The truth about Australia’s grooming industry is out!
From skills shortages to burnout, affordability, and training gaps — the PIAA Pet Grooming Survey 2025 reveals what’s really shaping the future of the grooming sector.
79% say finding skilled groomers is extremely difficult
92% want better access to industry statistics
76% support mandatory animal care qualifications
PIAA is taking action! We are working closely with state and federal governments, particularly the various departments in the education, training, primary industries and animal welfare sectors on proposed updates to the industry’s Code of Practice that would require all new entrants to complete training encompassing core foundation animal welfare and care.
This crucial step will raise the bar for professionalism and animal welfare standards across grooming, training, daycare, boarding, walking, and pet sitting.
For PIAA members, it means stronger consumer trust, a clear point of difference, and a fairer, more accountable industry where qualified businesses are recognised and respected. Ultimately, it reinforces that animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do.
We are STRONGER TOGETHER.
Real progress starts with all of us.
Join PIAA to help shape the future of our industry. – https://piaa.org.au/apply-renew-now/
How does this affect those groomers that have been doing it in a salon for 3+ years, without doing formal education under a master groomer?
How will this affect the overall Australian local businesses that may feel the influx of other countries immigrants being brought over to work in a salon owned buy a non groomer like what happened with the nail industry?
Thanks for raising such thoughtful questions. They’re really important ones. The goal isn’t to disadvantage experienced groomers or small local businesses, but to strengthen the industry through fair, consistent standards that recognise both experience and formal training.
PIAA’s approach supports recognition of prior learning for skilled professionals, while ensuring all groomers, no matter where they trained, meet the same animal welfare and competency benchmarks. It’s about lifting the profession together, not shutting anyone out.