A dog groomer at Canine Divine Spa in Birch Bay has achieved one of the industry’s highest levels of certification.
Kari Conners, who has 20 years of experience in dog grooming, including five years at Canine Divine, has been awarded International Certified Master Groomer status with the International Professional Groomers, Inc. (ICP). Conners achieved the certification in early February after two years of work.
The certification sets industry standards for grooming expertise, safety and animal care. To achieve the master certification, groomers must show advanced skill and demonstrate specialized training in small, senior and double-coated dogs, according to a media release. The award is the highest level of the three certifications ICP offers.
“Kari has successfully demonstrated her abilities and skills through testing and independent evaluation of the handling of pets during grooming,” ICP president Linda Easton said in the media release.
To complete the certification, Conners said she had to complete two 100-question breed specific tests, as well as a 400-question general knowledge and safety exam. All tests must be passed with a score of 86 percent or better.
Conners also had to groom several dogs to industry-standard requirements, including a miniature poodle, golden retriever and Shetland sheepdog, among
others.
Conners said some dog breeds with short fur, like Chihuahuas, only need a bath to be groomed, but breeds with more fur, like poodles or sheep dogs, require three to four hours of work to be groomed properly.
Tammy Wojcik, owner of Canine Divine, said Conners is the first groomer at her store to receive the certification. Wojcik said all of her groomers are working toward getting their master certification over the next several years.
Wojcik said it’s important that all her groomers have the certification so they can provide the best service to their customers, and to keep the dogs happy and calm every time they come in.
“We try to provide the best care we can, so the dogs come back happy,” Wojcik said. “We can try to appease the owners, but dogs don’t lie.”
Canine Divine Spa is located at 4855 Goldstar Drive in Birch Bay. For more information on the grooming services, call 360/392-8465.
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