Summer 2026 Newsletter

CPPGA Helps Equip Fire Departments with Oxygen Masks
by Teri DiMarino

As California residents, we understand the wildfire risks our state faces—and now, those risks are being felt around the world.

The California Professional Pet Groomers Association created its Disaster Relief Fund during the devastating fires that nearly destroyed Paradise. While we cannot cover major losses such as homes or vehicles, generous vendors have helped us provide groomers with the tools they need to return to work.

In addition to supporting groomers in need, the CPPGA recently launched another community service initiative. Many fire departments lack proper oxygen mask kits for pets and often must adapt masks designed for people. Thanks to an extremely generous donation from Wag 'n Tails Mobile Conversions, we have supplied numerous firefighting units with this essential equipment. Each kit includes masks for cats, small dogs, and large dogs, and firefighters were grateful to receive them. We also thank PawPrint Oxygen (pawprintoxygen.com) for helping make these kits available and affordable.

The CPPGA's "Groom One for the Fire Fund" campaign encourages groomers to donate the average cost of one grooming service, which can purchase another pet oxygen mask kit for firefighters. Anyone who would like to support this effort can donate to the Groomers Emergency Relief Fund through our website at https://cppga.wildapricot.org/Emergency-Fund-Donation-Page.

Professional Pet Groomers & Stylists Alliance Standards of Care, Safety and Sanitation

Welcome to Part Three of the CPPGA Breakdown of the PPGSA Standards of Care, Safety and Sanitation. In this installment, we'll focus on bathing and drying. As always, the specific brands of shampoo, conditioner, or dryer are not our concern—only that products are formulated for dogs and cats and that dryers are used safely.

As with any bath, begin in the tub. Make sure the water is comfortably warm, not too hot or too cold, and check that the hose is in good condition, with no cracks or bulges. A mat or slip-resistant tub surface is also recommended for the pet's comfort and safety. When diluting shampoos and conditioners, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Products that are too concentrated can be difficult to lather and rinse, which may irritate the pet's skin. Products that are over-diluted may not clean effectively. Either way, product is wasted, and so is money. Manufacturers invest heavily in developing formulas and dilution ratios, so it is important to use them as directed.

Once the pet is bathed, move on to drying. Whether you use high-velocity dryers, kennel dryers, stand dryers, or a combination, pet safety must remain the top priority. Watch closely for signs of distress or overheating. Happy Hoodies and other stress-reducing tools should be cleaned and sanitized regularly. If kennel dryers are located outside your grooming room, check on pets at least every 5–10 minutes. A live-feed camera with a monitor at your station can also help you respond quickly if something goes wrong.

Join us for our next installment, where we'll discuss the grooming room and grooming tools.

CaliGroom Central 2026 Event Recap
by Teri DiMarino 

The California Professional Pet Groomers Association hosted its third annual CaliGroom Central on May 31 at the Lodi Grape Festival

Fairgrounds in partnership with the San Joaquin Kennel Club. The event was once again a tremendous success, giving groomers the opportunity to enjoy both the grooming competition and the dog show.

CPPGA CaliGroom competitions stand out because they are open only to novice and intermediate groomers. Esteemed judge Irina Pinkusevich

welcomed competitors into the ring for three classes: Poodle, All Other Pure Breeds, and Freestyle.

Each class recognized first-time competitors, and Tina Zhang, competing with a Miniature Poodle, received Best in Show First Timer. Elizabeth Gosa

earned the coveted Best in Show award with her Standard Poodle. Class prizes, Best First Timer, and Best in Show were generously sponsored by Foxy Roxy, Earthbath, Groom Loop, and TransFURmational Bookkeeping.

We are still finalizing a new location for CaliGroom South. In the meantime, mark your calendars for CaliGroom Central 2027 on Sunday, June 5, 2027.

Is Your Grooming Table Working For You or Against You?
By Rachel Colant

A grooming table should support good body mechanics, not force the groomer to adapt to it. If you frequently find yourself reaching, twisting, or bending, your equipment may be contributing to fatigue more than you realize.

Fortunately, more ergonomic table options are now becoming easier for groomers to find.  Compact rotating tables, such as those offered by companies like Jirpet and Aeolus, allow the pet to be repositioned instead of the groomer. Likewise, products such as the All For Groomers Groomer's Wall divide the grooming surface, reducing the need to lean across the table during grooming.

Care about career longevity? These upgrades are here to support it. Small improvements in posture and positioning, repeated hundreds of times each week, can reduce strain on the back, shoulders, neck, and wrists.

When evaluating new equipment, ask yourself this question: Does this allow me to maintain a neutral posture? The right table should bring the dog to you, not force you to work around the dog. Your body is one of the most valuable tools in your salon. Choose equipment that helps protect it.