There are no formal requirements to become a dog groomer in North Carolina or any other state.

Our pets are like family, so this is something you need to be aware of the next time you take them to get pampered.

CBS 17 did some digging and found lawmakers in New Jersey and New York have introduced a bill that would require pet groomers to pass an exam and be licensed. A search of the General Assembly found no such legislation in our state.

Heather Washington is the owner and operator of Groomingdales pet salon in Apex.

Besides running her salon, she also teaches a pet grooming class at Wake Tech.

Washington said she accepted the teaching position to try to get some more quality, certified, reputable stylists in the area.

“Our mottos is: We treat each dog like it was our own,” said Washington.

To find out how large a problem like this is, we went to the North Carolina attorney general’s office.

A public records request turned up several complaints.

One stated, “We picked him up with draining eye, edema in his eyelids, looking like a totally different dog.”

Another said, “He acted nervous when we took him home, not making eye contact Once home gave a real bath and noticed a bloody wound on top of nose.”
 
Nabil Hoyek had a similar experience at a pet groomer.

“My dog hated it,” said Hoyek. “She fought to get in, when I picked her up she was stressed.”

“Dogs are becoming family members and not just a pet. Once the pet parents are aware that there is no licensing regulations, everybody will come together. There will be a lot less incidents in pet grooming salons,” said Washington.

Washington says when choosing a groomer to look for cleanliness, friendliness, ask for credentials and check online reviews.

Hoyek said it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s feelings.

“Trust the dog. They have feeling, they can tell you about a place,” said Hoyek. “They know if they want to be there or not. Look at your dog and trust your dog.”