The Washington Association Of Professional Pet Groomers was founded in March 2020 by Tami Vornbrock, Heather Blomquist, Susy Scott, and Karen Wagoner when they realized the pet groomers needs were being ignored by local and state authorities regarding the Covid-19 shutdowns and reopening.

The WAPPG ‘s mission is to promote the grooming industry in Washington, protect groomers from unjust or unfair new legislation, and to fight for our industry to be seen in a positive and professional light. We believe grooming is essential to the health and welfare  not only pets, but also the people that love them. The Grooming Industry has grown well beyond its “cottage industry roots” into a 9 billion dollar a year economic sector.  

The WAPPG believes grooming should be considered on its own merits at anytime a law or possible restriction is up for legislature, not treated as just another auxiliary service of a larger pet care center.  The WAPPG acknowledges that grooming in an unlicensed and unregulated industry, but firmly believe that groomers themselves, would be best to know what regulations should be enacted should the time arrive, that would ensure the safety of pets, while maintaining the solvency of these mostly single operator small businesses 

The WAPPG believes that the cornerstone of a strong association is:

  • Groomers hold themselves to a high standard, they treat their clients with respect and professionalism and the pets in their care with compassion.

  • Groomers are honest and forthright about any incidents that may occur during the groom. They report to the owner anything suspicious that was found and act in the best interest and health of the pet always.

  • Groomers treat each other as colleagues, not competition. There are more pets than groomers, and sometimes a client is best served in another establishment. Our Healthy community of friendly groomers ensures that there is always someone to refer a client to if we can not meet their needs.

The Association By-laws

Click the link below to read the association by-laws. (Coming Soon)

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The Board

President – Tami Vornbrock

    Vice President – Jamie Mentzer

      Secretary – Heather Blomquist

        Tech/Safety Chair – Mary Oquendo

          Social Media Manager – Meg Ioffredo

            Advisor – Susy Scott

              Advisor – Amanda Leighton