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Local groomers host nationally-recognized certification event

Dog groomers participate in a two-day workshop and certification event by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) April 29 and 30 at Green Dog Spa in Jacksonville.

Pam Groomer Certification

Posted Thursday, May 17, 2018 12:00 am

Dog groomers from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee attended a two-day workshop and certification event by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) April 29 and 30 at Green Dog Spa in Jacksonville. The workshop drew 40 participants to the mother-daughter-owned facility.

“We chose NDGAA because of their availability of offering testing sites, their 45-year experience and their reputation,” Green Dog Spa owner and event sponsor Erica Benson said. “We want the public to be aware of the credentials, because, so far, it is not a regulated industry. When, and if, the state decides to regulate the pet-grooming industry — like they do for nail and hair salons — we can demonstrate that we already meet high standards that make sense for breed standards and safety.”

The entire process can take many years to earn the coveted title of Nationally Certified Master Groomer, said Benson. Participants groom four dogs, take three different tests and then take the master test. Groomers previously had to travel to a city where testing is offered and arrange for dogs to be available for the hands-on portion of the test.

Due to the success of the Jacksonville-based event, the NDGAA invited Benson and her mother/Green Dog Spa owner Lynn Lamoureux to host the next workshop in 2019. Additionally, Lamoureux and Benson will offer monthly classes (the first is scheduled for May 27 from 10 to 11 a.m.) to help the community learn about the grooming process.

Lynn & Erica

For more information on Green Dog Spa, National Dog Groomers Association of America and more, contact Erica Benson at (904) 553-5727 or visit www.greendogspa.com.

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