VetSkill hosts successful Dog Grooming CPD event with BIGA
On 19 November 2025, VetSkill was thrilled to collaborate with Paula Bryan from the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) on a virtual Dog Grooming CPD event designed for both trainee and existing dog groomers. The session was received extremely positively, with attendees describing it as “very informative” for groomers of all levels.
This professionally enriching event explored a range of essential topics such as:
The role of qualifications and apprenticeships in the industry
Industry regulation & standards
Caring for dogs with common diseases and disorders
And more in a live Q&A
Throughout the session, EPA Lead, Kayleigh Robinson, and Qualifications Manager, Leanne Ashford, shared more about the VetSkill VTEC Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants, VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, and VetSkill Level 2 End-Point Assessment for Dog Groomer.
The session was made all the more special by Paula Bryan, Director of BIGA (pictured), who led a compelling talk on the vital topic of regulation within the dog grooming industry - why it matters, where the industry currently stands, and the steps toward recognised standards. This part of the session was regarded as “brilliant” by multiple attendees and received near-perfect ratings. Following the presentation, many groomers in attendance have shared frustration surrounding this topic, with the vast majority expressing that the sector should be formally regulated and that progress towards this goal has been far too slow.
Paula comments on the success of the session, “Delivering this session reinforced just how important it is to openly discuss regulation and professional standards within dog grooming. The engagement, questions, and feedback from attendees were incredibly encouraging and showed a real appetite for learning and improvement. The event as a whole was extremely well received, and it was inspiring to be part of a CPD programme that genuinely supports groomers and animal welfare.”
Another highlight was a talk by Leanne Ashford on caring for dogs in the salon with common diseases and disorders, a health-focused discussion equally highly rated by guests. Attendees especially valued the practical advice shared around recognising and responding to epilepsy. Many felt that this topic is rarely discussed despite its significant relevance to the profession every day.
Overall, the session fostered an atmosphere of learning and community, with attendees commenting on how much they’d learnt in this “very informative” short webinar, and how they are “looking forward to more” educational sessions from VetSkill in the future.
What’s next?
Missed this event, or keen to continue enhancing your skills? The good news is you won’t have to wait long. Our next dog grooming CPD event will take place on 24 March 2026 – mark it in your calendars!
This time, we’ll be joined by Animal Focused Alliance, a recently launched trade association created to support pet businesses and promote the highest standards of animal welfare while being the voice of the pet industry. The session will cover sector updates, all things dog grooming at VetSkill, and underlying canine medical conditions affecting the skin and coat.
This exclusive virtual event will be FREE to attend. Sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vetskill-dog-groomer-cpd-event-tickets-1982285505308?aff=oddtdtcreator
Learn more about VetSkill’s qualifications here. For further information on becoming an approved VetSkill centre, please visit: Become a Centre — VetSkill. Kiera from the VetSkill Quality Assurance Team will be in contact to arrange an initial meeting to discuss the process and provide support and guidance throughout.