The International Grooming Society Launches Its First Global Groomer Health Study

The International Grooming Society (IGS) is a newly founded organization created to unite groomers worldwide, raise professional standards, and support the well-being of both groomers and the animals they care for.

From the very beginning, the IGS has been built on three pillars:

1. Professional development and certification – empowering groomers to reach higher standards.

2. Holistic grooming practices – promoting a mindful, science-based, and compassionate approach that considers the animal’s comfort, stress levels, and sensory experience.

3. Health and well-being – improving conditions for grooming professionals while advocating for animal welfare.

As one of its very first initiatives, the IGS is proud to announce the Groomer Health Study 2026, a landmark international survey designed to give groomers a voice and shed light on the physical and mental health challenges of our profession.

Why this study is important

Grooming is more than a technical service; it is a profession of care. Every day, groomers contribute to the comfort, hygiene, and emotional balance of animals, while also ensuring they look and feel their best.

Yet the demands of this work are heavy: repetitive strain, back pain, long hours on the feet, exposure to chemicals, noise, and constant emotional pressure. Too often, the health of the groomer; the professional behind the scissors; is overlooked.

The IGS believes that supporting holistic grooming also means protecting the whole ecosystem: groomers, animals, and the relationship they share. This study is a first step toward better recognition, education, and healthier working environments.

About the survey

The Groomer Health Study 2026 questionnaire covers:

• Professional background: years of experience, type of activity, working conditions.

• Physical health: musculoskeletal pain, allergies, skin issues, hearing, and respiratory conditions.

• Mental health: stress, fatigue, burnout, and emotional well-being.

• Workplace environment: ergonomics, equipment, ventilation, and noise levels.

• Accidents and safety: frequency, severity, and preventive measures.

Participation is anonymous, and results will be used collectively to identify key challenges and propose solutions for the future of the profession.

What’s next

The results will be published in a global report including:

• Statistics and trends across regions.

• Recommendations for healthier, safer grooming practices.

• A roadmap toward the IGS Groomer Health Commitment Certificate, which will recognize suppliers and brands supporting both groomer well-being and animal welfare.

Join the movement

As a brand-new society, the IGS is committed to creating a sustainable future for our profession — where groomers thrive and animals benefit from the highest quality of care.

👉 Take part in the IGS Groomer Health Study 2026 here: https://forms.office.com/r/bKe8EXRUdE

Together, we can make grooming not only a profession of passion, but one of health, balance, and respect for both humans and animals.

✦ About the International Grooming Society (IGS) Founded in 2025, the IGS is an international community dedicated to advancing professional pet grooming. Its mission is to raise global standards through education, certification, and advocacy, while promoting holistic grooming practices and animal well-being.