What is National Dog Groomers Association of America? Resources for Groomers
National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) is a leading organization for professional dog groomers across the country. Joining NDGAA can enhance your grooming skills, community involvement, and career opportunities. At The Academy of Pet Careers, we understand the importance of organizations like these in the pet care industry. In this article, we'll discuss what NDGAA is and why it's a great resource, especially for students of our dog grooming school.
What is the National Dog Groomers Association of America?
Founded in 1969 by Robert D. Reynolds, NDGAA represents professional groomers across America. They provide a platform for networking, industry knowledge, and professional advancement in dog grooming. While other grooming groups do exist, NDGAA is the oldest and largest community for dog groomers. As a member, you gain access to essential resources, tools, and training to improve your dog grooming skills. The NDGAA aims to promote the importance of proper dog grooming, ensuring quality care for the pets that groomers care for. Therefore, in 2023, they partnered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) to continue working towards this goal.
What does the NDGAA do?
The dog grooming industry is constantly evolving, with new trends, techniques, and products emerging all the time. NDGAA seeks to rise above the confusion by sharing knowledge, experience, and education on their platform. They accomplish this by hosting workshops, competitions, networking opportunities, tradeshows, and certifications. By joining NDGAA, you can connect with other professionals who share your passion, learn more about the pet grooming industry, and earn grooming credentials.
If becoming a credentialed dog groomer is your goal, you can do so with The Academy of Pet Careers' dog grooming certification programs.
NDGAA Membership Benefits
With a National Dog Groomers Association of America membership, you can take advantage of a myriad of resources designed to help groomers on their professional journeys. As previously mentioned, members can access community involvement and professional opportunities hosted by NDGAA. Additionally, members get exclusive discounts with leading grooming suppliers and manufacturers, an industry magazine subscription, and their "Groomer Locator" to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
First time members must pay a $95 fee to cover the first year of membership. After the first year, it costs $40 annually to renew membership. If you're simply looking to renew your active certification status, members must pay $25. An additional $15 fee will apply depending on which certification(s) you're renewing.
Certification Programs
National Dog Groomers Association of America offers certification programs to help you advance your career and demonstrate your expertise in dog grooming. Certification can boost your credibility and confidence, enabling you to offer high-quality services and attract more clients. NDGAA's certification process involves practical testing and evaluation to test the necessary skills and knowledge needed to excel in dog grooming.
AKC Professional Grooming Credential (PGC)
The Professional Grooming Credential, previously created by World Pet Association (WPA), has been acquired by the AKC and is now accessible through the NDGAA. The PGC was the first ever standardized certification for dog groomers in the United States. This certification requires the groomer to pass a 100-question test covering safety, professional practices, handling, behavior management, sanitation, physical characteristics of dogs, grooming practices, and business skills.
National Certified Master Groomer® (NCMG)
This credential was created by NDGAA and endorsed by AKC, meant to test dog groomers' abilities and ensure they meet industry standards. The certification is comprised of both a written exam and a practical exam. It covers four different areas: Non-Sporting Dogs, Sporting Dogs, Long-Legged Terriers, and Short-Legged Terriers. For those seeking this certification, it is also mandatory that they participate in NDGAA's grooming workshops.
Key Takeaways
National Dog Groomers Association of America is a valuable resource for professional dog groomers, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities. By joining the NDGAA, you can enhance your dog grooming skills, career prospects, and professional reputation with certifications. The NDGAA is the perfect partner for anyone passionate about dog grooming, especially aspiring groomers like our students at The Academy of Pet Careers. If becoming a certified groomer is on your to-do list, a comprehensive dog grooming school like APC will well prepare you for success in the grooming industry.
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Hope Allen
Hope Allen combines her lifelong passion for animals with her digital marketing expertise. Growing up in a veterinary family, she gained hands-on experience working as an office assistant and sterilization tech at their mobile practice. This foundation, coupled with her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, allows her to bring unique insight to pet-focused content.