New Jersey considers licensing pet groomers
Rosemary Marchetto is urging New Jersey lawmakers to pass Bijou's Law, named in honor of her deceased dog, requiring pet groomers to be licensed. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)
Barbers and stylists have to be licensed in New Jersey, but pet groomers don’t.
But that could change is legislation introduced in the Assembly becomes law.
Northvale resident Rosemary Marchetto is urging lawmakers to approve “Bijou’s Law,” named for the 6-year-old dog she got as a puppy.
“I brought him in for a routine grooming. When I dropped him off, the pet groomer said to me, ‘I hope this dog doesn’t give me any trouble, I’ve had a bad day,'” she said. “Within 45 minutes, they called me that he had died.”
Nail salons and other professionals have to be licensed, said bill sponsor Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle, D-Bergen, and requiring pet groomers to pass an exam could help keep pets safe.
Several groomers, who oppose the legislation, said most groomers really care about the animals and the cost of getting a license would just be passed along to customers.
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