All groomers must comply with the Code of Welfare (Temporary Housing of Companion Animals) 2018 and the relevant species-specific Codes of Welfare. However, groomers and grooming facilities are not currently subject to routine animal welfare inspection.

SPCA recommends companion animal owners to carefully research groomers to ensure the animals under their care experience positive welfare and their physical, health, and behavioural needs are met.

SPCA encourages companion animal owners select certified grooming facilities and visit the facility prior to sending their animal.

Groomers should be competent and properly trained, with reputable qualifications in relevant subjects such as grooming, animal welfare, animal care, and pet first aid.

SPCA opposes anaesthesia-free dentistry services for cats and dogs.

Some groomers may offer anaesthesia-free dentistry services, such as dental scaling. However, appropriate dental care requires comprehensive examination, diagnosis and treatment, which cannot be performed whilst the cat or dog is conscious. Anaesthesia-free dentistry services compromise the welfare of the animals treated and endangers operators.