The British Isles Grooming Association has announced the re-vamp of its not-for-profit online directory of professional pet groomers in the British Isles.
The directory, www.mypetgroomer.co.uk, which originally launched in May 2016, invites all professional pet groomers to add or claim their FREE business listing on the site.
A business profile with standard details is FREE for all groomers, regardless of qualification or affiliation.
“We created the website with the end-user - the pet owner - in mind,” explains BIGA’s chairman, Kristian Maris.
“The site raises awareness about the benefits of regular grooming to a pet’s health and wellbeing. When a pet owner visits the site to find a suitable groomer, the site also educates and raises awareness about how much grooming involves. We’ve covered loads of issues like matted coats, itchy skin, fleas, ticks, ear infection and more. Even the etiquette of booking an appointment and showing up on time.”
For Pet Welfare, Not For Profit
Standard business listings are Free. But, for a small fee of £50 per year, pet groomers can enhance their profile page on the not-for-profit site with more features, including image galleries, videos, customer reviews, integrate their Facebook feeds and more. You don’t need to be a member of BIGA to have an enhanced business listing, although members are entitled to one free enhanced listing as a bonus.
“The profile pages are an opportunity for groomers to showcase their skills,” explains Angela Caley, the head of International Professional Groomers UK (IPG UK) and BIGA Honorary Member.
“Groomers can tell us about their awards, qualifications or experience. They can link to their website or social media. Post images of certificates, their sparkling salon and before-and-after pictures. I’m also very pleased the site encourages customer reviews but does not publish anonymous contributions.”
“Pet owners are beginning to understand that grooming is a vocation that deserves respect,” adds Angela.
“They love their pet cat or dog and want to do the right thing. Often, they don’t realise how much knowledge and expertise a groomer has acquired through training, qualification and experience. This website is critical to pet owner education. The result of this will be greater customer awareness, higher standards among pet groomers and, ultimately, happier, healthier pets.”
