California lawmakers call for greater oversight of pet groomers

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — California lawmakers are working to create new licensing requirements for pet groomers that will be overseen by the state's veterinary medical board.

Senate Bill 969, introduced Jan. 17, would add pet groomers to the list of occupations—like veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians—already regulated by the state veterinary board. It would establish licensing requirements for pet groomers, including sanitation standards, and rules for confining and housing animals. The new requirements would ban drying cages, spell out record-keeping procedures and mandate that an adequate supply of water is available to all animals. The bill would also require groomers to obtain proof that any animal receiving services is up-to-date with its vaccinations, including rabies.