IPDGA – Member FAQs on ISME Engagement
1. What is ISME and why is IPDGA engaging with them?ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association) is Ireland’s largest representative body for small businesses. The IPDGA is engaging with ISME to access professional lobbying expertise and ensure the grooming industry has a stronger, clearer voice at government level.
2. Does this mean VAT will be reduced immediately?No. This is the beginning of a process, not an instant change. Lobbying and policy reform take time. Engaging with ISME is a strategic step toward presenting a credible, well-supported case for VAT reform and other improvements.
3. Why is VAT such a focus for IPDGA?Dog and cat grooming is a welfare service delivered by micro and small businesses. The current 23% VAT rate places a disproportionate burden on compliant groomers and discourages sustainable growth and employment. Aligning grooming with other service sectors would improve fairness and compliance.
4. What other issues are being raised besides VAT?Alongside VAT reform, IPDGA is focusing on:
5. Is IPDGA officially a member of ISME yet?Discussions are underway with the intention of joining ISME in 2026. This would allow IPDGA to formally engage in advocacy and policy discussions on behalf of members.
6. How does this benefit individual groomers?If successful, this work has the potential to:
7. Will members be consulted or kept informed?Yes. The IPDGA is committed to keeping members informed as discussions progress. Any significant developments or opportunities for member input will be shared through official IPDGA channels.
8. Is this political?This work is advocacy-based, not political. The focus is on practical, evidence-led engagement to improve conditions for small businesses and animal welfare, regardless of political parties.
9. Why is this happening now?As the IPDGA approaches its 30th anniversary, the association is looking toward the future. After nearly three decades of supporting education, welfare, and professional standards, this represents a natural next step in strengthening the industry’s position.
10. What can members do to support this work?Members can support this work by:
1. What is ISME and why is IPDGA engaging with them?ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association) is Ireland’s largest representative body for small businesses. The IPDGA is engaging with ISME to access professional lobbying expertise and ensure the grooming industry has a stronger, clearer voice at government level.
2. Does this mean VAT will be reduced immediately?No. This is the beginning of a process, not an instant change. Lobbying and policy reform take time. Engaging with ISME is a strategic step toward presenting a credible, well-supported case for VAT reform and other improvements.
3. Why is VAT such a focus for IPDGA?Dog and cat grooming is a welfare service delivered by micro and small businesses. The current 23% VAT rate places a disproportionate burden on compliant groomers and discourages sustainable growth and employment. Aligning grooming with other service sectors would improve fairness and compliance.
4. What other issues are being raised besides VAT?Alongside VAT reform, IPDGA is focusing on:
- Education and training pathways, including apprenticeships
- Raising the VAT registration threshold
- Public and owner education around coat care and welfare
5. Is IPDGA officially a member of ISME yet?Discussions are underway with the intention of joining ISME in 2026. This would allow IPDGA to formally engage in advocacy and policy discussions on behalf of members.
6. How does this benefit individual groomers?If successful, this work has the potential to:
- Improve business sustainability
- Support fair competition
- Encourage compliance rather than penalising it
- Strengthen recognition of grooming as an essential welfare service
7. Will members be consulted or kept informed?Yes. The IPDGA is committed to keeping members informed as discussions progress. Any significant developments or opportunities for member input will be shared through official IPDGA channels.
8. Is this political?This work is advocacy-based, not political. The focus is on practical, evidence-led engagement to improve conditions for small businesses and animal welfare, regardless of political parties.
9. Why is this happening now?As the IPDGA approaches its 30th anniversary, the association is looking toward the future. After nearly three decades of supporting education, welfare, and professional standards, this represents a natural next step in strengthening the industry’s position.
10. What can members do to support this work?Members can support this work by:
- Staying engaged with IPDGA communications
- Providing feedback or case studies if requested
- Continuing to uphold professional and welfare standards
