How I See the Future of Grooming: Intelligent, Ethical, Holistic

A Profession Undergoing a Deep Transformation

Over the past few years, I have watched the grooming profession undergo a quiet but powerful transformation. For a long time, grooming was defined almost entirely by technique and aesthetics; by scissoring skills, breed profiles, and visual results. But today, something deeper is happening. As I teach, meet groomers around the world, and exchange with professionals of all levels, I see a clear shift toward science, understanding, and a more respectful relationship with the animals we care for. What used to be a niche interest has become a genuine movement. Groomers are no longer satisfied with “how.” They want to know why and this changes everything.

The Rise of Curiosity and Scientific Interest

More and more professionals tell me the same thing: they are hungry for knowledge. They want to understand how the skin works, how stress impacts the coat, how sensory triggers influence behaviour, and why some products soothe while others irritate. This curiosity is not superficial; it reflects a deeper desire to elevate the profession and take responsibility for the living beings in our hands. I see groomers diving into dermatology, physiology, gentle chemistry, behaviour, and sensory science with enthusiasm and humility. This is exactly what I try to transmit through DAATA/ICDG training and within the International Grooming Society: science that is practical, applicable, and immediately useful in a grooming environment. Knowledge that transforms daily work, one dog or cat at a time.

A New, More Authentic Understanding of Holistic Grooming

At the same time, I’ve noticed that the concept of holistic grooming has evolved dramatically. For years, the word “holistic” was misunderstood, sometimes even dismissed. Today, it has a new meaning , clearer, more grounded, and far more aligned with scientific understanding. Groomers are embracing a whole-animal perspective, one that includes sensory comfort, emotional regulation, environmental adaptation, and a deep respect for individual tolerance levels. They are learning to observe subtle signals, adjust their handling, and reduce stress at every stage of the grooming process. Grooming becomes not only a technical act, but a shared experience where communication, trust, and safety come first. This is where holistic care becomes not only philosophical, but measurable and effective.

The Need for Recognition and Professional Standards

Another major shift I witness is the desire for recognition. Groomers no longer want to be seen as “just groomers.” They know the weight of their responsibility. They work with animals who are sensitive, emotional, and sometimes fragile. Their actions can influence skin health, emotional wellbeing, and long-term associations with touch and care. Many professionals now seek a structured educational path, ethical standards, and international consistency. They want certifications that are meaningful, not symbolic. They want to be part of a global network that recognises their expertise and that’s precisely why the IGS exists. To raise the bar. To unify knowledge. To help groomers gain the credibility they deserve with veterinarians, pet owners, and the wider animal-care community.

A New Relationship With Pet Owners

This shift is also driven by clients. Pet owners today are more informed and expect transparent, respectful, and science-based care. They ask questions about ingredients, behaviour, stress management, and coat health. And groomers want to answer them with confidence. They don’t want to guess, they want to explain. This new dynamic strengthens the relationship between groomers and owners and builds a foundation of trust and mutual understanding. It allows groomers to step into their real role: educators, advisors, and partners in the animal’s wellbeing.

A Profession Rising to New Standards

All of this convinces me that our profession is rising to a new standard. I meet groomers who are thoughtful, sensitive, and deeply committed to doing better. Groomers who no longer focus solely on the final look, but on the animal’s comfort, stress levels, and long-term wellbeing. Groomers who see the bigger picture, the link between emotions, skin health, environmental comfort, and grooming outcomes. The groomers emerging today are intelligent, compassionate, observant, and scientifically curious. They are shaping the future of our field.

My Vision for the Grooming of Tomorrow

The grooming of tomorrow, in my vision, will be intelligent, ethical, holistic, and grounded in real understanding. It will be sensory-aware, emotionally respectful, and biologically informed. It will blend art, science, and care. And the professionals who embrace this shift now will become the leaders who guide the next generation.

My Hope for the Future

My hope for the future is simple: that science becomes the norm in grooming, not a luxury. That holistic care becomes a natural part of our daily protocols. That groomers are recognised as true animal-care professionals with a real impact on wellbeing. That every groomer understands why they do things, not only how. And above all, that our profession continues to grow into one where compassion, intelligence, and respect guide every decision.

I am proud to witness this transformation. Proud to contribute to it. And proud to walk beside all the groomers who are elevating our profession, quietly, steadily, one animal at a time.

An Invitation to Shape the Future Together

If this vision resonates with you, if you, too, want to be part of a profession that values science, ethics, empathy, and real understanding, I would be honoured to welcome you into the International Grooming Society. Joining the IGS means connecting with a global community of groomers who share the same commitment to progress, wellbeing, and professional excellence. Together, we can continue building the intelligent, ethical, and holistic future our industry deserves.

Holistically yours,

Nathalie Doaré--Ariey-Jouglard

Founder of the IGS