM THE EDITOR
This magazine began as a vision I carried quietly for years one centered on education, empathy, and community for both pet owners and professionals. When I brought the idea to the Arizona Professional Groomers Board, I was met with incredible encouragement and support. Michelle took it a step further by believing in the project enough to invest in it financially Her contribution made it possible to bring this publication to life, and The Furry Phoenician’s 2025 edition simply wouldn’t exist without her support
Cheers to the last edition of The Furry Phoenician 2025
See you next year!
MercedesSchenk
APGG PRESIDENT
