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.