The IGS
Animal Welfare Delegate
Supporting animals. Supporting professionals.
Supporting responsible grooming events.
The IGS Animal Welfare Delegate is a trained person officially designated or approved by the International Grooming Society to support the application of the IGS Welfare Guidelines for Grooming Events.
Who is the delegate?
The IGS Animal Welfare Delegate is a trained person officially designated or approved by the International Grooming Society to support the application of the IGS Welfare Guidelines for Grooming Events.
The Delegate may be present during grooming competitions, workshops, seminars, live demonstrations, brand events, training sessions and other grooming activities involving live animals.
Their role is not to judge grooming skills, punish participants or create conflict. Their role is to help the event keep animal welfare visible, practical and respected before, during and after the activity.
The Delegate works in cooperation with the organiser, competitors, educators, demonstrators, brands and event teams. They support calm, fair and professional welfare decisions.
KEY PRINCIPLES
Support and promote animal welfare
Prevent stress and reduce risks
Encourage calm and respectful handling
Work in cooperation with organisers and participants
Focus on education and continuous improvement
Their missions
The Delegate observes, supports and helps the event apply the IGS Welfare Guidelines in a practical and constructive way.
They may help the event by:
-
observing animal welfare conditions;
-
supporting the organiser in applying the IGS Welfare Guidelines;
-
encouraging calm and respectful handling;
-
supporting safe restraint and table practices;
-
suggesting welfare pauses when needed;
-
helping identify animals that may need water, rest or a quieter space;
-
helping reduce stress linked to noise, lights, crowding or audience pressure;
-
raising welfare concerns respectfully;
-
supporting competitors, educators, demonstrators and participants when adjustments are needed;
-
recommending that an animal be withdrawn from an activity if welfare is at risk;
-
documenting serious welfare concerns when necessary;
-
contributing to post-event feedback and improvement.
The goal is prevention, support and continuous improvement.
THIS IS NOT A JUDGING ROLE
The IGS Animal Welfare Delegate is not a competition judge.They do not evaluate grooming style, technical quality, artistic choices or competition results.
The Delegate is not a veterinarian, unless they hold a separate veterinary qualification. They do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatment or replace veterinary care.
The Delegate is not an enforcement officer.
They are not present to punish participants.
Their role is to observe, support and help the event apply the welfare framework in a calm and professional way.
Become a delegate
Only active IGS members may apply to become IGS Animal Welfare Delegates.
This ensures that Delegates understand the values of the International Grooming Society and are committed to the professional, ethical and welfare-focused approach promoted by IGS.
Becoming a Delegate is not only about completing a training course.
It is about representing IGS values during real grooming events.
REQUIREMENTS
Must be an active IGS member
Commitment to the IGS Welfare Guidelines
Relevant experience in grooming and animal welfare
Completion of the IGS delegate training
Approved by IGS
Become an
IGS Animal Welfare Delegate
Join a global network of IGS members helping grooming events become safer, calmer and more welfare-conscious.
Support Animals
Help ensure animal welfare remains a priority at every event.
Support Professionals
Encourage calm, respectful handling and responsible grooming practices.
Reduce Risks
Help prevent stress and welfare issues before they happen.
Continuous Learning
Access professional training and resources to grow your expertise.
Global Impact
Be part of an international movement for better grooming events.
The IGS Animal Welfare Delegate Pathway
A clear process designed to prepare and approve IGS members for this important role.
STEP 3
IGS Profile Review
IGS reviews your application to assess your suitability for the role.
STEP 4
Complete the Training & pass the assessment
Access the IGS Delegate training, resources and practical modules. Complete the assessment with case studies and scenario-based questions.
IMPORTANT
Completion of the pathway does not automatically guarantee approval or event designation.
IGS reserves the right to approve and designate Delegates for specific events.
A Delegate may only act officially when approved or designated by IGS for that event.
DELEGATE PATHWAY
One Time payment for IGS members only
€95
Includes:
IGS Animal Welfare Delegate training
All course materials & resources
IGS Welfare Guidelines for grooming events
Welfare Redflags Checklist
Communication & event support tools
Assessment and feedback
IGS Welfare Delegate code of conduct
ANNUAL RENEWAL
For approved Delegates
€55/year
Includes:
Maintain your active delegate status
Access to updates of guidelines & documents
IGS Welfare Guidelines for grooming events
Annual update session
Continued eligibility for event designations
Requires active membership
Make a difference together
Your presence helps create safer, calmer and more welfare-counscious events around the world.
Thank you for supporting animal welfare !