El Paso Dog Groomers Could Be Facing New Regulations After Puppy Death

Earlier this year, the death of a puppy after getting groomed caused an uproar on social media and it was the catalyst for a possible new ordinance to protect dogs when they're at a groomer. Right now, if you want to be a dog groomer, you just need to open a business and call yourself a dog groomer. You don't need to have a license, undergo any training, worry about any kind of regulations concerning your business, and you don't have to notify authorities about injuries or deaths that an animal suffers at your grooming business.

There are no local or state rules or regulations regarding dog groomer businesses, which is mind blowing. The fact that just any joe blow off the street can rent a space and call themselves a dog groomer is shocking, especially in light of what happened Lucca the puppy. I am not going to recount Lucca's story because it is so sad, but you can read all about it by clicking here.

The City says that they are looking into groomers needing a training course and getting a certificate for that course. They will have to get a groomer's license and undergo a background check. Groomer's license could be revoked or suspended if there are grounds. Groomers lists will have to be kept and shop hygiene and conditions have to maintained to where they don't endanger pets. Precautions will have to be taken to ensure animals are not abused. Pet owners will have to be given the ability to observe the grooming process. Groomers will have to report all injuries or deaths that happen in their business. They will have to keep accurate records of work performed for two years, and their business registration can be denied, suspended or revoked if these regulations are not followed.

El Paso Animal Services even though groomers do have to apply for a permit and get inspected, groomers themselves have no regulations governing them. If City Council approves, the changes will go into effect on January 1, 2021 after meetings with groomers and grooming shops.