Salon and Its Owner Earn Prestigious AKC Designation
by Loni Rahm
Beth Vincent, owner of All for Paws, joined an elite group of dog groomers when she earned the prestigious AKC S.A.F.E. certification last week. (Safety, Assurance, Fundamentals, Education).
Vincent told us she made a 3-year commitment to the AKC training and educational track, along with a substantial investment in specific salon equipment required for the certification. “It wasn’t easy,” she said, “but it was worth it”.
At this time, All for Paws is one of only 15 groomers/salons in Washington State who have successfully completed the certification program. That’s something that Vincent is extremely proud of.
Currently dog grooming doesn’t require specific licensing – a situation that the American Kennel Club wants to change. The AKC believes that grooming safety should be a top priority for the health, well-being and comfort of dogs.
The AKC designed the S.A.F.E. grooming program to support the grooming industry’s self-regulation effort through education. Their ultimate goal is to set an industry standard for groomers that includes knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas, including technique, set up, sanitation, safety and other fundamentals.
Vincent is encouraging her staff to complete the S.A.F.E. program as well. In time, she may be the state’s only dog grooming salon with 100% certification.
For additional information, visit the AKC Website
