Pet grooming legal issues

Starting a pet grooming business in the UK is a great way to tap into a growing industry. The pet care industry is estimated to be worth £3.86 billion and is projected to continue to grow in the coming years.

However, before starting your business, it’s important to be aware of the legal issues that you may face. There are a number of regulations that apply to pet grooming businesses in the UK.

For example, all groomers must be registered with their local authority and must have a current licence. In addition, groomers must comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which sets out minimum standards of care for animals. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines or even a prison sentence.

Another legal issue to be aware of is insurance. All pet grooming businesses in the UK must have liability insurance in place in case of accidents or injuries that occur during the course of their work. This will protect you from any claims that may be made against you.

Finally, it’s important to make sure that your premises are up to scratch. All pet grooming businesses must meet certain basic health and safety requirements, such as having adequate lighting and ventilation. Failure to do so could result in your business being shut down

Today, we will walk you through some of the key legislation areas that could affect your small business venture.

What licences does a pet grooming business need?

Pet grooming establishments do not require any specific licensing. Nevertheless, you will need a Music Licence from PPL PRS Ltd if you use copyright music in your grooming parlours or mobile vans, even just background music. The PPL PRS website allows you to pay the annual fee online.

Selling general insurance

Whether or not insurance is a very small part of what you do, you must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if you provide advice, arrange, or sell general insurance, such as pet insurance. The FCA either requires direct authorisation or an ‘appointed representative’ from an FCA-authorised insurer for businesses whose activities are covered by general insurance regulations. You can find more information about the FCA by contacting them.

Animal welfare legislation

Animal welfare legislation protects animals by ensuring they are treated humanely. All animals in England and Wales that are under the care of humans or supervised are protected under the Animal Welfare Act by bringing together and modernising previous welfare legislation. When you groom animals, you are responsible for their welfare.

Under the Act, animal owners and keepers are required to comply with dog and cat welfare codes of practice in order to ensure their animals’ welfare. The Gov.uk website provides detailed information on animal cruelty and pet welfare legislation.

The misuse of dryers by careless pet groomers has caused burns to animals in the past, leading to criminal prosecutions. You do not want to be caught up in that same messy situation.

Hazardous substances

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) apply if you use potentially harmful chemicals, including organophosphates and carbamates. You can control the health risks from chemicals with the interactive COSHH Essentials website provided by the Health and Safety Executive.

Using shampoos and sprays without protection regularly can cause sensitisation and dermatitis over time.

Consumer protection

Consumers’ rights are protected by a variety of legislation. Among the topics covered by this legislation are fair trading, honesty, quality assurance, and price information for both services and goods. The Trading Standards Business Companion website provides information about consumer protection legislation and businesses’ legal obligations.

Health & Safety, fire

In addition to complying with workplace health and safety laws, you must also comply with fire safety laws.

Working with animals may expose you to potential hazards, such as dog attacks and infections caused by cat bites and scratches.

Fire safety precautions should still be taken even if you work from a mobile grooming parlour instead of a business location.

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and HSENI (Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland) websites offer additional information and guidance leaflets on health and safety.

Employment legislation

The employment legislation must be followed by anyone who employs staff. In addition to employment policies, sickness, maternity, paternity, discrimination, discipline, grievances, dismissals, redundancies, and employment tribunals, employment legislation also regulates recruitment, employment contracts, pay, working hours, holidays, and disciplinary actions.

Insurance for a pet grooming business

Insurers or brokers will be able to help you determine what insurance cover is required by law for your business and what other coverage you may need. The following might be included:

• Liability for animals in your care, including cover for loss (including theft), injury and death
• Employer’s liability
• Public liability
• Professional indemnity and cover for breach of professional duty – and for any consequent vet fees
• Premises, premises contents and stock
• Cash
• Business interruption
• Product liability
• Motor insurance

There is a special pet industry business insurance program offered by the Pet Industry Federation for its members. Check out the website of the Pet Industry Federation for more information about this and other benefits.

Conclusion

Pet grooming business owners need to be aware of legal issues that they may come across. These include holding insurance for both employers and public liability.  Employees need to be trained in the use of any equipment that they are required to use. Some careless pet groomers have in the past faced criminal prosecution for acts of negligence and cruelty involving incidents such as burns to animals, so employers need to hold liability insurance to prevent any future legal issues against the pet grooming business.