SAN DIEGO -- Pet groomers in California are in lather over legislation proposed by state Sen. Juan Vargas.
“It’s not a good proposal. It’s not good for the consumer, it’s not good for the business owner,” said Kathleen Sepulveda, owner of Christine’s Pet Grooming. “It is definitely not good for dogs."
Vargas said he proposed the bill to protect man’s best friend. He said he wants to see more regulation to protect dogs from inexperienced groomers.
“I’ve introduced legislation SB 969 which would require pet groomers to be licensed,” said Senator Vargas. “The status quo is causing animals to have their nipples shaved off, part of their paws taken off and they’re injuring these animals in horrible ways.”
Although Sepulveda is against the proposal, she understands where Vargas is coming from.
“It breaks our heart I think more than anybody else when we hear these horrible, horrible things that do go on,” she said.
As the legislation stands, Vargas would like to see the Veterinary Medical Board take the lead in licensing groomers. He acknowledges that even the board is resistant to the idea.
“I think that probably better training or a certification process would be a really good idea and probably well received,” said Dr. Jennifer Schiebert, the owner of Shadowridge Veterinary Hospital.
Vargas said he is open to ideas, but he will no longer accept the status quo.
“There has to be competency and I think the best way is to license them. If there’s some other method we'll have them come forward. Let’s negotiate,” he said.
