SB 969 Summary

• Creates the California Pet Grooming Council as a nonprofit organization to administer voluntary certification of pet groomers and pet bathers and brushers until January 1, 2017.

• Establishes certification requirements including applicants being at least 18 years old and having 900 hours of hands-on pet grooming experience (minimum 60 percent hands-on), or completing an approved curriculum plus hands-on experience.

• Makes it an unfair business practice to advertise or represent oneself as a certified, licensed, or registered pet groomer without meeting council requirements.

• Authorizes the council to suspend or revoke certificates for animal cruelty convictions, gross negligence, or other violations; requires council to establish a board of review and maintain an online registry of certified groomers.

• Sets fee caps including initial certification at $40, renewal at $20, and reinstatement at $40; council members include representatives from SPCA, humane associations, grooming organizations, veterinary associations, and pet retailers.