This week, the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association (IPDGA) met with Neill McDonnell, CEO of ISME, and Sarah Montayne, Membership Relations, to discuss the future of our industry and the potential for meaningful, long-term change for professional groomers in Ireland.

The meeting marked an important step in exploring how the IPDGA can work alongside ISME to advocate for improved conditions for groomers, recognizing the essential welfare role our profession plays and the challenges faced by small, service-based businesses.

What Was Discussed?
Our discussions focused on the realities of running a grooming business today and how targeted advocacy could support both animal welfare and sustainable livelihoods for groomers. In particular, four key areas were identified as priorities for future engagement:

• VAT Reduction
  Recognition of grooming as a welfare service rather than a luxury, and the need to address the impact of the current VAT rate on compliant, small businesses.
• Education and Training Pathways
  Exploring structured routes into the profession, including apprenticeships and affordable educational solutions.
• VAT Registration Threshold
  Consideration of a higher threshold that allows microbusinesses to grow sustainably without being penalized for compliance.
  
• Owner Education and Welfare Awareness
  Promoting public understanding of coat care and routine grooming as a fundamental part of responsible pet ownership.

Looking Ahead.
We are now in discussions about joining ISME in 2026, which would allow the IPDGA to formally engage in policy advocacy with the support of Ireland’s leading representative body for small and medium enterprises.

While this is the beginning of a process rather than an immediate solution, it represents a significant and encouraging step forward. For the first time, the grooming sector is positioning itself to have a stronger, clearer voice at national level.

A Milestone Moment!
As the IPDGA approaches its 30th anniversary, this moment feels especially meaningful. After 29 years of supporting professional standards, education, and welfare within the industry, we are now looking toward the next chapter — one focused on recognition, fairness, and positive change for groomers and the animals in our care.

We will continue to keep members informed as discussions progress and welcome your engagement as we move forward together.

This is the start of a longer journey, and we are committed to keeping members informed at every stage.

Members can find answers to common questions about this development in our FAQs here → IPDGA – Member FAQs on ISME Engagement

On 22 November, the grooming community gathered in Belfast for the Celtic Coat Dog Grooming Awards, hosted by long-standing IPDGA members Michael Shiels and Tanya Salas. From start to finish, the day was filled with positivity, connection, and recognition for groomers right across the country.

This wasn’t a grooming competition in the usual sense, in fact, no dogs were groomed on the day, apart from four excellent demo dogs presented by Isabella Doblas Jones, Lyndsey Murphy, James Holberry, and Tracey Douglas. Each demo offered practical learning, helpful techniques, and plenty of easy, relaxed conversation that everyone could relate to.